Effect of mild chronic hyperbaric pressure on blood antioxidant levels among jordanian smoker and non- smoker males

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment and cigarette smoking are known to increase oxidative stress via the production of reactive oxygen species. Jordan, having different altitudes, offers an ideal geographical site to study the effect of mild chronic hyperbaric pressure [mHB], smoking and their combination on the level of antioxidants in humans. The levels of the antioxidants, glutathione in the whole blood and the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, were assessed in non-smoker and smoker male subjects living in the Dead Sea area in the Jordan Valley which represents Earth's lowest point on land [423 m below sea level] and compared with male subjects living in the Amman area [766 m above sea level]. It was found that chronic mHB caused a significant increase in the levels of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase [ 35% to 50%] and catalase [up to 20%] in smokers and non-smokers but resulted in a decrease in glutathione reductase [ 25%] in both groups. However, smoking habit did not affect the level of antioxidants except for a slight change in a few cases. It is concluded that tolerance to mild chronic hyperbaric atmosphere involved induction of the antioxidants glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and catalase. In addition, the increased level of GSH may provide further protection to peripheral cells from any damage by the resulting mild increase in tissue O2 concentration in the subjects living under chronic mHB. Meanwhile, our results suggest that smoking appears to have little or no effect on the level of antioxidants in the blood

Youth attitudes towards water pipe smoking in Amman - Jordan

To investigate attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions related to water pipe [WP] smoking among school children in Amman, Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006 - 2007 of ten public and private schools in Amman, Jordan and a total of 513 seventh and tenth grade students were interviewed [32.8% males and 67.2% females]. Surveys were conducted to assess the attitudes; knowledge, use of, and norms about water pipe use amongst youth, and the data were analyzed using STATA and SPSS. Two hundred sixty five of the students surveyed [52.2%] had tried water pipe smoking before. About a quarter [26.5%] of the participants had tried a water pipe when they were <10 years of age. Smoking mothers had more of an influence in attracting youth towards water pipe smoking. An anti-smoking campaign should start at early ages. WP hazards must be incorporated into the school curriculum. WP smoking in public places such as restaurants should be restricted

clinical profile of infections in childhood primary nephrotic syndrome

To study the clinical profile of infections in a primary nephritic syndrome. We conducted a retrospective analysis of infections in 98 consecutive children [males 65, females 33] with primary nephrotic syndrome, who satisfied the International Study of Kidney Disease in Children criteria. Their mean age at onset of symptoms was 55 +/- 3.4 months [range: 6 months to 17 years]. The mean duration of follow-up was 38 +/- 3.4 months [range: 12 to 60 months]. A total of 379 episodes of infection were observed in 87 of the 98 children. There was no relationship between age, sex, and severity or frequency of infections. The most common infections were upper respiratory tract infection [30.64%], gastroenteritis [11.08%], urinary tract infection [9.50%], and peritonitis [5.54%]. Other infections included multiple warts, polyoma virus nephropathy, and pneumococcal appendicitis, which were not previously reported. Nephrotic children may get a variety of bacterial and viral infections

Sexual dysfunction among Jordanian men with diabetes

To estimate the prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction [ED] and its correlations among Jordanian men with diabetes. We conducted this study at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, Amman, Jordan, between January and August 2004. The study included 988 married diabetic men. Patients were interviewed by one of our medical staff based on a health care questionnaire and an Arabic translation of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function. Scores of the questions in each of the 5 sexual function domains were summed up. Dysfunction was categorized as absent, mild, moderate or severe. The overall prevalence of ED was 62%; and we found that 30.3% had severe ED. The prevalence increased with age from 26.5% [13 out of 49] of patients <40 years of age to 91% [87 out of 96] in the age group >/= 70 years. Severity of ED increased with age as well. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, glycemic control, hypertension, coronary artery disease, retinopathy and neuropathy as independent risk factors of ED. Among patients with ED, 7% reported having treatment for ED. Prevalence of ED among Jordanian diabetic patients is high. It increases with age and poor glycemic control. Other independent risk factors include: hypertension, coronary artery disease, retinopathy and neuropathy.

Metabolic alterations as a result of Ramadan fasting in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients in relation to food intake

Diabetes is known to be associated with alterations in metabolic parameters. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Ramadan fasting can affect these metabolic parameters in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus [NIDDM] patients. This study was conducted in the outpatient Clinic of Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan in February of 1415 Hijra year [1995 Gregorian]. Forty-four NIDDM male patients volunteered for this study. Patients fasted the month of Ramadan and few metabolic parameters were recorded. Body weight, fasting blood sugar [FBS], glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C] and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] were measured, before, at mid- and at the end- of Ramadan. Detailed energy intakes were also recorded. Patients mean age were 52 +/- 9 years [range 35-75]. Patients showed a statistically significant reduction in their body weight, FBS, HbA1c, and TG levels by the end of Ramadan [1.57 kg, 31 mg/dl, 0.85%, and 35 mg/dl]. Other parameters such as TC, LDL-C, HDL-C were not affected by Ramadan fasting. The total daily energy intake remained unchanged including the qualitative components of nutrients. Muslim NIDDM patients showed a trend towards better glycemic control following Ramadan fasting. However, the pre-Ramadan existed dyslipidemia was sustained or even worsened following Ramadan fasting