The Effect of Fasting Ramadan on Diabetic Patients with High Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

One of the common questions for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease is whether it is safe for them to fast during Ramadan. Yet, studies on the effects of Ramadan fasting on blood lipids, blood pressure, anthropometric parameters and other cardiovascular risk factors are scarce, and have given inconclusive results. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting on cardiovascular risk factors including biochemical indices, blood pressure and main anthropometric parameters. This Prospective observational study was conducted at the CCU (Coronary care unit) and medical wards of Madinat Zayed hospital one of Al Dhafra hospitals, under Seha Abu Dhabi. Fifty-Six diabetic patients admitted with cardiovascular events including 48 males and 8 females with a previous history of cardiovascular event completed the study. Their age ranged between 32 and 91 years with a mean of 54.0 ± 10 years. A non-significant slight biochemical modification with regard to the metabolic profile pre, during and post-Ramadan period was reported: eGFR, total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were increased yet, triglycerides and creatinine were non-significantly lower during Ramadan. Findings also showed a non-significant decrease in the post Ramadan blood pressure values which could be attributed to the metabolic switch.

Neonatal hypercalcemia associated with extensive subcutaneous fat necrosis: a case report

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) of the newborn is rare self-limited fat tissue inflammation that usually occurs in term or post-term newborns exposed to perinatal stress factors, such as perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration, neonatal sepsis, and therapeutic hypothermia. SCFN usually appears in the first few weeks of life and has a benign course with spontaneous resolution. Monitoring for complications, in particular the potentially life-threatening hypercalcemia, is crucial. In this report, we describe a male infant with extensive SCFN and neonatal hypercalcemia that went through a prolonged course.

Anticancer effect of Psidium guajava (Guava) leaf extracts against colorectal cancer through inhibition of angiogenesis

Objective: To evaluate the anti-angiogenic and anticancer activities of Psidium guajava leaf extracts against angiogenesis-dependent colorectal cancer. Methods: Three extracts were produced using distilled water, ethanol, and n-hexane as solvents. The extracts were physically characterised through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content assays. To assess their anti-angiogenic activity, cell viability and rat aortic ring assays were conducted, while cell migration, tube formation, colony formation, and VEGF ELISA assays were conducted to elucidate their effects on different aspects of angiogenesis. Molecular docking was used to assess the anti- angiogenic potential of some possible compounds in the extracts. Tumour spheroid assay was used to assess the extracts' potential as a treatment for colorectal cancer. Results: The ethanol extract showed the best antioxidant activity. The distilled water and ethanol extracts exhibited more inhibitory activity against EA.hy926 cell viability and aortic ring microvessel growth. In addition, the ethanol extract performed significantly better than the distilled water extract against cell migration and colony formation, and VEGF expression of the cells was suppressed by the ethanol extract. Both the distilled water and ethanol extracts showed significant inhibitory effect on EA.hy926 tube formation and tumour spheroids consisting of EA.hy926 and HCT116 cells. The ethanol extract contained β-caryophyllene and β-elemene by phytochemical analysis and subsequent docking studies, which may contribute to its anti-angiogenic activity. Conclusions: The ethanol extract of Psidium guajava has potential in the treatment of colorectal cancer through the inhibition of angiogenesis.

Rare finding of Eustachian tube calcifications with cone-beam computed tomography

Soft tissue calcification is a pathological condition in which calcium and phosphate salts are deposited in the soft tissue organic matrix. This study presents an unusual calcification noted in the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. A 67-year-old woman presented for dental treatment, specifically for implant placement, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed. The CBCT scan was reviewed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist and revealed incidental findings of 2 distinct calcifications in the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube. To the authors' knowledge, no previous study has reported the diagnosis of Eustachian tube calcification using CBCT. This report describes an uncommon variant of Eustachian tube calcification, which has a significant didactic value because such cases are seldom illustrated either in textbooks or in the literature. This case once again underscores the importance of having CBCT scans evaluated by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist.

Development, characterization and use of genomic SSR markers for assessment of genetic diversity in some Saudi date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. ) cultivars

Background: The present study was undertaken towards the development of SSR markers and assessing genetic relationships among 32 date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) representing common cultivars grown in different geographical regions in Saudi Arabia. Results: Ninety-three novel simple sequence repeat markers were developed and screened for their ability to detect polymorphism in date palm. Around 71% of genomic SSRs were dinucleotide, 25% tri, 3% tetra and 1% penta nucleotide motives. Twenty-two primers generated a total of 91 alleles with a mean of 4.14 alleles per locus and 100% polymorphism percentage. A 0.595 average polymorphic information content and 0.662 primer discrimination power values were recorded. The expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.676 and 0.763 respectively. Pair-wise similarity values ranged from 0.06 to 0.89 and the overall cultivars averaged 0.41. The UPGMA cluster analysis recovered by principal coordinate analysis illustrated that cultivars tend to group according to their class of maturity, region of cultivation, and fruit color. Analysis of molecular variations (AMOVA) revealed that genetic variation among and within cultivars were 27% and 73%, respectively according to geographical distribution of cultivars. Conclusions: The developed microsatellite markers are additional values to date palm characterization tools that can be used by researchers in population genetics, cultivar identification as well as genetic resource exploration and management. The tested cultivars exhibited a significant amount of genetic diversity and could be suitable for successful breeding program. Genomic sequences generated from this study are available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Sequence Read Archive (Accession numbers. LIBGSS_039019).

Histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of antifibrogenic effect of grape seed extract on CCl4-induced model of hepatic fibrosis

Introduction: Liver fibrosis represent a worldwide challenge of clinical importance, results from chronic damage of liver, and evidenced by build up of excessive extracellular matrix proteins.. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antifibrogenic effect of grape seed extract [GSE] against hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice

Experimental Design: forty adult male albino mice were divided into four equal groups; first [control] in which mice were injected IP with olive oil as vehicle. In the second group [GSE] mice were received GSE orally at a dose of 200mg/kg/day for 8 weeks while in the third group [CCl4] mice were injected IP with CCl4 [0.4ml/kg / twice weekly] for 8 weeks . In the fourth [GSE+ CCl4] group mice were injected IP with CCl4 and co-treated with GSE orally as in previous treated-groups. At the end of the experiment, animals were sacrificed and blood samples and liver tissue specimens were collected

Results: the examined liver of CCl4-intoxicated group revealed marked hepatic fibrotic lesions confirmed by Masson's trichrome stain and associated with the presence of intensely stained alpha -SMA-positive hepatic stellate cells [HSCs] in entire of the hepatic lobules and in the vicinity of bridging fibrotic septa. Hepatic degeneration and necrosis were also seen. This hepatic damage was associated with significant increases in AST and ALT activities with low albumin levels and hypoproteinemia. Co-administration of GSE with CCl4 improved the microscopic picture of liver where scanty fibrotic lesions and mild degeneration of some hepatic cells were recorded. Less intensely stained alpha -SMA-immunopositive cells were observed. Serum AST, ALT, albumin and total protein values were more or less within the ranges of these parameters in the control non-intoxicated group

Conclusion: GSE has potent antifibrogenic effect on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation, decreasing collagen synthesis and improving hepatic regenerative capability through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus

Objectives: diabetes mellitus [DM] and coronary artery disease [CAD] are closely related. DM is a risk factor for CAD, but it is also equivalent to established CAD. The prevalence of DM and CAD is growing primarily due to the rising prevalence of obesity. The rapidly changing life style, especially in developing countries, plays major role in the occurrence of these diseases

Methods: we performed a literature review to summarize and explore the relationship between CAD and DM with a special focus on Arab countries in terms of risk factors and prevalence. We suggest future directions to prevent escalation in the incidence of DM and CAD in Arab countries

Conclusion: an important part of any preventive program for CAD should include clear prevention strategies for DM and other associated metabolic risk factors, such as obesity. Preventive measures, such as physical exercise in high-risk groups, at the population level should be encouraged

Antioxidant Properties, Secondary metabolites and Growth as affected by application of Putrescine and Moringa leaves extract on Jojoba plants.

This work aimed to study the effect of putrescine at (50, 100 and 200 ppm ) as a chemical growth regulator , moringa leaves extract ( 3.5%, 7% and 10 %) as a natural extract and control (distilled water ) on growth, photosynthetic pigments, phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of jojoba plants grown in earthenware pots. Application of MLE (10 %) caused an increase in plant height by 103.24%, meanwhile (7 %) of MLE led to 4.08% increment in the branches number as compared to control plants. Chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids recorded the highest concentrations by treating with MLE (10 %) followed by putrescine (50 ppm).Total phenolic, flavonoid , tannin content and antioxidant activity of jojoba plants significantly increased with putrescine treatment at 50 ppm and these increments were 28.98%, 31.33%, 74.82% and 65.44%, respectively as compared to control plants. Also, foliar spray of MLE (7 %) led to highest increment of total phenolic, flavonoid and tannins (41.67%, 85.13% and 80.50%, respectively).Moringa leaves extract had the superiority in increasing reducing power ability it increased gradually by increasing moringa leaves extract concentration. Some changes in amino acids concentration were observed with putrescine (50and200 ppm) as well as total essential amino acids.

Anticoagulant and antibacterial activities of polysaccharides of red algae Corallina collected from Lebanese coast.

In this work, we studied another species of red algae, Corallina, growing on the Lebanese coast of Batroun. The analysis of trace elements showed that Corallina was rich in K, Ca, Mg, Na, Si, Sr, P and Fe. Corallina was composed of 70.81% of saturated fatty acids, 25.54% of monounsaturated fatty acids and 3.65% of polyunsaturated fatty acids with palmitic acid as the main component. Moreover, the total yield of sulfated galactans and carrageenan was 2.5% and 10%, respectively. Both extracts exhibited anticoagulant effect but sulfated galactans were less potent than carrageenan. Sulfated galactans possessed inhibitory activity as well as bactericidal activity against all Gram-positive strains tested (Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and Staphylococcus epidermidis CIP 444). But, carrageenan was only able to inhibit the growth of S. epidermidis with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.325 mg/mL. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy (IR) revealed that the isolated carrageenan was of Lambda-type. Corallina could therefore be considered as a potential source of bioactive molecules that may be useful for the development of new pharmaceutical agents.

Erythema toxicum neonatorum: a retrospective review

To describe clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and treatment outcome of Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum in healthy newborns at King Hussein Medical Center and Queen Rania Children's Hospital. The medical records review was conducted for patients with clinical diagnosis of Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum who were treated at King Hussein Medical Center and Queen Rania Children's Hospital dermatology clinics between February 2008 and September 2012. Extracted data include duration of pregnancy, type of delivery, age, sex, cutaneous rash characteristics, associated clinical conditions, laboratory investigations, skin biopsy, and treatment. Simple statistical analyses [mean, frequency, and percentage] were used to describe the study variables. The study included 152 patients, 88 males and 64 females with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. The age at onset of the rash ranged from one to 11 days [mean age was 4 days]. All subjects were products of hospital-based deliveries. The erythematous and papular type was the commonest [73.7%]. History of drug intake during pregnancy was found in about two thirds of cases [66%]. Four subjects [2.64%] had lymphadenopathy and five [3.22%] had moderate fever. Tzanck smear was done in 17 subjects with severe skin rash. Skin biopsy was done in four patients. About half cases received oral antihistamine treatment and the rashes disappeared over 24 to 36 hours. Follow up was done for four weeks. Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum is a self-limiting disease and without long term sequalae. More efforts are needed to raise awareness of this condition amongst health care professionals to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment as it is sometimes misdiagnosed as bacterial infection

Skin diseases in patients with primary psychiatric conditions: a hospital based study

Although the relationship between skin diseases in patients with primary psychiatric conditions is important for patient management, studies on this issue are limited. To detect the frequency and type of cutaneous disorders among patients with primary psychiatric conditions. This analytic cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 400 subjects - 200 patients with primary psychiatric disorders and 200 age and sex matched individuals free from primary psychiatric disorders. Patients included in the study were diagnosed according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DMS IV] Criteria. A specially designed questionnaire including socio-demographic data, medical history, family history and dermatological examination was applied. The data were statistically analyzed. There was a significant statistical increase in the prevalence of skin diseases in general and infectious skin diseases in particular in psychiatric patients compared with non-psychiatric patients [71.5% versus 22%, P < 0.001] and [48% versus 11%, P < 0.001], respectively. Parasitic infestations [42.7%] were the most common infectious skin diseases in psychiatric patients [P < 0.001]. Infectious skin diseases in psychiatric patients were seen most in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia [83.6%] and least in obsessive compulsive disorders [30%][P < 0.001]. Psychogenic skin disorders were found in 8.4% of psychiatric patients with skin diseases; delusional parasitosis was the most common [50%]. Health education of psychiatric patients and/or of their caregiver and periodic monthly inspection of psychiatric patients are highly indicated for the prevention and control of infectious skin diseases in primary psychiatric patients

Endothelium-dependent and independent vasorelaxant effects of aqueous extract of Tridax procumbens Lin. leaf in rat aortic rings.

Tridax procumbens leaf extract induced aortic relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner, for both phenylephrine (PE) and KCl- induced contractions in isolated rat aortic rings. The relaxation effect of the extract on PE-induced contraction was 57% greater than that on KCl- induced contraction. The extract caused dose-dependent relaxations in precontracted isolated rat aorta with phenylephrine; the relaxation was attenuated by the removal of endothelium. However, the relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside were not significantly abolished by the removal of endothelium. The vasorelaxatory effect of the extract was completely abolished in presence of L-NAME. The results indicate that the vasorelaxant effect of T. procumbens extract is probably mediated by both endothelium-dependent and-independent mechanisms.

Comparing attitudes of medical practitioners and allied medical professionals towards mental illness and patients with mental health disorders in Jordan

The study is aimed to compare the attitudes of medical practitioners and allied medical professionals, other than mental health workers, towards mental illness, mental health services and their patients in Jordan and to recommend a strategy to reduce the stigma, which represents an additional burden on patients with mental health problems and their families. We collected views of 300 medical practitioners and 300 allied medical professionals, from different hospitals in the Jordanian Royal Medical Services concerning stigma. One hundred seventy six medical practitioners compared to one hundred fifty one allied medical professionals considered mental illnesses to be a medical problem like diabetes or hypertension with a statistically significant difference [p<0.001]. A fair number of allied medical professionals believed that mental illness is a type of madness [n=69] or a possession by a demon [n=60], and that mentally ill patients are dangerous and impulsive [n=140] compared to 29, 23, and 99 medical practitioners respectively with statistically significant differences [p<0.0005, 0.00002, 0.002] in that order. One hundred forty five medical practitioners compared to 115 allied medical professionals thought that the public does not trust the treatment provided by psychiatrists and other mental health workers with a statistically significant difference [p<0.0007]. Allied medical professionals believed the media helped to reduce stigma of mental illness in contrast to the medical professionals which thought that it did not. The majority felt the need for an increase in public awareness of mental illness and wish to participate in mental health campaigns to support mental health development in Jordan. Health care professionals at all levels are still carrying negative attitude towards mental health services and their patients in Jordan

Medical social sciences. their potential contributions to medical education reforms in Saudi Arabia

This article emphasizes a holistic definition of "health". It then introduces the concept of "Medical social sciences", and drawing from the literature, argues for the inevitability of social sciences in medical education, especially in the health systems of developing countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. This is followed by a brief history of medical education in KSA, and an examination of some important social science issues. Finally, this article suggests how a holistic approach involving inputs from the social and behavioral sciences could be incorporated into undergraduate medical education to produce medical professionals who could better meet the community and public health needs of the country

No relation between advanced parental age and the risk of autism among Jordanian children

To examine the relationship between advancing parental age, at the time of conception of offspring, and their risk of autism in Jordan. A multicenter descriptive correlational study, conducted in the period between the 1[st] of August 2010 and the 1[st] of January 2011. We included all registered cases of Autism in eleven specialized centers dealing with autistic children, recognized by The National Council for Family Affairs, The Ministry of Education, and The Ministry of Social Affairs, from Irbid in the north to Aqaba in the south. In the present study, we investigated the association of autism with parental age in 229 autism cases from Jordan. Patients were fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10[th] Revision criteria for the diagnosis of autism. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 10 programs were used to analyze the data; Non-Parametric tests; chi[2] test, and frequencies were applied to analyze the relation between parental age at the time of conception and the risk of autism. Statistically significant results were those with a P-value < 0.05. There was no significant increase in the risk of autism with advancing parental age. Moreover, Autism was more frequent in the offspring of parents aged [25-35] years at the time of conception. In the majority of cases 127/229 [55.46%], paternal age at the time of conception ranked in the age group of [25-35] years old, chi[2] = 181.463, df = 3, which was found to be of highly statistical significance with a P-value of < 0.0001. Maternal age at the time of conception also ranked in the age group of [25-35] years, 134/229 [58.51%], chi[2] = 71.642, df = 2, it was highly statistically significant with a P-value of < 0.0001. No relation between advanced parental age and the occurrence of Autism. Moreover, Autism was more frequent in parents who were aged less than 35 years old at the time of conception

Mental health of Iraqi adolescents

To estimate the prevalence of flourishing and the association of mental health status with the socio-demographic characteristics and conduct problems of adolescents. A total of 8807 adolescents were included in this study. Data were obtained from knowledge, attitudes and practices household survey carried out in 2004. Each adolescent was interviewed by a trained team and a specially designed questionnaire was filled. Emotional, psychological and social well-beings were assessed through a series of measurements. Conduct problems were measured by self-reporting of school skipping, smoking, alcohol drinking, inhalant use and arrestment. The prevalence of flourishing, moderate mental health status and languishing were 5.6%, 20.3% and 74.1%, respectively. The prevalence rates of school skipping, smoking, and other conduct problems [alcohol drinking, inhalant use, and arrestment] were 60.1%, 62.8% and 59.2%, respectively. Mental health was significantly associated with age, educational level, and various conduct problems [p<0.001]. No significant sex variation was demonstrated. Flourishing was significantly decreasing with advancing age [p<0.0001] and it was significantly lower among smokers [p<0.0001], and those with other conduct problems [p<0.0001]. The low rate of flourishing among adolescents was associated with a high rate of conduct problems which could be a psychological response to the stressful condition prevailing in the country during the last 3 decades

A comparison study of histochemical staining of various tissues after Carnoy's and formalin fixation

Background: The potential problems related to the use of formalin in histopathology; such as health hazards; deterioration of nuclei acids are well-known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of a Carnoy's solution fixation in comparison with formalin on subsequent tissue sectioning and histochemical staining. Materials and Methods: Corresponding sections of 25 tissue biopsies of rabbit's different organs were fixed in Carnoy's solution and in 10neutral buffered formalin. Samples were processed using the conventional method and then stained applying five histochemical methods. The degree of the quality of the staining was assessed for each method by scoring system (1-10) depending on comparison of the stained tissue sections with illustrated photomicrographs. Results: For the quality of cutting; the best quality was obtained by Formalin (mean = 4.76) then Carnoy's fixative (mean =3.84). The best quality of Haematoxylin and Eosin staining was obtained by formalin (mean =5.28) then Carnoy's (mean = 4.00). For Alcian blue and Perl's Prussian blue; the best staining qualities were obtained by Formalin (mean = 4.76 and 5.64 respectively) followed by Carnoy's (mean = 2.88 and 3.92 respectively). For periodic Acid Schiff's the best staining quality was obtained following Carnoy's fixation (mean = 4.52) then; the formalin (mean = 3.76). Conclusion: Although; Carnoy's fluid is a safe fixative and can rapidly penetrate the tissues; but it can't be a substitute for formalin

Purslane Extract Effects on Obesity-Induced Diabetic Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

Purslane extract in the form of ethanolic formulation is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanin, w-3 fatty acids and melatonin. The present study was designed to investigate the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects of purslane using obese diabetic rats. The rats received either regular diet, high-fat diet or high-fat diet with additional purslane (150 and 300 mg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Purslane, co-administered with a high fat diet, significantly inhibited body weight gain, blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, free fatty acids and the atherogenic index levels in a dose dependent manner. Purslane-treated rats at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight improved the insulin resistance index when compared to high fat diet control. In conclusion, purslane ethanolic extract showed effects indicative of potential anti-obesity and anti-diabetic actions in rats fed a high fat obesity-induced diet.

Herpes zoster in children

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, therapy and outcome of herpes zoster in children. The medical records of 21 patients with herpes zoster who were referred to the dermatology clinic between February 2003 and July 2005 were reviewed. The total numbers of patients were 12 males [57.1%] and nine females [42.9%]. Their age ranged between 5 and 14 years. The diagnosis was made depending on history and the clinical manifestation. Aciclovir therapy was given systemically within three days of the onset of the exanthem. Amongst the 21 subjects, eight patients had underlying hematological malignancy in the form of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and these represent the immunocompromised group. The other 13 patients were otherwise healthy [immunocompetent group]. Two children in the immunocompetent group were born to mothers who had varicella during pregnancy [intrauterine] at two and seven months of gestation. The other 11 patients had varicella under the age of four years and herpes zoster 4-8 years later. Among the immunocompromised children only two patients had varicella under the age of four years, they all had varicella before the appearance of malignancy, and all patients in this group had herpes zoster between the age of 9 -14 years. Zoster is a rare disease in childhood. Varicella in early childhood is a risk factor of herpes zoster in immunocompromised and immunocompetent children. Most cases of childhood zoster occur in otherwise healthy children. The appearance of herpes zoster in a young child does not always imply an underlying immunodeficiency or malignancy. The prognosis is generally excellent