Cigarette smoking behavior among male secondary school students in the central region of Saudi Arabia

This study was conducted to examine the smoking habits among male secondary school students in Al-Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA] and to assess their knowledge and attitudes towards smoking. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Qassim region, KSA during March 2003. Randomly selected was 14 out of 110 government male secondary schools. In the sample section, care was taken to represent urban and rural communities. In urban areas, 8 schools with the largest number of students were selected. This is in addition to 3 schools, which were the only schools with special education on Islamic, Commercial and Technical programs. In the rural areas the 3 most distant schools were included in the sample. Data were obtained through self-administered questionnaires that contained questions on personal background, smoking behavior, knowledge and attitude towards cigarette smoking. A total of 2203 students responded to the questionnaires with 83% response rate. Of the studied group, 606 [29.8%] were current smokers and among these 83.7% started smoking at the age of 15 years or less. Technical and commercial secondary school students had higher prevalence of the habit of smoking than those in general and Islamic secondary schools. It was found that the more pocket money received by the students, the higher was the prevalence of smoking. The most common reason given for cigarette smoking behavior [CSB] was the influence of friends [63.5%]. Family factor, especially the brother's smoking habit [24.8%] was also important. Most of the students knew that smoking is harmful to their own health [89.3%], and to others [73.9%]. The association between smoking and lung cancer was 84.3%, 80.9% for chest disease and 78.2% for heart disease, while the relation to other diseases was less known. We conclude that onset of smoking in the young is alarming. This is of immense importance in formulating health education strategies, which should be directed towards pupils, teachers and parents. The religious aspect should also be an integral part of such programs

contralateral ear in acquired cholesteatoma [a clinico-radiological study]

Fifty patients with unilateral cholesteatoma and 25 control subjects with bilateral normal ears were subjected to otomicroscopical and audiological assessment. Axial and coronal sections for the mastoid bone at 1 mm slice thickness were done for all ears. A simplified method was used to find out the surface area [SA] of the air cells at each individual section and automatically calculate the total volume of the mastoid air cells. Otomicroscopically, 72% of the contra lateral ears showed signs of retraction pockets, granulation tissues or chronicity. Audiologically, 20% of the controlled ears showed moderate to severe conductive hearing loss, while 10% showed mixed hearing loss. As regards mastoid pneumatization, the mean air cell volumes were 6.1, 12.68 and 29.92 cc in cholesteatomatous, contralateral and control ears, respectively. This indicated a highly significant difference in the mean air cell volume between the control ears and the other two groups

Herpes simplex 1,2 viruses as a risk factor in benign and malignant laryngeal tumors

The aim of this work was to study HSV1,2 as a risk factor in laryngeal tumors through the detection of the virus DNA using polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The study group consisted of 40 patients presented by laryngeal masses. Biopsy was taken by direct laryngoscopy and each specimen was divided into two portions; one for histopathological study and according to its results the patients were divided into two groups: Group A, 20 patients, with mean age 58.7 years, having malignant laryngeal tumors and group B, 20 patients with mean age 34.4 years, having benign laryngeal tumors. The other portion of the specimen was examined using PCR for detection of herpes simplex 1,2 viruses DNA. The study showed that 55% of patients in group A [11 out of 20 patients with malignant laryngeal tumors] were positive for HSV1,2 DNA by PCR, while in group B [patients with benign laryngeal masses], all patients were negative for HSV1,2 DNA by PCR. The histopathological study showed that all malignant tumors in group A were invasive squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] with the highest percentage in grade I [40%]

Comparison between pre- and post-laryngectomy pulmonary functions

In this work, the study group consisted of 20 patients who were treated by total laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Pulmonary function test was performed preoperatively and postoperatively for these patients, using a special adaptor for connection of the stoma to the spirometer. The postoperative values of forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume at 1 second [FEC1], forced expiratory flow [FEF25-75, FEF75-85, FEF50, FEF75] forced inspiratory vital capacity [FIVC] and FEF50/FIF50 were significantly lower than the preoperative values. It was concluded that changes in pulmonary function have to be expected after total laryngectomy. Also, more frequent postoperative assessment of pulmonary function is mandatory to reduce impairment of respiratory function in postlaryngectomy cases

Correlation between permeability glycoprotein expression and tumor grade in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

One established mechanism of multidrug resistance [MDR] in cancer chemotherapy is elevated expression of permeability-glycoprotein [Pgp], that functions as an efflux pump which excretes lipophilic chemotherapeutic drugs from cancer cells. The expression of Pgp by immunohistochemistry was examined in tissue specimens taken from 60 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas using a monoclonal antibody, which is specific to human MDR1 gene product. The results showed that 80% of the tumors were stained by Pgp antibody with a statistically significant correlation between the degree of expression of Pgp and the degree of differentiation. The results showed also a wide variation in Pgp expression and high expression of Pgp in more undifferentiated tumors. So, Pgp can be used as a marker for diagnostic and prognostic value in the head and neck cancer

Three dimensional magnetic resonance inner ear in meniere's disease and congential sensorineural hearing loss

This study was done on 30 patients divided into two groups: Group I [15 patients with Meniere's disease] and group II [15 patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL]]. Computed tomography [CT] was done for patients of congenital SNHL to exclude any bony abnormalities, then 3D MRI was done to all patients. In group I, 3D MRI showed good visualization of the membranous labyrinth, cochlea, vestibule, the semicircular canals and the endolymphatic duct and sac in all patients. In group II, CT did not show any abnormality. The 3D MRI showed good visualization of the endolymphatic sac, the semicircular canals, the internal auditory canal and the vestibular aqueduct. In one case in group II, there was enlarged endolymphatic sac [large vestibular aqueduct syndrome]. It was concluded that 3D MRI is a good method to study inner ear pathology. It is the only imaging technique that allows evaluation of the potency of the membranous labyrinth. Its thin images and high contrast allow detection of small lesions inside the IAC and any membranous labyrinth malformations. Moreover, it is the best imaging technique to detect vascular compression on the VII or VII nerves, causing SNHL, vertigo or facial paralysis

Nonsteriodal antiinflamatory drugs as a risk factor of gastro-oesophageal reflux oesophagitis, and posterior laryngitis in arthritic patients

Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] are known to cause ulcers of the stomach and to a lesser degree, the duodenum. Consumption of NSAIDs has been associated with the infrequent occurrence of ulcers at other locations, such as the jejunum, ileum and colon. Several studies have suggested that consumption of NSAIDS also constitutes a risk factor for the development of erosive oesophagitis, including oesophageal strictures. It is now documented that NSAIDS are associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease [GERD]. It was found recently that GERD is associated with a variety of laryngeal conditions and symptoms, of which "reflux laryngitis" is the most common. AIM OF THE WORK: is to study the effect of NSAIDs on the development of laryngitis in patients with GERD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: study included 60 patients, 42 males and 18 females aged between 26 - 52 years old [mean 37.9], a detailed history was taken from all patients. All the sixty patients were suspected to have GERD based on symptoms including acid reflux, Group I: - 40 patients were receiving daily-recommended doses of NSAIDs for at least one month for a diagnosed rheumatological disease, Group II: - 20 patients who were diagnosed as GERD, and were not receiving any NSAIDs for at least one month prior to the present study. The sixty patients were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients who were diagnosed as GERD with or without oesophagitis were subjected to ENT fibro-optic laryngoscopy. 42% of all patients with GERD have hoarseness of voice, 30% have recurrent chocking, 53% have excessive throat cleaning. Postglottic oedema, arytenoid oedema, vocal fold oedema, were all significantly higher in group I than in group II. The chronic use of NSAIDs can be considered as a risk factor for developing GERD, erosive oesophagitis with or without subsequent posterior laryngitis. Laryngoscopy may have a predictive value for the occurrence of GERD in those patients. Patients who were on regular use of NSAIDS, and are symptomatic for GERD are recommended to start medical treatment for GERD to guard against erosive oesophagitis and/or posterior laryngitis

Health hazards among workers exposed to different chemicals in paints industry

This study was conducted in the Egyptian company for paints and inks in Cairo Governorate. One hundred and fifty workers were randomly selected from the paint department. Fifty individuals were randomly selected from the departments of security and management of the same company as a control group. Subjects of both groups were subjected to a history taking according to a questionnaire form clinical examination and pulmonary ventilatory functions. Environmental measurements were also carried out. It has been found that workers exposed to chemicals in paint industry had higher prevalence of chest symptoms and signs with pulmonary ventilatory measurements lower than those of the control group workers

Risk factors for preterm labor in Al Gassim region, Saudi Arabia

Preterm birth occur for many different reasons. We performed this study to identify the important risk factors for preterm delivery, and to study the association between various risk factors and the occurrence of preterm labor in our population. This hospital-based study included 276 women, all pregnants delivered before 37 weeks gestation at the five main hospitals in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia during the period February to July 1997. Another 828 term deliveries [delivered at or later than 37 weeks gestation] were randomly selected from the same hospitals and -during the same period as the control group. Information was gathered about demographic factors, obstetric history and current pregnancy. Associations with preterm labor were evaluated by univariate tests and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. The current study has confirmed that twins, previous preterm delivery, maternal age < 20 years, previous 2nd trimester abortion, pyelonepritis placenta previa, body weight

Psychological and psychosomatic impact of work related stress among the staff members of Zagazig University Benha branch

This study was conducted among the staff members of Zagazig University, Benha Branch. The sample included 110 members from Faculties of Engineering, Sciences, Literature and Commerce. Another 38 subjects have been selected as a control group from the management sectors of the previous faculties. Subjects of both groups were subjected to assessment of work stress, mental health, behavioral reactions to stress and physical health. Conflicts, job pressure and job scope constituted the main problems among the staff members [38.18%, 34.55% and 37.27% respectively], while rapport with management was the main problem among the control [44.74%] subjects of practical faculties suffered more from work related stress. More females complained of being more dissatisfied with their jobs [37.5%] if compared to males [33.87%]. Also mental health traits, and the prevalence of some stress related behavioral reactions and symptoms appeared to be higher among the staff members than among the control group