Trauma outcome of road traffic accident at UAE

Road traffic accident (RTA) is of growing public health importance worldwide contributing significantly to the global disease burden. Road traffic accidents are a major cause of both internal and external wounds, many of which cannot be treated with simple dressings. There is paucity of published data on road traffic accident in environment of UAE. This study was carried out to describe the injury characteristics and outcome of road traffic accident victims in UAE setting and establishment of treatment protocols. Materials ad methods: A total of 100 road traffic crash victims were studied from November 2000 to November 2006, and recorded in Um Aquin hospital UAE depended on the R.T.A Form data on age, sex, nationality, the state of patient in the street, the region of trauma, the nature of injuries, treatment, and outcome were obtained from the registry. The results: Road traffic accident constitute a major public health problem in AUE setting and contribute significantly to unacceptably high morbidity and mortality, about 84% male age between 21-31 year old about 29%, occurred in head and neck 43% for one regen 61%, about 81.82 treated surgically with mortality rate 12%. Conclusion: Injury is the leading cause of death among young adults using of motor vehicles is growing in UAE a particular concern in emerging nations where increasing urbanization, overcrowding and scant regard for the 'rules of the road' are the standard. Keywords: Road traffic accident, trauma, injur

Novel use of ear sockets as points of traction in partial foetotomy in Bunaji cows

Dystocia was managed in 4½-, 3- and 3½-year-old Bunaji and Bunaji-Friesian cross cows at the University farm, a Fulani camp and an Institutional farm, respectively. Clinical examination showed normal vital parameters, straining, well relaxed perineum, oedematous vulva, fully engorged mammary glands and extended foetal fore-limbs. Vaginal exploration revealed fully relaxed cervices, dead foetuses in anterior longitudinal presentation and dorso-sacral positions. The necks and heads were flexed laterally and dorsally. Dystocia of foetal causes due to postural abnormalities (lateral and dorsal flexion of the neck) were diagnosed. Amputations of fore-limbs of the foetuses at the point of the shoulders using ThygesenM® foetotome and obstetrical wire were done. A crutch-repeller placed between the neck and the stump of shoulder of the amputated fore-limb was then used to repel the foetuses into the uteri to achieve extension of the neck. Extension of the flexed necks and heads was achieved by the use of three-point traction on the heads and repulsion concurrently. Traction was used to deliver the dead foetuses while guarding the points of amputation in the birth canals. It was concluded that the ear socket can be used as a new point of traction along with or in place of the eye socket in partial foetotomy for relieving dystocia with non-viable foetus in Bunaji cows.Keywords: Bunaji cow, Dystocia, Ear, Foetotomy, Obstetrical-wire, Tractio

Distribution of Mode I Stress Intensity Factors for Single Circumferential Semi-Elliptical Crack in Thick Cylinder

In this paper, mode I stress intensity factors (SIFs) are calculated numerically by finite element software ANSYS, for a single semi-elliptical circumferential crack on a thick cylinder. The examined cracks were located either on the external or internal surface of the cylinder and subjected to two different types of loadings, tension and internal pressure, applied separately. To present results in a more comprehensive form, dimensionless analysis is used, and a wide variation limit of parameters that define the crack geometry is considered. The ratio of crack depth to crack length ranging between 0.4 to 1.2, the ratio of crack depth to cylinder wall thickness vary between 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8, and the ratio of the cylinder wall thickness to the cylinder internal radius 0.25. Based on the obtained results, distributions of SIFs found to be symmetric along the crack front. The location where the maximum SIFs on the crack front attained is strongly affected by the change of aspect ratio, and external cracks generally exhibit a higher SIFs than those of internal cracks. It is also found a significant effect for the relative depth of the crack on SIFs value, which could accelerate the fracture process

Prescription audit of corticosteroid usage in the department of dermatology at a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Corticosteroids are a group of commonly used drugs in dermatology practice whose non judicious use frequently results in undesirable and unwanted effects. Prescribing them rationally with care allows us to derive the maximum benefit out of them with minimal side effects.Methods: Retrospective analysis of 112 case files belonging to patients admitted in the department of dermatology over a period of one year was undertaken to ascertain the usage pattern of corticosteroids in relation to their potency, strength, frequency, duration, route, quantity to be applied. The data thus collected was expressed in terms of averages, ratios and proportions.Results: The total number of formulations prescribed were 929 out of which 10.8% were corticosteroids. The average number of formulations prescribed per patient was 8.29. About 78(70%) patients admitted in dermatology received corticosteroids. Topical steroids were prescribed in 50 patients (44.7 %) out of whom 36 (72%) received only topical, the remaining 14(28%) were prescribed both systemic and topical corticosteroids.Brand names were used in all cases. Highly potent corticosteroids like clobetasol, halobetasol and mometasone were prescribed to 39(50%) of all cases who received topical corticosteroids.Conclusion: The study reveals the deficiencies which exist in the present prescribing pattern of corticosteroids. Educational interventions among the doctors as well as students should be carried out to in order to promote rational drug use

Angiopoietin-2 in ischemic cardiac patients

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death globally according to WHO. Its known that ischemia and cardiac dysfunction promotes the angiogenesis and new vessel formation to compensate for the decreased blood supply through the diseased arteries.Angiopoietin-2(Ang-2) along with several other growth factors are responsible for the process of new vessel formation. Many patients have some degree of renal insufficiency post PCI mainly due to contrast media and are associated with rise in the serum Ang-2 level. Ang-2 is found to be decreased post PCI with the restoration of the normal blood flow. Many clinical trials relate the Ang-2 with the severity of CAD and renal function. Objectives: Highlight the serum levels of Ang-2 pre and post PCI and its validity to be used to diagnose and predict severity of CAD. Methods: We have searched literatures in PubMed, google scholar, Egyptian bank of knowledge and science direct. Conclusion: In this review we emphasize that Ang-2 is found to be an important marker for diagnosis and prognosis of CAD and is closely related to renal functions in ischemic cardiac patients candidate for PCI

The association between region of birth and sexually transmitted infections among people of black Caribbean ethnicity attending sexual health services in England, 2015.

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: In England, people of Black Caribbean (BC) ethnicity are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it is unclear whether this varies by their region of birth. AIM(S)/OBJECTIVES: To examine differences in STI diagnoses among UK- and Caribbean-born BC people. METHODS: Data on STI diagnoses in BC people attending specialist sexual health services (SHSs) during 2015 and living in England were obtained from the GUMCAD STI surveillance system, the national surveillance system for STIs in England. Associations between being UK- or Caribbean-born and each of several STI diagnoses were examined, using univariate and multivariable generalised estimated equations logistic regression models adjusted for sexual orientation, place of residence (London vs. non-London), HIV status, area-level deprivation, and STI diagnosis in the last year. All analyses were stratified by age (<25 vs. ≥25 years). RESULTS: In 2015, 63,568 BC people made 108,881 attendances at specialist SHSs; 81.9% of these attendances were made by UK-born BCs. The median age (years) was 26 for UK-born and 35 for Caribbean-born people (p≤0.001). Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and non-specific genital infection (NSGI) were the most commonly diagnosed STIs among UK- (5.8%, 2.1% and 2.8%) and Caribbean-born people (4.5%, 1.7% and 3.5%) respectively. Among BCs aged under 25, no significant differences in STIs were found between UK- and Caribbean-born people. Among BCs aged ≥25, compared to Caribbean-born people, those who were UK-born were more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia (AOR 1.15 [95%C.I. 1.04-1.27]); gonorrhoea (AOR 1.23 [95%C.I. 1.06-1.45]) and genital herpes (AOR 1.23 [95% C.I. 1.10-1.56]) and less likely to be diagnosed with NSGI (AOR 0.89 [95% C.I. 0.80-0.99]) and Trichomoniasis (AOR 0.84 [95% C.I. 0.71-0.99]). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: STI diagnoses in BC people aged ≥25 attending specialist SHSs vary by region of birth. Country of birth may have an influence on social and sexual networks and therefore transmission of STIs

Molecular epidemiology of Plasmodium species prevalent in Yemen based on 18 s rRNA

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria is an endemic disease in Yemen and is responsible for 4.9 deaths per 100,000 population per year and 43,000 disability adjusted life years lost. Although malaria in Yemen is caused mainly by <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>and <it>Plasmodium vivax</it>, there are no sequence data available on the two species. This study was conducted to investigate the distribution of the <it>Plasmodium </it>species based on the molecular detection and to study the molecular phylogeny of these parasites.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Blood samples from 511 febrile patients were collected and a partial region of the 18 s ribosomal RNA (18 s rRNA) gene was amplified using nested PCR. From the 86 positive blood samples, 13 <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>and 4 <it>Plasmodium vivax </it>were selected and underwent cloning and, subsequently, sequencing and the sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony methods.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Malaria was detected by PCR in 86 samples (16.8%). The majority of the single infections were caused by <it>P. falciparum </it>(80.3%), followed by <it>P. vivax </it>(5.8%). Mixed infection rates of <it>P. falciparum </it>+ <it>P. vivax </it>and <it>P. falciparum </it>+ <it>P. malariae </it>were 11.6% and 2.3%, respectively. All <it>P. falciparum </it>isolates were grouped with the strain 3D7, while <it>P. vivax </it>isolates were grouped with the strain Salvador1. Phylogenetic trees based on 18 s rRNA placed the <it>P. falciparum </it>isolates into three sub-clusters and <it>P. vivax </it>into one cluster. Sequence alignment analysis showed 5-14.8% SNP in the partial sequences of the 18 s rRNA of <it>P. falciparum</it>.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although <it>P. falciparum </it>is predominant, <it>P. vivax</it>, <it>P. malariae </it>and mixed infections are more prevalent than has been revealed by microscopy. This overlooked distribution should be considered by malaria control strategy makers. The genetic polymorphisms warrant further investigation.</p

In Vitro Anticholinergic and Antihistaminic Activities of Acorus Calamus Linn. Leaves Extracts

The present investigation was aimed at determining the effects of hexane, acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts of Acorus calamus leaves (ACHE, ACAE, ACME and ACAQE) on cholinergic and histaminic system using isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle and guinea pig ileum. A dose dependent potentiation of Ach response (anticholinesterase like effect) was found with ACAE and ACME at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mg/ml, but at higher dose of ACAE, ACME, ACAQE and ACHE (5, 20 mg/ml) inhibit the Ach response (antinicotinic effect). These results revealed biphasic effect of Acorus calamus leaves extracts on acetylcholine induced contractile response in isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle preparation (i.e. potentiation effect at lower dose and inhibitory effect at higher dose). Studies on isolated guinea pig ileum demonstrated antihistaminic effect in a dose dependent manner (100-1000 &#956;g/ml) with ACAE, ACME and ACAQE. In addition, the dose dependent inhibition of Ach response (antimuscarinic effect) was observed with ACAE and ACME. In conclusion, Acorus calamus leaves extracts exerts antinicotinic, anticholinesterase like activities in isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle and antihistaminic, antimuscarinic effect in guinea pig ileum. It has been suggested that these observed activities can be further studied for therapeutic potential of Acorus calamus leaves in the treatment of cognitive disorders and asthma

An Integrative Phenotype-Genotype Approach Using Phenotypic Characteristics from the UAE National Diabetes Study Identifies HSD17B12 as a Candidate Gene for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

The United Arab Emirates National Diabetes and Lifestyle Study (UAEDIAB) has identified obesity, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and dyslipidemia as common phenotypic characteristics correlated with diabetes mellitus status. As these phenotypes are usually linked with genetic variants, we hypothesized that these phenotypes share single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-clusters that can be used to identify causal genes for diabetes. We explored the National Human Genome Research Institute-European Bioinformatics Institute Catalog of Published Genome-Wide Association Studies (NHGRI-EBI GWAS) to list SNPs with documented association with the UAEDIAB-phenotypes as well as diabetes. The shared chromosomal regions affected by SNPs were identified, intersected, and searched for Enriched Ontology Clustering. The potential SNP-clusters were validated using targeted DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) in two Emirati diabetic patients. RNA sequencing from human pancreatic islets was used to study the expression of identified genes in diabetic and non-diabetic donors. Eight chromosomal regions containing 46 SNPs were identified in at least four out of the five UAEDIAB-phenotypes. A list of 34 genes was shown to be affected by those SNPs. Targeted NGS from two Emirati patients confirmed that the identified genes have similar SNP-clusters. ASAH1, LRP4, FES, and HSD17B12 genes showed the highest SNPs rate among the identified genes. RNA-seq analysis revealed high expression levels of HSD17B12 in human islets and to be upregulated in type 2 diabetes (T2D) donors. Our integrative phenotype-genotype approach is a novel, simple, and powerful tool to identify clinically relevant potential biomarkers in diabetes. HSD17B12 is a novel candidate gene for pancreatic β-cell function

Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Pahang, Malaysia based on MSP-1 and MSP-2 genes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malaria is still a public health problem in Malaysia especially in the interior parts of Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak (East Malaysia). This is the first study on the genetic diversity and genotype multiplicity of <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>in Malaysia.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Seventy-five <it>P. falciparum </it>isolates were genotyped by using nested-PCR of <it>MSP-1 </it>(block 2) and <it>MSP-2 </it>(block 3).</p> <p>Results</p> <p><it>MSP-1 </it>and <it>MSP-2 </it>allelic families were identified in 65 blood samples. RO33 was the predominant <it>MSP-1 </it>allelic family identified in 80.0% (52/65) of the samples while K1 family had the least frequency. Of the <it>MSP-2 </it>allelic families, 3D7 showed higher frequency (76.0%) compared to FC27 (20.0%). The multiplicity of <it>P. falciparum </it>infection (MOI) was 1.37 and 1.20 for <it>MSP-1 </it>and <it>MSP-2</it>, respectively. A total of seven alleles were detected; of which three <it>MSP-1 </it>allelic families (RO33, MAD20 and K1) were monomorphic in terms of size while <it>MSP-2 </it>alleles were polymorphic (two 3D7 and two FC27). Heterozygosity (H_E) was 0.57 and 0.55 for <it>MSP-1 </it>and <it>MSP-2</it>, respectively.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The study showed that the MOI of <it>P. falciparum </it>is low, reflected the low intensity of malaria transmission in Pahang, Malaysia; RO33 and 3D7 were the most predominant circulating allelic families. The findings showed that <it>P. falciparum </it>has low allelic diversity with a high frequency of alleles. As a result, antimalarial drug efficacy trials based on MSP genotyping should be carefully interpreted.</p