Influence of Khat Extract (Catha edulis) on corrosion resistance of Co-Cr dental alloys / Influência do extrato de Khat (Catha edulis) na resistência à corrosão de ligas dentais Co-Cr

Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to assess the effect of khat extract with different concentrations on the corrosion resistance of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) dental alloys used for removable denture. Material and Methods:The corrosion resistance of three Co-Cr alloys (Neobond II®, Kera 501® and PD Casta H®) was evaluated in artificial saliva in presence of three different concentrations of khat extracts. Fusayama-Meyer artificial saliva was used as a reference solution. The corrosion properties of the alloys were analyzed using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and surface analysis. The data was presented in means, standard deviations, and related figures. Comparison between the different concentrations was done using 1-way ANOVA test. The surface analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: the results showed that the corrosion resistance of the three alloys tested (Neobond II®, Kera 501® and PD Casta H®) decreased in artificial saliva containing khat extract compared with that of the reference solution. Additionally, the corrosion resistance of the three Co-Cr dental alloys decreased by increasing the concentration of khat extract. Furthermore, the results indicate that Neobond II® alloy showed the least corrosion resistance compared with that of Kera 501® and PD Casta H® alloys. Conclusion: Khat extract with different concentrations had negative impact on the corrosion resistance of Cr-Co alloys. More in-vivo studies are highly recommended to confirm the results of the present study (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo experimental foi avaliar o efeito do extrato de khat em diferentes concentrações na resistência à corrosão de ligas dentárias de cobalto-cromo (Co-Cr) utilizadas em próteses removíveis. Material e Métodos:A resistência à corrosão de três ligas de Co-Cr (Neobond II®, Kera 501® e PD Casta H®) foi avaliada em saliva artificial na presença de três concentrações diferentes de extratos khat. A saliva artificial de Fusayama-Meyer foi usada como solução de referência. As propriedades de corrosão das ligas foram analisadas usando polarização potenciodinâmica, espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica e análise de superfície. Os dados foram apresentados em médias, desvios-padrão e figuras relacionadas. A comparação entre as diferentes concentrações foi feita usando o teste One-way ANOVA. A análise de superfície foi realizada em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Resultados: os resultados mostraram que a resistência à corrosão das três ligas testadas (Neobond II®, Kera 501® e PD Casta H®) diminuiu na saliva artificial contendo extrato khat em comparação com a solução de referência. Além disso, a resistência à corrosão das três ligas dentais Co-Cr diminuiu com o aumento da concentração de extrato de khat. Além disso, os resultados indicam que a liga Neobond II® apresentou a menor resistência à corrosão em comparação com as ligas Kera 501® e PD Casta H®. Conclusão: O extrato de Khat com diferentes concentrações teve impacto negativo na resistência à corrosão de ligas de Cr-Co. Mais estudos in vivo são altamente recomendados para confirmar os resultados do presente estudo. (AU)

Association of Khat chewing, smoking, age and sex with periodontal status among Yemeni adults / Associação da mastigação de Khat, tabagismo, idade e gênero com a condição periodontal entre adultos iemenitas

Objective: Periodontal diseases are very common dental disease. Many risk factors may play significant role in the periodontal disease initiation and progression. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of khat chewing, smoking, age and gender on periodontal status among Yemeni adults. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 1231 patients attending the outpatient dental polyclinics of University of Science and Technology during the academic years 2017/2018. All completed sheets were collected throughout the year by the supervisors. Data cleaning, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics were then performed. Results: Khat chewers were more frequent than non-chewers counterparts (60.7% vs. 39.3%). The prevalence of smoking was 25.5% (297 patients). Study results indicated that periodontitis is more associated with female gender and participants aged more than 35 years old. Results also showed that female and age older participants aged more than 35 years were significantly associated with gingival recession. Mean number of the teeth with gingival recession in male patients were higher than in females. Male gender and patients aged more than 35 years old were significantly associated with furcation involvement. Conclusion: The present study has shown females gender and age older than 35 seem to be risk factors of periodontal diseases. Males has more teeth affected by gingival recession and more furcation involvement (AU)

Objetivo: As doenças periodontais são patologias dentárias com alta prevalência. Diversos fatores de risco podem desempenhar papel significativo no início e progressão das doenças periodontais. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar os efeitos da mastigação de khat, tabagismo, idade e gênero na condição periodontal de adultos iemenitas. Material e Métodos: Este estudo transversal foi realizado em 1231 pacientes atendidos nas policlínicas odontológicas ambulatoriais da Universidade de Ciência e Tecnologia durante os anos acadêmicos de 2017/2018 através de um questionário para coleta de dados préestabelecido. Todas os questionários preenchidos foram coletados ao longo do ano pelos supervisores. A apuração dos dados, estatística descritiva e estatística inferencial foram realizadas. Resultados: os mastigadores de Khat foram mais frequentes do que as não-mastigadores (60,7% vs. 39,3%). A prevalência de tabagismo foi de 25,5% (297 pacientes). Os resultados do estudo indicaram que a periodontite está mais associada ao gênero feminino e aos participantes com mais de 35 anos de idade. Os resultados também mostraram que participantes do gênero feminino e acima de 35 anos foram significativamente associadas à recessão gengival. O número médio de dentes com recessão gengival em pacientes do gênero masculino foi maior que no feminino. O gênero masculino e os pacientes com mais de 35 anos de idade foram significativamente associados ao envolvimento da furca. Conclusão: O presente estudo mostrou que o gênero feminino e a idade acima de 35 anos parecem ser fatores de risco para doenças periodontais. Pacientes do gênero masculino têm mais dentes afetados pela recessão gengival e mais envolvimento de furca.(AU)

Prevalence of melanin pigmentation in a yemeni population and its relation to some risk factors / Prevalência de pigmentação da melanina em uma população iemenita e sua relação com fatores de risco

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of melanin pigmentation in a sample of Yemeni population and its relation to some possible risk factors. Material and Methods: This crosssectional study was performed on 440 patients attending a private clinic. Printed questionnaires were introduced to the patients and a clinical examination was performed for each patient. The questionnaire included questions regarding demographic data, and questions regarding some common habits such as smoking, khat chewing and consuming of hot drinks. Melanin pigmentation was assessed regarding its presence, most affected areas and the numbers of affected quadrants. The data were managed and analyzed using SPSS software program. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were performed and the associations of melanin with risk factors were evaluated at P value < 0.05. Results: Four hundred and forty patients with mean age 29 ± 8.21 years were included in the study. Of them, 67.5% were fair-skinned, 26.8% were smokers, 48.2% were khat chewers and 33.6% were hot drinks consumers. The prevalence of melanin pigmentation was 62.7%, with class I represented 56.5% of cases. Males showed more prevalence (67.9%) of melanin pigmentation than females (57.7%) with no significant difference. Results also showed more prevalence of melanin pigmentation in patients > 25 years, and darkskinned patients. Regarding habits, smoking, khat chewing and hot drink consumption habits showed significant associations with melanin pigmentation. Whereas the association of khat chewing and hot drinks alone with melanin pigmentation showed no significant relationship with melanin pigmentation while, the merge effects of khat chewing and smoking habits together with melanin pigmentation showed significant relationship with melanin pigmentation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Yemeni people had high prevalence of melanin pigmentation with more prevalence of CL I type. Males, patients > 25 years and dark-skinned patients showed more prevalence of melanin pigmentation. Smoking, khat chewing and hot drinks consuming habits had significant associations with melanin pigmentation.(AU)

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo explorar a prevalência de pigmentação da melanina em uma amostra da população iemenita e sua relação com alguns possíveis fatores de risco. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 440 pacientes atendidos em uma clínica particular. Cada paciente respondeu a um questionário impresso e passou por um exame clínico. O questionário incluía perguntas sobre dados demográficos e questões sobre alguns hábitos comuns, como fumar, mastigar khat e consumir bebidas quentes. A pigmentação da melanina foi avaliada quanto à presença, áreas mais afetadas e número de quadrantes afetados. Os dados foram gerenciados e analisados no programa SPSS. Foi realizada estatística descritiva e inferencial e as associações de melanina com fatores de risco foram avaliadas com valor de p 25 anos e pacientes de pele escura. Quanto aos hábitos, tabagismo, mascar khat e consumo de bebida quente apresentaram associação significativa com a pigmentação da melanina. Enquanto a associação de mascar khat e bebidas quentes isoladamente não mostrou relação significativa com a pigmentação de melanina, enquanto os efeitos da associação dos hábitos de mascar e fumar khat juntamente com pigmentação por melanina mostraram relação significativa com a pigmentação por melanina. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que o povo iemenita apresentou alta prevalência de pigmentação por melanina, com maior prevalência do tipo CL I. Homens, pacientes> 25 anos e pacientes de pele escura apresentaram maior prevalência de pigmentação da melanina. O hábito de fumar, mascar khat e consumir bebidas quentes teve associações significativas com a pigmentação da melanina. (AU)

Risk factors associated with the recent cholera outbreak in Yemen: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The cholera outbreak in Yemen has become the largest in the recent history of cholera records, having reached more than 1.4 million cases since it started in late 2016. This study aimed to identify risk factors for cholera in this outbreak. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in Aden in 2018 to investigate risk factors for cholera in this still-ongoing outbreak. In total, 59 cholera cases and 118 community controls were studied. RESULTS: The following risk factors were associated with being a cholera case in the bivariate analysis: a history of travelling and having had visitors from outside Aden Province; eating outside the house; not washing fruit, vegetables, and khat (a local herbal stimulant) before consumption; using common-source water; and not using chlorine or soap in the household. In the multivariate analysis, not washing khat and the use of common-source water remained significant risk factors for being a cholera case. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioural factors and unsafe water appear to be the major risk factors in the recent cholera outbreak in Yemen. In order to reduce the risk of cholera, hygiene practices for washing khat and vegetables and the use and accessibility of safe drinking water should be promoted at the community level.

Risk factors associated with the recent cholera outbreak in Yemen: a case-control study / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: The cholera outbreak in Yemen has become the largest in the recent history of cholera records, having reached more than 1.4 million cases since it started in late 2016. This study aimed to identify risk factors for cholera in this outbreak.METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in Aden in 2018 to investigate risk factors for cholera in this still-ongoing outbreak. In total, 59 cholera cases and 118 community controls were studied.RESULTS: The following risk factors were associated with being a cholera case in the bivariate analysis: a history of travelling and having had visitors from outside Aden Province; eating outside the house; not washing fruit, vegetables, and khat (a local herbal stimulant) before consumption; using common-source water; and not using chlorine or soap in the household. In the multivariate analysis, not washing khat and the use of common-source water remained significant risk factors for being a cholera case.CONCLUSIONS: Behavioural factors and unsafe water appear to be the major risk factors in the recent cholera outbreak in Yemen. In order to reduce the risk of cholera, hygiene practices for washing khat and vegetables and the use and accessibility of safe drinking water should be promoted at the community level.

Catha edulis forsk mediates embryotoxic effects in rats: an experimental study / Catha edulis forsk modera los efectos embriotóxicos en ratas: un estudio experimental

Catha edulis Forsk leaves (Khat) is a flowering plant. A high proportion of the adult population in the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa chews it for its mild stimulant effect. The aim of the current study was to investigate the embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of the Khat extract using 60 female pregnant rats. These were divided to a Khat extract-treated group and a control group. Methanolic extract of Khat was orally given to the treated group 4 days before mating and up to day 16 of pregnancy with a dose of 100 mg/kg. Our results showed that significant number of embryos of the Khat-treated mothers were malformed and different in size and shape compared to embryos from the mothers of the control group. At day 8 of pregnancy, malformed embryos had ill developed primitive layers. By day 10 of pregnancy, neural tube and the somite were not formed compared to the control embryos. At later stages of pregnancy, embryos of the Khat-treated mothers appeared severely abnormal with opened neural groove and visceral pouches. Disrupted normal neural tube development, undifferentiated brain vesicles, incomplete closure of the brain flexures were also observed in these embryos. Highly significant increase in the number of the resorbed embryos of the Khat-treated mothers were observed (P < 0.01). The resorbed embryos appeared as a cellular collection in their placenta with some of their decidua had no visible embryonic tissues. In conclusions, Khat induced embryotoxic effects as well as severely affected the early normal embryonic development in rat.

Catha edulis (Khat) es una planta floreciente. Una alta proporción de la población adulta en la Península Arábiga y el Cuerno de África la mastica por su efecto estimulante. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar los efectos embriotóxicos y teratogénicos del extracto de Khat utilizando 60 ratas hembras preñadas. Estas se dividieron en un grupo tratado con extracto de Khat y un grupo control. El extracto metanólico de Khat se administró por vía oral al grupo tratado 4 días antes del apareamiento y hasta el día 16 de preñez con una dosis de 100 mg / kg. Los resultados mostraron que una cantidad significativa de embriones de las madres tratadas con Khat tenían malformaciones y eran diferentes en tamaño y forma en comparación con los embriones de las madres del grupo control. En el día 8 de preñez, los embriones malformados tenían capas primitivas mal desarrolladas. Para el día 10 de preñez, el tubo neural y el somito no se formaron en comparación con los embriones del grupo control. En etapas posteriores de la preñez, los embriones de las madres tratadas con Khat parecían severamente anormales con surcos neurales abiertos y bolsas viscerales. También se observaron alteraciones en el desarrollo normal del tubo neural, vesículas cerebrales indiferenciadas y el cierre incompleto de las flexiones cerebrales en estos embriones. Se observó un aumento altamente significativo en el número de embriones reabsorbidos de las madres tratadas con Khat (P <0,01). Los embriones reabsorbidos aparecieron como una colección celular en su placenta con algunas de sus deciduas sin tejidos embrionarios visibles. Khat indujo efectos embriotóxicos y afectó severamente el desarrollo embrionario normal temprano en la rata.

Risk factors for periodontal diseases among Yemeni type II diabetic patients: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: chronic periodontal diseases are one of diabetes mellitus complications. The present study aims to compare the periodontal status of type II diabetic patients to a control group and assess the role of risk factors in both groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted of 270 individuals (132 type II diabetics and 138 non-diabetics). Full mouth periodontal examination including plaque index, gingival bleeding, gingival recession, clinical attachment loss (CAL), tooth mobility, furcation involvement and the number of missing teeth. The case group was subdivided according to glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) status (poorly controlled HbA1c >8 and well controlled HbA1c≤8) Likewise, the duration of diabetes mellitus as short or long duration (DM≤10 or >10). The diabetic group was also subdivided according to smoking and Khat chewing habits. RESULT: The severity of periodontal disease among type II diabetic patients were significantly higher compared to the control group regarding the plaque index 2.6 (1.6-4.3), bleeding on probing 3.5 (2.3-13.0), gingival recession 2.0 (1.2-3.4), furcation involvement 4.0 (2.3-6.7), clinical attachment loss 5.7 (3.1-10.5), tooth mobility 2.0 (1.2-3.4), and number of missing teeth 4.4 (2.3-8.5). In addition, poorly controlled type II DM and long duration had higher CAL and number of missing teeth than well-controlled DM and short duration. No significant differences were found between smokers/nonsmokers and Khat chewers/non-chewers among the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Type II diabetic patients have severe periodontal destruction and tooth loss compared to non-diabetic people and there were no differences within the diabetic group in regards to smoking and Khat chewing habits.(

Tongue lesions and anomalies in a sample of Yemeni dental patients: a cross-sectional study

Background: Tongue examination helps considerably in diagnosing the underlying health state of the patient, especially in the cases of chronic diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and association of tongue lesions with risk factors among Yemeni dental patients. Materials and methods: An oral medicine specialist examined all 713 patients attending the dental polyclinics at the University of Sciences and Technology (Sana’a, Yemen). The examination sheet was designed to include information related to patient characteristics, medical history, dental history, habits, and tongue lesions. Results: The prevalence of tongue lesions among the examined participants was 76.5 percent. The prevalence rate was 83.4 percent for males and 69.2 percent for females. Fissured tongue was the most common condition. Logistic regression analysis indicated that older age (p<0.001), gender (p=0.007), khat chewing (p<0.001), and smoking (p=0.001) were associated with fissured tongue; gender (p<0.001), khat chewing (p<0.001), and smoking (p<0.001) were associated with hairy tongue; and older age (p<0.001), khat chewing (p=0.001), and smoking (p=.021) were associated with coated tongue. Conclusion: The prevalence of tongue lesions among this sample of Yemeni population was 76.5 percent; fissured tongue and hairy tongue were the most prevalent lesions. Khat chewing, smoking, and older age were the associated risk factors for many of studied lesions and anomalies.

Oral symptoms significantly higher among long-term khat (Catha edulis) users in Ethiopia / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Associations between khat (Catha edulis) chewing and different adverse oral-dental health conditions have been reported, yet evidence is still lacking. This study was designed to investigate the association between long-term regular khat chewing and self-reported oral symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1,255 university students in southern Ethiopia. Data on khat chewing status, a range of oral symptoms and other pertinent variables were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The association between long-term regular khat chewing and oral symptom count was investigated using negative binomial regression. RESULTS: The mean oral symptom count among long-term regular khat chewers was 1.75 (standard deviation [SD], 2.18; standard error [SE], 0.31), whereas that among those who were not long-term regular khat chewers was 1.18 (SD, 1.68; SE, 0.10). After adjustment for other variables, long-term regular khat chewers had approximately 50% more oral symptoms than those who were not long-term chewers did (adjusted count ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 2.10). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term khat chewing negatively affects the oral health of young university students.

Clinical presentation, management and outcome of acute coronary syndrome in Yemen: data from GULF RACE - 2 registry

Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACS] is increasing in Yemen in recent years and there are no data available on its short and long-term outcome. We evaluated the clinical pictures, management, in-hospital, and long-term outcomes of the ACS patients in Yemen. A 9-month prospective, multi-center study conducted in 26 hospitals from 9 governorates. The study included 30-day and 1-year mortality follow-up. One thousand seven hundred and sixty one patients with ACS were collected prospectively during the 9-month period. Patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI] and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome [NSTEACS], including non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina were included. ACS patients in Yemen present at a relatively young age with high prevalence of Smoking, khat chewing and hypertension. STEMI patients present late, and their acute management is poor. In-hospital evidence-based medication rates are high, but coronary revascularization procedures were very low. In-hospital mortality was high and long-term mortality rates increased two folds compared with the in-hospital mortality.

Trastornos temporomandibulares en adictos al qat / Temporomandibular disorders in qat addicted people

Introducción: los trastornos temporomandibulares se asocian frecuentemente al hábito de masticar qat, pero se carece de estudios que detallan sus particularidades, por lo que se realiza este trabajo, con los objetivos de determinar la prevalencia de trastornos temporomandibulares en pacientes adictos al qat, identificar los hallazgos clínicos-radiográficos asociados y clasificar los trastornos temporomandibulares presentes en la población estudiada. Métodos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, de corte transversal, en una muestra de 352 pacientes, del total de pacientes adictos, atendidos en el Departamento de Cirugía, Colegio Dental. Ibb, Yemen en el periodo octubre 2010-abril 2011. Se determinaron los hallazgos clínicos y radiográficos presentes y se diagnosticó el tipo de trastorno temporomandibular. Resultados: se evidenció que estaban afectados por trastornos temporomandibulares el 55,7 por ciento de los pacientes. Se encontró dolor articular agudo en 14,1 por ciento y aplanamiento condilar anterior en 35,6 por ciento. Conclusiones: los trastornos temporomandibulares afectaron más de la mitad de la población estudiada, adicta al qat. Los desórdenes en la relación cóndilo-disco fueron los más encontrados (41 por ciento). El aplanamiento condilar anterior dominó en el análisis radiográfico(AU)

Introduction: the temporomandibular disorders has been associated frequently to the habit of chewing qat, but in previous studies, there are lack of specific details of this problem, for this reason this study is carried out ,to determine it prevalence, to identify clinical and radiografical findings associated , and to classify the temporomandibular disorders observed in the sample. Methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive and prospective study was done, in a sample of 352 patients of the total qat addicted patients which came to the Department of surgery, Dentistry College .Ibb Yemen October 2010-April 2011. The clinical and radiographical findings were recorded and the temporomandibular disorders were classified. Results: 55.7 percent of patients were affected of temporomandibular disorders. Acute Joint pain (14.1) and anterior condylar flattening (35.6 percent) were the most frequents. Conclusions: the Temporomandibular disorders affected more than half of the population of studied qat addicted population, with prevalence of disorders in the disc-condyle relation (41percent).The anterior condylar flattening was very evident(AU)

Effects of cowdung and poultry manure on growth performance of Indian major carps [Catla catla, Labeo rohita] and exotic carp [Cyprinus carpio] in Thatta district [Sindh], Pakistan

In the manuring trials conducted in earthen ponds of 120 m[2] for one year, the juveniles of Indian major carps [Catla catla and Labeo rohita] and exotic carp [Cyprinus carpio] responded positively during warmer months i.e. March to August. The mean weight increase and mean specific growth rate [SGR] were better in the ponds fertilized with cowdung. Total growth rate per day calculated for Catla catla was 32.96 g, for Labeo rohita 95.02 g and for Cyprinus carpio 14.37 g under the influence of cowdung. Moreover individual growth rates/day were also high i.e. 2.06, 2.50 and 1.43 g, respectively. Percent contribution in fish production was 21.15%, 66.74% and 10.09%, respectively. Total growth rate of the three was significantly higher in cowdung [142.36 g] as compared to that in poultry manure i.e. 106.64 g. Both the fertilizers significantly differed in terms of monthly and treatment variations [P<0.05] except for treatment variation for Cyprinus carpio. Water treatment, light penetration, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and nitrates were highly significant [P<0.05] both for treatment and monthly variation except pH and dissolved oxygen

Comparison of Clinico-Radiological Features between Congenital Cystic Neuroblastoma and Neonatal Adrenal Hemorrhagic Pseudocyst

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiological and clinical findings of congenital cystic neuroblastomas as compared with those of the cystic presentation of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the US (n = 52), CT (n = 24), and MR (n = 4) images as well as the medical records of 28 patients harboring congenital cystic neuroblastomas (n = 16) and neonatal adrenal hemorrhagic pseudocysts (n = 14). The history of prenatal detection, location, size, presence of outer wall enhancement, internal septations, solid portion, calcification, turbidity, vascular flow on a Doppler examination, and evolution patterns were compared in two groups of cystic lesions, by Fischer's exact test. RESULTS: All (100%) neuroblastomas and three (21%) of the 14 hemorrhagic pseudocysts were detected prenatally. Both groups of cystic lesions occurred more frequently on the right side; 11 of 16 (69%) for neuroblastomas and 11 of 14 (79%) for hemorrhagic pseudocysts. The size, presence of solid portion, septum, enhancement, and turbidity did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the two groups of cystic lesions. However, tiny calcifications (n = 3) and vascular flow on color Doppler US (n = 3) were noted in only neuroblastomas. The cystic neuroblastomas became complex solid and cystic masses, and did not disappear for up to 90 days in the three following cases, whereas 11 of the 14 (79%) hemorrhagic pseudocysts disappeared completely and the three remaining (27%) evolved to calcifications only. CONCLUSION: Although the imaging findings of two groups of cystic lesions were similar, prenatal detection, the presence of calcification on initial images, vascularity on color Doppler US, and evolution to a more complex mass may all favor neuroblastomas.

Expressed sequence tag analysis of khat (Catha edulis) provides a putative molecular biochemical basis for the biosynthesis of phenylpropylamino alkaloids

Khat (Catha edulis Forsk.) is a flowering perennial shrub cultivated for its neurostimulant properties resulting mainly from the occurrence of (S)-cathinone in young leaves. The biosynthesis of (S)-cathinone and the related phenylpropylamino alkaloids (1S,2S)-cathine and (1R,2S)-norephedrine is not well characterized in plants. We prepared a cDNA library from young khat leaves and sequenced 4,896 random clones, generating an expressed sequence tag (EST) library of 3,293 unigenes. Putative functions were assigned to > 98 percent of the ESTs, providing a key resource for gene discovery. Candidates potentially involved at various stages of phenylpropylamino alkaloid biosynthesis from L-phenylalanine to (1S,2S)-cathine were identified.

Non-viral chronic active liver disease in Yemeni patients and the possible implication of Qat chewing

Twenty eight Yemeni patients with nonviral chronic active liver disease were retrospectively studied for underlying causes and possible predisposing risk factors. They were 17 males and 11 females with age range between 17 and 42 years [median 29.5 years]. The diagnosis was based on their clinical, biochemical and imaging criteria, and was consistent with severe chronic liver disease that was persistent for more than six months. Seroimmunological markers for autoimmune liver disease were found in 8 patients [4 males and 4 females]. Slit-lamp examination for Kaiser-Fleicher ring, which is characteristic for Wilson's disease, was negative in all patients and serum iron and serum ferritin were normal in two patients over 40 years. Habitual qat chewing was found in 27 patients, of which 20 were daily qat chewers. Meanwhile, good response to immune suppressive treatment was documented in 22 patients. These results indicate that most Yemeni patients with nonviral chronic active liver disease are young, heavy qat chewers and have good response to immune suppressive treatment. These findings may suggest an underlying immunologic pathogenic mechanism for the chronic active liver disease in these patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the nonviral causes of chronic liver disease and the possible implication of qat chewing habit in liver diseases as well as in other diseases in Yemeni population

clinical profile of stroke: a Yemeni experience

To study the pattern of brain strokes, the major risk factor, and the medical problems associated with cerebrovascular accidents in Yemeni patients. Retrospective hospital-based study conducted in Kuwait teaching hospital in Sana'a, over a four-year period [1999-2003]. All cases admitted with stroke were diagnosed by history and clinical examination, and were then confirmed by investigation including CT scan as included in the study. The mean age of stroke patients was 59.6 years with a 62.6% male-to-female predominance. Among patients in the group aged above 45 years, the most common stroke pattern was ischemic in 72%, hemorrhagic in 25% and was undetermined in 2.5%. The most common age for stroke was the middle age group [15-44] years as the stroke was seen in 5 1.7% of them. The major associated medical conditions were hypertension [HTN] in [68.3%], cardiac diseases that account for 42.4% and diabetes mellitus [DM] in [24.4%]. Hypertension was more common in the hemorrhagic stroke presents; 82.6%, versus 61.6% in the ischemic group. Assessing the known risk factors, smoking history was positive in 42% and hyperlipidemia in 13.9%. QAT chewing habit was positive in 43.4% of the patients. QAT chewing is known to be associated with hypertension. The fatality rate was [24.2%] and it was higher in hemorrhagic stroke [28.8%], than ischemic stroke [19.7%]. This is the first study about strokes in Yemeni population highlighting that younger age sustained stroke when compared to other countries that have a predominance of ischemic over hemorrhagic type. Hypertension is the most common associated factor observed and it was more common in the hemorrhagic type. The ratio of associated diabetes and hyperlipidemia is low compared elsewhere. Whether this is related to QAT chewing or not, the issue needs to be further studied

Algunas consideraciones farmacológicas y medicolegales relativas al consumo de Catha edulis Forsk (Khat) / Some pharmacological and medicolegal considerations related to the consumption of Catha edulis Forsk (Khat)

Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica acerca de la historia y antecedentes históricos del consumo de la Catha edulis, Khat (Chat en amárico) en Etiopía (hoy Eritrea), un análisis botánico-farmacológico de sus componentes químicos y sus efectos sobre el organismo humano, tanto del punto de vista farmacológico como medicolegal y social(AU)

A bibliographic review of the history and antecedents of the consumption of Catha edulis, Khat (Chat in Amaric) in Ethiopia (Erithrea today), a botanical and pharmacological analysis of its chemical components and of its effects on the human body, from the pharmacological, medicolegal and social point of view, are made(AU)

Effect of extract of Aloe vera, Querous infectoria and Catha edulis on the isolated rabbit duodenum

The aim of this study is to detect the pharmacological effect of aloe [fresh plant and dried Aloe socotrana], gall and the extract of khat leaves [Catha edulis Forsk] on the isolated rabbit duodenum. Extracts of aloe, gall and khat leaves were assayed using isolated rabbit duodenum technique. Mechanical activity of the tissue was registered with a frontal ink isotonic lever on a kymograph drum under continuous oxygen bubbling. The aqueous extract of gall showed a contraction, which was persistent after incubating the tissue with atropine. Fresh extract from the plant aloe as well as aqueous extract of the dried aloe reduced the tone of the mechanical activity of the isolated rabbit tissue. Incubating the tissue with propranolol did not change this response. Ethyl acetate extract of khat leaves from Aldhalae and Yafae provinces did not modify the tone of the tissue, but Yafae khat extract changed the motility. The findings suggest that the gall induced contraction was not based on cholinergic activity, while relaxation, produced by aloe, seemed not to be associated with adrenergic agonism. Yafae khat leaves disturbed the mechanical activity of the tissue

Prevalence of cigarette smoking and khat chewing among Aden University medical students - Relationship to BP and body mass index

In this study we look at the smoking and khat chewing habits in male Aden University medical students and correlate this with blood pressure [BP], body mass index [BMI].and year of training. This is cross-sectional study involving 100 randomly selected male medical students. BP was meassured between 10 AM and 12 midday. Self completed questionnaire enquired about their year of training, height, weight, cigarette smoking and khat chewing habits. Using logistic regression analysis we investigated the correlation between BP and BMI, BP and age and BP and stage of training and to the smoking and khat chewing habits. In addition, we also compared the 5 yearly groups to each other in terms of BP, BMI and smoking and khat chewing habits [using the two-tailed independent t test for parametric variables and chi square for non-parametric variables]. Scores were given for the frequency of khat chewing The mean age of the whole group was 31.8 years. The mean BMI was 23.24 [rising from 22.6 [4.3] in the first year medical students to 24.7 [4.4] in 5[th] year medical students [p = 0.127].The mean weight rose from 65.9 [13] Kgs to 74.7 Kgs [15] [p-0.034]. The mean SBP, DBP, and MBP were 120.35, 70.47 and 87.1 mmHg respectively and did not change over the years of training 27% were smokers and 54% chewed khat. Prevalence of smoking rose 20% to 40% and khat chewing from 35% to 90% [p = 0.0003] over the 5 years of training. There was a slight positive correlation between age with weight, BMI and frequency of Khat chewing. There was also a slight positive correlation between BMI with SBP and MBP.We found high prevalence of smoking and khat chewing among the medical students at Aden University and their prevalences increase with student seniority with no significant changes in BMI, SBP, DBF or MBP. There was a slight positive correlation between BMI with SBP, MBP and frequency of Khat chewing

Diabetes mellitus among Yemeni Physicians in Sana'a

To assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Yemeni physicians in Sana'a, Yemen, and the relationship between Khat chewing and diabetes mellitus. Data were collected on 332 Yemeni physicians in Sana'a [224 males and 108 females] aged 25 years and over. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed according to the criteria of American Diabetes Association. Diabetes mellitus was prevalent among 10% of physicians. There was no significant difference between males and females [11.6%, 6.5% respectively, p = 0.14]. In both sexes, diabetes mellitus was more prevalent among older group [>/= 40]. Mean fasting blood sugar was 96.75 +/- 22.5 mg/dl among male physicians and 88.9 +/- 17.7 mg/dl among female physicians. The difference was highly significant [t = 3.13. p = 0.002]. Diabetes mellitus is prevalent among both of male and female Yemeni physicians. There was no relationship between Khat chewing and diabetes mellitus