Antimicrobial agents containing symmetrical triiodides complexes with halogen bonding may release... more Antimicrobial agents containing symmetrical triiodides complexes with halogen bonding may release free iodine molecules in a controlled manner. This happens due to interactions with the plasma membrane of microorganisms which lead to changes in the structure of the triiodide anion. To verify this hypothesis, the triiodide complex [Na(12-crown-4)2]I3 was prepared by an optimized one-pot synthesis and tested against 18 clinical isolates, 10 reference strains of pathogens and five antibiotics. The antimicrobial activities of this symmetrical triiodide complex were determined by zone of inhibition plate studies through disc-and agar-well-diffusion methods. The triiodide complex proved to be a broad spectrum microbicidal agent. The biological activities were related to the calculated partition coefficient (octanol/water). The microstructural analysis of SEM and EDS undermined the purity of the triiodide complex. The anionic structure consists of isolated, symmetrical triiodide anions [I-I-I]-with halogen bonding. Computational methods were used to calculate the energy required to release iodine from [I-I-I]-and [I-I···I]-. The halogen bonding in the triiodide ion reduces the antibacterial activities in comparison to the inhibitory actions of pure iodine but increases the long term stability of [Na(12-crown-4)2]I3.
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people wo... more Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. The scientific debate about VDD and its complications is far from resolved because of lack of scientific based proofs in certain areas. Most observational and epidemiological trials, as well as meta-analyses report the benefits of optimal serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D ([25(OH)D]) status. Furthermore important randomized controlled trials (RCTs) give in many cases conflicting results due to certain limitations. Moreover the debate continues whether hypovitaminosis D is cause, result or by-product of poor health. Another approach is the resilience factor hypothesis, which describes serum vitamin D status as helpful in survival of fatal conditions and therefore inversely correlated to morbidity and mortality. Endogenous and exogenous vitamin D synthesis are associated to environmental, biological and social (economical and cultural) factors. Mainly VDD is a consequence of the modern lifestyle including urbanization, indoor dwelling with work-or entertainment-based lower mobility in general population and partly profit-and mass-production-oriented farming methods resulting in products with lower vitamin D content. A healthy lifestyle with physical activity, adequate and sensible sun exposure and intake of quality nutrients, including those rich in natural vitamin D will ensure optimal serum Vitamin D concentrations.
Nano-sized metals have been introduced as a promising solution for microbial resistance to antimi... more Nano-sized metals have been introduced as a promising solution for microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been proven to possess good antimicrobial activity. Green synthesis of AgNPs has been reported as safe, low cost and ecofriendly. This methodology uses extracts originating from different plants to reduce silver ions from AgNO 3 into nano-sized particles. In this study, extracts of several plants including ginger, garlic, capsicum and their mixtures were successfully used to produce AgNPs. Numerous spectroscopic, light scattering and microscopic techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. Agar well diffusion assay was performed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs. The biosynthesized AgNPs have spherical shape with a size range of 20-70 nm. Garlic extract, pure or in mixture with ginger extract, generated AgNPs of the smallest size. The presence of the plant-origin capping agents surrounding AgNPs was proven by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The AgNPs, at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Staphyloccocus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans as indicated by the zones of inhibitions. Our results revealed that AgNPs having potent antimicrobial activity could be prepared using different pure plant extracts and their mixtures.
Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the level of knowledge of vitamin D deficiency... more Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the level of knowledge of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and to assess the factors affecting the knowledge score among female pharmacy and dentistry students in Ajman, UAE. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted at Ajman University (AU) with a total of 390 pharmacy and dentistry students surveyed from October 2015 to February 2016. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24. Correlation tests were used to determine the association between the knowledge scores and the socio-demographic data. In addition, the Chi-square test was included in the data analysis. p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The majority of the participants were first year students in Ajman University and have a high level of knowledge about vitamin D deficiency. About forty-three percent (42.5%) were already diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. 97.9% think that sunshine is an important source of vitamin D, while 92.6% are aware that healthy sun exposure depends on factors like time of the day, exposure duration, direct exposure and the necessity of exposing specific body parts to produce optimally vitamin D in the body. Still, the majority of the students (89.5%) spent most of their time indoors. Conclusion: Although AU pharmacy and dental students have sufficient knowledge about VDD, many are diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency or complain about its symptoms. Students have to implement strategies for the prevention or treatment of VDD. Students need to be encouraged to transfer classroom knowledge more efficiently to practice.
Objectives: This study investigated the practice towards vitamin D deficiency among female pharma... more Objectives: This study investigated the practice towards vitamin D deficiency among female pharmacy and dentistry students in Ajman, UAE. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was used in Ajman University with a total of 390 pharmacy and dentistry students surveyed from October 2015 to February 2016. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24. Correlation tests were used to determine the association between the socio-demographic data and the practice towards VDD. Results: The majority of the participating students (63.3%) were studying in their first year at Ajman University. Forty-two percent of the participants were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. Sixty percent of the students feel often tired and 40.8% complain from having pain or weakness in muscles and bones. Although the majority of the participants (97.9%) were aware of the fact that sunlight is one of the main sources of vitamin D, 65.9% avoided sun exposure by covering themselves with cloths or sunscreen on daily basis. Only thirty-five percent of the participants exposed themselves more to the sun in summer and fall. Conclusions: Ajman University pharmacy and dental students have sufficient knowledge about vitamin D deficiency, but they lack the practice by exhibiting sun-avoidance behavior. Therefore, many are diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency or complain from related symptoms. Students need to be equipped with school and university level health education to promote safe sun exposure practice and sufficient intake of vitamin D from different sources.
New antibacterial agents are needed to overcome the increasing number of infectious diseases caus... more New antibacterial agents are needed to overcome the increasing number of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains. In this context, halogens, especially Iodine is known since ages for its antimicrobial activity. Therefore, especially triiodides encapsulated in organometallic complexes can be helpful as new agents against microorganisms. The aims of this work was to study the biological activity of [Na(12-Crown-4)2]I3 against gram positive Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus faecalis, the spore forming bacteria Bacillus subtilis and gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the triiodide were determined by zone of inhibition plate studies. [Na(12-Crown-4)2]I3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity on gram positive Streptochocci and the yeast C. albicans. Furthermore, the gram negative bacteria P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae were less effectively inhibited, while E. coli and P. mirabilis proved to be even resistant.
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people wo... more Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. The scientific debate about VDD and its complications is far from resolved because of lack of scientific based proofs in certain areas. Most observational and epidemiological trials, as well as meta-analyses report the benefits of optimal serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D ([25(OH)D]) status. Furthermore important randomized controlled trials (RCTs) give in many cases conflicting results due to certain limitations. Moreover the debate continues whether hypovitaminosis D is cause, result or by-product of poor health. Another approach is the resilience factor hypothesis, which describes serum vitamin D status as helpful in survival of fatal conditions and therefore inversely correlated to morbidity and mortality. Endogenous and exogenous vitamin D synthesis are associated to environmental, biological and social (economical and cultural) factors. Mainly VDD is a consequence of the modern lifestyle including urbanization, indoor dwelling with work-or entertainment-based lower mobility in general population and partly profit-and mass-production-oriented farming methods resulting in products with lower vitamin D content. A healthy lifestyle with physical activity, adequate and sensible sun exposure and intake of quality nutrients, including those rich in natural vitamin D will ensure optimal serum Vitamin D concentrations.
Background: There is no device or organ of the body is protected from adverse effect of medicatio... more Background: There is no device or organ of the body is protected from adverse effect of medications. However, the skin, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and circulatory system are the most vulnerable to adverse effects that are diagnosed. People use medicines for prevention, cure, diagnosis and management of diseases. Objective: This study was carried out to identify the adverse effects of drugs used by the respondents and symptoms as well as the reason of self-medication. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Ajman from March to June 2015. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results: Commonly used drugs were analgesic drugs. Common reported illnesses were pain and respiratory symptoms. Saving time and money, previously resolved complains were the top two reported factors for self-medication. The adverse effects reported with self-medication were vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. The majority of students stops taking drugs and consulted the doctor or pharmacist when adverse effect occurred. Conclusion: Medical professionals are required to report all adverse effects related to a specific form of therapy. Without consulting doctor-side effects can worsen when you stop taking the drugs. Little is known about the relation of adverse effects to self-use of medication.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO) is an endocrine disease that is characterized by a set of symptom... more Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO) is an endocrine disease that is characterized by a set of symptoms including irregular menstruation, subfertility, skin changes, hirsutism and weight gain. The pathogenesis of PCO is mostly related to increase androgens and insulin resistance. Treatment is mostly symptomatic hence metformin is being used due to its effect in decreasing gluconeogenesis and by increasing peripheral utilization of glucose, in addition to its lowering effects on androgen. Thus, Metformin role in PCO treatment ranges between managing insulin resistance, promoting ovulation and treating hirsutism to some extent. Some studies showed that Metformin is effective in lowering body weight in PCO patients, yet it is not being indicated officially for this purpose. Background: Metformin is expected to have an effect of weight reduction in PCO patients This is the scope of this research which intends to explore this action. Method: The Study design is cross sectional study using online questionnaire. Open and closed ended questions were included. Results: Based on the results the majority shows decrease in the weight, while only one reported increase in their weight and only one had the same weight during and after treatment with metformin. Conclusions: Metformin generally showed positive effect regarding reducing the body weight of the females diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome when used alone.
Clostridium difficile was thought to be nonpathogenic until 1978, when Bartlett et al. identified... more Clostridium difficile was thought to be nonpathogenic until 1978, when Bartlett et al. identified C. difficile as the source of cytotoxin in the stools of patients with pseudomembranous colitis, a disorder frequently associated with antimicrobial use C. difficile is responsible for both hospital-acquired and community-acquired diarrhea. Clostridium difficile is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, disruption of the gut flora, typically by antibiotics, allows C. difficile to proliferate, thus resulting in infection C. difficileexerts its pathogenic effect mainly through the production of two exotoxins, toxin A and B. Usually, exposure to both antimicrobials andtoxin-producing C. difficile strains is necessary for the development of CDI. Host factors may be as important. CDI has a wide range of manifestations, causing a self-limited mild diarrheal illness to a fulminant life-threatening colitis. The two main risk factors for CDI are antibioticexposure and age older than 65 but other factors shouldalso be considered like the use of laxatives, proton pump inhibitors or H2 histamine as gastric protection, chemotherapy, renal failure, gastrointestinal surgery, nasogastric tube, mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospital stay. The most widely used diagnostic test for the diagnosis of CDI is the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for toxin A or toxins A and B. Other methods include:an antigen test that detects the mitochondrial enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) within C. difficile, used for screening, stool culture, the cytotoxicity cell assay, another highly sensitive and specific method is polymerase chain reaction(PCR), sensitivity being higher than 90% and specificity of 100%. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopyalso used in certain situations, abdominal X-ray is used in cases of ileus or toxic megacolon.
To compare the immunogenicity of routine versus mass campaign doses of oral poliovirus vaccine CO... more To compare the immunogenicity of routine versus mass campaign doses of oral poliovirus vaccine COPY), serum neutralizing antibodies were measured in 254 children before and after two mass vaccination campaigns in Jordan. Precampaign seroprevalences to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 in children who had received three, four, or five routine doses of OPV were compared with postcam-paign seroprevalences in children who had received one, two, or three routine doses plus two mass campaign doses. Seroprevalences were consistently higher in subgroups that received two doses through mass campaigns than in subgroups that received all doses through the routine program, especially for poliovirus type 3. Geometric mean titers were also consistently higher for mass campaign subgroups, particularly for poliovirus type 3. The findings suggest that adding further doses of OPV to the routine schedule is unlikely to have as great an impact on the immune state of children as administering the same number of doses during mass campaigns. Current immunization strategies for the global eradication of paralytic poliomyelitis consist of achieving high levels of routine immunization with oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and implementing supplemental immunization activities, including biannual mass vaccination campaigns [1, 2]. These strategies have been associated with a marked decrease in the incidence of poliomyelitis worldwide and the elimination of paralytic poliomyelitis from two continents, North and South America [3, 4]. The precise mechanisms by which mass vaccination campaigns interrupt wild poliovirus transmission are not well defined. Since children in countries that implement this strategy may receive as many as 14 doses of OPV (through biannual mass campaigns and routine vaccination), it has been postulated that increases in individual humoral and secretory immunity through an increase in the total number of OPV doses could explain the effectiveness of mass vaccination campaigns and that the same results could be achieved by administering an equal number of doses through the routine program [5]. Despite their effectiveness, mass vaccination campaigns require substantial financial, logistic, managerial, and vaccine resources, which are not yet available in many countries; conse-Informed consent was obtained from the parents of children enrolled in these studies. quently, a number of polio-endemic countries have not yet implemented this strategy. Thus, determining whether mass campaigns offer an advantage over an equal number of OPV doses administered through the routine program (at lower cost) is important to guide OPV vaccination strategies in the remaining polio-endemic countries. To determine whether the effectiveness of mass campaigns is due strictly to the total number of OPV doses received or to a unique advantage derived from the strategy of pulsed, mass vaccination, we compared the immunogenicity of OPV doses delivered in mass vaccination campaigns with that of those delivered by the routine program among children in Jor-dan. Our findings are relevant to the need for mass vaccination campaigns as one of the major strategies of the global polio eradication initiative. Background
, 37 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis occurred in Jordan, where none had been reported since 1988... more , 37 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis occurred in Jordan, where none had been reported since 1988. Of these, 17 (50%) of 34 patients had received at least three doses of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV3). The first and 2 subsequent case-patients were children of Pakistani migrant workers, and the first 8 and a total of 27 (75%) case-patients resided in or near the Jordan Valley. A seroepidemiologic study of 987 children in all regions of Jordan was performed to assess OPV3 coverage and immune response to OPV. Although OPV3 coverage by 12 months of age was high (96%) in the general population, coverage was lower among Pakistani (21%), Bedouin (63%), and Gypsy (9%) children (P < .001). Seroprevalences for poliovirus type 3 were 71% in the Jordan Valley versus 81% in other regions after 3 doses of OPV (P < .06) and 77% in the Jordan Valley versus 98% in other regions after 5 doses of OPV (P < .001). This outbreak demonstrates the importance of achieving high seroimmunity to infection in all geographic areas to prevent the reintroduction and spread of imported strains of wild poliovirus. Paralytic poliomyelitis was rapidly eliminated from industrialized countries and its incidence markedly reduced worldwide once high coverage with at least three doses of the live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) was achieved [1, 2]. Despite high coverage with OPV, some countries experience outbreaks of paralytic poliomyelitis caused by imported strains of wild poliovirus several years after indigenous wild poliovirus transmission has ceased [3-5]. Strategies to prevent the reintroduc-tion and spread of wild poliovirus in polio-free areas are essential to achieve the goal of global eradication of paralytic poliomyelitis, planned for the year 2000. We report the results of our investigation of an unusual epidemic of paralytic poliomyelitis in Jordan, a country with high OPV coverage and no reported poliomyelitis cases for > 3 years. The epidemic occurred during the winter (the low season for wild poliovirus transmission) and remained localized to one region of the country for several months. Large outbreaks ofparalytic poliomyelitis are infrequent in highly immunized populations, generally occur during the summer months, and are usually associated with rapid and wide geographic spread. In this report, we examine the relationship of unimmunized subpopulations, regional differences in immune response to vaccine, vaccination timing, and other factors to the risk of epidemic paralytic poliomyelitis in a population with high overall vaccination coverage. Background
Antimicrobial agents containing symmetrical triiodides complexes with halogen bonding may release... more Antimicrobial agents containing symmetrical triiodides complexes with halogen bonding may release free iodine molecules in a controlled manner. This happens due to interactions with the plasma membrane of microorganisms which lead to changes in the structure of the triiodide anion. To verify this hypothesis, the triiodide complex [Na(12-crown-4)2]I3 was prepared by an optimized one-pot synthesis and tested against 18 clinical isolates, 10 reference strains of pathogens and five antibiotics. The antimicrobial activities of this symmetrical triiodide complex were determined by zone of inhibition plate studies through disc-and agar-well-diffusion methods. The triiodide complex proved to be a broad spectrum microbicidal agent. The biological activities were related to the calculated partition coefficient (octanol/water). The microstructural analysis of SEM and EDS undermined the purity of the triiodide complex. The anionic structure consists of isolated, symmetrical triiodide anions [I-I-I]-with halogen bonding. Computational methods were used to calculate the energy required to release iodine from [I-I-I]-and [I-I···I]-. The halogen bonding in the triiodide ion reduces the antibacterial activities in comparison to the inhibitory actions of pure iodine but increases the long term stability of [Na(12-crown-4)2]I3.
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people wo... more Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. The scientific debate about VDD and its complications is far from resolved because of lack of scientific based proofs in certain areas. Most observational and epidemiological trials, as well as meta-analyses report the benefits of optimal serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D ([25(OH)D]) status. Furthermore important randomized controlled trials (RCTs) give in many cases conflicting results due to certain limitations. Moreover the debate continues whether hypovitaminosis D is cause, result or by-product of poor health. Another approach is the resilience factor hypothesis, which describes serum vitamin D status as helpful in survival of fatal conditions and therefore inversely correlated to morbidity and mortality. Endogenous and exogenous vitamin D synthesis are associated to environmental, biological and social (economical and cultural) factors. Mainly VDD is a consequence of the modern lifestyle including urbanization, indoor dwelling with work-or entertainment-based lower mobility in general population and partly profit-and mass-production-oriented farming methods resulting in products with lower vitamin D content. A healthy lifestyle with physical activity, adequate and sensible sun exposure and intake of quality nutrients, including those rich in natural vitamin D will ensure optimal serum Vitamin D concentrations.
Nano-sized metals have been introduced as a promising solution for microbial resistance to antimi... more Nano-sized metals have been introduced as a promising solution for microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been proven to possess good antimicrobial activity. Green synthesis of AgNPs has been reported as safe, low cost and ecofriendly. This methodology uses extracts originating from different plants to reduce silver ions from AgNO 3 into nano-sized particles. In this study, extracts of several plants including ginger, garlic, capsicum and their mixtures were successfully used to produce AgNPs. Numerous spectroscopic, light scattering and microscopic techniques were employed to characterize the synthesized AgNPs. Agar well diffusion assay was performed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs. The biosynthesized AgNPs have spherical shape with a size range of 20-70 nm. Garlic extract, pure or in mixture with ginger extract, generated AgNPs of the smallest size. The presence of the plant-origin capping agents surrounding AgNPs was proven by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The AgNPs, at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Staphyloccocus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans as indicated by the zones of inhibitions. Our results revealed that AgNPs having potent antimicrobial activity could be prepared using different pure plant extracts and their mixtures.
Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the level of knowledge of vitamin D deficiency... more Objectives: This study was carried out to evaluate the level of knowledge of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and to assess the factors affecting the knowledge score among female pharmacy and dentistry students in Ajman, UAE. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted at Ajman University (AU) with a total of 390 pharmacy and dentistry students surveyed from October 2015 to February 2016. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24. Correlation tests were used to determine the association between the knowledge scores and the socio-demographic data. In addition, the Chi-square test was included in the data analysis. p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The majority of the participants were first year students in Ajman University and have a high level of knowledge about vitamin D deficiency. About forty-three percent (42.5%) were already diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. 97.9% think that sunshine is an important source of vitamin D, while 92.6% are aware that healthy sun exposure depends on factors like time of the day, exposure duration, direct exposure and the necessity of exposing specific body parts to produce optimally vitamin D in the body. Still, the majority of the students (89.5%) spent most of their time indoors. Conclusion: Although AU pharmacy and dental students have sufficient knowledge about VDD, many are diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency or complain about its symptoms. Students have to implement strategies for the prevention or treatment of VDD. Students need to be encouraged to transfer classroom knowledge more efficiently to practice.
Objectives: This study investigated the practice towards vitamin D deficiency among female pharma... more Objectives: This study investigated the practice towards vitamin D deficiency among female pharmacy and dentistry students in Ajman, UAE. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was used in Ajman University with a total of 390 pharmacy and dentistry students surveyed from October 2015 to February 2016. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24. Correlation tests were used to determine the association between the socio-demographic data and the practice towards VDD. Results: The majority of the participating students (63.3%) were studying in their first year at Ajman University. Forty-two percent of the participants were diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. Sixty percent of the students feel often tired and 40.8% complain from having pain or weakness in muscles and bones. Although the majority of the participants (97.9%) were aware of the fact that sunlight is one of the main sources of vitamin D, 65.9% avoided sun exposure by covering themselves with cloths or sunscreen on daily basis. Only thirty-five percent of the participants exposed themselves more to the sun in summer and fall. Conclusions: Ajman University pharmacy and dental students have sufficient knowledge about vitamin D deficiency, but they lack the practice by exhibiting sun-avoidance behavior. Therefore, many are diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency or complain from related symptoms. Students need to be equipped with school and university level health education to promote safe sun exposure practice and sufficient intake of vitamin D from different sources.
New antibacterial agents are needed to overcome the increasing number of infectious diseases caus... more New antibacterial agents are needed to overcome the increasing number of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains. In this context, halogens, especially Iodine is known since ages for its antimicrobial activity. Therefore, especially triiodides encapsulated in organometallic complexes can be helpful as new agents against microorganisms. The aims of this work was to study the biological activity of [Na(12-Crown-4)2]I3 against gram positive Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus faecalis, the spore forming bacteria Bacillus subtilis and gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the triiodide were determined by zone of inhibition plate studies. [Na(12-Crown-4)2]I3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity on gram positive Streptochocci and the yeast C. albicans. Furthermore, the gram negative bacteria P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae were less effectively inhibited, while E. coli and P. mirabilis proved to be even resistant.
Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people wo... more Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is already recognized as a pandemic affecting over 1 billion people worldwide. The scientific debate about VDD and its complications is far from resolved because of lack of scientific based proofs in certain areas. Most observational and epidemiological trials, as well as meta-analyses report the benefits of optimal serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D ([25(OH)D]) status. Furthermore important randomized controlled trials (RCTs) give in many cases conflicting results due to certain limitations. Moreover the debate continues whether hypovitaminosis D is cause, result or by-product of poor health. Another approach is the resilience factor hypothesis, which describes serum vitamin D status as helpful in survival of fatal conditions and therefore inversely correlated to morbidity and mortality. Endogenous and exogenous vitamin D synthesis are associated to environmental, biological and social (economical and cultural) factors. Mainly VDD is a consequence of the modern lifestyle including urbanization, indoor dwelling with work-or entertainment-based lower mobility in general population and partly profit-and mass-production-oriented farming methods resulting in products with lower vitamin D content. A healthy lifestyle with physical activity, adequate and sensible sun exposure and intake of quality nutrients, including those rich in natural vitamin D will ensure optimal serum Vitamin D concentrations.
Background: There is no device or organ of the body is protected from adverse effect of medicatio... more Background: There is no device or organ of the body is protected from adverse effect of medications. However, the skin, the liver, the gastrointestinal tract, nervous system and circulatory system are the most vulnerable to adverse effects that are diagnosed. People use medicines for prevention, cure, diagnosis and management of diseases. Objective: This study was carried out to identify the adverse effects of drugs used by the respondents and symptoms as well as the reason of self-medication. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Ajman from March to June 2015. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Results: Commonly used drugs were analgesic drugs. Common reported illnesses were pain and respiratory symptoms. Saving time and money, previously resolved complains were the top two reported factors for self-medication. The adverse effects reported with self-medication were vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. The majority of students stops taking drugs and consulted the doctor or pharmacist when adverse effect occurred. Conclusion: Medical professionals are required to report all adverse effects related to a specific form of therapy. Without consulting doctor-side effects can worsen when you stop taking the drugs. Little is known about the relation of adverse effects to self-use of medication.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO) is an endocrine disease that is characterized by a set of symptom... more Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCO) is an endocrine disease that is characterized by a set of symptoms including irregular menstruation, subfertility, skin changes, hirsutism and weight gain. The pathogenesis of PCO is mostly related to increase androgens and insulin resistance. Treatment is mostly symptomatic hence metformin is being used due to its effect in decreasing gluconeogenesis and by increasing peripheral utilization of glucose, in addition to its lowering effects on androgen. Thus, Metformin role in PCO treatment ranges between managing insulin resistance, promoting ovulation and treating hirsutism to some extent. Some studies showed that Metformin is effective in lowering body weight in PCO patients, yet it is not being indicated officially for this purpose. Background: Metformin is expected to have an effect of weight reduction in PCO patients This is the scope of this research which intends to explore this action. Method: The Study design is cross sectional study using online questionnaire. Open and closed ended questions were included. Results: Based on the results the majority shows decrease in the weight, while only one reported increase in their weight and only one had the same weight during and after treatment with metformin. Conclusions: Metformin generally showed positive effect regarding reducing the body weight of the females diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome when used alone.
Clostridium difficile was thought to be nonpathogenic until 1978, when Bartlett et al. identified... more Clostridium difficile was thought to be nonpathogenic until 1978, when Bartlett et al. identified C. difficile as the source of cytotoxin in the stools of patients with pseudomembranous colitis, a disorder frequently associated with antimicrobial use C. difficile is responsible for both hospital-acquired and community-acquired diarrhea. Clostridium difficile is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, disruption of the gut flora, typically by antibiotics, allows C. difficile to proliferate, thus resulting in infection C. difficileexerts its pathogenic effect mainly through the production of two exotoxins, toxin A and B. Usually, exposure to both antimicrobials andtoxin-producing C. difficile strains is necessary for the development of CDI. Host factors may be as important. CDI has a wide range of manifestations, causing a self-limited mild diarrheal illness to a fulminant life-threatening colitis. The two main risk factors for CDI are antibioticexposure and age older than 65 but other factors shouldalso be considered like the use of laxatives, proton pump inhibitors or H2 histamine as gastric protection, chemotherapy, renal failure, gastrointestinal surgery, nasogastric tube, mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospital stay. The most widely used diagnostic test for the diagnosis of CDI is the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for toxin A or toxins A and B. Other methods include:an antigen test that detects the mitochondrial enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) within C. difficile, used for screening, stool culture, the cytotoxicity cell assay, another highly sensitive and specific method is polymerase chain reaction(PCR), sensitivity being higher than 90% and specificity of 100%. Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopyalso used in certain situations, abdominal X-ray is used in cases of ileus or toxic megacolon.
To compare the immunogenicity of routine versus mass campaign doses of oral poliovirus vaccine CO... more To compare the immunogenicity of routine versus mass campaign doses of oral poliovirus vaccine COPY), serum neutralizing antibodies were measured in 254 children before and after two mass vaccination campaigns in Jordan. Precampaign seroprevalences to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 in children who had received three, four, or five routine doses of OPV were compared with postcam-paign seroprevalences in children who had received one, two, or three routine doses plus two mass campaign doses. Seroprevalences were consistently higher in subgroups that received two doses through mass campaigns than in subgroups that received all doses through the routine program, especially for poliovirus type 3. Geometric mean titers were also consistently higher for mass campaign subgroups, particularly for poliovirus type 3. The findings suggest that adding further doses of OPV to the routine schedule is unlikely to have as great an impact on the immune state of children as administering the same number of doses during mass campaigns. Current immunization strategies for the global eradication of paralytic poliomyelitis consist of achieving high levels of routine immunization with oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) and implementing supplemental immunization activities, including biannual mass vaccination campaigns [1, 2]. These strategies have been associated with a marked decrease in the incidence of poliomyelitis worldwide and the elimination of paralytic poliomyelitis from two continents, North and South America [3, 4]. The precise mechanisms by which mass vaccination campaigns interrupt wild poliovirus transmission are not well defined. Since children in countries that implement this strategy may receive as many as 14 doses of OPV (through biannual mass campaigns and routine vaccination), it has been postulated that increases in individual humoral and secretory immunity through an increase in the total number of OPV doses could explain the effectiveness of mass vaccination campaigns and that the same results could be achieved by administering an equal number of doses through the routine program [5]. Despite their effectiveness, mass vaccination campaigns require substantial financial, logistic, managerial, and vaccine resources, which are not yet available in many countries; conse-Informed consent was obtained from the parents of children enrolled in these studies. quently, a number of polio-endemic countries have not yet implemented this strategy. Thus, determining whether mass campaigns offer an advantage over an equal number of OPV doses administered through the routine program (at lower cost) is important to guide OPV vaccination strategies in the remaining polio-endemic countries. To determine whether the effectiveness of mass campaigns is due strictly to the total number of OPV doses received or to a unique advantage derived from the strategy of pulsed, mass vaccination, we compared the immunogenicity of OPV doses delivered in mass vaccination campaigns with that of those delivered by the routine program among children in Jor-dan. Our findings are relevant to the need for mass vaccination campaigns as one of the major strategies of the global polio eradication initiative. Background
, 37 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis occurred in Jordan, where none had been reported since 1988... more , 37 cases of paralytic poliomyelitis occurred in Jordan, where none had been reported since 1988. Of these, 17 (50%) of 34 patients had received at least three doses of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV3). The first and 2 subsequent case-patients were children of Pakistani migrant workers, and the first 8 and a total of 27 (75%) case-patients resided in or near the Jordan Valley. A seroepidemiologic study of 987 children in all regions of Jordan was performed to assess OPV3 coverage and immune response to OPV. Although OPV3 coverage by 12 months of age was high (96%) in the general population, coverage was lower among Pakistani (21%), Bedouin (63%), and Gypsy (9%) children (P < .001). Seroprevalences for poliovirus type 3 were 71% in the Jordan Valley versus 81% in other regions after 3 doses of OPV (P < .06) and 77% in the Jordan Valley versus 98% in other regions after 5 doses of OPV (P < .001). This outbreak demonstrates the importance of achieving high seroimmunity to infection in all geographic areas to prevent the reintroduction and spread of imported strains of wild poliovirus. Paralytic poliomyelitis was rapidly eliminated from industrialized countries and its incidence markedly reduced worldwide once high coverage with at least three doses of the live attenuated oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) was achieved [1, 2]. Despite high coverage with OPV, some countries experience outbreaks of paralytic poliomyelitis caused by imported strains of wild poliovirus several years after indigenous wild poliovirus transmission has ceased [3-5]. Strategies to prevent the reintroduc-tion and spread of wild poliovirus in polio-free areas are essential to achieve the goal of global eradication of paralytic poliomyelitis, planned for the year 2000. We report the results of our investigation of an unusual epidemic of paralytic poliomyelitis in Jordan, a country with high OPV coverage and no reported poliomyelitis cases for > 3 years. The epidemic occurred during the winter (the low season for wild poliovirus transmission) and remained localized to one region of the country for several months. Large outbreaks ofparalytic poliomyelitis are infrequent in highly immunized populations, generally occur during the summer months, and are usually associated with rapid and wide geographic spread. In this report, we examine the relationship of unimmunized subpopulations, regional differences in immune response to vaccine, vaccination timing, and other factors to the risk of epidemic paralytic poliomyelitis in a population with high overall vaccination coverage. Background
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Papers by Samir Haj Bloukh