Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and its Relationship with Some Variables

This study aims at reporting on the prevalence of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and its relation to some variables including gender, college, academic achievement and region among Sultan Qaboos university students. The Arabic adapted version of OCD Scale designed by Ibrahim and Al Fazari (2015) was administered to a sample of 820 students from all university colleges (2014-2015 academic year enrolments). The OCD validity was assessed using face validity, criterion-related validity, and factorial validity. The reliability of the OCD was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and split-half method. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was .86 whereas the split- half method coefficient was .82. This study showed a higher level of obsessive compulsive disorder among university students (48. 53%). It was also found significant relationships between OCD and gender. A higher level of OCD was reported among female than male students. In addition, a significant relationship was found due to the college, academic achievement and region

Effect of metformin on Sirtuin-1 disorders associated with diabetes in male rats

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and hyperglycaemia. Increased glucose production through abnormally elevated hepatic gluconeogenesis is central to the manifestation of hyperglycaemia in T2DM. Metformin corrects hyperglycaemia mainly through inhibition of gluconeogenesis. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has been identified as regulator of gluconeogenic gene expression. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin on SIRT1 level and activity in liver and pancreas of diabetic rats. Further, the possible role of SIRT1 on metabolic disorders associated with diabetes mellitus, including serum levels of glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotiens (HDL), will be explored.Methods: Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into control group (GpI), diabetic (DM) group (GpII), (metformin + DM) group (GpIII) administered 120 mg/kg metformin daily for 1 month before induction of diabetes, (DM + metformin) group (GpIV) administered 250 mg/kg metformin daily for 1 month after induction of diabetes. At the end of the study, BMI%, serum levels of glucose, insulin, TG and HDL, HOMA, SIRT1 level and activity in liver and pancreas and pancreatic DNA ladder were assessed.Results: Our results showed significant decrease in serum glucose, insulin and TG levels and HOMA; significant increase in HDL level and SIRT1 level and activity in liver and pancreas beside the marked disappearance of pancreatic apoptosis in GpIII & IV relative to GpII. Regarding BMI%, it showed no significant changes in GpIV relative to GpII. No significant change was recorded between GpIII and GpIV regarding all studied parameters except on serum TG.Conclusion: Lowered SIRT1 in diabetes was improved by the administration of Metformin. Consequently, the pathophysiological disorders associated with T2DM were improved.Keywords: DM, Metformin, SIRT1, Pancreatic apoptosi

Evaluation of Antimicrobial bioactive compounds from Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Moringa oleifera

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that inhabit the living tissues of their host plants without causing any host loss. They are considered as a continuous natural source of novel bioactive secondary metabolites with potential application in medicine, which are almost same to their host plant. In this study a total of nine endophytic fungal isolates were collected from leaves and stems of Moringa oleifera. Based on the colonization frequency (CF) results, the highest number of isolates was obtained from plant stem, while the least was from leaves. The nine isolates were identified by keeping track of morphological and microscopic observations. Identification of the two antimicrobial potent strains was confirmed by 18S rDNA-based molecular analysis. The nine isolates were found belonging to Chaetomium, Alternaria, Fusarium, Aspergillus, Mycelia, Penicillium and Nigrospora taxa. Among them, Chaetomium taxon was included the highest CF) 40% (. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity documented ethyl acetate fungal extract as the highest effective inhibitor against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was examined for the two most potent antimicrobial effective extracts, from Chaetomium laterale and Chaetomium interruptum; it was ranged from 12.5 to 0.39 mg/ml

Functional Low-fat Set Yogurt Enhanced with Microbial Exo-polysaccharides-mediated Anticancer Activity

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are novel functional additives for low-fat yogurt. Pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries are using more LAB-based EPSs. In this study, Leuconostoc spp. was used to produce ninth bacterial EPSs in a modified molasses medium. Production of EPSs was concentration-dependent on all stains and the highest yield was obtained from the S3 strain (55.23 g/l), followed by S6 (49.95 g/l), S8 (45.68 g/l), and S7 (44.23), respectively. HPLC and FTIR analysis showed that all purified EPSs from Leuconostoc citreum (S3) and Leuconstoc holzaapfelii (S8) were related to exopolysaccharide glucan. Anticancer activity of all EPSs samples (EPSs1-9) against Caco-2 cells and normal MCR-5 cells were investigated using MTT assay. The results revealed that Caco-2 cells were more sensitive than the normal MCR-5 cells. The highest anticancer activity against Caco-2 cancer cells was recorded for EPS8 (IC50 = 22.94 µg/ml, SI=3.73), followed by EPS3 (IC50 = 36.15 µg/ml, SI=8.72), EPS1 (IC50 = 50.01 µg/ml, SI=3.73), and EPS4 (IC50 = 94.90 µg/ml, SI=3.26), respectively. The lowest cytotoxicity was recorded for EPS5 (IC50 = 130.5 µg/ml). The most active EPSs (EPS3 and EPS8) were used as fat replacements and stabilizers in low-fat set yogurt at non-toxic concentrations (0.4, 0.8, and 1.2%). EPS3 and EPS8 improved the low-fat yogurt’s organoleptic and rheological properties. EPS8 had the highest water holding capacity (77.26%), viscosity (3660 CP), and lowest syneresis (22.95%) and whey off (0.6 ml). Low-fat set yogurt enhanced with EPS3 and EPS8 recorded the highest sensory evaluation values with overall acceptability, especially EPS3b, EPS3c, EPS8c, and EPS8b; the total score point of 97.50, 97.43, 96.51, and 96.36, respectively in fresh age compared to control yogurt (92.64). In conclusion, Leuconostoc EPSs, especially EPS8, can be explored for anti-cancer effects on Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells. It could also improve the rheological and organoleptic qualities of low-fat set yogurt

Pharmaceutical Care Service at Primary Health Care Centers: An Insight on Patient Satisfaction

Background: Patient's health care experiences and satisfaction are frequently used as a healthcare quality indicator. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the level of patient satisfaction with the pharmacy services provided at the Primary Health Care Corporation's (PHCC) pharmacies in Qatar. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional survey conducted in December of 2019. The study's setting is the Primary Health Care centers' pharmacies. All adult patients (≥18 years old) with mobile phone numbers documented on file who had their prescription orders filled at the PHCC's pharmacy units in 2019 were included in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to present the findings. The significance level was set at the alpha level of 0.05. Results: The usable responses were 9,564 from the total participants. Around 55.2% (N = 5,283) were males, 56.5% (N = 5,405) were in the age group (25-40), 19.2% (N = 1,837) were Qatari nationals, 39.7% (N = 3,801) had their medication dispensed in the Central Region of the State of Qatar, and 72.8% (N = 6,964) had at least undergraduate or higher degrees. The overall mean (SD) satisfaction score was (3.24 ± 0.629). Participants were less satisfied with their pharmacist's communication, especially offering information about medication's side effects (2.61 ± 1.2) and general health counselling (2.39 ± 1.2). Respondents were also less satisfied with waiting time (3.02 ± 1.3). Waiting time, gender, age, nationality, geographical region of the pharmacy, educational level, and familiarity with the PHCC were significantly associated with satisfaction level. Conclusion: The patients were reasonably satisfied, and the satisfaction level differed among different sociodemographic groups. Based on the public's needs and expectations, pharmacists need to continuously improve their effort to enhance the healthcare quality in the organization

Threat of antimicrobial resistance among pilgrims with infectious diseases during Hajj : lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic

Hajj pilgrimage is a large mass gathering global event that may facilitate the spread and emergence of various infectious diseases as well as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in a local and global scenario. Planning and preparing for these public health issues is a challenging and complex process for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) health authorities. Despite multiple efforts for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases through longtime funding in education and medical care, the prevalence of infectious disease is still high among Hajj pilgrims. The commonly observed infectious diseases during Hajj include respiratory tract infections (influenza and pneumonia), urinary tract infections and skin infections that may necessitate the use of antimicrobials. Beta-lactams are used as a first-line treatment for hospital acquired infections as well as community acquired infections due to their broad-spectrum activity. However, most of the bacterial isolates such as Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and E. coli are resistant to beta-lactams. Irrational use of anti-microbials, lack of infection prevention practices and suboptimal healthcare access further exacerbate the risk of spreading AMR among Hajj pilgrims. Enhanced collaboration between countries, sharing of best practices and international cooperation are crucial in addressing AMR threats among pilgrims. Consequently, robust surveillance systems for early detection and monitoring of AMR, collaboration with national as well as international healthcare agencies, effective infection prevention and control measures, public awareness, and rational use of antimicrobials via antimicrobial stewardship programs are required to mitigate the risk of AMR and ensure the health and well-being of pilgrims during Hajj

Novel spectrophotometric method for determination of cinacalcet hydrochloride in its tablets via derivatization with 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulphonate

This study represents the first report on the development of a novel spectrophotometric method for determination of cinacalcet hydrochloride (CIN) in its tablet dosage forms. Studies were carried out to investigate the reaction between CIN and 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulphonate (NQS) reagent. In alkaline medium (pH 8.5), an orange red-colored product exhibiting maximum absorption peak (λmax) at 490 nm was produced. The stoichiometry and kinetic of the reaction were investigated and the reaction mechanism was postulated. This color-developing reaction was employed in the development of a simple and rapid visible-spectrophotometric method for determination of CIN in its tablets. Under the optimized reaction conditions, Beer's law correlating the absorbance with CIN concentration was obeyed in the range of 3 - 100 μg/ml with good correlation coefficient (0.9993). The molar absorptivity (ε) was 4.2 × 105 l/mol/cm. The limits of detection and quantification were 1.9 and 5.7 μg/ml, respectively. The precision of the method was satisfactory; the values of relative standard deviations (RSD) did not exceed 2%. No interference was observed from the excipients that are present in the tablets. The proposed method was applied successfully for the determination of CIN in its pharmaceutical tablets with good accuracy and precisions; the label claim percentage was 100.80 - 102.23 ± 1.27 - 1.62%. The results were compared favorably with those of a reference pre-validated method. The method is practical and valuable in terms of its routine application in quality control laboratories

Ongoing strategies to improve antimicrobial utilization in hospitals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) : findings and implications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global concern, increasing costs, morbidity, and mortality. National action plans (NAPs) to minimize AMR are one of several global and national initiatives to slow down rising AMR rates. NAPs are also helping key stakeholders understand current antimicrobial utilization patterns and resistance rates. The Middle East is no exception with high AMR rates. Antibiotic point prevalence surveys (PPS) provide a better understanding of existing antimicrobial consumption trends in hospitals, and assist with the subsequent imple-mentation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). These are important NAP activities. We examined current hospital consumption trends across the Middle East along with documented ASPs. A narrative assessment of 24 PPS studies in the Region found that, on average, more than 50% of in-patients received antibiotics, with Jordan having the highest rate at 98.1%. Published studies ranged in size from single to 18 hospitals. The most prescribed antibiotics were ceftriax-one, metronidazole, and penicillin. In addition, significant postoperative antibiotic prescribing lasting up to five days or longer was common to avoid surgical site infections. These findings have resulted in a variety of suggested short-, medium-, and long-term actions among key stakehold-ers, including governments and healthcare workers, to improve and sustain future antibiotic prescribing in order to decrease AMR throughout the Middle East

Role of L- glutamine and crizanlizumab in sickle cell anaemia painful crisis reduction

BackgroundPatients with sickle cell disease, frequently ‎ suffer from intense painful episodes. Till recently hydroxyurea was the only available medical therapy that approved for reduction of painful episodes.AimsTo summarize the available data from randomized controlled trials that aim to evaluate the efficacy of newly approved L-‎glutamine‎ (alters redox state of red blood cells ‎‎[RBCs]) ‎and ‎crizanlizumab (‎(anti-P-selectin)‎)‎ ‎on vaso-occlusive episodes in Sickle cell disease ‎ patients.Methods PubMed, ‎Google Scholar, and EBSCO ‎ databases were ‎‎systematically search for relevant articles. The terms ‎ ‎ ‎ L-glutamine, sickle cell disease, sickle cell ‎anaemia,‎ ‎‎crizanlizumab ‎and vaso-occlusive episodes‎ were used.Results Out of Four-hundred seventy-two records, only three fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two trials were aimed to evaluate the efficacy of L-glutamine therapy on the frequency of painful crises in sickle cell anaemia patients. Both studies showed that L-glutamine therapy significantly reduce the frequency of VOEs. Only one trial examined the ability of crizanlizumab on VOEs reduction, and showed crizanlizumab successful reduce the occurrence of VOEs.‎ConclusionNewer agent ‎with different mechanism of action, such as ‎L-glutamine, ‎and crizanlizumab may consider if ‎hydroxyurea not effective or not ‎tolerable