Hemostatic changes following surgery

Measurements of hemostatic variables were performed prior to and up to the fifth day following general surgery in patients of Arab origin [N = 53]. There was a significant postoperative elevation in the levels of plasma fibrinogen, clotting factors VIII and reduction of factor VII, ATIII, plasminogen, packed cell volume and platelet count. No significant changes were noted in PT, PTT, TT, RT, alpha-2-antiplasmin and factor X. Platelet aggregation responses to ADP, adrenaline, collagen, arachidonic acid and ristocetin was likewise unaffected by surgery. It was concluded that although the changes in plasmatic coagulation parameters are similar to that reported in Caucasians, lack of evidence of enhanced aggregation following surgery may explain the presumed low incidence of deep vein thrombosis in Arabs

effect of fasting in Ramadan on hemostatic variables

Hemostatic measurements were performed in 33 volunteers in the morning and afternoon in one day during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and were then repeated on an ordinary nonfasting day. There were no significant diurnal fluctuations in plasmatic hemostatic parameters either in Ramadan or on a nonfasting day. There was no difference in the morning and afternoon platelet aggregation responses between Ramadan and the nonfasting period. However, aggregation responses to ADP [2 micro M/L], adrenaline, collagen, and arachidonic acid were diminished during Ramadan as compared to the nonfasting day. It is concluded that the stress encountered during the Ramadan fast, as depicted in the platelet aggregation responses, is less than that encountered on an ordinary nonfasting day

Aerobic capacity in Saudi athletes

The maximum oxygen uptake [VO2 max] of 21 nonendurance-training Saudi athletes [weight lifters, wrestlers, boxers, and gymnasts] was measured using the multistage Bruce protocol. Their weight, height, and percentage of body fat were also assessed. Comparison of the results obtained with endurance-training Saudi athletes and Sudanese physical education students showed a significant difference in resting pulse rates and body weights, but no difference in heights and body fat levels. The VO2 max of the stud group was much lower than that for the endurance-training population and not significantly different from a sedentary population. The VO2 max of the study group was much lower than international standards for athletes involved in the same types of sports. It was concluded that nonendurance training does not impose an extra load on the cardiorespiratory system

Fluoride concentration in drinking water in the city of Riyadh

The fluoride concentration in drinking water in Riyadh was determined spectrophotometrically in samples of tap water, well water, bottled table-water and water obtained from treatment plants in the city. The fluoride concentration in tap water was found to be within the opitmal range for dental health, but its concentration in 11 out of 13 samples from the other sources was found to be well below the optimal level. It is concluded that a large number of people in Riyadh who avoid the use of tap water for drinking and cooking purposes are thereby depriving themselves of a factor whose action in reducing the incidence of dental caries has been well established