The efficacy of a training program for social skills in reducing addictive Internet behaviors among Palestinian university students

Abstract Background: For youth in geopolitically at-risk environments, such as Palestine, the issues related to Internet overuse and addictions are complex. Youth residing in the occupied territories of Palestine as in other highly militarized zones have high levels of environmental stressors (e.g., militarization, poverty, lack of employment opportunities, cultural pressures, etc.) and few chemical or social outlets such as alcohol, intoxicants, and leisure activities. As such, the easily accessible and unrestricted opportunities for stress-reducing social contact of social media can lead easily to excessive and maladaptive Internet use. Therefore, interventions directly aimed at awareness and education on how to manage Internet use are critical for addressing these issues in high risk populations. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to test the efficacy of a time-limited group training program aimed at improving social skills and reducing addictive Internet behaviors among university students. Methods and results: The sample consisted of 30 university students who self-reported high scores on an Internet addiction scale. Participants were randomly assigned to either wait list or treatment group (15 in each condition). Results demonstrated that using a social skills training program over an 8-week period improved the level of social skills and reduced addictive Internet behaviors significantly in those who experienced the intervention when compared with a wait list control group. Conclusions: These findings support the implementation of time limited training programs targeting social skills and addictive patterns of Internet use with university students identified with high levels of Internet addictive behaviors.

In vitro haemostatic efficacy of aqueous, methanol and ethanol plant extracts of three medicinal plant species in Palestine / Eficácia hemostática in vitro de extratos aquosos, metanólicos e etanólicos de três espécies de plantas medicinais na Palestina

Abstract The haemostatic efficacy of different extract types of Satureja thymbra L., Thymbra spicata L. (Lamiaceae) and Verbascum fruticulosum Post. (Scrophulariaceae) was evaluated in this study via the Prothrombin time (PT) and Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) analysis. Aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of the examined plant species leaves were prepared to a final concentration 50 mg/mL. In vitro PT and aPTT assays were conducted on normal platelet poor plasma blood samples by a digital coagulation analyzer. The obtained results revealed anticoagulation activity of all investigated plant species with observed variations among them. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of T. spicata as well as the aqueous extract of S. thymbra prolonged PT values significantly (p < 0.05). While, all V. fruticulosum extract types have had no significant effect on the PT values. The recorded aPTT data showed that all aqueous extracts have had a significant effect on the blood haemostasis as they increased aPTT values in all plant species under study. Out of which, both the ethanol and methanol extracts of T. spicata and methanol extract of S. thymbra showed similar effect. Of great concern, it was clearly noticed that the aqueous and ethanol extract of T. spicata and the aqueous extract of S. thymbra possess the strongest anticoagulation effect as they increased both PT and aPTT values significantly relative to the control (p < 0.05). The variable anticoagulation bioactivity among the studied plant species could be referred to the various solvents degrees of solubility of different phyto-constituents. Thus, the efficacy of the plant species extracts evaluation as anticoagulants or coagulants were related to the plant species and to the solvent of extraction.

Resumo A eficácia hemostática de diferentes tipos de extrato de Satureja thymbra L., Thymbra spicata L. (Lamiaceae) e Verbascum fruticulosum Post. (Scrophulariaceae) foi avaliada neste estudo pelo tempo de protrombina (TP) e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPa). Os extratos aquosos, metanólicos e etanólicos das folhas das espécies de plantas examinadas foram preparados para uma concentração final de 50 mg/mL. Os ensaios de TP e TTPa in vitro foram realizados em amostras normais de sangue, pobre em plaquetas, por um analisador de coagulação digital. Os resultados obtidos revelaram atividade anticoagulante de todas as espécies de plantas investigadas, com variações observadas dentre elas. Os extratos aquosos e etanólicos de T. spicata e o extrato aquoso de S. thymbra prolongaram significativamente os valores de TP (p <0,05). Entretanto, todos os tipos de extratos de V. fruticulosum não tiveram efeito significativo sobre os valores de TP. Os dados registrados do TTPa mostraram que todos os extratos aquosos tiveram um efeito significativo na hemostase do sangue, pois aumentaram os valores de TTPa em todas as espécies de plantas em estudo. Dos quais, ambos os extratos etanólicos e metanólicos de T. spicata e o extrato metanólico de S. thymbra mostraram efeito semelhante. De grande preocupação, notou-se claramente que os extratos aquoso e etanólico de T. spicata e o extrato aquoso de S. thymbra apresentam efeito anticoagulante mais forte, aumentando os valores de TP e TTPa significativamente em relação ao controle (p <0,05). A variável bioatividade anticoagulante dentre as espécies vegetais estudadas pôde ser referida aos vários graus de solventes de solubilidade de diferentes fitoconstituintes. Assim, a eficácia da avaliação de extratos de espécies vegetais como anticoagulantes ou coagulantes foi relacionada às espécies vegetais e ao solvente de extração.

Pharmacists’ Knowledge And Perception Regarding Dietary Supplements In Palestine: Descriptive Study

Objective: To assess pharmacists’ knowledge with regards registered dietary supplements DS and their perception toward DS registration by the ministry of health MOH Methods: A questionnaire was designed to assess pharmacists’ knowledge about newly registered food supplements (registered after 2012) and to assess their view about the current measures followed by MOH in registering these supplements. The questionnaire was distributed to pharmacists in West Bank–Palestine during the period from December 2017 to March 2018. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program (SPSS) version 10. Results: Pharmacists’ knowledge with regards to registered DS was high with approximately 86% have recorded the right answers. Their perception about the current increasing registration of DS, pharmacists (67%) thinks that ‘what available DS in the market’ is enough and there is no need for more DS to be registered. Almost half of the pharmacists (48%) think that the information provided regarding dietary supplements is inadequate and almost 30% think is adequate. More than 70% of the pharmacists they never or rarely access the MOH web site to access for information about DS. Conclusion: This study highlighted the importance of controlling DS registration by the MOH and the necessity to effectively update pharmacists about these DS for effective counseling.

Prevalence of inherited color vision deficiency among male school students in Nablus, Palestine / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To find out the prevalence of inherited color vision deficiency(CVD)among Palestinian male-school children aged 14-18 and compare it with other eastern and western countries. <p>METHODS: Six hundred and thirty-four male subjects(<i>n</i>=634)aged 14-18 from Palestinian Governorate of Nablus were randomly selected and screened using Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates. Subjects who failed Ishihara screening were tested further with computer software of Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue test.<p>RESULTS: Out of the 634 male participants, 597 were included in the study and 8.0% of them(48 males)demonstrated red-green CVD. 5.4%, 2.3% and 0.3% of the 48 males exhibited deutan, protan and total color vision deficiency(monochromacy), respectively.<p>CONCLUSION: The results show that the prevalence of red-green CVD among the male school children from Palestinian Governorate of Nablus is not significantly different from that of male populations in nearby and Western countries.

Avaliação dos perfis de cultura organizacional em hospitais da Faixa de Gaza / Assessment of organizational culture types in Gaza Strip hospitals

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os perfis de cultura organizacional e suas dimensões nos hospitais governamentais e não governamentais da Faixa de Gaza da Palestina. Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal descritiva que envolveu 400 participantes de hospitais governamentais e não governamentais no período de junho a dezembro de 2018. A população de estudo incluiu todas as categorias de trabalhadores dos hospitais como médicos, enfermeiras, paramédicos e administradores. Cerca de 60% da amostra era do sexo masculino e 40% do feminino. A faixa etária da maior parte dos participantes situava-se entre 20 e 40 anos. Destes, 78,2% possuíam bacharelado ou pós-graduação, enquanto 17,9% possuíam apenas diploma de graduação ou níveis menores de formação. O tamanho amostral dos participantes foi diverso de acordo com os tipos e capacidades dos hospitais. O maior número de participantes foi de hospitais governamentais com 82,5%, enquanto 17,5% eram de hospitais não governamentais. Os perfis de cultura organizacional mais comuns nos hospitais da Faixa de Gaza foram a cultura de clãs e de hierarquia. Os hospitais não governamentais apresentaram médias superiores aos governamentais em todos os perfis de cultura organizacional. É recomendável o uso de uma abordagem abrangente da cultura organizacional de modo a estudá-la e perceber sua direção e tendência antes de se estabelecer novos procedimentos ou iniciativas.

Abstract The aim of the study was to describe the organizational culture types and their dimensions at the governmental and non-governmental hospitals in the Gaza Strip of Palestine. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved 400 participants of the governmental and non-governmental hospitals in the period between June and December 2018. The target population included all the working staff categories at the hospitals as physicians, nurses, paramedics, and administrators. About 60% of the sample was male and 40% was female. Most of the participants' age was between 20-40 years. Of these, 78.2% were having bachelor's or higher degrees and 17.9% were having diplomas or lesser degrees. Participants' sample sizes were diverse according to the types and capacities of their hospitals. The highest number of participants was from governmental hospitals with 82.5%, while 17.5% was from non-governmental hospitals. The highest determined types of management in Gaza Strip hospitals were clan and hierarchy-oriented cultures. The non-governmental hospitals had higher means than the governmental ones in all the organizational culture types. The comprehensive approach of organizational culture is desired to study the organizational culture type and realize its direction and trend before establishing new procedures or initiative programs.

In vitro haemostatic efficacy of aqueous, methanol and ethanol plant extracts of three medicinal plant species in Palestine

Abstract The haemostatic efficacy of different extract types of Satureja thymbra L., Thymbra spicata L. (Lamiaceae) and Verbascum fruticulosum Post. (Scrophulariaceae) was evaluated in this study via the Prothrombin time (PT) and Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) analysis. Aqueous, methanol and ethanol extracts of the examined plant species leaves were prepared to a final concentration 50 mg/mL. In vitro PT and aPTT assays were conducted on normal platelet poor plasma blood samples by a digital coagulation analyzer. The obtained results revealed anticoagulation activity of all investigated plant species with observed variations among them. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of T. spicata as well as the aqueous extract of S. thymbra prolonged PT values significantly (p 0.05). While, all V. fruticulosum extract types have had no significant effect on the PT values. The recorded aPTT data showed that all aqueous extracts have had a significant effect on the blood haemostasis as they increased aPTT values in all plant species under study. Out of which, both the ethanol and methanol extracts of T. spicata and methanol extract of S. thymbra showed similar effect. Of great concern, it was clearly noticed that the aqueous and ethanol extract of T. spicata and the aqueous extract of S. thymbra possess the strongest anticoagulation effect as they increased both PT and aPTT values significantly relative to the control (p 0.05). The variable anticoagulation bioactivity among the studied plant species could be referred to the various solvents degrees of solubility of different phyto-constituents. Thus, the efficacy of the plant species extracts evaluation as anticoagulants or coagulants were related to the plant species and to the solvent of extraction.

Resumo A eficácia hemostática de diferentes tipos de extrato de Satureja thymbra L., Thymbra spicata L. (Lamiaceae) e Verbascum fruticulosum Post. (Scrophulariaceae) foi avaliada neste estudo pelo tempo de protrombina (TP) e tempo de tromboplastina parcial ativada (TTPa). Os extratos aquosos, metanólicos e etanólicos das folhas das espécies de plantas examinadas foram preparados para uma concentração final de 50 mg/mL. Os ensaios de TP e TTPa in vitro foram realizados em amostras normais de sangue, pobre em plaquetas, por um analisador de coagulação digital. Os resultados obtidos revelaram atividade anticoagulante de todas as espécies de plantas investigadas, com variações observadas dentre elas. Os extratos aquosos e etanólicos de T. spicata e o extrato aquoso de S. thymbra prolongaram significativamente os valores de TP (p 0,05). Entretanto, todos os tipos de extratos de V. fruticulosum não tiveram efeito significativo sobre os valores de TP. Os dados registrados do TTPa mostraram que todos os extratos aquosos tiveram um efeito significativo na hemostase do sangue, pois aumentaram os valores de TTPa em todas as espécies de plantas em estudo. Dos quais, ambos os extratos etanólicos e metanólicos de T. spicata e o extrato metanólico de S. thymbra mostraram efeito semelhante. De grande preocupação, notou-se claramente que os extratos aquoso e etanólico de T. spicata e o extrato aquoso de S. thymbra apresentam efeito anticoagulante mais forte, aumentando os valores de TP e TTPa significativamente em relação ao controle (p 0,05). A variável bioatividade anticoagulante dentre as espécies vegetais estudadas pôde ser referida aos vários graus de solventes de solubilidade de diferentes fitoconstituintes. Assim, a eficácia da avaliação de extratos de espécies vegetais como anticoagulantes ou coagulantes foi relacionada às espécies vegetais e ao solvente de extração.

Risk of error estimated from Palestine pharmacists' knowledge and certainty on the adverse effects and contraindications of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients / 보건의료교육평가

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate community pharmacists' knowledge and certainty of adverse effects and contraindications of pharmaceutical products to estimate the risk of error. Factors influencing their knowledge and certainty were also investigated. METHODS: The knowledge of community pharmacists was assessed in a cross-sectional design using a multiple-choice questions test on the adverse effects and contraindications of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients from May 2014 to March 2015. Self-rated certainty scores were also recorded for each question. Knowledge and certainty scores were combined to estimate the risk of error. RESULTS: Out of 315 subjects, 129 community pharmacists (41.0%) completed the 30 multiple-choice questions test on active ingredients and excipients. Knowledge on active ingredients was associated with the year of graduation and obtaining a licence to practice pharmacy. Knowledge on excipients was associated with the degree obtained. There was higher risk of error in items on excipients than those on ingredients (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The knowledge of community pharmacists in Palestine was insufficient with high risk of errors. Knowledge of community pharmacists on the safety issues of active ingredients and excipients need to be improved.

The single nucleotide polymorphism rs2305957 G/A is not associated with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Background: This study was conducted in order to investigate the association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2305957 G/A and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in a group of Palestinian women residing in Gaza strip. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was carried out during the period (May to August, 2015). A total of 380 females, 190 RPL patients and 190 control women without previous history of RPL, aged 20–35 years were included in the study. The SNP was analyzed by tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR (T-ARMS-PCR). Results: No statistically significant difference existed between RPL cases and controls in terms of the allelic and genotypic distribution of rs2305957 G/A. Conclusions: SNP rs2305957 G/A does not represent a risk factor for RPL in the investigated population.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Coronary Artery Disease in Women Attending Coronary Angiography in Gaza- Palestine: An Observational Study.

Aims: It is well know that Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is crucial risk factors for Coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aimed to investigate characteristics and angiographic profiles of the CAD in diabetic’s women in comparison with non diabetics. Methodology: Documented CAD was examined in 688 women, attending angiographic examination in El-Hayat cardiology center in Gaza City during period 2010 – 2013. Cross sectional design was applied in this study where variables of interest are examined at the same point of the women examination, and predisposing risk factors were recording. CAD severity was assessed by the number of arteries 0-3 with more than 50% stenosis. Results: 420 of study population (61%) were diabetics, the diabetics women were older (P =0.02), had higher prevalence of hypertension, high level of Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and high level of Triglycerides (TG), the P value for all these variables cited was less than 0.001. The Body mass index (BMI) was the same in the two groups (P =0.76); women with diabetes have higher prevalence of severe stenosis in the angiography, where normal vessel was reported in 36.4%, single vessel 26.9%, double vessels 18.6% and triple vessels 18.1% vs 57.8%, 17.9%, 12.7%, 11.6% in non diabetic’s women respectively with significant statistical difference (P=0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes mellitus was stronger predictor of CAD. Conclusion: Our data shows a strong association of diabetes effect more than other factors, on atherosclerosis. Information for future prospective studies is needed for primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of cardiovascular disease in Palestine.

Three new species of cercariae from Melanopsis praemorsa (L. 1758, Buccinum) snails in Al-Bathan fresh water body, Palestine

Objective: To investigate other new species of cercariae encountered in Melanopsis praemorsa (M. praemorsa) snails collected from Palestine. Methods: A total of 1 100 M. praemorsa were collected from Al-Bathan water body, Palestine, from November, 2010 to November, 2011. Cercariae in M. praemorsa were obtained by emerging and crushing methods. Results: Other three new different species of cercariae have been identified from this snail. These species were Xiphidiocercaria (Cercaria melanopsi palestinia IV), Microcercous (Cercaria melanopsi palestinia V) and Longifurcate cercaria (Cercaria melanopsi palestinia VI). The infection rate ofM. praemorsa with these three different cercariae was (42.2%). Coinfection with Xiphidiocercariae and Longifurcate cercariae or Xiphidiocercariae and Microcercous cercariae has been noted and coinfection rate was 1.23% among the infected snails. The highest cercarial infection rate was in June (64.3%). No infected snails were found in September. It was also noted that infected snails attained a larger size than uninfected ones and all infected snails had a size between 17-22 mm (average 20 mm). Conclusions: Our studies imply that there are potentially more new species of trematodes in this area than were found until now. Due to the presence of infected M. praemorsa and may be species of other snails, water resources could be contaminated by the emerging new cercariae, consequently attack the local people directly via the skin or are transferred to them by metacercariae ingestion. More surveys are needed to identify the real prevalence of the trematodes both in human and animal hosts, and also to determine the range of snail hosts of the parasite in enzootic areas of the disease, as well as the life cycle and biology of trematodes and its effects on man should be elucidated.

Larval stages of digenetic trematodes in Melanopsis praemorsa snails from freshwater bodies in Palestine

Objective: To detect the species of larval trematodes (cercariae) in Melanopsis praemorsa snails from 5 different fresh water bodies in Palestine. Methods: A total of 1 880 Melanopsis praemorsa snails were collected from different fresh water bodies in Palestine from October, 2008 to November, 2010. Cercariae in Melanopsis praemorsa snails were obtained by lighting and crushing methods. The behavior of cercariae was observed using a dissecting microscope. Results: Three different species of larval trematodes were identified from Melanopsis praemorsa snails collected only from Al-Bathan fresh water body, while snails from other water bodies were not infected. These species were microcercous cercaria, xiphidiocercaria and brevifurcate lophocercous cercaria. These cercariae called Cercaria melanopsi palestinia I, Cercaria melanopsi palestinia II and Cercaria melanopsi palestinia III have not been described before from this snail in Palestine. The infection rate of Melanopsis praemorsa collected from Al-Bathan fresh water body was 5.7%, while the overall infection rate of snails collected from all fresh water bodies was 4.3%. Details are presented on the morphology and behavior of the cercariae as well as their development within the snail. Conclusions: These results have been recorded for the first time and these cercariae may be of medical and veterinary importance.

Larval stages of digenetic trematodes in Melanopsis praemorsa snails from freshwater bodies in Palestine

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To detect the species of larval trematodes (cercariae) in Melanopsis praemorsa snails from 5 different fresh water bodies in Palestine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 1 880 Melanopsis praemorsa snails were collected from different fresh water bodies in Palestine from October, 2008 to November, 2010. Cercariae in Melanopsis praemorsa snails were obtained by lighting and crushing methods. The behavior of cercariae was observed using a dissecting microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Three different species of larval trematodes were identified from Melanopsis praemorsa snails collected only from Al-Bathan fresh water body, while snails from other water bodies were not infected. These species were microcercous cercaria, xiphidiocercaria and brevifurcate lophocercous cercaria. These cercariae called Cercaria melanopsi palestinia I, Cercaria melanopsi palestinia II and Cercaria melanopsi palestinia III have not been described before from this snail in Palestine. The infection rate of Melanopsis praemorsa collected from Al-Bathan fresh water body was 5.7%, while the overall infection rate of snails collected from all fresh water bodies was 4.3%. Details are presented on the morphology and behavior of the cercariae as well as their development within the snail.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>These results have been recorded for the first time and these cercariae may be of medical and veterinary importance.</p>

Prevalence of Toxocara canis in Dogs, North West Bank of Palestine

This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of Toxocara canis in local districts in North West Bank of Palestine. Fecal samples from 132 dogs were collected in Nablus, Tulkarm, and Jenin cities from September 2008 to April 2009 and examined for T. canis eggs with the floating technique. The overall infection rate of toxocariasis in dogs was 36.4%. The dogs less than 6 months old showed higher infection rates than those older than 12 months (P=0.04). Vigorous interventions are necessary, such as routine coprological examinations of dogs and prescription of anthelmintics to infected dogs.

Detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Palestinian women using polymerase chain reaction.

Background: Neisseria gonorrohoeae is an exclusive human pathogen that primarily infects the urogenital epithelia. Infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae are considered the second major cause of sexually transmitted disease after Chlamydiae worldwide. Although the urethra and the uterine cervix serve as the initial sites for gonococcal infections in men and women, infection of the conjunctiva, pharynx, tendons, joints, as well as rectal mucosa are also reported. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to introduce molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect N. gonorrhoeae directly from endocervical swabs. In addition, it provides a picture of Neisseria gonorrohea infection among a sample of Palestinian women in West Bank. Methods: Two hundred and thirteen endocervical swabs were collected from sexually active married women with endocervical abnormalities attending healthcare clinics. DNA was extracted directly from the swabs and PCR was performed using specific primers targeting the orf1 region of the genome. Results: The results obtained indicated that the percentage of positive cases of N. gonorrhoeae among the women tested was 1.40%. Conclusion: Implementing guidelines for comprehensive screening of men and women with more sensitive tests may improve detection and management of sexually transmitted infections.