534 research outputs found
Jeddah-obesity-supplementary_material_FV2 – Supplemental material for The prevalence of obesity and overweight, associated demographic and lifestyle factors, and health status in the adult population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
No full textSupplemental material, Jeddah-obesity-supplementary_material_FV2 for The prevalence of obesity and overweight, associated demographic and lifestyle factors, and health status in the adult population of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by Rajaa Al-Raddadi, Suhad M. Bahijri, Hanan A. Jambi, Gordon Ferns and Jaakko Tuomilehto in Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease</p
Health Qual Life Outcomes
No full textIntroductionData are lacking on impact of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among survivors.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of MERS survivors who required hospitalization in Saudi Arabia during 2016\u20132017, approximately 1\u2009year after diagnosis. The Short-Form General Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was administered by telephone interview to assess 8 quality of life domains for MERS survivors and a sample of survivors of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) without MERS. We compared mean SF-36 scores of MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors using independent t-test, and compared categorical variables using chi-square test. Adjusted analyses were performed using multiple linear regression.ResultsOf 355 MERS survivors, 83 were eligible and 78 agreed to participate. MERS survivors were younger than non-MERS SARI survivors (mean\u2009\ub1\u2009SD): (44.9\u2009years \ub112.9) vs (50.0\u2009years \ub113.6), p\u2009=\u20090.031. Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were similar for MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors (46.2% vs. 57.1%), p\u2009=\u20090.20. After adjusting for potential confounders, there were no significant differences between MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors in physical component or mental component summary scores. MERS ICU survivors scored lower than MERS survivors not admitted to an ICU for physical function (p\u2009=\u20090.05), general health (p\u2009=\u20090.01), vitality (p\u2009=\u20090.03), emotional role (p\u2009=\u20090.03) and physical component summary (p\u2009<\u20090.02).ConclusionsFunctional scores were similar for MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors. However, MERS survivors of critical illness reported lower quality of life than survivors of less severe illness. Efforts are needed to address the long-term medical and psychological needs of MERS survivors.2019-06-11T00:00:00Z31186042PMC6560892676
The importance of local criteria in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in Saudi Arabia
No full textThe clustering of risk factors predisposing an individual to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are usually referred to as the ‘metabolic syndrome’ (MS). Several definitions exist, causing confusion to practicing clinicians. A consensus definition was reached by several major organizations stating that the presence of any three of five risk factors (abdominal obesity, elevated triglyceride, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose) constitutes a diagnosis. Cutoff points for each of the risk factors were defined, taking into account ethnicity in case of abdominal obesity. The prevalence of MS has been reported to be on the rise globally, and was mainly attributed to changes in diet and lifestyle, in addition to genetic factors and metabolic susceptibility. The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has almost doubled and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased fivefold in individuals diagnosed with MS. The prevalence T2DM in Saudi Arabia is increasing, making it an epidemic health hazard. Intervention programs to decrease the risk of progression from MS to full T2DM, and later CVD have been successful in many countries. Therefore, diagnosing MS is important to address risk factors and to prevent progression to the more serious chronic conditions. The prevalence of MS in Saudi adults varies from 16% to 40% depending on the definition used and the study location. Use of the consensus definition might decrease the number of missed cases. However, in the absence of local cutoff points for various risk factors for MS, the use of ratios such as waist/hip ratio and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, and family history of diabetes and CVD might aid diagnosis. Priority should be given to establishing national normal ranges, screening programs for hyperglycemia and hypertension, and community-directed programs to combat obesity and inactivity
Assessment of perceived needs and preferences with regard to the education of residents in Medical Ethics in King Abdulaziz University Hospital
No full textINTRODUCTION: Medical ethics is the branch of ethics that deals with moral issues in medical practice. Many postgraduate training programs have developed educational interventions in ethics to meet accreditation standards and prepare learners for certification examinations and clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the attitude of residents in King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) toward the need for ethics education and identify the most effective methods of teaching ethical issues.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of residents in different specialties at KAUH was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: demographic data, assessment of the educational need for ethics education, assessment of the impact of various learning methods, and assessment of the need for ethically important practices and behavior. SPSS version 16.0 was used for data entry and analysis. Descriptive analysis included frequency distribution, percentages, mean, and standard deviation (SD); Chi-square test and t-test were employed to determine statistical significance.
RESULTS: Eighty-eight of the 102 residents invited to participate in the study returned completed questionnaires, providing a response rate of 86.3%. Their ages ranged between 24 and 38 years with a mean of 27.7 (standard deviation 2.8) years. Approximately two-thirds of the residents (65.9%) agreed that medical ethics can be taught and learned while only 19.3% of them disagreed. The most effective methods of ethical education according to the residents were discussion groups of peers led by a knowledgeable clinician (78.4%), clinical rounds (72.7%), and an incorporation of ethical issues into lectures and teaching rounds (69.3%).
CONCLUSION: This study documents the importance residents placed on ethics education directed at practical, real-world dilemmas and ethically important professional developmental issues
Difficulties faced by family physicians in primary health care centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
No full textAim: The aim was to determine the difficulties faced by family physicians, and compare how satisfied those working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) are with their counterparts who work at some selected non-MOH hospitals. Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSH and RC), and 40 MOH primary health care centers across Jeddah. A structured multi-item questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and information on the difficulties family physicians face. The physicians′ level of satisfaction and how it was affected by the difficulties was assessed. Results: Women constituted 71.9% of the sample. Problems with transportation formed one of the main difficulties encountered by physicians. Compared to non-MOH physician, a significantly higher proportion of MOH physicians reported unavailability of radiology technicians (P = 0.011) and radiologists (P < 0.001), absence of the internet and computer access (P < 0.001), unavailability of laboratory services (P = 0.004), reagents (P = 0.001), X-ray equipment (P = 0.027), ultrasound equipment (P < 0.001), an electronic medical records system (P < 0.001), insufficient laboratory tests (P = 0.0001), and poor building maintenance (P < 0.001). Family physicians with the MOH were less satisfied with their jobs compared with non-MOH physicians (P = 0.032). Conclusion: MOH family physicians encountered difficulties relating to staff, services, and infrastructure, which consequently affected their level of satisfaction
Quality of life among caregivers of sickle cell disease patients: a cross sectional study
No full textAbstract Purpose To assess the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and to determine the risk factors associated with poor QoL. Method A cross sectional study was conducted between 01 and 30 June 2015, in a tertiary care center in western Saudi Arabia to assess various dimensions of QoL by using TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult’s Health-related Quality of Life (TAAQOL). A total 164 adult caregivers (aged 16 years or more) of children with SCD, who were regularly visiting the department were enrolled (refusal rate = 61.6%). The questionnaire scores were transformed into 0–100 scale; with higher scores indicating less difficulty and better QoL Demographic, socioeconomic data and a satisfaction questionnaire regarding participants’ lifestyle were collected and analyzed as risk factors for impaired QoL, by comparing different QoL dimensions’ scores using independent t-test, Oneway ANOVA, or linear regression, as appropriate. Results Sixty-three caregivers were included; 79.4% were mothers, age range 21–71 years, 64.5% were from low social class receiving insufficient support and financial needs were unmet for considerable number of families. Analysis of QoL using TAAQOL showed that emotions (median [75th centile] = 44.44 [66.67] for negative and 61.11 [72.22] for positive emotions), sleep quality (66.67 [91.67]) and sexual life (50.00 [83.33]) were the most affected dimensions. Professional achievement (91.67 [100]), cognitive skills (83.33 [100]), and social contact (100 [100]) were relatively preserved. Negative emotions were more marked in mothers and mostly predicted by satisfaction with social relations notably with partner (B = 3.14, p = 0.016), friends (B = 2.51, p = 0.015) and relatives (B = 2.69, p = 0.016). Positive emotions were predicted by the levels of satisfaction of the caregiver with his/her health (B = 2.56, p = 0.001), job achievement (B = 4.54, p = 0.001), living conditions (B = 2.60, p = 0.034) and the condition of the diseased child (B = 2.55, p = 0.011). A strong correlation was found between sleep quality and cognitive skills. Conclusion There are notable financial and emotional burdens on the caregivers of children with SCD affecting various aspects of their QoL, which are likely to be impacted by the individual levels of social and professional achievement. Physicians and health authorities should give particular attention to the QoL of caregivers and families of children with SCD, to help them cope up with the disease and overcome its related psychological and financial impacts
Total petroleum hydrocarbons in water, sediment, and Redbelly tilapia, Coptodon zillii in Shatt Al-Basrah Canal, Iraq
No full textWater pollution is one of the most common global problems resulting from increased industrial and agricultural activities. Petroleum hydrocarbons have extremely dangerous to the aquatic environment. The total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHs) was investigated in water, sediment, and muscles of Coptodon zillii at Abu Sakhir and Al-Zubair Bridge stations seasonally in the Shatt al-Basra Canal. The results showed a variation in the TPHs levels in the studied stations. In addition, a significant difference in the TPHs was recorded during the seasons in the water, and sediments between stations. The results showed significant differences in the TPHs in the muscles in the spring but no significant in other seasons between the two stations. The results of the lipid contents of fish revealed significant differences between the two studied stations in the fall, spring, and summer seasons but not significant in winter. 
The regulation of necrosis in mycobacterial lesions
No full textTuberculosis is characterised by necrotic immunopathology in the lesions and tuberculin skin-test sites (Koch phenomenon), and persistence of the organisms. Previous work from this laboratory suggested that immunotherapy with killed M. vaccae can reduce this tissue damage, and that TNF plays a role in its pathogenesis. The purpose of this thesis was to study the mechanism of action of M. vaccae in man and in a rodent model. Sera from patients in Kuwait who received M.vaccae or saline were screened by immunoblotting and laser scanning to seek changes in the pattern of mycobacterial antigens recognised, and by an immunoassay for changes in levels of agalactosyl IgG (a correlate of T cell-dependent immunopathology). A fall in agalactosyl IgG and a selective increase in antibody to a 30kDa antigen was noted. This antigen was identified as the fibronectin-binding secreted protein, and was purified to homogeneity from culture filtrate by column chromatography. The increased antibody binding was confirmed by ELISA. A murine model of TNF-induced tissue damage in sites of T cell-mediated inflammation was then devised, to mimic aspects of the Koch phenomenon using the 30 KDa and the 65 KDa heat shock protein (hsp). This model allows simultaneous assessment of both swelling and haemorrhage caused by injection of TNF into delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) sites. It was found that some DTH responses evoked by mycobacterial antigens are as sensitive to subsequently injected TNF as are sites prepared by injection of LFS (local Shwartzman reaction) though for mycobacterial antigens CD8+ T cells are required. This phenomenon also involved CR3+ cells, phagocytic cells, complement, and perhaps IL-6, and could be diminished by PAF inhibitors and a prostaglandin analogue. However, by testing different immunisation schedules using M. vaccae, it was discovered that it is also possible to evoke DTH responses in which subsequent injection of TNF has no effect at all. The heat shock proteins may play a role in this effect. The implications of the existence of two qualitatively different types of DTH response and the consequences of neutralizing TNF, using an anti-murine TNF antibody, in a murine tuberculosis model are discussed in relation to the immunopathology of tuberculosis and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis where mycobacterial antigens, cytokines and T cell dependent inflammation are important
A Bioengineered Quercetin-Loaded 3D Bio-Polymeric Graft for Tissue Regeneration and Repair
No full textPhytochemicals extracted from plant sources have potential remedial effects to cure a broad range of acute to severe illnesses and ailments. Quercetin is a flavonoid isolated from different dietary sources such as vegetables and fruits, exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and non-toxic effects on the biological system. However, the direct uptake or administration of quercetin results in loss of functionality, poor activity, and reduced shelf-life of the bioactive component. In this regard, to improve the uptake, potential, and efficiency of natural components with prolonged storage in the host’s body after administration, numerous polymer drug delivery systems have been created. In the current study, three-dimensional (3D) porous (porosity: 92%; pore size: 81 µm) bio-polymeric foaming gelatin–alginate (GA) beads were fabricated for the entrapment of quercetin as therapeutic drug molecules—gelatin–alginate–quercetin (GAQ). The GAQ beads showed a significant uptake of quercetin molecules resulting in a reduction of reduced porosity up to 64% and pore size 63 µm with a controlled release profile in the PBS medium, showing ~80% release within 24 h. Subsequently, the GAQ beads showed remarkable antioxidant effects, and 95% anti-inflammatory activities along with remarkable in vitro cell culture growth and the observed proliferation of seeded fibroblast cells. Thus, we can conclude that the consistent release of quercetin showed non-toxic effects on normal cell lines and the bioactive surface of the GAQ beads enhances cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation more effectively than control GA polymeric beads and tissue culture plates (TCP). In summary, these findings show that these GAQ beads act as a biocompatible 3D construct with enormous potential in medicinal administration and tissue regeneration for accelerated healing
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