Showing papers by "King Saud University published in 2005"

Obesity in Saudi Arabia

Abstract: OBJECTIVES Obesity and overweight are well known risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), and are expected to be increasing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) particularly among females. Therefore, we designed this study with the objective to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight among Saudis of both gender, between the ages of 30-70 years in rural as well as in urban communities. This work is part of a major national project called Coronary Artery Disease in Saudis Study (CADISS) that is designed to look at CAD and its risk factors in Saudi population. METHODS This study is a community-based national epidemiological health survey, conducted by examining Saudi subjects in the age group of 30-70 years of selected households over a 5-year period between 1995 and 2000 in KSA. Data were obtained from body mass index (BMI) and were analyzed to classify individuals with overweight (BMI = 25-29.9 kg/m2), obesity (BMI >/=30 kg/m2) and severe (gross) obesity (BMI >/=40 kg/m2) to provide the prevalence of overweight and obesity in KSA. RESULTS Data were obtained by examining 17,232 Saudi subjects from selected households who participated in the study. The prevalence of overweight was 36.9%. Overweight is significantly more prevalent in males (42.4%) compared to 31.8% of females (p<0.0001). The age-adjusted prevalence of obesity was 35.5% in KSA with an overall prevalence of 35.6% [95% CI: 34.9-36.3], while severe (gross) obesity was 3.2%. Females are significantly more obese with a prevalence of 44% than males 26.4% (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Obesity and overweight are increasing in KSA with an overall obesity prevalence of 35.5%. Reduction in overweight and obesity are of considerable importance to public health. Therefore, we recommend a national obesity prevention program at community level to be implemented sooner to promote leaner and consequently healthier community.

Recommendations for Management of Diabetes During Ramadan

Abstract: It is estimated that there are 1.1–1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, comprising 18–25% of the world population (1,2). Fasting during Ramadan, a holy month of Islam, is an obligatory duty for all healthy adult Muslims. An ∼4.6% prevalence of diabetes worldwide (3) coupled with the results of the population-based Epidemiology of Diabetes and Ramadan 1422/2001 (EPIDIAR) study, which showed (in 12,243 people with diabetes from 13 Islamic countries) that ∼43% of patients with type 1 diabetes and ∼79% of patients with type 2 diabetes fast during Ramadan (4), lead to the estimation that some 40–50 million people with diabetes worldwide fast during Ramadan. Ramadan is a lunar-based month, and its duration varies between 29 and 30 days. Its timing changes with respect to seasons. Depending on the geographical location and season, the duration of the daily fast may range from a few to more than 20 h. Muslims who fast during Ramadan must abstain from eating, drinking, use of oral medications, and smoking from predawn to after sunset; however, there are no restrictions on food or fluid intake between sunset and dawn. Most people consume two meals per day during this month, one after sunset, referred to in Arabic as Iftar (breaking of the fast meal), and the other before dawn, referred to as Suhur (predawn). Fasting is not meant to create excessive hardship on the Muslim individual. The Koran specifically exempts the sick from the duty of fasting (Holy Koran, Al-Bakarah, 183–185), especially if fasting might lead to harmful consequences for the individual. Patients with diabetes fall under this category because their chronic metabolic disorder may place them at high risk for various complications if the pattern and amount of their meal and fluid intake is markedly altered. This exemption represents more than a simple permission not to …

Homozygous HOXA1 mutations disrupt human brainstem, inner ear, cardiovascular and cognitive development

Abstract: We identified homozygous truncating mutations in HOXA1 in three genetically isolated human populations. The resulting phenotype includes horizontal gaze abnormalities, deafness, facial weakness, hypoventilation, vascular malformations of the internal carotid arteries and cardiac outflow tract, mental retardation and autism spectrum disorder. This is the first report to our knowledge of viable homozygous truncating mutations in any human HOX gene and of a mendelian disorder resulting from mutations in a human HOX gene critical for development of the central nervous system.

Risk to surgeons: A survey of accidental injuries during operations

Abstract: A survey was conducted with the participation of eight consultant general surgeons, two consultant urologists, four consultant orthopaedic surgeons and four surgical residents to find the incidence of accidental injuries to surgeons and their assistants during operations. Of the total of 2016 operations over a one year period there were 112 reported accidental injuries. These included 107 needle stick injuries, 4 knife cuts and 1 diathermy burn. We found that accidental injuries to surgeons during operations were inevitable.

Optimal design and control of queues

Abstract: We have divided this review into two parts. The first part is concerned with the optimal design of queueing systems and the second part deals with the optimal control of queueing systems. The second part, which has the lion’s share of the review since it has received the most attention, focuses mainly on the modelling aspects of the problem and describes the different kinds of threshold (control) policy models available in the literature. To limit the scope of this survey, we decided to limit ourselves to research on papers dealing with the three policies (N, T, and D), where a cost function is designed specifically and optimal thresholds that yield minimum cost are sought.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Glomus Tumours of the Hand

Abstract: This paper studies the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of MRI in the diagnosis of glomus tumours of the hand and investigates the final diagnosis and outcome in cases with false positive or negative imaging tests. A total of 42 cases with the clinical diagnosis of a glomus tumour were included in the study. All patients underwent MRI and the results of MRI were correlated with the final histological diagnosis of the excised lesion. MRI had a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 50%, a positive predictive value of 97% and a negative predictive value of 20%. The four cases in which the MRI was negative all proved histologically to be glomus tumours. All four tumours were small (2–3 mm in diameter) and the lack of delineation of the lesions by MRI was attributed to their small size. Despite negative MRIs, surgical exploration identified the glomus tumours. Based on the results of the current study and the cost of MRI, the senior author has stopped ordering pre-operative MRIs in patients clinically diagnosed with a glomus tumour.

Neurologic features of horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis with mutations in ROBO3

Abstract: Objective: To review the neurologic, neuroradiologic, and electrophysiologic features of autosomal recessive horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis (HGPPS), a syndrome caused by mutation of the ROBO3 gene on chromosome 11 and associated with defective decussation of certain brainstem neuronal systems. Methods: The authors examined 11 individuals with HGPPS from five genotyped families with HGPPS. Eight individuals had brain MRI, and six had electrophysiologic studies. Results: Horizontal gaze palsy was fully penetrant, present at birth, and total or almost total in all affected individuals. Convergence, ocular alignment, congenital nystagmus, and vertical smooth pursuit defects were variable between individuals. All patients developed progressive scoliosis during early childhood. All appropriately studied patients had hypoplasia of the pons and cerebellar peduncles with both anterior and posterior midline clefts of the pons and medulla and electrophysiologic evidence of ipsilateral corticospinal and dorsal column-medial lemniscus tract innervation. Heterozygotes were unaffected. Conclusions: The major clinical characteristics of horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis were congenital horizontal gaze palsy and progressive scoliosis with some variability in both ocular motility and degree of scoliosis. The syndrome also includes a distinctive brainstem malformation and defective crossing of some brainstem neuronal pathways.

Plague from eating raw camel liver.

Abstract: We investigated a cluster of 5 plague cases; the patients included 4 with severe pharyngitis and submandibular lymphadenitis. These 4 case-patients had eaten raw camel liver. Yersinia pestis was isolated from bone marrow of the camel and from jirds (Meriones libycus) and fleas (Xenopsylla cheopis) captured at the camel corral.

Melatonin vs. midazolam premedication in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract: SummaryBackground and objective: Unlike midazolam, melatonin premedication is not associated with cognitive impairment in adults despite its anxiolytic properties. The use of melatonin as a premedicant in children has not been reported. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the perioperative effects of different doses of melatonin and midazolam in children.Methods: Seven groups of children (n = 15 in each) were randomly assigned to receive one of the following premedicants. Midazolam 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg−1 orally, melatonin 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg−1 orally each mixed in 15 mg kg−1 acetaminophen, or placebo only (15 mg kg−1 acetaminophen). Anxiety and temperament were evaluated before and after administration of the study drug, on separation from parents and on the introduction of the anaesthesia mask. At week 2 postoperatively, the behaviour of the children was measured by the Post Hospitalization Behaviour Questionnaire.Results: Melatonin or midazolam each in doses of 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg−1 were equally effective as premedicants in alleviating separation anxiety and anxiety associated with the introduction of the anaesthesia mask. A trend was noted for midazolam to prolong recovery times as the dosage increased. The use of melatonin was associated with a lower incidence (P = 0.049) of excitement at 10 min postoperatively, and a lower incidence (P = 0.046) of sleep disturbance at week 2 postoperatively than that observed with midazolam and control groups. No postoperative excitement was noted in the melatonin groups at 20, 30 and 45 min.Discussion: Melatonin was not only as effective as midazolam in alleviating preoperative anxiety in children, but it was also associated with a tendency towards faster recovery, lower incidence of excitement postoperatively and a lower incidence of sleep disturbance at week 2 postoperatively.

Serum resistin is associated with C-reactive protein and LDL- cholesterol in type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease in a Saudi population

Abstract: Aims Resistin is an adipocyte-derived factor implicated in obesity-associated type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This study examines the association between human serum resistin, T2DM and coronary heart disease.

The effect of bleaching agents on the surface hardness of tooth colored restorative materials.

Abstract: AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of at-home (Opalesence/Dr. kit 15%, Ultradent, Products, Inc. South Jordan, UT, USA) and in-office (Superoxol 35%, Sultan Chemists, Inc., Englewood, NJ, USA) bleaching on the surface hardness of the following tooth colored restorative materials: composite resin, Point-4 (P4), Kerr Corporation, Orange, CA, USA; ormocer, Admira (AD),VOCO, Germany; compomer Dyract AP (DY), Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Germany; and resin modified glass ionomer cement, Fuji II LC (FL), GC Corporation, Japan. METHODOLOGY Sixty specimens were prepared; 15 specimens of each material (each group n = 5, control after 15 days, at-home and in-office). All specimens were stored in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hrs before testing. A universal testing machine (Micromet 2100 series micro hardness testers) was used for testing Vicker's surface hardness for the three groups for every tested material. All results were statistically analyzed with one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Post hoc Tukey HSD tests (P < 0.05), and percentage changes for Tukey. RESULTS All the tested materials showed an increase in Vicker's surface hardness between base line (24 hrs) and the control group after 15 days storage in distilled water except DY which showed a decrease in surface hardness. All tested materials showed a decrease in surface hardness from control group after 15 days and both at-home and in-office bleaching agents except DY which showed increased values. SIGNIFICANCE At-home as well as in-office bleaching agents have a softening effect on some tooth colored restorative material, and the patient must be aware before using them.

Lipid peroxides, superoxide dismutase and circulating IL-8 and GCP-2 in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea: a pilot study.

Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and many other physiological and immunological disorders. An increase in hypoxia due to OSA may cause generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are toxic to biomembranes and may lead to peroxidation of lipids. An increase in systemic biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress has been found in patients with OSA. The first aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that OSA is linked to increased oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) and decreased antioxidant defense [superoxide dismutase (SOD)]. The second aim was to measure the serum levels of neutrophil chemokines [interleukin-8 (IL-8)], and granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (GCP-2) in OSA patients. Twenty five patients with severe OSA and 17 healthy subjects were recruited. IL-8 and GCP-2 were measured in the serum by a specific enzyme immunoassay kit. Oxidative stress level was quantitated by measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. SOD enzymatic activity was measured by purely chemical system based on NAD(P)H oxidation. Mean SOD and lipid peroxidation concentrations of patients were not significantly different from those of control subjects (0.29±0.015 vs 0.31±0.01 U/ml and 4.64±0.57 vs 4.62±0.54 mmol/ml, respectively). Higher concentrations of IL-8 and GCP-2 were found in OSA patients (198.8±4.76 vs 180.83±3.38 and 383.34±46.19 vs 218±13.16 pg/ml, respectively, p<0.005). The present study does not support the hypothesis that OSA is linked to increased oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant defense. On the other hand, it suggests that systemic inflammation characterizes OSA patients.

Assessment of sleep patterns, daytime sleepiness, and chronotype during Ramadan in fasting and nonfasting individuals.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES Sleep changes during Ramadan in nonfasting individuals have not been assessed before We aimed to assess the effect of the attending lifestyle changes during Ramadan on sleep behavior and chronotype in fasting and nonfasting individuals METHODS Participants completed predesigned questionnaires to assess sleep patterns, daytime sleepiness, meal habits, and chronotype one week before Ramadan (BL) and during the first week (R1) and third week (R3) of Ramadan 1424 (Hijra) (between October 26 and November 15, 2003) Participants were divided into to 3 groups: fasting Saudis (SF), fasting non-Saudis (NSF), and non-fasting non-Saudis (NF) The study was conducted in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia RESULTS Complete data were available on 41 subjects in the SF group, 30 in the NSF, and 30 in the NF group There was no changes in total sleep time or daytime sleepiness in all 3 groups In the fasting groups (SF and NSF), bedtime and wake-up time were delayed significantly at R1 and R3 compared to BL, the frequency of meals decreased significantly during Ramadan, and morningness/eveningness test showed an increase in the evening types during Ramadan In the NF group, bedtime was delayed significantly during Ramadan, and morningness/eveningness test showed an increase in neither types and reduction in the morning types during Ramadan CONCLUSIONS Sleep behavior changes during Ramadan in nonfasting participants indicate that the attendant lifestyle changes during Ramadan have a significant effect on sleep behavior Factors other than fasting may play an important role in modifying an individual's behavior during Ramadan

Heavy metals and trace elements in hair samples of autistic children in central Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Objective Autism a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, with onset prior to 36 months old. The etiology of autism is complex, and usually, the underlying pathologic mechanisms are unknown. Recently, alteration in heavy metals and trace elements had some interest. The aim of the present study is to examine levels of trace elements and heavy metals in hair samples, of autism spectrum disorders in the Riyadh area. Methods The study was conducted in Riyadh area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between September 2003 and April 2004. Seventy-seven autistic children participated in the study, all with confirmed diagnosis according to E-2 diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorders. Hair samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The measurements of 9 heavy metals (lead, mercury, aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, nickel, antimony and strontium), and 11 trace elements (sodium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, cobalt, selenium and molybdenum) was carried out. Results The current study showed significantly higher levels of toxic heavy metals mercury, lead, arsenic, antimony and cadmium in autistic spectrum disorders as compared to the control children. Moreover, hair samples from children with autistic spectrum disorders contained significantly lower concentrations of calcium, copper, chromium, manganese, iron and cobalt, as compared to normal children. In addition, we found a significantly higher incidence of social withdrawal, sleeping and eating disorders, speech and language disorders among autism spectrum disorders as compared to controls. Conclusion The present study demonstrated alteration in levels of toxic heavy metals and essential trace elements in children with autistic spectrum disorders as compared to normal children. This suggests a possible pathophysiological role of heavy metals and trace elements in the genesis of symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, such as social withdrawal, eating and sleeping disorders. In turn, those children with autistic spectrum disorders might benefit from chelating therapy for heavy metal poisoning and supplementation of essential trace elements.

Altered oxytocin and vasopressin levels in autistic children in Central Saudi Arabia

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study is to assess plasma levels of oxytocin and vasopressin in autistic children. Also, to correlate plasma levels of those neuropeptides to the degree of autism and age of the affected child. An additional aim is to investigate the role of Pitocin induction in the genesis of autism. METHODS: The study was conducted in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between September 2003 and April 2004. Seventy-seven autistic child from Riyadh area participated in the study, with the confirmed diagnosis according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of autism. The parents/guardians filled a simple related questionnaire, then plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels were measured in autistic and control children. RESULTS: Results showed a statistically significant lower plasma level of oxytocin and vasopressin in autistic children as compared to controls. There was no significant correlation between the degree of autism, or the age of the affected child and plasma levels of oxytocin or vasopressin. There was a higher incidence of Pitocin-induced labor among autistics as compared to normal. CONCLUSION: Data in this study prove that oxytocin and vasopressin plasma levels were reduced in autistic children which, might be related to abnormal social behavior in autistic children. Higher rates of Pitocin induction were found among the autistic group. The data supports an association between exogenous exposure to oxytocin and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Further clinical studies are recommended to explore the possible therapeutic effects of oxytocin and vasopressin in autism.

Synthesis and antitumor activity of some curcumin analogs.

Abstract: In this study, four new curcurmin analogs (compounds 1, 2, 17 and 18) were synthesized. 17 [3,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylcinnamyl)N-methylpiperidone] showed high activity with GI 50 , TGI, and LC 50 MG-MID values of 21.3, 70.7, and 97.7 μM, respectively. 18 [3,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxy-5-methylcinnamyl)-N-ethylpiperidone] showed the highest activity in this study with GI 50 , TGI, LC 50 MG-MID values of 4.4, 33.8, 89.1 μM, respectively. 18 is even more active than curcumin with GI 50 , TGI, LC 50 MG-MID values of 38.4, 35.6, 66.0 μM; respectively. 8 showed moderate selectivity towards Leukemia cell line-subpanel with a ratio of 5.6 (curcumin ratio: 1.2 for the same subpanel). The in vitro anti-tumor screening reveals that the results go hand in hand with the in vitro free radical scavenging effects. The antioxidant effect of these compounds depends mainly on the stabilization of the formed phenoxy free radical for which the p-hydroxy phenyl moiety is essential. o-Substitution by electron-donating groups like the o-methoxy group (and to a even higher degree by the ethoxy group) increases the stability of phenoxy free radical, hence increasing both free scavenging and anti-tumor effects. Increasing the alkyl group chain on the N in the series of substituted N-alkyl piperidones as well as the extension of conjugation, increases the stabilization of phenoxy free radical and thereby the activity towards both free radical scavenging and anti-tumor effects. This may be attributed to an increased positive inductive effect and/or increased lipophilicity of the new compounds, a fact which is proven by the superior activities of compounds 17 and 18.

Niclosamide: comprehensive profile.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter presents a comprehensive profile of niclosamide, which is synthesized industrially by chlorinating salicylic acid in chlorobenzene to yield 5‐chlorosalicylic acid (I) Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of solvated forms of niclosamide revealed distinctly different modes of inclusion for different solvents The X‐ray powder diffraction pattern of niclosamide is measured using a Philips PW-1050 diffractometer, equipped with a single‐channel analyzer and a copper K a radiation Different methods of analysis are explained in the chapter The electrochemical behavior of niclosamide is described on the basis of DC polarography, cyclic voltammetry, ac polarography, and differential pulse polarography, in the supported electrolytes of pH ranging from 20 to 120 Cyclic voltammetry, square‐wave voltammetry, and controlled potential electrolysis are used to study the electrochemical oxidation behavior of niclosamide at a glassy carbon electrode The preparation of four niclosamide solvates and the study of their physical transformation and stability of the crystal forms in different suspension vehicles by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetry (TG) are reported Application of DSC and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determine the effects of mixture composition and preparation during the evaluation of niclosamide‐excipients compatibility that showed that although some reactions occurred, niclosamide is compatible with a majority of common tablet excipients tested Niclosamide inhibits oxidative phosphorylation and stimulates adenosine triphosphatese activity in the mitochondria of cestodes, killing the scolex and proximal segments of the tapeworm both in vitro and in vivo

Tooth width and arch dimensions in normal and malocclusion samples: an odontometric study.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish tooth width and arch dimensions in normal and malocclusion samples and to compare tooth width and arch dimensions between males and females in normal and malocclusion samples. A total of 120 pairs of orthodontic study casts were included in the study. An electronic digital caliper was used for the measurements. Descriptive statistics and the t-test were used for the statistical analysis of the data. Tooth width and arch dimensions were established in normal and malocclusion in the present study. Significant differences were found in tooth width between normal and malocclusion samples. However, no significant difference was observed in arch dimensions. Furthermore, there was statistical significant difference in tooth width between males and females where the males showed higher mean values. The same was true when arch dimensions were compared. The results of the current investigation are of great value to the anthropologist as well as to the orthodontist in understanding dimensional arch criteria and orthodontic arch wire selection. Furthermore, it helps the prosthodontist in the selection of the correct shape and size of stock impression trays and of suitable molds of artificial teeth for fixed and removable prostheses.

Determination of Bubble Characteristics in Bubble Columns Using Statistical Analysis of Acoustic Sound Measurements

Abstract: This paper provides a systematic procedure to utilize the acoustic measurements in bubble columns for bubble characterization. Statistical tools based on zero crossings are employed to detect the bubble pulsation count and frequency. Autocorrelation functions are also exploited to provide accurate estimation of the bubble frequency. The detected bubble frequency can be used to compute the bubble size. On the other hand, the pulsation count is used to determine the bubble-size distribution. A narrow bubble-size distribution was obtained, which confirms that the column is operating in a homogeneous regime. The root mean square of the acoustic pressure is used to estimate the void fraction (gas holdup), which revealed excellent agreement with the experimentally measured holdup.