ABSTRACT
Hookah or waterpipe smoking or use is an emerging trend in the US population, especially among the youth. The misperception of hookah being less harmful than cigarettes and the availability of different but "appealing" flavors are considered among the main reasons for this trend. Hookah users however are exposed to many of the same toxic compounds/by-products as cigarette users, but at dramatically higher levels, which might lead to more severe negative health effects. In fact, hookah users are at risks of infections, cancers, lung disease, and other medical conditions. Moreover, because of the overlapping toxicant/chemical profile to conventional cigarettes, hookah smoke effects on the cardiovascular system are thought to be comparable to those of conventional cigarettes. A major source of tobacco addiction is nicotine, whose levels in hookah are extremely variable as they depend on the type of tobacco used. Taken together, in this review of literature, we will provide insights on the negative health effects of hookah in general, with a focus on what is known regarding its impact on the cardiovascular system.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes represents a group of common diseases that are characterized by dysregulation of blood glucose levels. Plants are traditionally used for management of diseases including diabetes. In this study, we screened the antidiabetic effect of extracts of 21 plants grown in Jordan. Extracts of plants were screened for their antihyperglycemic activity. Diabetes was induced in Sprague Dawley rats using Alloxan. Plant extracts were dosed at 1gm/kg. Blood glucose was measured at baseline and at every hour for 3 hours. Results showed that five plants out of the 21 screened showed antihyperglycemic activity. These plants are Phoenix dactylifera L., Tecoma stans [L.] Kunth, Cichorium pumilum Jacq., Phaseolus vulgaris L., and Teucrium polium L. On the other hand, Sarcopoterium spinosum [L.] Spach. and Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata significantly increased blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The following plant extracts showed neutral effect on blood glucose levels: Plantago major L., Taraxacum cyprium H. Lindb, Artemisia inculta Delile, Marrubium vulgare L., Inula viscosa [L.] Ai, Rubus sanguineus Friv, Coriandrum sativum L., Cucurbita pepo var ovefera, Cucumis sativus L., Hordeum vulgare L., Apium graveolens L., Avena sativa L., Helianthus annus L., and Anethum graveolens L. In conclusion, Jordanian medicinal plants might be useful for managements of blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes
ABSTRACT
Steadily increasing methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] contributes significantly to mortality, morbidity, and increasing health care burden. In this study, we identified MRSA percentage rates, and patterns of resistance to various antibiotics at King Abdullah University Hospital [KAUH] in north Jordan. This retrospective study covered the period between 31/10/2003 and 31/10/2005. We tracked all MRSA infections judged by the infection control committee to be of nosocomial origin in eight different wards of the hospital. The number of isolates analyzed was 152. Susceptibility testing of staphylococcus aureus [S. aureus] to different antibiotics was done at KAUH clinical laboratory by disk diffusion testing according to NCCLS recommendations. MRSA percentage rate was 34% allover, with notably high percentage rates [about 57-70%] in adult intensive care units. No statistically significant age or gender differences in the pattern of S. aureus susceptibility have been encountered. In conclusion, MRSA percentage rate at KAUH is high and similar to rates from surrounding countries. Patterns of MRSA are also similar to those reported in literature, but no resistance to alycopeptides has been detected. Strict system to enforce proper use of antibiotics, assisted by applying proper infection control practices and surveillance in order to monitor and control nosocomial infections including MRSA