Background: Chronic knee osteoarthritis is a common problem with increasing of the aging population. Pulsed radiofrequency and intraarticular platelet rich plasma injection are well evidenced beneficial modalities for pain alleviation in such groups of patients. Objective: The primary goal in this study was to compare the 2 modalities regarding pain alleviation evaluated by visual analog scale. The secondary goal focused upon the change of the Index of Severity for Osteoarthritis of the Knee by Lequesne. Study Design: Single-blind randomized interventional clinical trial. Setting: University hospitals. Methods: Two hundred patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis were equally and randomly distributed into 2 groups. Group PRF received pulsed radiofrequency, whereas the group PRP received intraarticular platelet-rich plasma. The visual analog scale and index of severity of osteoarthritis were evaluated before intervention, after one week (for visual analog scale only), then after 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Visual analog scale was significantly lower in the PRF group compared to the PRP group at 6 and 12 months with P-values of 0.01 and 0.04, respectively. Regarding to the postinterventional index of severity of osteoarthritis, it was significantly lower in the PRF group than the PRP group with P-values of 0.001 at 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. Limitations: Physical and analgesic therapy were not included in data collection, and there was no control group. Conclusion: Pulsed radiofrequency of the genicular nerves can be considered superior to knee intraarticular platelet-rich plasma injection for sustained pain relief and the lower severity index in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis.

Background: Smokeless tobacco (ST) use is a public practice in different places of the world. In Upper Egypt, Madgha is one of the chewable used tobacco consumed by individuals of different age groups. Being available and inexpensive has led to high consumption. Objective: The current study aimed to examine the effect of Madgha on some hematological and biochemical parameters for Madgha users in Aswan. Methods: We collected blood samples from 180 apparently healthy subjects, Madgha users (n=90) and their controls (n=90). Standard methods were used to examine the hematological and biochemical parameters. Results: In a comparison of Madgha users with their controls, the results of hematological parameters showed a significant elevation in total white blood cell count, neutrophil and serum ESR, and a significant reduction in the percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes. Higher biochemical parameters like CRP, lipid contents, fasting blood glucose, and liver enzymes were observed in the blood samples of Madgha users. And a positive correlation between each of the white blood cell counts, platelet count, and CRP with the long duration of Madgha intake were reported in the study. Conclusion: The study concluded that the consumption of Madgha might have harmed both hematological and biochemical parameters. Awareness is immensely needed to stop Madgha’s usage and safeguard people’s health in Aswan.

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) wherever they work are at high risk of trapping infectious blood-borne pathogens, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). Epidemiological studies are needed to focus on HCWs' work profiles which represent the major threat to their health. Objective(s): To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of HCV seropositivity among HCWs in Aswan University Hospital, Aswan city, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out during the year 2018 on 206 HCWs selected randomly by proportionate allocation. Data were collected through direct interviews and blood samples were obtained for the detection of HCV antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Results: Out of 206 screened HCWs, 14 of them were positive HCV-Ab giving a prevalence of 6.8%. Cleaning workers had the highest proportion of HCV seropositivity. The significant predictors of HCV-Ab seropositive test were infrequent hand washing after blood or body fluid exposure (OR= 5.12), inconsistent use of personal protective equipment (OR= 4.94), prolonged work duration (OR= 3.93), and having a family history of HCV infection (OR= 3.50). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HCV among HCWs is alarmingly high. In view of our results, adherence to hand-hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment and regular screening for HCWs should be strongly emphasized.