Effects of prenatal tobacco smoke on cerebellum histomorphological changes at critical developmental stages in CD-1 mice / Efectos del humo de tabaco en los cambios histomorfológicos del cerebelo en las etapas críticas del desarrollo prenatal en ratones CD-1

SUMMARY: In this study the consequences of prenatal exposure to tobacco smokes on the histo-morphological changes of cerebellum was assessed by comparing the smoker mice to the nonsmoker mice. A total of 30 pregnant cd-1 mice were divided into three groups of 10 mice each and with two replicates per group (5 mice each). Following acclimation for five days, the mice were placed in a special modified smoking machine for 2 hours per day over a two- and three-week period for group two and group three, respectively. Group one was considered as a control group. Mice in the control group were exposed simultaneously to fresh air from the room, while those in the treatment groups were exposed to tobacco smoke from six commercial filter cigarettes, containing 0.8 mg of nicotine, 10 mg of tar, and 10 mg of carbon monoxide, for three 1-hour exposure periods every day for three weeks. The mice in the control group were exposed to room air for three 1-hour periods every day for the same period of three weeks. The results from this study showed a correlation between maternal smoking and histological changes in Neuron purkinjense (Purkinje cells) of the cerebellum. They also showed that prenatal smoking period may have caused more damage in the histology and structure of Neuron purkinjense in some juvenile mice. An increased incidence of morphology damage of the cerebellum's Neuron purkinjense' structures was also observed in fetuses with prolonged exposure to tobacco smoking. Exposure of in utero maternal smoking may interfere with brain biological development parameters, giving rise to structural abnormalities of the cerebellum. This study concluded that tobacco smoke exposure to pregnant mice may affect neurodevelopment which may induce behavioural changes as a result of reduced cerebellar size and function.

RESUMEN: Se evaluaron los efectos producidos por la exposición prenatal al humo de tabaco en ratones expuestos y no expuestos y los cambios histomorfológicos observados en el cerebelo en ambos grupos. Un total de 30 ratones cd-1 preñados se dividieron en tres grupos de 10 ratones cada uno y con dos réplicas por grupo (5 ratones cada uno). Después de la aclimatación durante cinco días, los ratones se colocaron en una máquina de fumar modificada, especial durante 2 horas al día, durante un período de dos y tres semanas para el grupo dos y el grupo tres, respectivamente. El grupo uno se consideró como grupo control. Los ratones del grupo de control fueron expuestos simultáneamente al aire limpio de la habitación, mientras que los grupos de tratamiento fueron expuestos al humo de tabaco de seis cigarrillos comerciales, que contenían 0,8 mg de nicotina, 10 mg de alquitrán y 10 mg de monóxido de carbono. durante tres períodos de 1 hora diariamente, durante tres semanas. Los ratones del grupo de control se expusieron al aire ambiente durante tres períodos de 1 hora todos los días durante el mismo período de tres semanas. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron una correlación entre el tabaquismo materno y los cambios histológicos en las neuronas purkinjenses (células de Purkinje). Se observó además que el período de tabaquismo prenatal puede haber causado mayor daño en la histología y estructura de las neuronas purkinjenses en algunos ratones jóvenes. También se observó una mayor incidencia de daño morfológico de las estructuras de las neuronas purkinjenses del cerebelo en fetos con exposición prolongada al tabaquismo. La exposición al tabaquismo materno en el útero puede interferir con los parámetros de desarrollo biológico del cerebro, dando lugar a anomalías estructurales del cerebelo. Este estudio concluyó que la exposición al humo del tabaco en ratones preñados puede afectar el desarrollo neurológico, lo que puede inducir cambios de comportamiento como resultado de la reducción del tamaño y la función del cerebelo.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception toward Radiation Hazards and Protection among Dental Professionals in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Radiation hazards are harmful, and it becomes precarious when there is a professional negligence or ignorance. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and perception among dental students and dental practitioners toward dental radiation and to assess the difference in knowledge between dentists, dental staff and dental students. Materials and methods: The study was comprised of 550 participants. The information was collected from each participant through structured questionnaire consisting of 39 close-ended questions. Statistical analysis: Chisquare to test the association of knowledge, attitudes and perception (KAP) with gender, occupational sector and educational qualification and one way analysis of variance to compare the difference in means of KAP between the three different groups of professionals and gender. Results: Out of the 550 dental professionals who participated in the study, 293 (53%) were dental students, 83 (15%) were dental staff and 174 (32%) were dentists. Dental students showed higher KAP values towards radiation hazards protection followed by dentists and dental staff. Conclusion: From the results obtained in this study, it was noted that the KAP level with regard to radiation protection was higher among dental students compared to dentists, and the least KAP value was found with dental staff.

Enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of cellulosic date palm wastes to glucose and lactic acid

Abstract The bioconversion of cellulosic wastes into high-value bio-products by saccharification and fermentation processes is an important step that can reduce the environmental pollution caused by agricultural wastes. In this study, enzymatic saccharification of treated and untreated date palm cellulosic wastes by the cellulases from Geobacillus stearothermophilus was optimized. The alkaline pre-treatment of the date palm wastes was found to be effective in increasing the saccharification percentage. The maximum rate of saccharification was found at a substrate concentration of 4% and enzyme concentration of 30 FPU/g of substrate. The optimum pH and temperature for the bioconversions were 5.0 and 50 °C, respectively, after 24 h of incubation, with a yield of 31.56 mg/mL of glucose at a saccharification degree of 71.03%. The saccharification was increased to 94.88% by removal of the hydrolysate after 24 h by using a two-step hydrolysis. Significant lactic acid production (27.8 mg/mL) was obtained by separate saccharification and fermentation after 72 h of incubation. The results indicate that production of fermentable sugar and lactic acid is feasible and may reduce environmental pollution by using date palm wastes as a cheap substrate.

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in Saudi Arabia: genotypes distribution review

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] infections in hospital have obviously imposed a significant burden of morbidity and mortality, and strain on healthcare resources. Here, we review the genotype distribution of these pathogens in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. A PubMed literature search [until May 2014] specified 12 articles that characterized MRSA clones in KSA. Only two regions [Riyadh and Damamm] were represented in ten articles. Data from these articles showed that the pandemic Vienna/Hungarian/Brazilian clone [CC8/ ST239-III] is the most frequent in Saudi regions [Riyadh and Damamm]. Several other clones such as Barnim/ UK-EMRSA-15 [CC22-IV], Southwest Pacific clone [ST30-IV] and European community-associated-MRSA clone [CC80-IV] have been detected in the Riyadh region. A variety of MRSA clones is beginning to circulate in Saudi hospitals. Continued collection and molecular characterization of MRSA is crucial for the effective prevention and treatment

Prevalence of ocular pseudoexfoliation syndrome and associated complications in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

To assess the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome [PEX], and associated ophthalmic complications among Saudi patients. The prevalence of PEX and associated ocular co-morbidities were determined among the Saudi patients visiting the Primary Care Clinic of Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January 2009 and January 2010. A total of 1967 patients were examined biomicoscopically by ophthalmologists to determine the presence of PEX and associated ocular complications. Sixty-nine of the 1967 examined patients [3.5%] showed the presence of PEX with no significant gender difference. There was an age dependent increase in the prevalence of PEX after the age of 50 years. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome was associated with higher intraocular pressure, cataract, and poor vision. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of PEX in male and female Saudi patients. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is an age-related disorder, and its prevalence increases with age. Further larger population based studies are warranted to assess the prevalence of PEX and associated risk factors

[Adequacy of glycemic control and serum lipid profile in hemodialysis of Palestinian patients with diabetes mellitus]

Inadequate glycemic control and lipid abnormalities which are prevalent among diabetic patients on hemodialysis may act synergistically to place these patients at an augmented risk for morbidity and mortality of diabetic complications. The purpose of this case-controlled study was to assess the glycemic control and prevalence of dyslipidemia among diabetics who were on hemodialysis, by following them up for ten months and carrying out the following measurements, glycated hemoglobin [A[1c], LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, over the time of study, from Nov 2007 to Aug 2008. Fifteen patients died during the study period, ten of them had history of hypertension before reaching the chronic renal failure. The results showed a significant elevation in A[1C]% among the patients in comparison to healthy controls. More than 40% of patients were with inadequate glycemic control [A[1c] >6.5%]. More than half [55.6%] of patients who underwent insulin therapy were with inadequate glycemic control. Dyslipidemia was characteristic in patients where the levels of HDL-C were found to be significantly lower in all patients compared to controls 32.5 +/- 8.8 vs. 42.7 +/- 9.1 mg/dl; respectively. The mean LDL/HDL ratio in patients was higher than in controls, 3.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.8; respectively. Inadequate glycemic control in diabetics on hemodialysis was prevalent, insulin resistance is suggested, dyslipidemia is predominate, and further follow up of these patients is recommended

Adequacy of glycemic control and serum lipid profile in hemodialysis of Palestinian patients with diabetes mellitus

Inadequate glycemic control and lipid abnormalities which are prevalent among diabetic patients on hemodialysis may act synergistically to place these patients at an augmented risk for morbidity and mortality of diabetic complications. The purpose of this case-controlled study was to assess the glycemic control and prevalence of dyslipidemia among diabetics who were on hemodialysis, by following them up for ten months and carrying out the following measurements, glycated hemoglobin A[1c], LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, over the time of study, from Nov 2007 to Aug 2008. Fifteen patients died during the study period, ten of them had history of hypertension before reaching the chronic renal failure. The results showed a significant elevation in A[IC]% among the patients in comparison to healthy controls. More than 40% of patients were with inadequate glycemic control [A[IC] >6.5%]. More than half [55.6%] of patients who underwent insulin therapy were with inadequate glycemic control. Dyslipidemia was characteristic in patients, where the levels of HDL-C were found to be significantly lower in all patients compared to controls 32.5 +/- 8.8 vs. 42.7 +/- 9.1 mg/dl; respectively. The mean HDL/LDLratio in patients was higher than in controls, 3.6 +/- 1.3 vs. 2.7 +/- 0.8; respectively. Inadequate glycemic control in diabetics on hemodialysis was prevalent, insulin resistance is suggested, dyslipidemia is predominate, and further follow up of these patients is recommended

Prophylaxis against infective endocarditis: a review of current international guidelines

The purpose of this review is to discuss current international guidelines on the prevention of infective endocarditis [IE]. It has long been considered that all patients with heart conditions predisposing to IE should receive antibiotic prophylaxis when undergoing procedures leading to bacteremia with organisms known to cause endocarditis. However, evidence for this is poor and based on isolated case reports, and on theoretical considerations, rather than on randomized controlled trials. Recently, thinking has changed for 3 main reasons. Firstly, there is now strong evidence that bacteremia with endocarditis-causing organisms frequently occurs following everyday activities, such as tooth-brushing. Secondly, few cases of endocarditis are directly attributable to a preceding procedure. Thirdly, adverse effects of antibiotic use should be given due consideration. Recent international guidelines have radically changed recommendations on this issue, advocating limited, or non-use of antibiotics in a very small group of high-risk individuals for a limited number of invasive procedures

Cockroaches from urban human dwellings: isolation of bacterial pathogens and control.

A study was carried out to determine the distribution of cockroaches in two different housing areas with central sewerage or individual septic tanks in an urban area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Six species of cockroaches were present and of these Periplaneta americana and Periplaneta brunnea were found in greater abundance. Seventeen species of bacteria were isolated and of these Escherichia coli and Klebsiella p. pneumoniae were isolated in greatest numbers. Control measures carried out using lambda cyhalothrin showed that there was no significant difference between treated and control sites.

Sking morbidity pattern among patients seen at a university primary care clinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Information on the morbidity pattern of patients seen at a primary care clinic is sparse or not readily available for most countries in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia. A prospective study of all new patients presenting with skin disorders at the Primary Care Clinic of King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was, therefore, carried out over a period of one year [1993-94]. An analysis of the skin morbidities of 1183 new patients seen over this period is reported here. There is a male preponderance overall and more than 87% of the patients were below 40 years of age. Out of all patients with diseases of the skin, 77.5% were referred for specialist care. It is conceivable that the commonly observed pattern of dermatological diseases in this study may change over a period of time due to the interventions adopted by the primary care clinics, as part of social development, or as a cumulative effect of both. The primary care physician has to be aware of such changes by periodically analyzing the available morbidity pattern

Care of asthmatic patients in primary health care centers

This is a retrospective study of the medical records of asthmatics using a predesigned form. The purpose of the study is to define the number of patients registered as asthmatics at a random selection of primary health care centers [PHCCs] in Riyadh and to describe sociodemographic, clinical and management characteristics of this population of asthmatics with a view to recommending changes which might improve the care for asthma patients. Items of inquiry included demographic data, clinical features, management and health center profiles of the patients. Patients from 60 primary health care centers were studied. There were 2081 asthmatic patients found in the studied PHCCs [out of 255,145 surveryed], giving a rate of 0.8%. Out of all the patients, 32.8% were children 16 years of age or below and 24.7% were above 45 years of age. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1. The presenting symptoms were cough in 82.3% and shortness of breath in 64.8%. Atopic disorders such as eczema and allergic rhinitis were recorded in 27.7%. PHCCs diagnosed 61.9% depending on history and clinical examination. Out of all patients, 10.6% did not utilize a PHCC, 29.5% were referred to a specialist and 8.7% needed admission to the hospital one or more times. Oral salbutamol was used in more than 45.7% of the patients. The number of registered bronchial asthma patients at the PHCCs was very low. Even when registered, asthmatic patients are getting suboptimal care. The present study provides a basis for intervention and a baseline from which to measure the benefits of intervention. It also provides the strongest possible support for the Ministry of Health, who recently initiated a National Asthma Program

prevalence of obesity among Saudi males in the Riyadh region

Attendees of 15 health centers in urban and rural areas in the Riyadh region were screened for obesity during May and June 1994. Systemic selection yielded 1580 Saudi males for analysis. The mean age was 33.6 +/- 13.5 years and body mass index [BM1] was 26.9 +/- 5.7 kg/m 2. Only 36.6% of subjects were their ideal weight [BMI < 25 kg/m [2]], while 34.8% were overweight [BMI 25-29.9 kg/m [2]], 26.9% were moderately obese [BMI 30-40 kg/m [2]] and 1.7% were morbidly obese [BMI > 40 kg/m [2]]. Middle age, lower education and joblessness predicted a higher risk for obesity. Patients living in rural areas had greater BMIs than those living in urban areas [P < 0.01]. Forty percent of overweight participants did not think they were so. The high prevalence of obesity and the lack of awareness among those afflicted emphasizes the need for community-based programs for preventing and reducing obesity, since weight control is effective in ameliorating most of the disorders associated with obesity, such as Type II non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, sleep apnea syndrome and osteoarthritis of the knees. Young parents who are at risk of developing obesity and who play a central role in perpetuating it in their offspring should be the target of obesity-prevention programs

prospective study of the morbidity pattern of patients seen at a university primary care clinic

Information on the morbidity pattern of patients seen at a primary care clinic is sparse or not available for most countries in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia. A prospective study of all new patients at the primary care clinic of King Khalid University Hospital [KKUH], Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was therefore carried out over a period of one year [1991G to 1992G]. An analysis of the morbidity pattern of 9,441 new patients seen over this period is hereby reported. There is a male preponderance overall and more than 70% of the patients were below 40 years of age. Ill-defined illnesses, diseases of the skin, genitourinary, digestive, musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases accounted for more than 70% of the patients. About one-third of the patients, mainly those with diseases of the skin and genitourinary systems, were referred for specialist care. It is conceivable that the commonly observed pattern of diseases in this study may change over a period of time either due to the interventions adopted by the primary care clinics or as part of social development or as a cumulative effect of both. The primary physician has to be aware of such a change by periodically analyzing the available morbidity pattern

Low back pain and obesity in primary health care, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

To assess the prevalence of obesity and its association with low back pain in patients attending health care centres. A case-control study of 2460 Arab patients attending urban and rural health centres in Riyadh region was conducted during Jan-Feb 1993. Twelve health centres participated in the study. All patients attending the health centres with low back pain [cases] were compared with patients free from back pain [non-cases]. The mean ages were 34 years for males and 32 years for females. Only 17.6% cases can be considered as non-obese compared with 42.6% non-obese among non-cases. The mean body mass index [BMI] of cases was 30.6 +/- 6.1 kg/m[2] compared with 26.7 +/- 5.8 kg/m[2] of non-cases [p<0.01]. Body mass indices were higher among females, those of low education, housewives, non-Saudis and the divorced or widowed than other groups [p<0.01]. Patients living in rural areas had higher BMI than those residing in urban areas [P< 0.01]. Low back pain is associated with obesity. The prevalence of obesity is higher in females, housewives, non-Saudis, the divorced, the widowed, and among those living in rural areas

Causes of III-health among elderly patients seen at a primary care clinic at King Khalid University Hospital, Saudi Arabia: an opportunity for prevention

To assess the morbidity pattern of elderly Saudi patients aged 60 years and above seen at a primary care clinic. A prospective analysis of the morbidity pattern of new Saudi patients aged 60 years and above at the primary care clinic of King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was carried out over a period of 1 year [May 1992 to April 1993]. Over the study period 812 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. There was a male preponderance [547 male: 265 female - ratio 2.1:1 .0] and 37. 1% of the patients were over 70 years of age. Ill-defined illnesses, musculoskeletal disorders, metabolic, digestive, circulatory, genitourinary diseases and injury accounted for 81 .4% of the disease conditions. About one-quarter of the patients, mainly those with neoplasms, nervous system disorders, skin diseases and genitourinary problems were referred for specialist care. It is conceivable that the commonly observed pattern of diseases in this study may change over a period of time either due to the interventions adopted by the primary care clinic or as part of social development or as a cumulative effect of both. The primary health care physician has to be aware of such a change by periodically analysing the available morbidity data