Antimicrobial agents from selected medicinal plants in Libya / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To test the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of water and methanol extracts of 23 plant species that are commonly used in Libyan folk medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The antimicrobial activity was determined using the well-diffusion method. Four test microorganisms were used namely, Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for the high biologically active crude plant extracts.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 23 medicinal plants used in the study, only 5 methanolic extracts [Rosmarinus offcinalis L., Carduus marianium L., Lantana camara L., Rhus tripartite (ueria) Grande, and Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm (link)] showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella species, while 22 methanolic and aqueous extracts showed moderate to weak antimicrobial activity on all tested organisms. However 19 of the extracts showed no activity at all against Gram-ve and Gram +ve microorganisms. MIC was found to be 1.25 mg/mL (Thymus capitatus), 3 mg/mL (Rhus tripartite), 4 mg/mL (Carduus marianium), 5 mg/mL (Rosamarinus officinalis) and 5 mg/mL (Lantana camara), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present results revealed that, crude methanolic extracts of the investigated Libyan folk medicinal plants exhibited mild to high in vitro antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.</p>

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.

A Novel Transglutaminase-1 Missense Mutation in a Palestinian Family with Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis: A Case Report.

This work presents the molecular genetics investigation of a male neonate referred to our genetics laboratory with the diagnosis of classical lamellar ichthyosis (one form of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis). The neonate was born as a "collodion-baby" and he is the product of a maternal first cousin marriage. DNA sequencing of the coding exons of transglutiminase-1 (TGM1) gene revealed a novel missense (c.A1621C) mutation in exon 11. The mutation altered codon 541 from ACC into CCC thus changing the amino acid threonine into proline (p.T541P) and was predicted to be pathogenic. The presence of the mutation in both parents in heterozygous form and in the patient in homozygous form was further confirmed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) designed specifically for the identified mutation. It is concluded that the T541P mutation is the cause of the congenital ichthyosis in the presented case and the parents were advised to undergo a PGD-IVF for embryo selection prior to their next pregnancy.

Association between functional polymorphisms of Foxp3 and Interleukin-21 genes with the occurrence of recurrent pregnancy loss in Gaza strip-Palestine.

Background: This study was conducted in order to investigate the association between IL-21 (rs2055979 G/T and rs13143866 A/G) and Foxp3 (rs2232365 A/G and rs3761548 A/C) gene polymorphisms 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 (January to June, 2014). A total of 200 females, 100 RPL patients and 100 controls women without previous history of RPL, aged 20–35 years were included in the study. IL-21 rs13143866 A/G and Foxp3 rs2232365 A/G polymorphisms were analyzed by allele-specific PCR whereas, IL-21 rs2055979 G/T and Foxp3 rs3761548 A/C polymorphisms were investigated by PCR-RFLP. Results: No statistically significant difference existed between RPL cases and controls in terms of the allelic and genotypic distribution of IL-21 rs2055979 or rs13143866. On the other hand, the two Foxp3 gene polymorphisms showed statistically significant association with RPL: the rs2232365 A/G allele G and its homozygous genotype G/G and the rs3761548 A/C allele A and its A/A genotype were significantly higher in RPL group. Conclusions: Foxp3 rs2232365 A/G and rs3761548 A/C polymorphisms represent risk factors for RPL in Gaza strip women. IL-21 polymorphisms rs2055979 G/T and rs13143866 A/G however, do not pose tangible risk for RPL in our population. Study results should be confirmed on a larger sample.

Consenso intersocietario* sobre tratamiento y seguimiento de pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Inter Society Consensus for the Management of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

La incidencia del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides se incrementó exponencialmente en todo el mundo. Aunque estos tumores presentan un pronóstico excelente, se produjeron múltiples cambios en el enfoque terapéutico y de seguimiento en los últimos años. Esta situación, vinculada principalmente con la estadificación por riesgos de recurrencia de la enfermedad, determinó la necesidad de generar un consenso entre representantes de las 3 sociedades argentinas que habitualmente se encuentran involucradas en el manejo de estos pacientes, (Sociedad Argentina de Endocrinología y Metabolismo, Asociación Argentina de Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello y Asociación Argentina de Biología y Medicina Nuclear). Las recomendaciones se realizaron de acuerdo a la experiencia de los participantes y a la revisión de la literatura. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 52:85-118, 2014 Conflictos de interés: Pitoia F: Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultoría, Advi­sory Board, Speaker, Steering Committee Bayer; Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker Astra Zeneca. Califano I: Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Faure E: Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultoría, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Gauna A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi.; Advisory Board Bayer. Mollerach A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi. Orlandi A: Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi. El resto de los autores no declaran conflictos de intereses.

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer increased exponentially worldwide. Although these tumors usually have an excellent prognosis, multiple changes occurred in the therapeutic approach and follow-up in recent years. This situation, mainly related to the stratification by the risk of recurrence of the disease, made it necessary to build a consensus among representative members from the three Argentinean societies that are usually involved in the management of these patients, (Argentinean Society of Endocrinology and Metabo lism, Argentinean Association of Head and Neck Surgery and Argentinean Association of Biology and Nuclear Medicine). The recommendations were done according to personal experiences and review of bibliography. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 52:85-118, 2014 Conflicts of interest: Pitoia F: Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker, Steering Committee Bayer; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Califano I: Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Faure E: Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi; Consultancy, Advisory Board, Speaker AstraZeneca. Gauna A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi.; Advisory Board Bayer. Mollerach A: Advisory Board Genzyme-Sanofi.Orlandi A: Advisory Board, Speaker Genzyme-Sanofi. No other financial conflicts of interest exist.

Tratamiento del hipertiroidismo por Enfermedad de Graves en pacientes adultos no embarazadas

La tirotoxicosis tiene múltiples etiologías y manifestaciones clínicas, así como distintas opciones terapéuticas. El apropiado tratamiento dependerá de un diagnóstico certero y también de la preferencia y características clínicas de cada paciente individual. En este artículo se describe una guía clínica basada en la evidencia para el tratamiento del hipertiroidismo por Enfermedad de Graves, dirigida a médicos generalistas, clínicos, endocrinólogos y otros especialistas que traten a pacientes con Enfermedad de Graves. Métodos: El desarrollo de la guía se llevó a cabo por expertos médicos endocrinólogos miembros de la Sociedades filiales de la Federación Argentina de Endocrinología y Metabolismo. El grupo de trabajo conformado examinó la literatura utilizando una búsqueda sistemática en Pubmed y Cochrane. La evidencia recolectada junto con la experiencia y conocimiento de los expertos fue utilizada para el desarrollo de cinco tópicos principales con sus respectivas recomendaciones. La fuerza de las recomendaciones y la calidad de la evidencia que respalda a cada una de ellas fueron clasificadas en forma sistemática por el grupo de expertos y se detalla en el texto. Resultados: Los cinco tópicos principales desarrollados en esta guía para la Enfermedad de Graves incluyen el tratamiento con drogas antitiroideas y sus efectos adversos, el tratamiento con Iodo 131 y el tratamiento quirúrgico, así como el tratamiento adyuvante con b-bloqueantes, compuestos iodados, corticoides, litio y perclorato. Conclusiones: Se desarrollaron en total 47 recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia para el tratamiento de los pacientes con Enfermedad de Graves hipertiroideos.

Study of the cytoxin-associated gene A [CagA Gene] in helicobacter pylori using gastric biopsies of Iraqi patients

The Helicobacter pylori CagA gene is a major virulence factor that plays an important role in gastric pathologies. The size variation of CagA gene, which is dependent on the 3' repeat region, contains one or more Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala [EPIYA] motifs and CagA multimerization [CM] motifs. Four segments flanking the EPIYA motifs, EPIYA A, B, C, or D, were reported to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection. The aim was to determine the roles of EPIYA segments and CM motifs in gastroduodenal pathogenesis in an Iraqi population. Gastric biopsies were collected from 210 patients with gastritis, duodenal ulcer [DU], gastric ulcer [GU], and gastric cancer [GC]. The EPIYA motif genotyping was determined by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. The differences in age, gender, and CagA EPIYA motifs of H. pylori between GC, DU, GU and gastritis patients were analyzed using a 2-test. A total of 22 [45.8%] strains had three copies of EPIYA [ABC type], 2 [4.16%] had four copies [ABCC type], 6 [12.7%] had five copies [ABCCC type], 13 [27.08%] had two copies [AB type], 3 [6.25%] had the BC, and 2 [4.17%] had AC motif. The alignment of the deduced protein sequences confirmed that there were no East Asian type EPIYA-D sequences in Iraqi strains. A significant association was found between increase in number of EPIYA-C motifs and GU [P 0.01] compared with gastritis. The structure of the 3' region of the CagA gene in Iraqi strains was Western type with a variable number of EPIYA-C and CM motifs. A significant association was found between increase in number of EPIYA-C motifs and GU compared with gastritis indicating predictive association with the severity of the disease. The GenBank accession numbers for the partial CagA nucleotide sequences determined in this study are JX164093-JX164112

In vitro activity of fosefomycin and other antimicrobials against uropathogenic Escherichia coli and klebsiella pneumonia at a tertiary care center in Lebanon

The incidence of urinary tract infections [UTIs] caused by extended-spectrum-?lactamase [ESBL] producing Escherichia coli [ESBLEC] and Klebsiella pneumoniae [ESBL-KP] has been on the rise limiting oral treatment options. Fosfomycin was reported to be highly efficacious against these organisms, however, data is lacking in Lebanon and the Middle East. To determine the in vitro activity of fosfomycin against ESBL and non-ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae uropathogens in Lebanon. A total of 542 consecutive non-duplicate isolates of ESBL-producing E. coli [n = 374] and K. pneumoniae [n = 168], and 291 isolates of non-ESBLproducing E. coli [n = 236] and K. pneumoniae [n = 55] were recovered from urine specimens of patients tested at the American University of Beirut Medical Center [AUBMC] during 2010. Each isolate was tested against a battery of 13 antimicrobials by disk diffusion according to the guidelines of CLSI testing and result interpretation criteria. The fosfomycin susceptibility for ESBLproducing vs. non-ESBL-producing isolates was 86% vs. 97% for E. coli and 62% vs. 78% for K. pneumoniae. This activity of fosfomycin among ESBL-EC and ESBL-KP was generally higher than cefepime [26% and 30%], ciprofloxacin [24% and 41%], Trimeth/sulfa [26% and 19%], Pip/taz [75% and 45%], gentamicin [45% and 42%], and tobramycin [32% and 26%]. On the other hand, higher activity against both species of ESBLproducing bacteria was shown by amikacin [96% and 79%] and imipenem [99.7% and 98.8%]. Nitroflurantoin was highly active against ESBL-EC [95%] but not against ESBL-KP [29%]. Fosfomycin shows good activity, being higher against ESBL-producing E. coli than K. pneumoniae uropathogens in Lebanon

Calpain-10 gene polymorphism in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the Gaza strip

To examine the role of calpain-10 SNP-44, -43, -63 and del/ins-19 in genetic susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] and associations with triglycerides and total cholesterol in a group of subjects residing in the Gaza Strip. Ninety-six individuals were examined: 48 T2DM patients and 48 controls. The groups were genotyped for calpain-10 SNP-44, -43, -63, and del/ins-19. Mutagenically separated polymerase chain reaction was used to examine SNP-44; del/ins-19 was examined by electrophoresis of the PCR product on agarose gel, while the restriction fragment length polymorphism method was used for SNP-43 and -63. There was evidence that the C allele at SNP-44 played a possible role in susceptibility to T2DM [p = 0.01]. T2DM patients with G/A genotype were found to have higher levels of total cholesterol in comparison to those homozygous for allele 1 [G/G] in SNP-43. Total cholesterol levels increased in T2DM patients who are homozygous for del/ins-19 allele 2, in T2DM patients with the 121/221 haplotype combination, and in control subjects with the haplotype combination 111/121. SNP-44 polymorphism of the calpain-10 gene has a significant association with T2DM patients in the Gaza strip. Certain polymorphisms of calpain-10 also have associations with the levels of total cholesterol in both T2DM patients and controls

Awareness of cardiovascular disease in eastern Saudi Arabia

To estimate the awareness of cardiovascular disease [CVD] and their determinants in a screening campaign in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. All national residents in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a screening campaign for the early detection of diabetes and hypertension at more than 300 examination posts throughout the eastern province. A pre-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data on age, gender, marital status, education level, occupation, lifestyle habits, and history of heart attack, angina, arterial disease, stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Weight, height, blood pressure, and glucose concentration were measured. Out of 197,681 participants, 5372 [2.7%] were aware of a history of a CVD. The prevalence correlated well with age. It was higher in women, widows, and subjects with lower level of education. More than 75% of affected subjects had two or more risk factors. A substantial proportion of those with a history of CVD had multiple risk factors, necessitating an effective, focused policy for the prevention and treatment. Increased effort is required to promote an awareness of cardiac disease and also probably target primary care providers involved in the screening process

Polymorphisms in NOS3, ACE and PAI-1 genes and risk of spontaneous recurrent miscarriage in the Gaza Strip

This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between spontaneous recurrent miscarriage [RM] and common polymorphisms in angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE], plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 [PAI-1] and endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthase 3 [NOS3] genes among women experiencing RM in the Gaza Strip. The presence of these genetic profiles was determined for 100 women who had had at least 3 constitutive abortions and 100 controls without any history of abortion using molecular biological techniques. The ACE D/D polymorphism was present in 49% of the study population and in 54% of the controls [p = 0.479]. Similarly, there was no significant difference detected in the distribution of polymorphisms for PAI-1, with the 4G/4G genotype present in the study group and in controls [p = 1.00]. NOS3 4a/4a was present in 4% of the study group and in none of the 100 controls [p = 0.123]. In this study, we also discovered a new variant in the NOS3 gene which was named 4c allele and was encountered in 1 patient and in 1 control subject. There was no significant association between ACEI/D, PAI-1 4G/5G and NOS3 4a/4b and the occurrence of first-trimester RM. In-depth investigation of the association of NOS3 4a/4a with RM is strongly recommended

Relation between brain natriuretic peptide [BNP] and congestive heart failure among hypertensive patients in Gaza strip

Brain natriuretic peptide [BNP] has been established as a new and reliable laboratory marker for congestive heart failure [CHF]. BNP is a neurohormone secreted by the cardiac ventricles in response to volume expansion and pressure overload. This study aimed to ascertain whether an association exists between the level of BNP hormone and CHF among hypertensive patients. Retrospective design [case-control study] was used to collect data from 75 patients with CHF and history of hypertension [case group], and 75 patients with history of hypertension only [control group]. CHF subjects consisted of fourteen subjects with acute heart failure, and fifty six subjects with chronic heart failure. CHF group was also classified into four classes; the diagnosis and classification of CHF were done according to the New York Heart Association [NYHA] by two cardiologists. Self report structure interview and Ethylenediamine tetracetic acid [EDTA] blood samples were obtained from both groups. In this study we used Abbott AxSYM in conjunction with a recently available immunoassay kit for BNP hormone MEIA [Microparticles Enzyme Immuno Assay] system. T-test, Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA-I were used to analyze the data. The results of the study showed a significant relationship between BNP hormone and CHF [P value=0.00]. The obtained data suggest that the measurement of BNP levels may be helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of CHF and in selecting patients for further evaluation

Fijación de radioyodo en huesos maxilares simulando metástasis en pacientes con Carcinoma Diferenciado de Tiroides (CDT): False- Positive images in patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma. (DTC) / Uptake of 131-I in maxillary bones mimicking salivary glands

En estudios centellográficos con 131I (CCT) para seguimiento, postablación o tratamiento de pacientes portadores de carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) se observan frecuentemente en tiempos precoces áreas de captación del radiotrazador en macizo facial. Estas áreas corresponden, generalmente, a glándulas salivares y extremo anterior de mucosa nasal y se mantienen durante las primeras 48 horas y no son observadas generalmente a las 72 horas. Pero con menor frecuencia se presentan otras que persisten durante varias semanas; estas áreas fueron consideradas como posibles retención en glándulas salivares, en tejido tiroideo ectópico en piso de boca, o proteínas yodas entre otras causas. En 1996 Valdivieso y col. (Cong. Arg. Biol. Med. Nuclear, Mar del Plata) y Gutiérrez y col. (SLAT, Chile) consideraron además de las mencionadas posibilidades, que la fijación se podría realizar en hueso maxilar en relación con procesos dentales y esta idea se vio favorecida por dos presentaciones sobre pocos casos que coincidían con la idea sobre el lugar de fijación del radioelemento con producción de imágenes falsas-positivas de enfermedad metastática. Con el propósito de determinar la frecuencia de observación de estas imágenes se procedió a la revisión de 636 CCT efectuados entre el 1 de enero de 2002 y el 31 de diciembre de 2007 en 502 pacientes. En el 31,5 % de los pacientes se observaron áreas activas en maxilares que persistían por varias semanas; la intensidad de concentración fue del 0,3 al 1,2 % de la actividad administrada. En 10 pacientes se efectuaron áreas de interés sobre las zonas activas que se controlaron durante 3 semanas, determinándose el T ½ efectivo registrándose valores promedio de 6,87 ± 0,94 días muy próximos al T ½ físico del 131I, indicando fuerte unión del compuesto radiactivo formado. La intensidad de concentración del radioyodo es variable dependiendo de la intensidad de la lesión dental, (caries, prótesis, pulpitis, granulomas periapicales) y en especial se incrementa en pacientes provenientes del interior que habitaban en zonas con aguas con contenido de flúor o arsénico. Seis pacientes tratados con actividades altas de radioyodo de entre 5,55 y 11,1 MBQ (150 a 300 mCi) mostraron lesiones actínicas en mucosa bucal y lingual. En 5 pacientes se efectuaron inmediatamente después del CCT con radioyodo, estudios panorámicos de Rx maxilar y de centellograma óseo coincidiendo las imágenes maxilares positivas de ambos estudios con las áreas positivas con radioyodo, confirmándose la localización de las mismas. En 13 pacientes que se sometieron a intensos tratamientos odontológicos, en estudios de CCT posteriores se apreció la disminución de intensidad de las imágenes o su desaparición. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó metástasis de CDA en las áreas activas maxilares. Estos hallazgos confirman la concentración del radioyodo en hueso maxilar en relación con alteraciones, dentales debiendo efectuarse investigaciones más profundas sobre la naturaleza de la molécula formada y los mecanismo de fijación de la misma. Deberá tenerse en cuenta el estado de salud dentario del pacientes antes de someterlo a tratamiento de metástasis o ablaciones, en especial cuando las actividades de radioyodo a utilizar sean mayores de 3,7 GBq (100 mCi) y aún indicar tratamiento de las lesiones dentales en forma previa.

In the whole body scans (WBS) with 131I in the follow-up or treatment of patients bearing DTC it is observed frequently fixation areas of the tracer apparently in relation with salivary glands. These areas generally belong to the salivary glands and are present during the first 48/72 hours, but others are kept during more than 3 weeks. These latter ones were considered as possible uptake in ectopic thyroid cells in the mouth floor, iodized proteins, retention of salivary glands and other assertions. Valdivieso et al (Cong. Arg. Biol. Med. Nuclear, 1996) and Gutiérrez et al (SLAT,Chile, 1997) considered that the fixation took place also in maxillary bones probably in areas in relation with dental illness (inflammation, pulpitis, dental caries, perionditis, periapical granuloma, periapical cyst and resorption of surrounding bone seen radiologically as periapical radiolucency). This presumption was sustained for two publications (Clin. Nucl. Med. 1998;23. 747-749, and Clin. Nucl. Med. 2000; 23; 314-315). This end the review of 638 131I WBS carried out between January 1st, 2002 and December 31st of 2007 in 502 patients that were studied for ablation, treatment of metastasis or relapses or follow up. In 31,5% of the patients were observed areas of activity in maxilla. The intensity of concentration of the tracer was 0.3 to 1.2 % of the activity administered. In 10 patients was determinate the effective T ½ and in 5 a panoramic Rx of the maxilla and a bone scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP; there were correlation between both images, the 131I one an the 99mTc-MDP with radiology. The effective T½ mean value was 6,87 days ± 0,94 (S.D.) very close to the physical T ½ of the radioiodine tracer indicating a strongly labeled molecule. In 6 patients treated with high activities of radioiodine (5,55 to 11,1 MBq - 150 to 300 mCi) actinic lesions were observed in mouth and lingual mucous membrane, including ulcers. The intensity of the images and of the lesions correlate with the intensity of the administered activity of radioiodine, the previous condition of dental integrity and in patients living in the interior of our country in zones of "bad" water containing tracers of arsenic and fluorine. In 13 patients submitted to intense treatment of dental problems posterior WBS showed a decrease of the positive maxilla areas or they were not found. The presence of metastasis in the active maxilla area was in all cases negative. Our observations confirm that radioiodine is deposited in maxillary bone in relation of dental lesions and that this 131I move in a very slow place. This mechanism of fixation has to be determined. We fully recommended taking into account the existence of dental illness or incomplete dental treatments when the administration of higher activities than 3.7 GBq (150 mCi).

Overweight and obesity in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia

To describe anthropometric characteristics of participants and the influence of sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors involved in the prevalence of obesity in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. In the year 2004, all Saudi residents in the Eastern province aged 30 years and above, were invited to participate in a community screening campaign for early detection of diabetes and hypertension. Demographic data, medical history, life habits, weight, height, blood pressure, and glucose concentration were recorded using a structured questionnaire. Obesity and overweight were defined by body mass index [BMI] >/= 30 kg/m2 and 25-29.9 kg/m2, respectively. Logistic regression was used to predict the association of the significant factors with the prevalence of obesity. Out of 195,874 participants, the overall prevalence of obesity was 43.8%, while 35.1% were overweight. The prevalence of underweight was 1.3%. The peak prevalence of obesity was observed in the age group 50-59 years. Obesity was higher among women than men, higher in housewives, and among the less educated than others [p<0.0001]. Linear regression analysis showed a strong proportional association of BMI with diabetes, hypertension, triglycerides and cholesterol, and an inverse proportional association with physical activity and smoking. Obesity and overweight constitute an important health problem affecting a high proportion of Saudi population. Addressing associated factors, and enhancing public health education is an important aim to focus on for weight control

Viral, bacterial and parasitic etiology of pediatric diarrhea in Gaza, palestine

To determine the etiology of acute diarrhea in Palestinian children under 5 years of age and to improve knowledge of the etiology of gastrointestinal pathogens using traditional and molecular diagnostic techniques. Various common enteropathogens [viral, bacterial and parasites] associated with diarrhea were investigated by conventional and molecular techniques [PCR] in 150 children less than 5 years of age admitted to the Central Pediatric Hospital, Gaza Strip, Palestine. The occurrence of enteropathogens identified was as follows: rotavirus 42/150 [28%], Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 23/150 [15%], Shigella spp. 9/150 [6%], Campylobacter coli/jejuni and Escherichia coli O157:H7 7/150 [5%] each, Salmonella spp. 3/150 [2%], Giardia intestinalis 1/150 [1%], and Strongyloides stercoralis 1/150 [1%] of the samples. Shigella and Salmonella isolates were tested for their susceptibility to common antimicrobial agents and most of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This study demonstrated that rotavirus, E. coli O157:H7 and Campylobacter, which are not routinely screened for in Gaza Strip, were significant enteropathogens. The results highlight the value of using a combination of traditional and PCR techniques in the diagnosis of enteropathogens related to gastroenteritis

Rotavirus infection in infants and young children with acute gastroenteritis in Gaza, Palestine

To detect rotavirus antigen in infants and young children with acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Rotavirus is a major cause of gastroenteritis and diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. Fecal samples from 150 children with ages ranging from 1 month to 5 years, living in Gaza, who presented with acute diarrhea episodes, were analyzed for rotavirus antigen. The analysis was carried out using an immunochromatography-based diagnostic kit [The Rota Stick One-Step test, Novamed Ltd, Jerusalem]. The study was conducted during the peak diarrheal season [May-August] of the year 2005. Rotavirus was detected in 28% [42/150] of the fecal specimens examined, and the majority of patients 90% [38/42], who were positive for the virus were 1 to 24 months old, and the infection rate decreased with increasing age. The highest rate of rotavirus antigen detection was observed among the 12 to 24 months age group 41.9%. Children infected with rotavirus were more likely to have watery stool [95.2%], vomiting [92.9%], moderate dehydration [14.3%] and fever has low frequency [73.8%]. The findings of this study demonstrate that rotavirus is one of the most frequently detected, yet a routinely neglected pathogen during stool examinations in Gaza strip health laboratories. Timely diagnosis of rotavirus infection in patients with acute diarrhea helps to determine appropriate treatment, prevents the unnecessary use of antibiotics and minimizes the spread of the disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report on occurrence of rotavirus infection among children of Gaza since 1994

Entamoeba histoloytica or entamoeba dispar among children in Gaza, Gaza strip?

Most physicians in Gaza prescribe medicaments for patient's suffering from Entamoeba histolytica/dispar without parasitologic diagnosis. Additionally, stool analysis performed by the routine methods usually reports the species as E. histolytica without confirmation. In this study, 92 stool specimens were collected and analyzed by wet mount, iron haematoxylin staining, antigen detection of E. histolytica and polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. The total number of E. histolytica identified by PCR was 64 that of E. dispar was 21. Mixed infection with both E. histolytica and E. dispar was evident in 7 specimens. In the light of these results, approximately 30% of suspected clinical amoebiasis cases were negative for E. histolytica. It is recommended to use PCR for diagnosis of stool specimens from patients with E. histolytica/dispar and that treatment should be prescribed for only patients positive for E. histolytica