The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms in schoolchildren in a highly consanguineous community

Objective: The objective of the present study was to find the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity (ADH) symptoms in a sample of primary schoolchildren in Qatar and investigate the behaviour of the children with and without ADH symptoms in a highly consanguineous community. Subjects and Methods: A total of 2,500 primary school students, aged 6-12 years, were randomly selected from the government primary schools, and 1,869 students (947 boys and 922 girls) gave consent to participate in this study. An Arabic questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic variables and a standardized Arabic version of the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale for ADH symptoms. Results: Of the 947 boys, 158 (16.7%; 95% confidence interval, CI, 14.4-19.2) and of the 922 girls, 50 (5.4%; 95% CI 4.1-7.1) scored above the cut-off (≥15) for ADH symptoms, thus giving an overall prevalence of 11.1% (95% CI 9.7-12.6). The children who had higher scores for ADH symptoms were in the age group of 6-9 years. Children who had higher scores for ADH symptoms had a poorer school performance than those with lower scores (p = 0.002). Two hundred (96.2%) children with ADH were disobedient, 126 (60.6%) noisy and hyperactive, 76 (36.5%) very cranky, 78 (37.5%) troublesome and 79 (37.9%) nervous. The logistic regression identified socio-economic condition, number of children, school performance and poor relationship between parents as the main contributors to ADH. Although the univariate analysis showed a significant relationship (p = 0.010) between ADH symptoms and consanguineous parents, logistic regression did not support this association (p = 0.075). This suggests that consanguinity has no impact on ADH children. Conclusion: The study revealed that ADH is a common problem among schoolchildren. The children with higher scores for ADH symptoms had a poorer school performance than those with lower scores. A significant difference exists between the behaviour of children with and without ADH

Developing a Model Based on the Radial Basis Function to Predict the Compressive Strength of Concrete Containing Fly Ash

A supplemental pozzolanic material such as fly ash may result in a reduction in the concrete’s adverse environmental effect by reducing the discharge of carbon dioxide throughout the cement production procedure. This pozzolanic material also enhances the mechanical characteristics as well as the durability of concrete material. Considering the boundless passion for utilizing fly ash and conducting extensive research studies, the extent to which this supplement can be added to concrete has a limitation equal to almost one-third of cement material’s weight. In the current study, a model based on the Radial Basis Function (RBF) is developed to estimate the compressive strength of concrete containing various amounts of fly ash at any arbitrary age. Having parameters used as inputs in ANN modeling such as concrete additives and characteristics of fly ash, the output was compressive strength. It was concluded that the estimated results agree well with the experimental measurements with an MSE of 0.0012 for the compressive strength. Simple and practical equations are proposed to present a simple means to determine the compressive strength of fly ash-based concrete

Inter-limb differences in parameters of aerobic function and local profiles of deoxygenation during double-leg and counterweighted single-leg cycling

It is typically assumed that in the context of double-leg cycling, dominant ($DOM_L$$_E$$_G$) and non-dominant ($NDOM_L$$_E$$_G$) legs have similar aerobic capacity and that both contribute equally to the whole-body physiological responses. However, there is a paucity of studies that have systematically investigated maximal and submaximal aerobic performance and characterized the profiles of local muscle deoxygenation in relation to leg-dominance. Using counterweighted single-leg cycling, this study explored whether peak $O_2$ consumption ($V̇O_2$$_p$$_e$$_a$$_k$), maximal lactate steady-state ($MLSS_p$), and profiles of local deoxygenation [HHb] would be different in the $DOM_L$$_E$$_G$ compared with the $NDOM_L$$_E$$_G$. Twelve participants performed a series of double-leg and counterweighted single-leg $DOM_L$$_E$$_G$ and $NDOM_L$$_E$$_G$$i)$ ramp-exercise tests, and $ii)$ 30-min constant-load trials. $V̇O_2$$_p$$_e$$_a$$_k$ was greater in the $DOM_L$$_E$$_G$ than in the $NDOM_L$$_E$$_G$ (2.87±0.42 vs 2.70±0.39 L·min-1; P<0.05). The difference in $V̇O_2$$_p$$_e$$_a$$_k$ persisted even after accounting for lean mass (P<0.05). Similarly, $MLSS_p$ was greater in the $DOM_L$$_E$$_G$ than in the $NDOM_L$$_E$$_G$ (118±31 vs 109±31 W; P<0.05). Furthermore, the amplitude of the [HHb] signal during ramp-exercise was larger in the $DOM_L$$_E$$_G$ than in the $NDOM_L$$_E$$_G$ during both double-leg (26.0±8.4 vs 20.2±8.8 µM; P<0.05) and counterweighted single-leg cycling (18.5±7.9 vs 14.9±7.5 µM; P<0.05). Additionally, the amplitudes of the [HHb] signal were highly-to-moderately correlated with the mode-specific $V̇O_2$$_p$$_e$$_a$$_k$ values (ranging from 0.91 to 0.54). These findings showed, in a group of young men, that maximal and submaximal aerobic capacities were greater in the $DOM_L$$_E$$_G$ than in the $NDOM_L$$_E$$_G$, and that superior peripheral adaptations of $DOM_L$$_E$$_G$ may underpin these differences

Monitoring and Preserving Organ Function in Cardiovascular Anesthesia and Critical Care

Maintaining organ function and closely monitoring vital signs are necessary in heart-lung anesthesia and critical care. Since oxygen and nutrients are provided via the circulatory system to all organs and tissues, any disruption in its functioning may have negative consequences. A condition of general anesthesia (GA) would be necessary for the patient to undergo several surgical operations. The patient exhibited the key elements of a successful GA: a reversible loss of consciousness with no movement, no awareness, no response to painful stimuli, and no memory of the surgical intervention. Insufficient GA can result in either an extended recovery period and a higher chance of postoperative problems for the patient (from overdosage) or intraoperative consciousness with recall (from patient underdosage). One major reason for insufficient GA is the limited capacity doctors now must assess awareness levels

RISK FACTORS, LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH HABITS OF YOUNG ADULTS IN QATAR

Background & Objectives The state of Qatar has witnessed significant lifestyle changes due to rapid urbanization, the introduction of labour-saving devices and the availability of high-caloric density food. This has impacted on the daily lifestyle and health habits of young adults leading to significant increases in non-communicable diseases (WHO, 2014). This study explored the risk factors associated with such diseases amongst young adults in Qatar. Methods A representative sample of 732 males and females (aged 18-25 years) from Qatar University took part in this cross-sectional, mixed-method design study. Physical Activity (PA) and dietary habits were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Total energy expenditure per week was calculated based on the metabolic equivalent values of each activity reported by the participant (Al-Nakeeb et al., 2012). Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria and using the age and gender-specific BMI classification established by Cole et al. (2000). Results The percentage of overweight/obesity in males and females was 39.5% and 38.5% respectively. It was evident that there was a significant increase in the percentage of students classified as overweight/obese from year 1 to year 4. Meanwhile, there was a decline in the level of PA and an increase in sedentary time during that period. Whilst health was reported to be the main reason for participation in PA/sport, lack of available time was singled out as the main barrier to engagement in an active lifestyle. Ironically, students reported more than 4 hours of TV/DVD viewing and internet use per day. Conclusions The adoption of healthier lifestyles amongst the Qatari population, including an increase in PA and a reduction in overweight/obesity are major objectives cited in Qatar Vision (2030). This study has revealed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity amongst male and female university students with regressive trends in their lifestyle and health habits. The findings reveal a worrying picture of young people's lifestyle that ought to be a cause for concern for policy makers and health professionals. Undoubtedly, there is an urgent need to seriously consider putting in place intervention strategies concerning behaviour modification and the built environment in order to reverse these trends. Such strategies could have major implications on the health and well-being of young people at this critical age developmentally and on the future welfare of the wider community in the long run.qscienc

Detection of FLT3 Oncogene Mutations in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using Conformation Sensitive Gel Electrophoresis

FLT3 (fms-related tyrosine kinase 3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase class III that is expressed on by early hematopoietic progenitor cells and plays an important role in hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. FLT3 is also expressed on leukemia blasts in most cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In order to determine the frequency of FLT3 oncogene mutations, we analyzed genomic DNA of adult de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and conformation-sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE) were used for FLT3 exons 11, 14, and 15, followed by direct DNA sequencing. Two different types of functionally important FLT 3 mutations have been identified. Those mutations were unique to patients with inv(16), t(15:17) or t(8;21) and comprised fifteen cases with internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutation in the juxtamembrane domain and eleven cases with point mutation (exon 20, Asp835Tyr). The high frequency of the flt3 proto-oncogene mutations in acute myeloid leukemia AML suggests a key role for the receptor function. The association of FLT3 mutations with chromosomal abnormalities invites speculation as to the link between these two changes in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemiaAML. Furthermore, CSGE method has shown to be a rapid and sensitive screening method for detection of nucleotide alteration in FLT3 gene. Finally, this study reports, for the first time in Saudi Arabia, mutations in the human FLT3 gene in acute myeloid leukemia AML patients

Effect of quercetin on steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis in ovary of mice with experimentally-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome

IntroductionPolycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects the health of many women around the world. Apart from fundamental metabolic problems connected to PCOS, focus of our study is on the role of quercetin on genes relevant to steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis.MethodsEighteen mature parkes strain mice (4-5 weeks old) weighing 18–21 g were randomly divided into three groups of six each as follows: Group I serves as the control and was given water and a regular chow diet ad lib for 66 days; group II was given oral gavage administration of letrozole (LETZ) (6 mg/kg bw) for 21 days to induce PCOS and was left untreated for 45 days; For three weeks, Group III received oral gavage dose of LETZ (6 mg/kg), after which it received Quercetin (QUER) (125 mg/kg bw orally daily) for 45 days.ResultsIn our study we observed that mice with PCOS had irregular estrous cycle with increased LH/FSH ratio, decreased estrogen level and decline in expression of Kitl, Bmp1, Cyp11a1, Cyp19a1, Ar, lhr, Fshr and Esr1 in ovary. Moreover, we observed increase in the expression of CYP17a1, as well as increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, testosterone, vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF and insulin levels. All these changes were reversed after the administration of quercetin in PCOS mice.DiscussionQuercetin treatment reversed the molecular, functional and morphological abnormalities brought on due to letrozole in pathological and physiological setting, particularly the issues of reproduction connected to PCOS. Quercetin doesn’t act locally only but it acts systematically as it works on Pituitary (LH/FSH)- Ovary (gonad hormones) axis. the Side effects of Quercetin have to be targeted in future researches. Quercetin may act as a promising candidate for medical management of human PCOS

Evolving trends in the management of acute appendicitis during COVID-19 waves. The ACIE appy II study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide