Ethical Considerations in Physical Education

The present article tries to examine those aspects of personal capability management in a valued system and ethical considerations as well as toady theories based on verses and documented narrations about physical exercise and skills in Islam. Since there are many evidences about a careful attitude regarding a well-trained body and calm mentality in valued system and there are many documented case studies in this field, while studying long background especially pre-history and before various religions especially Islam, approaches and comparative studies along with documented narrations and statements of contemporary connoisseurs are addressed of which one can point out mental and physical health, the personal capabilities management, ethical considerations and practical abilities such resistance, high morale, agility, stress-avoiding, situation cognition and rival cognition. Meanwhile, in defining the evidences of valued system, factual and historical cases in verses and narrations are provided

IMPACT OF THINNING AND FOLIAR-BORON-ZINC SPRAY ON SOME MORPHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL INDICATORS IN APPLE TREE (MALUS DOMESTICA CV. GOLDEN DELICIOUS)-"TARTOUS GOVERNORATE"

The research was conducted in Tartous governorate on apple trees cv. Golden Delicious grafted on the rootstock “Malus domestica Borkh”, during two seasons 2019-2020 to study the impact of manual and chemical thinning using foliar boron /zinc spray separately or in combination on some morphological and physiological indicators. The results showed a significant increase in leaf area and its content of total chlorophyll and carotenoids in the second season (low fruit load) compared to the first season (heavy load) due to a rise in vegetative growth and a reduction in fruiting. During the heavy load season, a balance between vegetative and fruiting growth was noted when the manual and chemical thinning applied with no significant differences was found between the two seasons in leaf area, total chlorophyll and carotenoids content. On the other hand, the application of manual thinning, chemical thinning and foliar spraying with boron and zinc separately or together pointed out an increase in the branches content of carbohydrates and nitrogen and C/N ratio in the low load season compared to the control. Consequently, fruit thinning was more effective to obtain a balance between the seasons in term of leaf area, its pigments content, and C/N ratio in branches, which in turn mitigate the alternate bearing phenomenon.

Gestational diabetes prevalence and risk factors among pregnant women — Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Background. The gestational diabetes (GDM) is considered as a global public health problem that affects pregnant women. GDM can become chronic type II and usually it is associated with many risk factors that may lead to many serious complications for the mother and the fetus. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of GDM among pregnant women in Jazan region and to determine the possible associated factors of the GDM. Material and methods. The study involved pregnant women attending department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at government hospitals of Jazan region. A sample of 440 pregnant women were randomly selected. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire prepared to measure the GDM prevalence, risk factors, awareness and adherence to the advice of the doctor and medications. Results. The prevalence of gestational diabetes among pregnant women in Jazan is estimated at 8.2%. The GDM prevalence was significantly higher among obese women (20.2%; 95% CI 13.2–29.2) compared with women with normal weight (7.1%; 95% CI 1.7–7.6). The analysis showed that GDM was significantly associated with child weight more than 3.5 kg (OR 4.315; p = 0.004), mother’s BMI more than 30 kg/m2 (OR 4.703; p = 0.001), and family history of GDM (OR 2.606; p = 0.046). Conclusion. In conclusion, the GDM prevalence obtained in this study is more than global prevalence and less than other studies in KSA. The BMI of mothers and having neonates that weight more than 3.5 kg are the main risk factors for GDM. Suitable interventions programs are highly required for control and risk factor modifications

Opium use and risk of bladder cancer: a multi-centre case-referent study in Iran

Background Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common type of cancer worldwide and the fourth most common type of cancer in Iran. Opium use is considered as one of the risk factors for BC. We aim to assess the association between various parameters of opium use, which in Iran is mainly ingested or smoked in various forms, and the risk of BC. Method In this multi-centre case-referent study in Iran, 717 BC cases and 3477 referents were recruited to the study from May 2017 until July 2020. Detailed histories of opium use (duration, amount, frequency) and potential confounders were collected by trained interviewers. Multivariable unconditional logistic regression models were used to measure adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The ORs were adjusted for age, gender, place of residence and pack-years of cigarette smoking. Results Regular opium consumption was associated with an increased risk of BC (OR 3.5, 95% CI: 2.8, 4.3) compared with subjects who never used opium. Compared with continuous users, the risk decreased to one-third for those who stopped opium more than 10 years ago. The adjusted OR for those who used both crude opium (teriak) and opium juice was 7.4 (95% CI: 4.1, 13.3). There was a joint effect of opium and tobacco (OR for users of both opium and tobacco 7.7, 95% CI: 6.0, 9.7). Conclusions Regular opium use is associated with an approximately 4-fold risk for BC. The OR decreases along with the increasing time since stopping opium use

Knowledge and Practices of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Schoolgirls in Jordanian Badia Region: A Field Study

  Abstract   Background: Normal menstrual cycle is associated with physiological and pathological changes throughout the girls’ lives. It involves physical changes in a girl's body designed to prepare her for pregnancy each month. Significant changes in a girl’s life take place during adolescence and the onset of menstruation. Aims: The study aims to assess the level of knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene among adolescent schoolgirls in the Jordanian Badia Region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2022. The total number of participants was 550 from six schools for girls in the Badia region. Data was collected using a questionnaire that assessed knowledge and practices of the menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage) and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine the predictors of the level of knowledge and practice of the menstrual cycle. Results: The adolescent schoolgirls have adequate level of knowledge, represented by a percentage of 65. Furthermore, the results show that the overall level of girls’ practices was at a poor level (58%), the highest score was for”Schoolgirls should have a discussion with their mothers about menstruation and what to do during their periods”, and the lowest score was for “If she has to, she will have to change the pads at school”. Moreover, age, mothers’ highest level of education, and family income were the predictors of safe knowledge and practices of the menstrual cycle. Conclusion: Overall, the adolescent schoolgirls are reasonably knowledgeable. Additionally, the girls' overall level of practice was poor and menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices need to be improved. Therefore, health programs concerning knowledge and safe practices of menstrual cycles should be conducted in a school setting

Next-generation sequencing for pediatric CNS tumors: does it add value in a middle-income country setup?

IntroductionAdvances in molecular diagnostics led to improved targeted interventions in the treatment of pediatric CNS tumors. However, the capacity to test for these is limited in LMICs, and thus their value needs exploration.MethodsWe reviewed our experience with NGS testing (TruSight RNA Pan-Cancer-seq panel) for pediatric CNS tumors at KHCC/Jordan (March/2022–April/2023). Paraffin blocks’ scrolls were shipped to the SickKids laboratory based on the multidisciplinary clinic (MDC) recommendations. We reviewed the patients’ characteristics, the tumor types, and the NGS results’ impact on treatment.ResultsOf 237 patients discussed during the MDC meetings, 32 patients (14%) were included. They were 16 boys and 16 girls; the median age at time of testing was 9.5 years (range, 0.9–21.9 years). There were 21 samples sent at diagnosis and 11 upon tumor progression. The main diagnoses were low-grade-glioma (15), high-grade-glioma (10), and other histologies (7). Reasons to request NGS included searching for a targetable alteration (20) and to better characterize the tumor behavior (12). The median turnaround time from samples’ shipment to receiving the results was 23.5 days (range, 15–49 days) with a median laboratory processing time of 16 days (range, 8–39 days) at a cost of US$1,000/sample. There were 19 (59%) tumors that had targetable alterations (FGFR/MAPK pathway inhibitors (14), checkpoint inhibitors (2), NTRK inhibitors (2), and one with PI3K inhibitor or IDH1 inhibitor). Two rare BRAF mutations were identified (BRAFp.G469A, BRAFp.K601E). One tumor diagnosed initially as undifferentiated round cell sarcoma harbored NAB2::STAT6 fusion and was reclassified as an aggressive metastatic solitary fibrous tumor. Another tumor initially diagnosed as grade 2 astroblastoma grade 2 was reclassified as low-grade-glioma in the absence of MN1 alteration. NGS failed to help characterize a tumor that was diagnosed histologically as small round blue cell tumor. Nine patients received targeted therapy; dabrafenib/trametinib (6), pembrolizumab (2), and entrectinib (1), mostly upon tumor progression (7).ConclusionIn this highly selective cohort, a high percentage of targetable mutations was identified facilitating targeted therapies. Outsourcing of NGS testing was feasible; however, criteria for case selection are needed. In addition, local capacity-building in conducting the test, interpretation of the results, and access to “new drugs” continue to be a challenge in LMICs

The novel mitochondria-targeted hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donors AP123 and AP39 protect against hyperglycemic injury in microvascular endothelial cells in vitro.

The development of diabetic vascular complications is initiated, at least in part, by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in endothelial cells. Hyperglycemia induces superoxide production in the mitochondria and initiates changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) supplementation has been shown to reduce the mitochondrial oxidant production and shows efficacy against diabetic vascular damage in vivo. However, the half-life of H2S is very short and it is not specific for the mitochondria. We have therefore evaluated two novel mitochondria-targeted anethole dithiolethione and hydroxythiobenzamide H2S donors (AP39 and AP123 respectively) at preventing hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and metabolic changes in microvascular endothelial cells in vitro. Hyperglycemia (HG) induced significant increase in the activity of the citric acid cycle and led to elevated mitochondrial membrane potential. Mitochondrial oxidant production was increased and the mitochondrial electron transport decreased in hyperglycemic cells. AP39 and AP123 (30-300nM) decreased HG-induced hyperpolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane and inhibited the mitochondrial oxidant production. Both H2S donors (30-300nM) increased the electron transport at respiratory complex III and improved the cellular metabolism. Targeting H2S to mitochondria retained the cytoprotective effect of H2S against glucose-induced damage in endothelial cells suggesting that the molecular target of H2S action is within the mitochondria. Mitochondrial targeting of H2S also induced >1000-fold increase in the potency of H2S against hyperglycemia-induced injury. The high potency and long-lasting effect elicited by these H2S donors strongly suggests that these compounds could be useful against diabetic vascular complications

Częstość występowania cukrzycy ciążowej i jej czynników ryzyka u ciężarnych kobiet w prowincji Dżazan w Arabii Saudyjskiej

Wstęp. Cukrzycę ciążową (GDM) uważa się za globalny problem zdrowotny dotyczący ciężarnych kobiet. Może ona przejść w cukrzycę typu 2 i zwykle wiąże się z wieloma czynnikami ryzyka, które mogą prowadzić do poważnych powikłań u matki i płodu. Głównym celem badania było oszacowanie częstości GDM u kobiet w ciąży mieszkających w prowincji Dżazan oraz określenie czynników, które mogą wiązać się z GDM. Materiał i metody. Badanie obejmowało kobiety w ciąży będące pod opieką oddziałów położniczo-ginekologicznych szpitali państwowych w prowincji Dżazan. Wybrano losowo próbę liczącą 440 ciężarnych kobiet. Przeprowadzając wywiady z uczestniczkami badania, korzystano z kwestionariusza opracowanego w celu oceny częstości występowania GDM, czynników ryzyka, wiedzy kobiet na temat GDM i przestrzegania zaleceń lekarskich oraz przyjmowania leków. Wyniki. Częstość GDM wśród ciężarnych kobiet w prowincji Dżazan wynosiła 8,2%. Była ona istotnie wyższa u kobiet otyłych [20,2%; 95-procentowy przedział ufności (CI) 13,2–29,2) niż u osób z prawidłową masą ciała (7,1%; 95% CI 1,7–7,6). Analiza wykazała, że GDM wiązała się istotnie z urodzeniem dziecka o masie ciała wynoszącej ponad 3,5 kg [iloraz szans (OR) 4,315; p = 0,004), wskaźnikiem masy ciała (BMI) matki wynoszącym ponad 30 kg/m2 (OR 4,703; p = 0,001) oraz dodatnim wywiadem rodzinnym dotyczącym GDM (OR 2,606; p = 0,046). Wnioski. Podsumowując, częstość GDM stwierdzona w badaniu była większa niż globalna częstość występowania GDM, lecz mniejsza niż obserwowana w innych badaniach w populacji saudyjskiej. Wskaźnik BMI matki i urodzenie dziecka o masie ciała powyżej 3,5 kg to główne czynniki ryzyka GDM. Potrzebne są odpowiednie programy interwencyjne w celu kontroli i modyfikacji czynników ryzyka

Lung cancer risk in relation to jobs held in a nationwide case-control study in Iran

Background: Globally, lung cancer is the most frequent occupational cancer, but the risk associated with the occupations or occupational environment in Iran is not clear. We aimed to assess occupations with the risk of lung cancer. Methods: We used the IROPICAN nationwide case-control study data including 658 incident lung cancer cases and 3477 controls. We assessed the risk of lung cancer in relation to ever working in major groups of International Standard Classification of Occupations, high-risk occupations for lung cancer and duration of employment and lung cancer subtype among construction workers and farmers while controlling for cigarette smoking and opium consumption. We used unconditional regression logistic models to estimate ORs for the association between increased lung cancer risk and occupations. Results: We observed elevated ORs for lung cancer in male construction workers (OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.8), petroleum industry workers (OR=3.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 9.8), female farmers (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.3 to 5.3) and female bakers (OR=5.5; 95% CI: 1.0 to 29.8). A positive trend by the duration of employment was observed for male construction workers (p< 0.001). Increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma was observed in male construction workers (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.2 to 3.0) and female farmers (OR=4.3; 95% CI: 1.1 to 17.2), who also experienced an increased risk of adenocarcinoma (OR=3.8; 95% CI: 1.4 to 9.9). Discussion: Although we observed associations between some occupations and lung cancer consistent with the literature, further studies with larger samples focusing on exposures are needed to better understand the occupational lung cancer burden in Iran.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Association of Body Mass Index With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Adult Population in Ksa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) stands as a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia stemming from anomalies in insulin secretion, insulin action, or a combination thereof. Its global prevalence has soared, posing substantial public health ramifications. This scenario holds for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), where the prevalence of DM has surged to a critical juncture, warranting heightened attention as a paramount health challenge. In this milieu, the identification of robust markers conducive to early detection and preventive interventions for DM is a matter of paramount significance. One such marker of potential relevance is the Body Mass Index (BMI), a metric ubiquitously deployed to gauge an individual's weight status Methods: A cross-sectional study design will be employed to investigate the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among the adult population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study will be conducted within various urban and rural settings across different regions of KSA, aiming for a representative geographic distribution. The study population will comprise adults aged 18 years and older residing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp; A multistage stratified random sampling method will be used. Firstly, distinct geographical regions will be chosen as strata. Then, within each stratum, random sampling will be performed to select specific cities, neighborhoods, and households. From these households, eligible individuals will be invited to participate. Individuals aged 18 years and older, regardless of gender, who are willing to participate and provide informed consent will be eligible for inclusion. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions affecting BMI and T2DM status will be excluded. Data will be collected through structured interviews. Information on demographics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and dietary habits will be gathered through face-to-face interviews. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist circumference) will be obtained using standardized procedures. The data collection instruments will include a questionnaire encompassing demographic and medical history sections, lifestyle assessment, and dietary intake. Standardized instruments will be used for anthropometric measurements to ensure consistency. The questionnaire will undergo expert review and pilot testing to enhance its validity. Anthropometric measurements will be taken by trained professionals using calibrated equipment to ensure reliability. Pre-established protocols will be followed for both data collection and measurement procedures. Results: The researchers obtained results and information from 808 adults collected from various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used. There was no significant difference between the number of males and females in the sample, as the number of males reached 407, representing 50.4%. The average age in the study was 40 years. There was a statistical significance between gender and cumulative blood sugar. The normal blood sugar level was the most common in the study at 69%, followed by those with diabetes at 21.28% Conclusion: The most common values ​​that affect type 2 diabetes mellitus among the adult population in KSA were BMI followed by blood pressure, family history, number of medications, family history, and commitment to taking medications