Investigating the removal of some pharmaceutical compounds in hospital wastewater treatment plants operating in Saudi Arabia

The concentrations of 12 pharmaceutical compounds (atenolol, erythromycin, cyclophosphamide, paracetamol, bezafibrate, carbamazepine, ciprofloxacin, caffeine, clarithromycin, lidocaine, sulfamethoxazole and Nacetylsulfamethoxazol (NACS)) were investigated in the influents and effluents of two hospital wastewater treatment plants (HWWTPs) in Saudi Arabia. The majority of the target analytes were detected in the influent samples apart from bezafibrate, cyclophosphamide, and erythromycin. Caffeine and paracetamol were detected in the influent at particularly high concentrations up to 75 and 12 ug/L, respectively. High removal efficiencies of the pharmaceutical compounds were observed in both HWWTPs, with greater than 90 % removal on average. Paracetamol, sulfamethoxazole, NACS, ciprofloxacin, and caffeine were eliminated by between >95 and >99 % on average. Atenolol, carbamazepine, and clarithromycin were eliminated by >86 % on average. Of particular interest were the high removal efficiencies of carbamazepine and antibiotics that were achieved by the HWWTPs; these compounds have been reported to be relatively recalcitrant to biological treatment and are generally only partially removed. Elevated temperatures and high levels of sunlight were considered to be the main factors that enhanced the removal of these compounds

Exploring the Relationship between MIS and Decision-Making Process at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

This study aims to identify the role of management information systems (MIS) towards decision-making in Al-Hussein Bin Talal University (AHU). To accomplish the objective of the study, the following hypotheses were formulated: There are NO statistically significant differences between MIS and the effectiveness of the decision-making process (DMP) at AHU. There are NO statistically significant differences in the attitudes of employees at AHU on the role of MIS in the effectiveness of (DMP) due to their demographic variables (gender, age, marital status, job experience, and scientific qualification). The study followed the analytical descriptive approach, a questionnaire was designed to collect the data, it was distributed to a sample of (180) managerial and academic staff of decision-makers at AHU with a recovery rate of (89%). The most important results are: There is a statistically significant relationship between MIS and the decision-making process effectiveness in AHU, The results also showed there are statistically significant differences between the role of management information systems in making decisions due to the variables (age, job experience, and scientific qualification). While there are no statistically significant differences of (gender and marital status) variables, the study recommend the need to increase the support of senior management at AHU for users of information systems, the need to provide training and development programs for them and the need to increase attention to MIS through regular maintenance, continuous development, protection of information, and building an integrated electronic system at the level of all Jordanian universities that guarantees participation as well as safe and effective information exchange between them

Lipid Profile Changes in Toxoplasmosis Aborted Women

Blood lipids are important mediators of host defense during the acute phase of innate immunity. Parasites may induce significant changes in lipid parameters, as has been shown in vitro study where substitution of serum by lipid/cholesterol in medium and in experimental models (in vivo). Thus changes in lipid profile occur in patients that having active infections with most of the parasites. Toxoplasma cannot synthesize cholesterol and depends upon acquisition of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-derived from the host cell, via endocytosis mediated by the LDL receptor or the LDL receptor-related protein.The present study is conducted to evaluate the changes in lipid profile in T. gondii infected women.A total of patients included 87 aborted women who had positive test for toxoplasmosis and a two control groups (115 non toxoplasmosis women): The first control group (negative control) contains 88 apparently healthy women and the second control group (positive control) contains 87 aborted women, were registered from Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Baghdad. Both control groups had negative test for toxoplasmosis. These samples were collected between the period January 2009 and May 2010. Patients and controls women's had comparable age that ranged between 15-45 years old. Serum samples were collected from each woman in the three groups and then the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) and Lipid profile assays were performed by using two commercial kits. In the basis of ELISA test anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG and IgM), detected in the patients sera, three types of toxoplasmosis were identified. These were; acute type, sub-acute type and chronic type. Most of patients had chronic type 75 (86.2%). There were significant decreased in the total cholesterol are 165.05 (control groups 212.44, 213.33 respectively), triglycerides 134.98 (control groups 173.81, 174.40 respectively), LDL 87.78 (control groups 137.32, 135.87 respectively) and vLDL values 26.99 (control groups 34.70, 34.60 respectively). In contrast, there was significant increased in HDL value (49.0) as compared with control groups (40.42, 38.78 respectively). Also the result indicated that there were no significant differences in lipid profile values between the three types of disease. Toxoplasma gondii had a role in changes lipid profile values in infected women which characterized by decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride and LDL with a significant increases in HDL level. Further studies needed to maintain the effect of duration of the toxoplasmosis (acute or chronic) on the changes in lipid profile

Current and Future Trends in Computer Use in Elementary School Settings

The study examined current and future trends in computer use in elementary school settings. A survey instrument was developed and validated for distribution to a random sample of 200 technology coordinators in the public school districts in the state of Texas from whom 95 responses were received. The survey instrument was used to obtain information about five areas of computer use in elementary schools. These areas are: physical configurations, instructional uses, implementation issues, training and staff development, and Internet use. The study found that all public school districts that participated in the study have acquired computer hardware in their elementary schools. In addition, some other advanced computer technology components are starting to be found in elementary schools, such as teacher workstations, CD-ROM, interactive video, computer multimedia, LCD panels, and laser printers. Respondents reported that elementary school teachers in their districts have incorporated computers into their classrooms as an instructional tool and many changes have occurred in teachers teaching styles due to computers. However, there are some problems that hinder the effective use of computers. The major problem is lack of training. A high percentage of respondents, 81.3%, indicated that the majority of their elementary school teachers had completed less than 30 hours of technology related professional development. Another problem was lack of funding which prevents most school districts from acquiring computer hardware and software. Currently, elementary schools in 87% of districts that participated in the study are connected to the Internet and the plan is that by the year 2001 all elementary schools will be connected

The Impact of Social Media on Unethical Behaviors from the Perspective of the Ninth and Tenth Grade Students in Jordan

The present study aimed to explore the impact of social media on unethical behaviors from the perspective of ninth and tenth grade students in Jordan. The researchers adopted descriptive and quantitative approaches. They used a questionnaire to identify the social media platform used the most by ninth and tenth grade students in Amman and Balqa, Jordan. Through using the questionnaire, they aimed to explore the impact of social media on unethical behaviors in family and society.It was found that YouTube is the social media platform used the most by ninth and tenth grade students in Jordan.  Electronic games- e.g. Pubg, Fortnite, Sims and etc..- are ranked second in this regard. Facebook is ranked third. Instagram is ranked third too. Snapchat is ranked fourth and Twitter is ranked fifth. Twitter is ranked last.It was found that social media significantly affects family and society. It was found that social media has been playing a significant role in promoting unfamiliar values in society. Social media has been promoting the use of bad words among young people.  In terms of family, it was found that the prevalence of social media led to reducing the extent of interaction between family members. It was found that social media led to reducing the degree to which children interact with their family member. It was found that social media negatively affects family relationships.It was found that there are statistically significant differences –at the statistical significance level of (a=0.05)- between the respondents’ attitudes which can be attributed to city and family income. The latter difference are for the favor of the respondents living in the city and the respondents whose family income is high.The researchers recommend holding lectures for students and parents to promote awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of using social media. Such lectures must include information about the way of using social media and organizing one’s time to use it. Keywords: social media, unethical behaviors, Jordanian students DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-15-15 Publication date:May 31st 202

The Duration Between Traffic Accidents in the Taxi Sector: An Empirical Inquiry

The taxi, as a supplier of urban passenger transport, is often sidelined in travel demand studies, yet its role in the overall transport task is far from marginal. Taxis are the most intensively used automobile transportation and consequently have a very high exposure rate in respect of potential accident. Very little empirical research has been undertaken into the risks associated with using a taxi. Drivers of taxis are usually assumed to be experienced drivers with a safety history appropriate for the responsibility of transporting the public. Yet this is not always the case. To provide some understanding of the exposure to risk which passengers place themselves in when hiring a taxi, we explore the safety record of drivers over time. Of particular interest is the frequency of accidents over a given time period, and in particular the elapsed time between a taxi drivers initial accident and subsequent accidents. To what extent is the duration between accidents a positive or negative function of experience, personal attributes, temporary impairment, fatigue etc? A set of proportional hazards models are developed to explain the time interval (duration) between traffic accidents of taxi drivers in Amman, Jordan. Three econometric models are developed to predict the duration between the date when a taxi driver begins to drive and the date when the first, second, and third accidents occur respectively. Estimation results show that driving-related capabilities, socioeconomic characteristics, and temporary impairments significantly influence the duration between traffic accidents. The duration to the first traffic accident is lower than the duration between the firs

Terfezia boudieri: A Desert Truffle With Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Activities

© Copyright © 2020 Al Obaydi, Hamed, Al Kury and Talib. Desert truffles have high nutritional value and grow wild in the Mediterranean basin and Western Asia. Although, many studies were performed to evaluate truffles nutritious values and phytochemical composition, studies are limited to evaluate their anticancer and/ or immunomodulatory effects. Our study was conducted to evaluate the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of Terfezia boudieri (desert truffle). Different solvent extracts were prepared from the truffle and MTT assay was used to measure their anticancer activity against cancer cell lines (T47D, MCF-7, MDA-MB231, HCT-116, and Hela). Total phenolic content in each extract was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard methods. The degree of apoptosis induction (using caspase 3 assay) and vascular endothelial growth factor expression were detected using standard kits. Also, ELISA was used to measure levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 secreted by splenocytes after treatment with the extracts. The effect of the extracts on splenocytes proliferation was measured using MTT assay. Macrophage function was evaluated using nitro blue tetrazolium assay and pinocytosis function was evaluated using neutral red method. Terpenoids, phytosterols, and carbohydrates were present in all the solvent extracts, while tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids were detected only in aqueous/methanol and aqueous extracts. The highest total phenolic content was observed in aqueous and aqueous methanol extracts. The growth of cancer cell lines was inhibited by T. boudieri extracts in a dose dependent manner. N-hexane extract was the most potent against most cell lines. Aqueous/methanol extract showed high apoptosis induction and angiogenesis suppression effects. An increase in TH1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2) level and a decrease in TH2 cytokine (IL-4) level were evident after lymphocytes stimulation by aqueous/methanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of T. boudieri. Ethyl acetate extract of T. boudieri were the most potent extracts to stimulate lymphocytes proliferation while all other extracts showed moderate stimulation. Aqueous/methanol extract was the most active extract to stimulate phagocytosis. Ethyl acetate extract was the most active extract to stimulate pinocytosis. The use of T. boudieri provides variable health benefits. N-hexane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous/methanol extracts exhibited anticancer activities and are potent stimulators of innate and acquired immunity. Further testing is needed to identify the biologically active compounds and detect them quantitatively using GC-MS analysis

Intraoperative local infiltration anesthesia effect on post-operative pain after total knee replacement

Background: Pain following TKA renders rehabilitation difficult. Local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) could significantly decrease post-operative pain. Aim was to assess the effect of peri-articular intraoperative LIA during primary TKA on post-operative pain. Methods: This prospective, randomized and double-blind study included 150 patients, aged 65-74 years, of both sexes with stage 4 knee osteoarthritis who were assigned for primary TKA at Queen Alia Military hospital, Amman-Jordan, during the period May 2022–December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups. LIA group (GI, n=75) received a single peri-articular LIA during surgery. The cocktail comprised 75 mg diclofenac sodium, 100 mg bupivacaine, and 0.5 mg adrenaline. The cocktail was diluted in 100 ml of normal saline and split into two syringes, 50 ml each. Patients in control group (GII, n=75) received only 100 ml of normal saline. When patients had pain postoperatively, 1 mg morphine was given intravenously at 15-minute intervals. Primary outcomes were verbal analog scale (VAS) pain score from day 1 to 6 after surgery and overall morphine administration. Results: On day 1 after surgery, the average VAS was 4.19 in the LIA group vs. 6.08 in group II (p<0.002), while it was 4.01 versus 4.78 (p>0.05) on day 6. Overall morphine requirement and pain scores from day 1 to day 6 after surgery were less in the LIA group than in the other group, 13.06 mg versus 20.75 mg (p<0.004). Conclusions: Peri-articular LIA during TKA significantly improve post-operative pain and decreases morphine use.

The prevalence of potential side effects of COVID-19 vaccines among vaccinated Iraqi people: a prospective cross-sectional study

Purpose: Several types of vaccines were manufactured by different companies to control and stop the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to identify the postvaccination side effects of the three different vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm) among the Iraqi population in Baghdad, Iraq. Design/methodology/approach: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Baghdad, Iraq from May 2021 to March 2022. An online-based questionnaire was used to collect the data through social media, i.e. WhatsApp, Messenger and Google Classroom. A total of 737 vaccinated participants using a snowball sampling methodology were used in this study. Findings: Among the study population, 328 (44.50%) were males and 409 (55.50%) were females. The highest age group that participated was 18–30 years (79.10%) followed by 31–40 years (12.10%), 41–50 years (4.20%), 51–60 years (2.40%) and 60 = years (2.20%). However, 58.8% of the participants received Pfizer-BioNTech, 23.7% received the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and 17.5% received Sinopharm. Out of the total participants, 56.60% showed postvaccination side-effects such as fever, headache, fatigue and dizziness, while 33% showed no side-effects and 10.40% were not sure. Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines were the most vaccines prevalent of side-effects. Originality/value: The majority of the side reactions associated with the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines were manageable and self-limiting, including fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain and dizziness, compared to the Sinopharm vaccines, which reported lower postside effects

Sexually transmitted infections case notification rates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 2005–2012

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health concerns around the world. This study describes the epidemiology of reported STI cases from 2005 to 2012 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: The annual registry was the main source of data as reported by healthcare providers. Case definitions were based on positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by western blot test for HIV cases. The definitions of other STIs were based on published Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) definitions. Results: During the study period, 68,886 new cases were reported, with nongonococcal urethritis being the highest STI (25.4) per 100,000 population (25.4), followed by trichomoniasis (9.1), HIV (7), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (2.9), and syphilis (1.3). The cases included nongonococcal urethritis (n = 35,613; 51.7%), trichomoniasis (n = 12,679; 18.4%), gonococcal urethritis (n = 3,006; 4.4%), syphilis (n = 1,769; 2.6%), HIV (n = 9,843; 14.3%), genital warts (n = 4,018; 5.8%), genital herpes (n = 1,508; 2.2%), and chancroid (n = 450; 0.7%). Saudi contribution to HIV cases increased from 28.9% in the preceding decade to 43.5% in the current study. Conclusions: Nongonococcal urethritis, trichomoniasis, and HIV were the most commonly reported STIs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia