Yemeni Journal for Medical Sciences

Hepatitis B virus infection among hemodialysis patients in Aden-Yemen

Ali Nasser Mohammed Gubran — 2024-11-01

HBV infection is one of major global health problems worldwide. It increases the morbidity and mortality rates among hemodialysis patients which make the management process more complicated. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among hemodialysis patients and assessment the risk factors associated with infection. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 HD patients. Blood samples were collected and serum HBsAg was analyzed using ELISA technique. The overall prevalence of HBV was 6 (12.0%). The males had highest rate. There were statistically significant recorded between the prevalence of HBV infection and age group 30 – 39 years and duration of hemodialysis from 1-2 years and more than 2 years (p=0.02, 0.001 and 0.001) respectively. It can be concluded that the HBV prevalent rate among HD patients was common and lower than that reported among most general population in Yemen. Increasing of the duration and long standing in hemodialysis unit may increase the risk of HBV infection. Hepatitis B vaccine should be given to all HBV negative HD patients before HD process and health education programs about the transmission routes of HBV and preventive measures should be implemented for general population.

Detection of milk's sheep quality indicators by studying the contamination of milk with some heavy metals in some areas of Hadramout Coast – Yemen

Ali Mohammed Abdel-bari Ba-abbad — 2024-11-01

An experimental study was conducted with the aim of using sheep milk as bioindicators of environmental pollution for cadmium, lead and arsenic in some areas of Hadhramout coast in the period from November 2021 to March 2022, 45 samples of milk were collected from five areas of the Hadhramaut coast (Fowah, Al-Ghaleelah Thelah, Shaheer and Al-Khareebah). Cadmium and lead concentrations were measured by (FAAS), while arsenic concentrations were measured by (AAS- MHS 15). The results of study showed that the mean concentrations of cadmium, lead and arsenic in milk samples are 0.0087 ppm, 0.055 ppm and 0.105 ppm; respectively. Concentration of cadmium were higher than the permissible limit according to Europe Union and Codex Alimentarius milk 0.01 ppm in urban areas (Fowah, Al- Ghaleelah, and Shaheer). Lead concentration was found higher than the maximum permissible limit for Europe Union and Codex Alimentarius of lead in milk 0.02 ppm in areas (Fowah, Al- Ghaleelah, and Shaheer). Arsenic concentration was found higher than the maximum permissible limit for Europe Union and of arsenic in milk 0.1 ppm in Thelah area, While Al-Khareebah area was in maximum permissible limit Europe Union. The statistical results showed that there were significant differences between the average concentrations of cadmium, lead and arsenic at a significant level (p<0.05) in milk samples in the different study areas. This study confirmed that sheep milk are good bioindicators for detecting environmental pollution with heavy metals. The study concluded that the main reason for the high concentrations of cadmium and lead in urban areas are human industrial activities, all process of combustion and industrial and agricultural wastes. The study recommends periodic monitoring and examination of heavy metals in the environment using bioindicators and identifying the main sources of their spread in the environment.

Prevalence of Prescribing Macrolides and Aminoglycosides Among Dentists in Aden, Yemen. A cross-sectional Survey

Fares M.S Muthanna — 2024-11-06

This study assessed the understanding of dentists regarding the appropriate prescription of aminoglycosides and macrolides in Aden, Yemen. We carried out a cross-sectional study, enlisting a total of 150 licensed dentists from both public and commercial dental clinics. The data was gathered throughout the period of October to December 2023. Out of the 150 participants, 57% were men, and 47% had less than 5 years of experience. According to the poll, a large majority of dentists, 72%, use macrolides on a regular basis in their practice. In addition, azithromycin was the most commonly prescribed macrolide, accounting for 18% of total prescriptions. By comparison, aminoglycosides account for only 21% of all prescriptions, and neomycin is quite rare. 13% of persons with penicillin allergies were administered streptomycin, underscoring the necessity for safer alternatives. Dentists typically follow the prescribed time frame of 3-5 days to ensure the appropriate administration of macrolides. The findings indicated that individuals should get instruction on the proper utilization of aminoglycosides and macrolides, be provided with comprehensive information to enable them to make well-informed decisions on their treatment alternatives, and be obligated to adhere to guidelines grounded in empirical evidence from real-life scenarios. Effective antibiotic stewardship practices in Yemeni dentistry require collaboration among dentists, microbiologists, and public health officials. It is recommended to undertake additional research to expand the study's scope and include observational studies and interviews with dentists.

The Prevalence of Skipping Breakfast Among Students II At Al-Waha School, Aden, Yemen

Massar K. Kassem — 2024-11-06

Background: Breakfast is widely recognized as a critical meal of the day. However, some students, particularly females, often skip breakfast, believing it may contribute to weight gain. In contrast, other studies report differing findings regarding this behavior.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of breakfast omission among adolescents.

Method: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with a sample of 50 adolescents, assessing their attitudes toward consuming three meals daily, with a particular focus on breakfast. Statistical analyses were applied to examine the implications of breakfast skipping among adolescents.

Results: The majority of participants were male (62.0%), with an even distribution across grades seven (40.0%), eight (30.0%), and nine (30.0%). A significantly higher proportion of boys (74.19%) reported never skipping breakfast compared to girls (47.37%). Conversely, a larger percentage of girls (36.84%) indicated that they sometimes skip breakfast, in contrast to boys (19.35%).

Conclusion: The findings indicate a notable interest in breakfast consumption; however, many students skip it due to time constraints or lack of hunger in the morning. The survey results suggest that a significant number of students, especially females, do not regularly consume breakfast, potentially leading to adverse health effects, including weight loss and impaired concentration

Progressive Bulbar Palsy Care: Exploring the Potential of Functional MRI for Early Detection

Rita Komalasari — 2024-11-17

Progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) is a neurodegenerative disorder impacting motor neurons involved in speech, swallowing, and breathing. Early diagnosis is challenging due to limited diagnostic tools. Functional MRI (fMRI) holds promise for detecting early biomarkers and tracking disease progression, potentially improving clinical management. This study aims to explore the utility of fMRI in developing imaging biomarkers for the early detection, prognostication, and monitoring of PBP. By addressing existing gaps in the literature, the research seeks to demonstrate how fMRI can enhance diagnostic accuracy, provide predictive insights into disease progression, and improve patient outcomes. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar. The search focused on articles published from 2018 onwards, using keywords related to PBP and fMRI. Inclusion criteria included peer-reviewed studies involving human subjects relevant to the use of fMRI in PBP. Exclusion criteria excluded non-peer-reviewed articles, non-English publications, and studies not specifically addressing fMRI in PBP. Data synthesis involved both qualitative and quantitative analyses of identified biomarkers, diagnostic accuracy, and prognostic value. The review identified several fMRI biomarkers that show potential for early detection and monitoring of PBP. These biomarkers, derived from functional and structural changes in corticobulbar pathways, offer enhanced sensitivity compared to traditional diagnostic methods. Predictive models based on fMRI metrics can forecast disease progression, aiding in personalized treatment planning. The study concludes that integrating fMRI into clinical practice could lead to earlier interventions, more accurate prognostic assessments, and improved management of PBP, ultimately enhancing patient quality of life and outcomes.

The Influence of Clinical Nutrition and a Healthy Lifestyle on the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Symptoms

Taha Naji — 2024-11-16

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women, affecting approximately 1 in 15 globally. It is associated with a range of reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions, significantly impacting quality of life.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PCOS among female students at the University of Science and Technology, Aden, Yemen, and evaluate the effects of clinical nutrition and lifestyle interventions on mitigating PCOS symptoms.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and data was conducted between November 2020 and February 2021, comprising descriptive and experimental phases. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for hormonal levels (FSH and LH) at Almadeinah Medical Center, while complete blood count (CBC) parameters were assessed at the University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Laboratory.

Results: Of the 60 participants, 16 were diagnosed with PCOS, indicating a prevalence of 26.7%. Lifestyle and nutrition interventions led to significant improvement in PCOS-related symptoms, including reduced hair loss (P = 0.024), improvement in acne (P = 0.002), and better menstrual regulation (P = 0.002). While hormonal balance (FSH, LH) and CBC parameters (HB, WBC, Platelets) improved, the changes were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial prevalence of PCOS among university students in Aden. It underscores the potential of clinical nutrition and lifestyle modifications as complementary, non-pharmacological strategies for managing PCOS symptoms and improving overall health. These findings suggest that prioritizing education on healthy habits and early lifestyle interventions could be critical in reducing the burden of PCOS and enhancing quality of life for affected women.