Impact of physical activity and dietary programme on metabolic syndrome risk factors in Saudi women

This thesis explores the impact of lifestyle factors on the development of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Saudi Arabian women. A survey of a snowball sample was used to recruit 258 female and explored factors influencing physical activity (PA) and food intake and their effects on BMI in women living in the KSA and the UK. Participants completed a self-reporting questionnaire relating to knowledge, attitudes, barriers and levels of PA, sedentary activity and eating habits. Excessive energy intake, physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle were all prevalent in Saudi women, resulting in 80%, over the age of 35y, being overweight or obese. BMI was associated with both energy intake and PA, though the relationship with the former was stronger. The most common barriers to regular exercise were transportation and lack of time. Findings were generally similar between women living in Saudi Arabia and the UK. The efficacy of reducing energy intake, with or without increased PA, on risk factors associated with MS in overweight Saudi women was investigated in a pilot study. After a four-week program, incorporating dietary modification alone (D) or in combination with regular vigorous aerobic exercise (D+E), improvements were seen in body composition and a range of metabolic risk factors. Both groups lost weight, but, paradoxically, those in D lost significantly more than those in D+E (5.3 vs. 3.3%, p=0.016). Moreover, significant reductions were also found in blood pressure, plasma triacylglycerol, insulin, total and LDL cholesterol, with no significant differences between the two groups. Plasma glucose and HDL cholesterol remained unaltered. Overall, these changes led to a decline in the prevalence of MS from 20% to 5% and 21% to 7% for the D and D+E groups, respectively. Thus, reducing energy intake appears, at least in the short term, more important than increasing PA in reducing body weight and associated metabolic risk factors. These studies confirm that excessive dietary intake and physical inactivity both contribute to overweight and obesity in Saudi Arabian women. With appropriate support, it is possible to both reduce energy intake and increase PA, although, in the short -term, the former appears to be most important. It remains to be established whether longer-term improvements in PA would further improve metabolic health

Pathology-MRI correlations in diffuse low-grade epilepsy associated tumors

It is recognized that IDH mutation negative, low-grade epilepsy associated tumors (LEAT) can show diffuse growth patterns and lack the diagnostic hallmarks of either classical dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNT) or typical ganglioglioma. “Nonspecific or diffuse DNT” and more recently “polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young” have been terms used for these entities. There are few reports on the MRI recognition of these diffuse glioneuronal tumors (dGNT), which is important in planning the extent of surgical resection. In 27 LEATs T1, T2, FLAIR, and postcontrast T1 MRI were evaluated and the pathology reviewed, including immunostaining for NeuN, CD34, MAP2, and IDH1. Each case was then independently classified by pathology or MRI as simple DNT, complex DNT, or dGNT. There was agreement in 23/27 (85%; Kappa score 0.62; p < 0.01). In 4 cases, there was discrepancy in the diagnosis of simple versus complex DNT but 100% agreement achieved for dGNT. DNT showed significantly more expansion of the cortex, cystic change and ventricle extension than dGNT. dGNT showed significantly more subcortical T2w hyperintensity and focal cortical atrophy which correlated on pathology with CD34 expression, cortical neuronal loss and white matter rarefaction. There was no distinct cortical dysplasia component identified by MRI or pathology in any case. This study highlights that dGNT can be reliably discriminated on MRI from DNT

RISK FACTORS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES AMONG YEMENI YOUNG DENTAL PATIENTS

Periodontal diseasesare chronic infectious diseases that lead to the inflammation of specialized tissues that surround and support the teeth. Many risk factors and risk indicators, associated with increased risk of periodontal disease, have been identified. Gender, age, education, tooth brushing habit, smoking, khat chewing and shamaa use were associated with periodontal status in Yemen. Accordingly, the aim of our study is to assess the prevalence and related risk factors for periodontal diseases&nbsp; among Yemeni young dental patients in the faculty of dentistry Sanaa university.735 subjects (both males and females) and systemic free. Clinical examinations were performed including probing pocket depth, plaque index, gingival index and gingival recession. 110 Patients were less than 20 years and&nbsp; 9.1% healthy, 36.4% gingivitis, 22.7% generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP), 4.5% localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP), 27.3% generalized gingivitis with localized chronic periodontitis (LCP) and 0.0% generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP). 625 Patients were more than 20 years and less than 29 years and 13.6% healthy, 8.7% gingivitis, 29.1% generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP), 2.7% localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP), 45.6% generalized gingivitis with localized chronic periodontitis (LCP) and 0.2% generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP).Age, gender, education, tooth brushing habit, smoking, khat chewing and shamaa use habit were significantly (P&nbsp;≤ 0.05) associated with periodontal status. The study confirmed various socio‑demographic risk factors/indictors associated with increased risk of periodontitis among Yemeni young dental patients. Peer Review History: Received 9 October 2017; &nbsp;&nbsp;Revised 22 October; Accepted 28 October, Available online 15 November 2017 Academic Editor:&nbsp; Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8.0/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics &amp; Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected] Dr. Sabah Hussien El-Ghaiesh ,&nbsp;Tanta University, Egypt, [email protected] Similar Articles: ETIOLOGY AND RISK FACTORS OF STOMATITIS AMONG YEMENI DENTURE WEARER

Pathology–MRI Correlations in Diffuse Low-Grade Epilepsy Associated Tumors

It is recognized that IDH mutation negative, low-grade epilepsy associated tumors (LEAT) can show diffuse growth patterns and lack the diagnostic hallmarks of either classical dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNT) or typical ganglioglioma. “Nonspecific or diffuse DNT” and more recently “polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young” have been terms used for these entities. There are few reports on the MRI recognition of these diffuse glioneuronal tumors (dGNT), which is important in planning the extent of surgical resection. In 27 LEATs T1, T2, FLAIR, and postcontrast T1 MRI were evaluated and the pathology reviewed, including immunostaining for NeuN, CD34, MAP2, and IDH1. Each case was then independently classified by pathology or MRI as simple DNT, complex DNT, or dGNT. There was agreement in 23/27 (85%; Kappa score 0.62; p < 0.01). In 4 cases, there was discrepancy in the diagnosis of simple versus complex DNT but 100% agreement achieved for dGNT. DNT showed significantly more expansion of the cortex, cystic change and ventricle extension than dGNT. dGNT showed significantly more subcortical T2w hyperintensity and focal cortical atrophy which correlated on pathology with CD34 expression, cortical neuronal loss and white matter rarefaction. There was no distinct cortical dysplasia component identified by MRI or pathology in any case. This study highlights that dGNT can be reliably discriminated on MRI from DNT

Bayesian belief networks for fault detection and diagnostics of a three-phase separator

A three-phase separator (TPS) is one of the key components of offshore oil processing facili-ties. Oil is separated from gas, water and solid impurities by the TPS before it can be further processed. Fail-ures of the TPS can lead to unplanned shutdowns and reduction of the efficiency of the whole oil processing facility as well as posing hazards to safety of personnel. A novel fault detection and diagnostic (FDD) meth-odology for the TPS is proposed in this paper. The core of the methodology is based on Bayesian Belief Net-works (BBN). A BBN model is built to replicate the operation of the TPS: when the system is fault free or operating with single or multiple failed components. Results of the capabilities of the BBN model to detect and diagnose single and multiple faults of the TPS components are reported in this paper

A distinctive marginal marine palynological assemblage from the Přídolí of northwestern Saudi Arabia

A rare occurrence of a rich and diverse palynological assemblage from the Tawil Formation is described from well JLMD-EW-8 in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The composition of this assemblage strongly indicates a middle Přídolí age. The assemblage encountered contains very characteristic chitinozoans, acritarchs, tasmanitids, freshwater algae, scolecodonts, eurypterid cuticle and other organic remains. Land-derived miospores are also common and two new cryptospore species (Cymbohilates jalamidensis and Gneudnaspora sordida) are herein formally described. Most taxa of taxonomic interest and useful for regional and intercontinental correlation are illustrated. The palaeogeographic distribution of this assemblage is also discussed as organic-walled microphytoplankton, chitinozoans and miospores encountered in the studied samples correlate well with similar assemblages from various Algerian, Libyan, and Ibero-armorican localities (i.e. Ibarmaghian regions). This corresponds to what is considered as a transgressive middle Přídolí event in the Algerian Sahara, with non-marine intervals bracketing this brief marine sea-level rise. This event is likely to have extended into all of north Gondwana, including Arabia, and can be correlated to the S50 Maximum Flooding Surface from the sequence stratigraphic framework defined in the Neftex Geodynamic Earth Model

Genetic diversity of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in imported and domestic camels in Saudi Arabia

Camels gained attention since the discovery of MERS-CoV as intermediary hosts for potentially epidemic zoonotic viruses. DcHEV is a novel zoonotic pathogen associated with camel contact. This study aimed to genetically characterize DcHEV in domestic and imported camels in Saudi Arabia. DcHEV was detected by RT-PCR in serum samples, PCR-positive samples were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. DcHEV was detected in 1.77% of samples with higher positivity in domestic DCs. All positive imported dromedaries were from Sudan with age declining prevalence. Domestic DcHEV sequences clustered with sequences from Kenya, Somalia, and UAE while imported sequences clustered with one DcHEV isolate from UAE and both sequences clustered away from isolates reported from Pakistan. Full-genome sequences showed 24 amino acid difference with reference sequences. Our results confirm the detection of DcHEV in domestic and imported DCs. Further investigations are needed in human and camel populations to identify DcHEV potential zoonosis threat

Association between waterpipe smoking and obesity: Population-based study in Qatar

Introduction: Over the past decade obesity prevalence has been increasing rapidly in the Gulf region (GR) including Qatar, becoming one of the major health issues in the region. Concomitantly, waterpipe (WP) smoking is increasing worldwide especially in the GR, and although the effect of cigarette smoking on body weight is well-established, studies indicating an association between WP smoking and obesity are scarce. Thus, we explored the association between WP smoking and obesity in comparison with cigarette smokers and healthy population in Qatar. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from Qatar Biobank and analyzed anthropometric measurements among 879 adults (aged 18–65 years) that included WP smokers, cigarette smokers, dual smokers and never smokers. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and reported as lean mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage. Results: Overall, 12% (n=108) were WP smokers, 22% (n=196) were cigarette smokers, 9% (n=77) smoked both WP and cigarettes and 57% (n=498) were never smokers. Age, sex, history of diabetes, and hypertension, in addition to nationality were considered as confounding factors. Our analysis revealed that WP smokers had a significantly higher BMI (kg/m2) and fat mass when compared with cigarette smokers (p<0.05). Moreover, compared to cigarette smoking, WP smoking had a higher significant effect on BMI (β=3.8, SE=0.38; and β=5.5, SE=0.46; respectively), and fat mass (β=5.1, SE=0.79; and β=9.0, SE=0.97; respectively). However, WP users were similar to never-smokers in terms of body fat percent. Conclusions: Our data indicate that compared to never smokers, daily WP users have higher BMI and fat mass, and are likely to be obese.This work is supported by the College of Medicine and Health Cluster of Qatar University. The funder had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.Scopu

Identification of a major QTL for Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni resistance in apricot

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni causes bacterial spot of stone fruit resulting in severe yield losses in apricot production systems. Present on all continents, the pathogen is regulated in Europe as a quarantine organism. Host resistance is an important component of integrated pest management; however, little work has been done describing resistance against X. arboricola pv. pruni. In this study, an apricot population derived from the cross “Harostar” × “Rouge de Mauves” was used to construct two parental genetic maps and to perform a quantitative trait locus analysis of resistance to X. arboricola pv. pruni. A population of 101 F1 individuals was inoculated twice for two consecutive years in a quarantine greenhouse with a mixture of bacterial strains, and disease incidence and resistance index data were collected. A major QTL for disease incidence and resistance index accounting respectively for 53 % (LOD score of 15.43) and 46 % (LOD score of 12.26) of the phenotypic variation was identified at the same position on linkage group 5 of “Rouge de Mauves.” Microsatellite marker UDAp-452 co-segregated with the resistance, and two flanking microsatellites, namely BPPCT037 and BPPCT038A, were identified. When dividing the population according to the alleles of UDAp-452, the subgroup with unfavorable allele had a disease incidence of 32.6 % whereas the group with favorable allele had a disease incidence of 21 %, leading to a reduction of 35.6 % in disease incidence. This study is a first step towards the marker-assisted breeding of new apricot varieties with an increased tolerance to X. arboricola pv. pruni