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OBJECTIVE@#Nutraceutical products are widely used for their claimed therapeutic benefits. However, falsified or adulterated nutraceuticals present a major health threat to consumers. This study investigates the pharmaceutical quality, safety and anti-inflammatory effects of six male enhancement nutraceuticals that claim to be 100% natural.@*METHODS@#Three batches of six male enhancement products were tested to detect the presence and levels of adulterants via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The pharmaceutical quality of the selected nutraceuticals was tested with near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and SeDeM. The cytotoxic effects of these products on HepG2 cells were determined through cell proliferation (XTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assays. Lastly, the in vitro inflammatory effects of these products were investigated using murine J774 macrophages through cytokine release analysis.@*RESULTS@#HPLC analysis detected the presence of sildenafil citrate, a vasodilator, and the active ingredient in Viagra and Revatio, in all batches of the products we analyzed. Amount of sildenafil citrate ranged from 0.45 mg to 51.85 mg among different batches. NIR assessment showed inter- and intra-batch heterogeneity in product composition. Results of the XTT and LDH assays showed significant cytotoxic effects of the analyzed products. XTT analysis revealed that the viability of HepG2 treated with tested products varied from 27.57% to 41.43%. Interestingly, the male enhancement products also showed anti-inflammatory effects.@*CONCLUSION@#Despite their labeling as 100% natural, all products tested in this study contained levels of sildenafil citrate, which was not reported on the packaging. There was a lack of pharmaceutical uniformity among products of the same batch and across different batches. Additionally, the products we tested had cytotoxic effects. These study findings highlight the adulteration, poor quality and hazard of these nutraceuticals. Therefore, strict regulation of these products and standardization of the definition of nutraceuticals are urgently needed. Further, these falsely advertised products should be withdrawn from the market due to potential adverse effects on the health of their consumers.
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Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the major cause of cancer related deaths among Iraqi women. Due to the relatively late detection of breast cancer, the majority of the patients are still treated by modified radicle mastectomy. Aim: To assess the time lag between diagnosis of breast cancer and mastectomy among Iraqi patients; correlating the findings with other clinicopathological characteristics of the disease. Patients and methods: This retrospective study enrolled 226 Iraqi female patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were registered on the exact time period between signing the histopathological report and the surgical treatment. Other recorded variables included the age of the patients, their level of education, number of parity, age at first child birth, family history and the stage at breast cancer presentation. Results: In general, 51% of the patients were under the age of 50 years, 93.8% were married, 10.6% were illiterate, only 1.8% were nulliparous while positive family history of cancer was noted in 25.6%. Overall 67.7%, 87.6%, and 92% underwent mastectomy during the first month, two months and three months after diagnosis respectively. Only 3.1% were operated upon after one year. With the exception of the age at first childbirth, there was no significant correlation between the waiting times to surgery and the patients’ age, education, number of parity, family history and the stage at breast cancer detection. Conclusions: The percentage of the patients who had surgical treatment during the first month following diagnosis seems rather satisfactory when compared to the corresponding findings reported in similar surveys from developing and some developed countries. Strengthening public education and adopting multimodality evidenced-based management protocols are crucial steps to control the waiting times among those who have delayed mastectomies.
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Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentration of human platelets in a small volume of plasma. Because it is a concentration of platelets, it is also a concentration of the 7 fundamental protein growth factors proved to be actively secreted by platelets to initiate all wound healing. PRP contributes to better healing of soft tissues and bone and is a visible means of growth factor delivery. Aims & Objectives: a) To compare osteo -inductive capacity following surgical removal of impacted mandibular 3rd molar teeth b) to compare the difference in osteoinduction between PRP vs PRP + Bone Graft, c) Establish the potential benefits of these biomaterials in the regeneration of post-extraction alveolar bone. Methods:This is a prospective, randomized clinical trial involving 15 patients (split arch – 30 impacted molar teeth) who visited KKUCOD (Alsamer campus) for surgical removal of symptomatic impactedmandibular third molars. The study was conducted following due clearance from ethical and research committee of the institution (SRC/ETH/2016-17/004). The inclusion criteria included: Female patients aged between 18 and 45, b) Impacted mandibular third molar with similar anatomical position, and similar difficulty index.c Patient informed consent to carry out the intervention and for inclusion in the study. d) No allergies to medicines, non –smokers, non-alcoholics, no drug allergy and patients not under oral contraceptives. Results: The results are compiled as tables for different groups with percentage of bone formation at the end of week 1,3, 6 and at the end of 3rd months. There is not much difference in osteoinduction with the addition of PRP alone when compared to control side. However, addition of graft with PRP definitely enhances osteoinduction and makes a significant contribution in neo bone regeneration Conclusion: 1. PRP contributes significantly to osteogenesis when mixed with bone graft. 2. Healing is better when extracted sockets are supplemented with PRP. 3. There is no incidence of allergic reaction with the use of allogeneic bone grafts.
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Nasopharyngeal cysts are found either at the roof or the lateral wall of the nasopharynx. They include Rathke's pouch cyst, Tornwaldt's cyst from the pharyngeal bursa, and branchial cleft cyst. The presence of second branchial cleft cyst in the nasopharynx is extremely rare. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with nasopharyngeal cyst that was confirmed histologically as branchial cyst. It was resected through a transoral endoscopic approach with no evidence of remnants or recurrence
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The present study was conducted to determine the effects of magnetized water treatment with in different intensities 500, 1000 and 1500 Gauss on some ecological aspects one' species of freshwater Ostracoda Cyclocypria kinkaidia Dobbin 1941, which important species in faun of aquatic habitats of Iraq. This species are considered a component of the food chain.The obtained results compared with these species which lived in the river [control]. These samples of Ostracodean animals were collected from Al - Habebia lake in Baghdad province by using the test sieve with mashed sized about 75um and zooplankton net with opening diameter about 25 cm and mesh sized 335 um.These species were exposed to three different intensities 500,1000 and 1500 Gauss magnetized water treatment under laboratory conditions, the resulting effects were compared with those obtained from a control experiment where the individuals kept in normal untreated water.Result of these experiments showed the indicated variation in the some physical and chemical characteristics of water.The present study showed non significant change in pH values, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids in the magnetized water. But increased these values was increased with increased intensity of magnetized water treated with 1500 Gauss intensity for Ostracodean animals where restrict this study.Dissolved oxygen concentration was signifi cantly increased intensity of magnetized water especially in treated water with 1500 Gauss intensity for Ostracodean animals comparated with untreated water. Nonsignificantly change in water temperature values with increased intensity of magnetized water comparrison with untreated water where those Ostracodean animals lived
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Magnetic energy controls on a Sot of cosmic phenomena, as well known that the magnetic properties are not confined to iron and manganese, but a feature associated with all solids, liquid and gas, as well as all life.This research was conducted to identify the effect of magnetic water treatment in various intensity [500, 1000 and 1500] gauss in some aspects of life for the Iraqi fresh water ostracoda Cyclocypris cruciata Furtos 1935, which is an important component of the food chain in the waters.The samples of Ostracoda were collected from Al-Habebsa lake in Baghdad governerat by using sieve with mesh sized 75 micro m and zooplankton net with opening diameter about 25 cm and mesh size 335 micro m.Results were compared between the control animals that live in the natural waters with those treated with three different magnetic intensities. Research has shown a significant increase in the growth rate of the length and width of the shield for each male and female of the ostracoda with the increases in the intensity of magnetic water treatment, especially in 1500 Gauss.As well as, get a significant increase in the fertility of animals with the increases of magnetic intensity, also increase in the number of eggs and diameters per female treated compared with control.While sex ration didnet shows any differences between the control and water treated animals
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Kodamaea [Pichia] ohmeri is an emerging fatal opportunistic fungal infection. We describe the case of a 9-year-old boy known to have steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. The child, on peritoneal dialysis and cyclosporine, presented with peritonitis related to K. ohmeri. The patient's condition was cured by immediate removal of the peritoneal catheter and treatment with Caspofungin, which was prescribed for susceptible fungal infection
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Humans , Male , Child , Pichia , EchinocandinsABSTRACT
To investigate the association between angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] insertion/deletion [I/D] polymorphism and rheumatic heart disease [RHD] in Saudi patients. A case-control study was conducted in Saudi RHD patients. Genomic DNA was isolated from 99 RHD patients attending the Pediatric Cardiology Clinic at the Maternity and Children Hospital, Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia from March 2013 to June 2014, and from 145 age- and gender-matched controls. Patient clinical records were reviewed to report major and minor modified Jones' criteria for diagnosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography. The ACE I/D polymorphism was identified by polymerase chain reaction. A significant difference in ACE D allele carriage [DD+ID] distribution between RHD cases and controls was identified [p=0.02, odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-10.8]. The D allele carriage was significantly associated with development of mitral valve lesions alone [p=0.03]. The ACE I/D polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of RHD in the Saudi population. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this association
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Humans , Male , Female , INDEL Mutation , Polymorphism, Genetic , Rheumatic Heart Disease , Case-Control Studies , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and a major cause of mortality and morbidity despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment. There is evidence that changes in HER2 protein expressions are associated with breast cancer progression
Objective: To investigate whether measuring this tumour marker in serum of breast cancer patients before and after treatment might also be useful markers in the diagnosis, screening and monitoring the malignant tumour progression and response to therapy
Methods: Serum samples were obtained from [28] apparently healthy women [Control Group] with a mean age of 40.9 +/- 7.6 years and [60] female patients complaining from primary breast cancer [Patients Group] with a mean age of 48.3 +/- 8.9 years. They were divided according to their clinical end point into: Pre-Surgical Group, Post-Surgical Group and post- chemotherapy Group. Serum Her-2/nue level was measured using ELISA kits
Results: Level of Her2/neu [3130.4 pg/ml] was significantly higher in after 6 cycles of chemotherapy group than each of control [1400.8 pg/ml], before surgery [1597 pg/ml] and after surgery [1487.4 pg/ml] [P <0.05]. Her2/neu is effective test only after 6 cycle chemotherapy with an accuracy of 95.2%. The best performance for Her2neu was observed at values >/= 1464 pg/ml [sensitivity = 95% and specificity = 6 1%]. There were significant influences of the studied personal and the pathological characteristics of the tumour upon the biomarker levels where the levels were significantly higher with the increase of tumour pathological stage and in the presence of positive status for Her2neu receptors [P <0.05]
Conclusion: In this study there was a statistically significant association between tissue HER-2/neu and serum HER-2 /neu levels in the extracellular domain. It could be concluded that using serum Her-2/neu in patients after six cycles chemotherapy could predict response to therapy
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Humans , Middle Aged , Female , Adult , Case-Control Studies , Receptor, ErbB-2/blood , Antigens, Neoplasm , Peptide Fragments , Biomarkers, TumorABSTRACT
The nutrition transition with associated lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases has rapidly reached many developing countries, including Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity among Saudi adolescents. This school-based multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted during 2009-2010 in three major cities in Saudi Arabia: Al-Khobar, Jeddah, and Riyadh. Participants included 2,908 students of secondary schools (1,401 males and 1,507 females) aged 14 to 19 years, randomly selected using a multistage stratified cluster-sampling technique. Weight, height, and waist-circumference were measured; prevalence of overweight and obesity was determined using age- and sex-specific BMI cutoff reference standards of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF). Abdominal obesity was determined using waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) cutoffs (above 0.5). The prevalence of overweight was 19.5% in males and 20.8% in females while that of obesity was 24.1% in males and 14% in females. The prevalence of abdominal obesity in males and females was 35.9% and 30.3% respectively. Higher prevalence of obesity was observed among adolescents in private schools. Across all ages, overweight and obesity ranged from 39.9% to 45.6% in males and from 30.4% to 38.7% in females. ANCOVA, controlling for age, showed significant interaction effects (city by gender). It is concluded that the proportions of overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity, observed among Saudi adolescents were remarkably high. Such high prevalence of overweight and obesity is a major public-health concern.
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The present work aimed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of citrus peel in the redox status of liver and kidney in castrated rats. Twenty four Wistar albino rats were used. They were divided into 4 groups (n = 6). Group I was used as control. Group II was castration group, Group III was normal rats treated with citrus peel and Group IV was citrus peel castration group. Liver and kidney function and oxidative stress markers were measured. In addition, histopathological changes of liver and kidney were examined. Castration enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production in both liver and kidney with concomitant reduction in glutathione. In addition, castration caused liver and kidney injuries as indicated by histopathological changed of the liver and kidney with a disturbance in the functions of liver and kidney. Citrus peel protected liver and kidney through decreasing the oxidative stress stimulating the antioxidant defense system. From the present results, it can be concluded that the decrease in liver and kidney damages during citrus peel treatment may be due to the inhibition of oxidative stress overproduction and maintenance of antioxidant defense mechanisms of this extract.
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Long term outcomes after liver transplantation are major determinants of quality of life and of the value of this heroic treatment. As short term outcomes are excellent, our community is turning to take a harder look at long term outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to review these outcomes, and highlight proposed treatments, as well as pressing topics needing to be studied. A systemic review of the English literature was carried in PubMed, covering all papers addressing long term outcomes in pediatric liver transplant from 2000-2013. Late outcomes after pediatric liver transplant affect the liver graft in the form of chronic liver dysfunction. The causes include rejection particularly humoral rejection, but also de novo autoimmune hepatitis, and recurrent disease. The metabolic syndrome is a major factor in long term cardiovascular complication risk. Secondary infections, kidney dysfunction and malignancy remain a reality of those patients. There is growing evidence of late cognitive and executive function delays affecting daily life productivity as well as likely adherence. Finally, despite a good health status, quality of life measures are comparable to those of children with chronic diseases. Long term outcomes are the new frontier in pediatric liver transplantation. Much is needed to improve graft survival, but also to avoid systemic morbidities from long term immunosuppression. Quality of life is a new inclusive measure that will require interventions and innovative approaches respectful not only on the patients but also of their social circle.
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Child , Humans , Chronic Disease , Coinfection , Efficiency , Executive Function , Graft Survival , Hepatitis, Autoimmune , Immunosuppression Therapy , Kidney , Liver Diseases , Liver Transplantation , Liver , Quality of Life , TransplantsABSTRACT
Pneumocystitis may cause fatal pneumonia in premature, seriously ill infants at intensive care units. The present study evaluated the routine treatment applied at Sohag pediatrics department for neonatal and infantile pneumonia [in NICU and PICU] on PCP and to compare between the stained slides and real time-PCR in diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii. Sucked sputum from 21 pneumonic infants was collected, some for Giemsa stain and microscopic examination and the rest for PCR. The same procedure was done after regression of the symptoms and before release from the units. Serum samples were also collected on admission and discharge for CRP readings which was also used as an indicative of the healing process. Out of 21 pneumonic neonates and infants examined, 12 [57.1%] showed P. jirovecii in sputum samples with a significant difference between both groups [p=0.2]. 10 of them [83.3%] became negative for p. jirovecii under the routine regimen of treatment. Also 2 cases were infected with microspora, both improved at the end of treatment. While real time PCR was negative in all cases pre and post treatment. CRP levels regressed after treatment in all cases except 2 as one showed post treatment P. jirovecii in the sputum
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Humans , Male , Female , Drug Contamination , Prevalence , Infant, Newborn , Sputum/microbiology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Mosquitoes are unquestionably the most medically important arthropod vectors of disease. The maintenance and transmission of the pathogens that cause malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and numerous viral infections are absolutely dependent on the availability of competent mosquito vectors. Although the medical community has known for over a century the role played by mosquitoes in the transmission of malaria and lymphatic filariasis, these diseases continue to have a devastating influence on less privileged populations throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The present study was done to identify the different culicine mosquitoes in four different districts in Sohag Governorate and to describe and compare the various types of sensilla located on their antenna and maxillary palps using scanning electron microscopy
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Arthropod Antennae , Culicidae/classification , Comparative Study , Microscopy, Electron, ScanningABSTRACT
Adequate sleep has been considered important for the adolescent's health and well being. On the other hand, self-imposed sleep curtailment is now recognized as a potentially important and novel risk factor for obesity. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of short sleep duration and its association with obesity among Saudi adolescents. This is a school-based cross-sectional study with self-reported sleep questionnaires. It was conducted during the years 2009/2010 in three cities in Saudi Arabia; Al-Khobar, Jeddah, and Riyadh. Participants were 2868 secondary-school males [1379] and females [1389] aged 15 to 19 years, randomly selected using a multistage stratified sampling technique. Measurements included weight, height, waist circumference, BMI, and sleeping duration. Logistic regression analysis while adjusted for age, gender, and location was used to examine the associations between sleep duration and obesity measures. The mean [SD] of sleep duration was 7.2 [1.6] hours/day with no significant differences between males and females. About 31% of the participants obtain less than 7 hours of sleep per day, while approximately 50% of the sample gets less than 8 hours of daily sleep. Two-way ANCOVA results while controlling for the effect of age revealed a significant gender by school-type interaction [P<0.001]. In addition, adequate sleep duration increased the odds of having normal weight [adjusted odds ratios = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.08-1.50, P = 0.003]. The present study observed a high prevalence of short sleep duration among Saudi adolescents 15- to 19-year olds and that short sleep duration was significantly associated with increased risk of overweight and obesity. Future interventions should investigate whether adopting a healthy lifestyle by adolescents with short sleep duration would improve their sleeping habits or not
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Special concern is focused on the nutritional status of adolescent girls in order to avoid future health problems. The aim of this study was to determine the change in body mass index [BMI] among adolescent Saudi girls living in Al-Khobar between 1997 and 2007. A cross-sectional sample of adolescent Saudi girls, 15-19-years-old, living in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, was analyzed through two data sets. The first data set [n = 400] was collected in 1997 and the second [n = 321] was collected in 2007. Both data sets used the same sampling method. Anthropometric measurements were made and the BMI was used to determine participants' nutritional status. Statistical analysis was performed. There was an increase in the median weight of Saudi adolescent girls from 1997 to 2007, but the change was not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant change, however, in adolescent girls' height during the 10-year interval. Using BMI to determine the nutritional status of the sample, no statistically significant difference was found. Overweight and obesity remain prevalent in about 30% of the adolescent girls, and about 3.5% of the girls in both sets were underweight. This study concluded that there was no change in BMI among Saudi adolescent girls living in Al-Khobar during the 10-year span. Underweight is of low prevalence, and overweight and obesity are the critical nutritional problems that are faced by this population. Further research using time span comparisons is important to assess changes in maladaptive overweight and obesity
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Humans , Male , Female , Adolescent , Cross-Sectional Studies , Anthropometry , Nutritional Status , Overweight , ObesityABSTRACT
To report a variation in the innervation of the brachialis muscle along with the anomalous communication of the musculocutaneous nerve [MCN] with the median nerve [MN] in the left upper limb of formalin fixed adult male cadaver. During the educational gross anatomy dissections of the left brachium of a formalin fixed cadaver in our laboratory, we encountered a neuro-anatomical variation. The limb was carefully dissected and examined for any further anatomical variations. The accessory branch of the musculocutaneous nerve and the median nerve originated approximately at the midpoint level of the brachial region. The nerves then coursed inferiorly between the biceps and brachialis muscles and communicated with each other forming a plexus. Two separate branches from the plexus innervated the brachialis muscle. However, the brachialis muscle received and additional radix from the accessory branch of median nerve. Another unusual radix was seen arising from the nerve plexus, had a very oblique course and merged with the musculocutaneous nerve to form the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. The knowledge of the communicating branches between the median nerve and the musculocutaneous nerves is important as these communicating branches are more liable to be injured during surgical and clinical investigations
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Humans , Median Nerve , Arm , Muscles/innervation , CadaverABSTRACT
To study the pattern of prescribing of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs [NSAIDs] in a family practice clinic at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan. Review of files for prescribed drugs in the "Family Practice Clinic at Jordan University Hospital" during the period 28/03/2008- 18/07/2008. Files at the end of the clinic session were collected and reviewed for prescriptions. A total of 2027 patient files were reviewed, 343 [16.9%] of which contained NSAIDs. The number of drugs per prescription ranged from 1-12 [mean +/- SD, 3.1 +/- 1.9], with 67% of prescriptions containing 3 or less drugs. Proprietary drug names were used in 89.5% of prescriptions. Diclofenac was the most frequently prescribed NSAID [44.9%], followed by aspirin [30.3%] and proprionic acid derivative [15.2%]. One fourth [90] of the files containing NSAIDs prescriptions belonged to females in chilf-bearing age. In most cases, diclofenac and proprionic acid derivatives were prescribed for musculoskeletal disorders followed by infections, while aspirin was prescribed mostly for cardiovascular disorders. With some exceptions, the pattern of prescriptions of NSAIDs is fairly appropriate. Diclofenac was irrationally and overused as it was prescribed for infections, and inappropriately used in patients with bronchial asthma. These drugs were prescribed for women in child-bearing age. Proprietary drug names were used in the majority of prescriptions. The strength of medications, frequency of administration and duration of therapy were missing in some of the prescriptions. Continued medical education on rational prescribing seems necessary
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Understanding the extent of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among university youth students is essential for early detection and prevention. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases among the university students. This quantitative exploratory study has been carried out with a convenience sample of 403 undergraduate students at the University of Jordan. The results showed that male students were overweight and more obese than females [22% and 10.6%, respectively], students consume more tea and coffee, smoke, exercised irregularly, had stress and 17% of females had irregular sleep. The study concluded that the majority of university students are exposed to risk factors contributing to the disease