Assessment of skipping breakfast at home among adolescent school students in Badia Region, Jordan

@#Introduction: Healthy meals play an essential role in the healthy physical and mental development of adolescents. Breakfast at home is associated with improved nutritional choices, and skipping breakfast is detrimental. This study assessed prevalence of skipping breakfast at home among adolescent students in the Badia Region of Jordan, identifying the reasons and characteristics associated with such behavioural choice. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among adolescent students (aged 13-16 years, in 8th-9th grades) from six public schools in Badia Region, Mafraq Governorate, Jordan, was conducted through self-administered questionnaire from February to March 2022. Results: Results showed that 68.1% of 552 student participants regularly skipped breakfast at home (72.4% boys vs. 61.3% girls; p=0.007). Among those who regularly skipped breakfast, three main rationales for this choice were not feeling hungry (5.3%), lack of time (2.7%), and lack of appetite (3.5%). Conclusion: The prevalence of skipping breakfast at home among adolescents in Badia Region was high for various reasons, including lack of time, not feeling hungry, seeking to manage weight, and insufficient knowledge on the importance of healthy breakfast. Therefore, understanding the reasons and factors that contribute towards breakfast skipping may help in solving the problem, underscoring that positive beliefs should be reinforced in schools, with parents encouraging adolescents to eat healthy breakfast.

Subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolated from humans and associated animals in an indigenous community with poor hygiene in Peninsular Malaysia

@#Blastocystis is one of the most common parasites inhabiting the intestinal tract of human and animals. Currently, human Blastocystis isolates are classified into nine subtypes (STs) based on the phylogeny of their small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. Although its pathogenicity remains controversial, the possibility of zoonotic transmission was recognized since eight of the nine STs (except for ST9) have been reported in both humans and animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis isolated from humans and associated animals in an indigenous community with poor hygiene in Malaysia, where the risk of parasitic infection is high. A total of 275 stool samples were collected, subjected to DNA extraction and amplified by PCR assay. The Blastocystis-positive amplicons were then purified and sequenced. Phylogenetic tree of positive isolates, reference strains and outgroup were constructed using maximum likelihood method based on Hasegawa-Kishino- Yano+G+I model. The prevalence of Blastocystis infection among humans and domestic animals by PCR assay were 18.5% (45/243) and 6.3% (2/32), respectively. Through molecular phylogeny, 47 isolates were separated into five clusters containing isolates from both hosts. Among human isolates, ST3 (53.3%) was the predominant subtype, followed by ST1 (31.1%) and ST2 (15.6%). Chicken and cattle had lower proportions of ST6 (50%) and ST10 (50%), that were barely seen in humans. The distinct distributions of the most important STs among the host animals as well as humans examined demonstrate that there is various host-specific subtypes in the lifecycle of Blastocystis.

Root canal configurations of the first and second mandibular premolars in the population of north Syria

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the canal anatomy and morphology of the first and second mandibular premolars in the population of north Syria

Methods: One-hundred and sixty permanent fully developed apices of the mandibular premolars [95 first mandibular premolars and 65 second mandibular premolars] were collected and stored in 10% cloramine-T solution. Teeth were stained with India Ink and cleared. The number and the type of root canal were examined in the root of each cleared mandibular premolar

Results: The results showed that 82.1% of first mandibular premolars had a single canal and 17.9% contained two canals. Eighty three percent of second mandibular premolars had a single canal, 15.3% two canals, and 1.5% three canals

Conclusion: Most of mandibular premolars have a single canal with the probability of presence of two or more canals. This possibility of the existence of two or more canals in the mandibular premolars should be considered by the dentists while performing endodontic therapy

Missed traumatic abdominal wall hernia: report of a case and literature reviewing

Blunt trauma to the abdominal wall can cause a hernia, quite a rare condition. Once diagnosed, it should be repaired, because any delay in the management results in an increase in morbidity and mortality. We report a case of a 41 year old female that developed Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia in the right upper quadrant following a Road Traffic Accident. She was diagnosed one month later by physical examination which was proved by a Computed Tomography scan of the abdomen. An open surgical repair with mesh was done, and the post-operative course was uneventful

Changes in hand hygiene compliance after a multimodal intervention among health-care workers from intensive care units in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study is to measure the degree of compliance with hand hygiene practices among health-care workers [HCWs] in intensive care facilities in Aseer Central Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, before and after a multimodal intervention program based on WHO strategies. Data were collected by direct observation of HCWs while delivering routine care using standardized WHO method: "Five moments for hand hygiene approach". Observations were conducted before [February-April 2011] and after [February-April 2013] the intervention by well-trained, infection-control practitioners during their routine visits. The study included 1182 opportunities [observations] collected before and 2212 opportunities collected after the intervention. The overall, hand hygiene compliance increased significantly from 60.8% [95% CI: 57.9-63.6%] before the intervention to reach 86.4% [95% CI: 84.9-97.8%] post-intervention [P = 0.001]. The same trend was observed in different intensive care facilities. In logistic regression analyses, HCWs were significantly more compliant [aOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 2.6-3.8] after the intervention. Similarly, being a nurse and events after patient contact were significant determinants of compliance. It is important to provide sustained intensified training programs to help embed efficient and effective hand hygiene into all elements of care delivery. New approaches like accountability, motivation and sanctions are needed

Ophthalmic findings among Jordanian patients with chronic renal failure on haemodialysis at Prince Ali Military Hospital in the south of Jordan

To characterize the ocular and peri-ocular findings in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis at Prince Ali Bin Al- Hussein Military Hospital. This is a descriptive study. Data were collected from patients with chronic renal failure undergoing haemodialysis from June 2012 till January 2013. The medical files were reviewed to report medical, surgical and ophthalmic history of all candidate patients. All patients underwent full ophthalmic examination on day one of recruitment. Forty-four patients [87 eyes] were reported. Mean age was 56.9 years [56.9 +/- 12.5]. Male to female ratio was 2:1. Aetiologies of chronic renal failure were: Hypertension [n=17, 39%], glomerulonephritis [n=13, 30%], and diabetes mellitus [n=10, 23%]. Some other aetiologies were also found like: Small kidney [n=4, 9%], renal stones [n=2, 5%], polycystic kidney [n=2, 5%], familial [n=2, 5%] and analgesic nephropathy [n=1, 2%]. Ocular findings were seen in 75 eyes [86%], including lid edema [n=66, 76%] conjunctival congestion [n=54, 62%], cataract [n=47, 54%], and dry eye [n=44, 51%]. Ocular and peri-ocular findings were frequent in chronic renal failure patients who were undergoing hemodialysis, which urges regular ophthalmic examination to detect and treat sight threatening complications early.

Prophylaxis and therapeutic effects of raspberry (Rubus idaeus) on renal stone formation in Balb/c mice

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prophylactic potential of herbal decoction from Rubus idaeus, a medicinal plant widely used in the Middle East to treat kidney stones, by assessing the effect of administration in experimentally induced calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on administration of glyoxylate and/or herbal treatments simultaneously for 12 days, followed by histological and biochemical tests. Group I was used as a negative control. Group II was only given daily intra-abdominal injection of glyoxylate (80 mg/Kg). Group III and IV were given 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of R. idaeus by gavage, respectively in addition to glyoxylate injection. To examine the effect of anti-oxidants on hyperoxaluria-induced changes in kidney, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic anti-oxidant levels were assessed. RESULTS: Significant reductions were obtained in the urinary oxalate, calcium and phosphorus values in the herbal-treated groups relative to untreated animals while creatinine excretion increased. Serum oxalate, calcium and creatinine were significantly reduced, while phosphorus was not significantly changed. Kidney content of calcium was higher in the untreated group. Mice in treated groups at 12 days had significantly more superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase (GSH) and G6PD activities than the untreated group. Hyperoxaluria-induced generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls was significantly prevented in the treated groups. R. idaeus had a significantly high content of vitamin E in the herbal treated groups. The histology showed more CaOx deposition in the kidneys of untreated animals. CONCLUSION: Rubus idaeus has an impressive prophylactic effect on CaOx stones in nephrolithic mice. There is a possible role of lipid peroxidation in CaOx stone formation which may has a relationship with the major risk factors in urine including oxalate, calcium, phosphorus and MDA. Further experimental studies are required to elucidate the chemical constituents of the active ingredients of this interesting plant.

Comparison of jeopardy game format versus traditional lecture format as a teaching methodology in medical education

To compare students' performance, satisfaction, and retention of knowledge between a 'jeopardy game format' and a 'didactic lecture format' in teaching viral exanthema to fifth-year medical students. We conducted a parallel-group randomized controlled trial in the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia from November 2008 to January 2009. We randomized fifth-year medical students into 2 groups. We taught viral exanthema to group one in lecture format, while group 2 received the same instruction in a jeopardy style game format. Both groups underwent a pretest, post-test I, and satisfaction survey. We conducted post-test II after 2 months to assess the retention of knowledge. The satisfaction survey consisted of 5 questions using a 5 point Likert scale. We used the paired sample t-test, and independent sample t-test to compare the results. Eighty-two students participated in the study [41 in each group]. Both groups showed significant improvement in their knowledge on the post-test I compared with the pre-test scores. However, the post-test II conducted after 2 months showed that retention of knowledge was significantly better in the game format. The satisfaction survey showed that the game format was more enjoyable and fun. The game format teaching strategy has an added advantage in retaining knowledge of the subject for a longer time compared with a lecture format

Phytoecological evaluation with detail floristic appraisal of the vegetation arround Malam Jabba, Swat, Pakistan

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the present status of plant communities and their possible association with the habitat in Malam Jabba, Swat, Pakistan.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A study on the phytoecology was conducted in various ecologically important sites of Malam Jabba, Swat, Pakistan from 2002 to 2004. The altitude of these sites ranged from 1 200 m to 3 200 m. Quadrat method was used for evaluation of plants communities and the data on these attributes was converted to relative values. The plant communities were named after 3 leading species with highest importance values. Biological spectrum of the flora based on the life form was prepared by following Raunkiar's life form classes.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The floristic composition and structure of the study area were found to be 200 species belonging to 75 families. Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae were important families in the study area. The biological spectrum showed that therophytic and hemicrytophytic life form and micro-nonophyllous leaf sizes were dominant in the area. The air and soil temperatures were decreasing with increasing elevation. Both the air and soil temperatures were relatively higher in south slopes than on the northeast slopes. The vegetation analysis of the area indicated eleven plant communities around the area. The present vegetation is the relics of moist temperate coniferous forest in the area. The communities reflect highly deteriorated conditions. Both the structure and composition of the surrounding vegetation were associated with the types of habitats.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The conservation of the remaining populations of the reported communities will be best achieved by proper time of sustainable harvesting. It is only possible with the participation of local communities.</p>

Association between Morphological Changes of Nail and Nail Arsenic Level in Patients with Arsenicosis.

This case-control type of analytical study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to find out the association between morphological changes of nail and nail arsenic level in arsenicosis patients. Majority of arsenicosis patients were male (56.67%). The mean age of the cases was 43.07+/-13.73 years. Nail changes were found in 26.67% of cases, most were nail dystrophy (23.33%) and rest were Mee's line (3.34%). There was significant difference between cases with or without nail changes and nail arsenic level. But cases with or with out nail changes had a significant difference between duration of intake of arsenic contaminated water. There was no correlation between nail changes and nail arsenic level for nail dystrophy and Mee's line. The study result failed to establish association between the morphological changes of nail and nail arsenic level.

influence of lipid composition and beta-carotene on lipid peroxidation in liposomes

Oxidative damage to membrane lipid is one of the prime events occurring in aging and other undesirable physiological processes. In this study experiments were performed on liposomes [prepared either from crude erythrocyte phospholipids or purified egg yolk phosphatidylcholine] as models of lipid bilayer portion of biomembranes. The effects of beta-carotene, and phospholipid composition on peroxidation process, initiated by Fe[2+], were studied. It was found that beta-carotene does not show any noticeable antioxidant effect on the peroxidation process initiated by Fe[2+] in liposomes prepared from erythrocyte phosphatides, whereas it effectively suppressed the same process in egg yolk phosphatidylcholine [EYPC]. It is concluded that the anti-/pro-oxidant activity of beta-carotene is also dependent on the membrane lipid composition and this may provide an explanation about the conflicting reports on its role in ordinary or promoted oxidation experiments

Nocturnal enuresis in children with adenotonsillar upper airway obstruction

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common cause of sleep related upper airway obstruction [UAO] in childhood. Recently there is growing consensus that upper airway obstruction is a causative factor in nocturnal enuresis [NE] in many cases .So the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nocturnal enuresis and upper airway obstruction caused by chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children and the value of their surgical treatment, One hundred children suffering from symptoms of upper airway obstruction [UAO] caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy were included in this study and divided into two groups 24 with enuresis and 76 without enuresis, Patients with organic neurological or urological causes of NE were excluded. During sleep, at the night of the day before the operation, one month and three months after the operation; arterial blood gases were measured using the Blood Gas Analyzer. Follow up was done through parental questionnaire about the degree of improvement of NE before and after surgery at first, third and sixth months after the surgery. Blood gas analysis in patients with and without NE revealed: Decrease O2 and increase CO2 saturations that were more in the group with NE. It was found that there were significant statistical improvements in the PaO2 and decrease in the PaCO2 after the operation in both groups That were also more in the group with NE. There were no significant differences between patients with or without NE as regard to 02 saturation, PaO2 and PaCO2 before and after the operation [P>.005]. Parental questionnaire in patients with NE revealed complete cure in 58.6%, 16.7% had partial improvements while no improvements in 25%. So in Conclusion the authors suggest that UAO is probably a more common etiologic factor in NE than previously recognized and appropriate number of cases improved after adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy

Adenotonsillar upper airway obstruction and nocturnal enuresis in children

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common cause of sleep related upper airway obstruction [UAO] in childhood. Recently there is growing consensus that upper airway obstruction is a causative factor in nocturnal enuresis [NE] in many cases. So the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between nocturnal enuresis and upper airway obstruction caused by chronic adenotonsillar hypertrophy in children. Also to evaluate the effect of surgery on enuretic patients with UAO caused by adenotonsilar hypertrophy. One hundred children suffering from symptoms of upper airway obstruction [UAO] caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy were included in this study and divided into two groups 24 with enuresis and 76 without enuresis. Patients with organic neurological or urological causes of NE were excluded. During sleep, at the night of the day before the operation, one month and three months after the operation; arterial blood gases were measured using the Blood Gas Analyzer. Follow up was done through parental questionnaire about the degree of improvement of NE before and after surgery at first, third and sixth months after the surgery. Blood gas analysis in patients with and without NE revealed: Decrease O2 and increase CO2 saturations that were more in the group with NE. It was found that there were significant statistical improvements in the PaO2 and a significant decrease in the PaCO2 after the operation in both groups that were also more in the group with NE. There were no significant differences between patients with or without NE as regard to O2 saturation, PaO2 and PaCO2 before and after the operation [P>.005]. Parental questionnaire in patients with NE revealed complete cure in 58.6%, 16.7% had partial improvements while no improvements in 25%. So in Conclusion the authors suggest that UAO is probably a more common etiologic factor in NE than previously recognized and appropriate number of cases improved after adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy

Primary hydatidosis of the pancreas: short communication

Primary hydatid cyst of the pancreas is a rare condition. In a large series study the reported incidence was 0.25% [1]. We present the case of a 35-year-old patient who presented with a history of a vague upper abdominal pain, with nausea, vomiting and heartburn. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT scans revealed a cystic mass occupying the body and tail of the pancreas. Surgery was performed and yielded a tense hydatid cyst in the pancreas

Fever as a rare manifestation of thyrotoxicosis

Elevated body temperature [fever] has long been observed as a feature of many endocrine disorders such as thyroiditis, thyrotoxic storm, adrenocortical insufficiency and, less commonly, phaeochromocytoma. However, fever as a sole presenting symptom of thyrotoxicosis is extremely rare. Two male patients are described who presented with fever of unknown origin, with the initial suspicion of infection. The thyroid gland was minimally enlarged with no other signs or symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. In both cases the conclusion that thyrotoxicosis was the cause of the fever was made after all tests for other common and unusual causes of fever were negative or normal, while thyroid function tests, thyroid scan and uptake were abnormal. Fever subsided following propranolol and radioactive iodine therapy. Though fever is a rare presenting symptom of thyrotoxicosis it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin

role of garlic powder and gemfibrozil in lowering lipid levels in patients of diabetes mellitus

To study the effects of powdered garlic [Allium sativum] on the lipid profile of patients of diabetes mellitus with hyperlipedemia. DESIGN: Controlled trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten patients fasting serum cholesterol levels of 280 mg/ 100 ml or more and /or triglyceride 180 mg / 100 ml or more were treated with powdered garlic at a dose of 6 grams/ day for four weeks. Gemfibrozil 1200 mg/day was used on seven patients for 4 weeks as standard drug for comparison. The data obtained showed a marked reduction in total serum lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL- Cholesterol levels while mean serum HDL - Cholesterol levels were significantly raised which was more marked with garlic as compared to gemfibrozil, CONCLUSIONS: Garlic power has got significant effect on lowering most of the serum lipids. HDL- C levels were raised with its use. In diabetic patients the beneficial effects of garlic powder are significant and economical

Effect of garlic [Allium Sativum] powder on lipid profile in patients of ischemic heart disease [IHD]

The effects of garlic [Allium Sativum] powder were studied on the lipid profile in patients of ischemic heart disease [I.H.D] and compared with gemfibrozil [Lopid], a standard lipid lowering agent. Twenty one patients of I.H.D. with raised lipid levels were administered 6 grams of garlic powder, in three divided doses, orally for four weeks. Seven patients of I.H.D. with raised lipid levels were given 1200 mg gemfibrozil orally per day in two doses for four weeks. Garlic powder reduced serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C more than gemfibrozil but the differences were non-significant [P>0.05]. Garlic powder increased the level of HDL-C more than gemfibrozil and the difference was significant [p<0.01]. No side effect specifically comparing with gemfibrozil was detected in the patients treated with garlic

Comparative study of garlic powder and gemfibrozil in patients of ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus

In this study we observed the effects of garlic [Allium sativum] powder on lipid profile in hyperlipidaemic patients [fasting serum cholesterol 280 mg / 100 ml or more and / or triglyceride 180 mg / 100ml or more] suffering from ischemic heart disease [IHD] and diabetes mellitus [DM] and compared its effects with those of the standard lipid regulating drug gemfibrozil [Lopid]. Nine patients suffering from IHD and DM were put on garlic powder [6 gram / day] for a period of four weeks, six patients were put on gemfibrozil [1200 mg/day] for a period of four weeks. After completion of the treatment the lipid profile was again examined. The parameters studied were serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein- cholesterol [LDL-C] and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C]. The reduction in the garlic treated group of patients of serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C was more marked as compared the gemfibrozil treated patients. Garlic increased the mean serum HDL-C levels very significantly. All these changes produced by garlic powder are beneficial in patients of IHD and DM which are at high risk. Serum total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C directly or indirectly enhance the process of atherosclerosis, while HDL-C slows this process by taking away cholesterol from arteries towards the liver for its metabolism and excretion. So garlic is very useful dietary component for slowing the process of atherosclerosis and its associated complications in high risk patients if used regularly for a long time

Lactate dehydrogenase and alpha hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase: Sensitive indicators of disease status and responsiveness to therapy in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia

To establish the value of serum lactate dehydeogenase [LDH] and alpha hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase [HBDH] in reflecting the responsiveness of adult a cute lymphoblastic leukaemia [ALL] to the given chemotherapy. Serial measurements of LDH and HBDH in sera of six patients with ALL throughout different phases of therapy [induction, consolidation, maintenance]. Initially high levels of both enzymes were detected in all patients upon presentation. Successful remission induction was associated with normalization of activities of both enzymen in five of six patients. Refractoriness to standard protocol in the remaining patient was accompanied by persistence of high levels of LDH and HBDH. Reappearance of blast cells in circulation was paralleled by elevation of enzyme levels which could be brought again to normal by effective disease control and further chemotherapy. Continuous monitoring of LDH and HBDH is recommended to reflect the disease status and the responsiveness to chemotherapy in ALL