Volume 1, Issue 1, February 2021

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Prevalence of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients reporting to the West Bank governmental hospitals in the period betweenJanuary 2015 and December 2018
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Al-Qtishat, Bayan; Al-Jawabreh, Ahmed; Bitar, Dina M.
Vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies are major public health problems; they may result from inappropriate low exposure to sunlight, autoimmune diseases or diminished intake. These two deficiencies have been extensively studied globally: causes, effects, treatment, as well as epidemiology. In Palestine the epidemiology of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies has not been addressed. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in patients reporting to the West Bank (WB) governmental hospitals in the period between January 2015 and December 2018. It is a retrospective cross-sectional study for the data collected from medical records of patients tested for these deficiencies in 12 WB governmental hospitals for the three years period. Out of 30890 patients tested for vitamin D levels, 88% had insu"cient vitamin D levels (< 30 ng/ml), whereas out of 43532 patients tested for vitamin B12, 19% had insu"cient vitamin B12 levels (< 203 pg/ml). The percentage of patients with insu"cient vitamin D levels is alarming. The percentage of patients with insu"cient vitamin B12 levels falls within ranges reported by other studies in various countries. In conclusion, this study revealed an alarmingly high percentage (88%) of vitamin D deficiency below the reference su"ciency level among patients suspected to have such a deficiency. Around one fifth of the patients tested for vitamin B12 had insu"cient levels. Because testing for vitamin D is costly, we suggest, that medical suspicion of vitamin D deficiency would be adequate to initiate treatment to alleviate the expense, especially in high-risk groups such as elderly women. Future studies have to address major risk factors contributing to these deficiencies that are specific to our community.
Links between nutrition, life style habits and academic achievement in Palestinian school children: A cross-sectional study
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Qasrawi, Radwan; AL Halawa, Diala Abu; Ayyad, Rawan; AL Sabah, Halema; Taweel, Haneen; Abdeen, Ziad
Objective: To examine the association between nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle, the combined behavior effect, and the schoolchildren's academic achievement. Design: Observational and cross-sectional study. Setting: West Bank, Palestine. Participants: A group of schoolchildren (n=1945) in grades 5-9 (11-16 years). Measurements: Students were surveyed about the their ’dietary, physical activity (PA), leisure time activity, and academic achievement. Academic achievement was measured using students' marks in Arabic, English, math, science courses, and the total average score. The linear regression model was conducted to analyze the relationship between dietary, PA, combined behavior, and academic achievement, while adjusted for demographic confounders; body mass index (BMI), and parental education. Results: Findings indicated that healthy nutrition and adequate levels of PA significantly predict achievement scores. In both boys and girls, high academic achievement was associated with a high intake of fruits and vegetables (AOR: 1.1 (0.72-1.68); 1.18(0.81-1.7), and (AOR: 1.21(0.8-1.82); 1.33(0.93-1.91), respectively. In both girls and boys, high academic achievement was associated with low intake of soft drink, beverages (juice with sugar) and energy drink (AOR: (0.75(0.47-1.19), 0.85(0.58-1.27)); (0.99(0.63-1.57), 0.76(0.52-1.12)); (0.66(0.38-1.15), 0.49(0.27-0.89)), respectively. The active and healthy nutrition group scored higher on Arabic, English, math, science, and total average score. Conclusions: There is a strong relationship between healthy nutrition, acceptable PA, and the average academic achievement within schoolchildren. Findings emphasize the importance of linking nutrition, school PA, and health policies for improving cognitive functions and academic performance of Palestinian schoolchildren. Thus, school-based healthy lifestyle educational, health behaviors policy, and recommendation programs may have a greater effect on students’ academic achievement.
Strategy for DNA extraction and detection frominsect pests in stored home grain samples
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Abbasi, Ibrahim; Halaseh, Lamia; Darwish, Hisham M.; Matouk, Imad
Stored grains are subjected to infestations with more than 60 species of insects, that responsible for millions of dollars loss and cause several health problems including allergies and gastrointestinal disorders. Traditional detection techniques are laborious, expensive and not sensitive to detect insect contamination at the egg and larvae stages. Therefore, alternative methods are needed for rapid and sensitive detection. One obvious approach is to develop a molecular approach utilizing genetic information of the potential insect species that infest grains for amplification of specific target gene fragment utilizing polymerase chain reaction [PCR]. In the present study, a number of known infested grain samples were used in standardizing a method to isolate larvae and adult insects that were based on centrifugation washing method and a filtration washing method. The isolated insects were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR amplification of defined regions of cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene followed by sequencing to identify the different pest species. For PCR amplification new primers were designed and for this purpose the obtained COI sequences from different insects were aligned to design two sets of primers (named: COI-PCR4 and COI-PCR5) specific for the indicated insect mitochondrial COI gene. The designed primers were tested for their specificity and sensitivity. The suitability of PCR primers and DNA extraction methods were evaluated on eleven samples of commercial grains utilizing each primer set with the two extraction methods.
Assessment of job satisfaction and job related stress among pharmacists in the West Bank, Palestine
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Sirhan, Jawna; Hallak, Hussein; Khdour, Maher
Job satisfaction is considered one of the essential factors contributing to a person’s motivation, productivity and overall well-being, the present study aimes to assess job satisfaction and job-related stress levels among pharmacists that are currently registered and practicing in Palestine. we report a cross-sectional survey, including measures of satisfaction and stress (Health Professions Stress Inventory) questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and one way ANOVAs. The significance level was set at P<0.05. Out of 694 questionnaires distributed, 576 were returned; 14 were not completed and excluded from analysis giving a net of 554 (79.8%) participants. Most of the respondents in the analysis sample were female (58.3%) working in community pharmacies (73.6%). The level of job satisfaction was 58.5%, the variables that contributed to the statistically significant, differences in the degree of job satisfaction were the region (p<0.001) and the monthly income (p<0.001). The t-tests and ANOVA analyses revealed that hospital pharmacists were the least likely to respond that job conflicts with family responsibility as a source of stress compared with community pharmacists (3.11 vs 2.14; p<0.001) and least likely scores in the professional recognition domain (3.21 vs. 2.79; p =0.04), respectively. Other job stressors like excessive work load, lack of promotion opportunities and poor physician pharmacists’ relationship have also been reported. Work life of pharmacists should be enhanced in order to improve their motivation and ability, because failure to reduce stress among workers puts both pharmacists and patients at risk.
Establishment of CD4 and CD8 Lymphocyte subsets in a healthy HIV and Toxoplasma seronegative pregnant women in Libya
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Amro, Ahmad; Gashout, Aisha; Erhuma, Mabruk; Al-Dwibe, Hamida; Almgrhe, Abeer; Abudaher, Abdulhafid
Most of the diagnostic laboratories in Libya often depend on western textbooks for CD4+- and CD8+ T-lymphocyte reference values. In this paper, we established reference ranges for the Libyan Toxoplasma, HIV, HBV, and HCV seronegative healthy pregnant women in all trimesters of pregnancy, and compared them with a control group of non-pregnant women. Whole-blood samples were collected to provide normal ranges for CD4+ and CD8+ Lymphocyte subsets expressed as mean ± standard division. A total of 110 Libyan women who came from Tripoli and Zwara districts were investigated; 70 pregnant women (aged 27.8 ± 2.99, range 18-40 years old) and 40 non-pregnant women (aged 22.7±3.01, range 18-40 years old) were included as controls. All cases/controls were seronegative for toxoplasmosis, HIV, HBV and HCV. The CD4+ cell counts were 685±256 cell/μl at the first trimester (T1), 740±202 at T2, and 923±203 cell/μl at T3. While the CD8+ cell counts were 451±171 cell/μl at T1, 541±168 at T2, and 753±190 cell/μl at T3. The CD4:CD8 ratios were 1.5±0.64 at T1, 1.4±0.51 at T2, and 1.2±0.36 at T3. Moreover, the mean absolute CD4+ and CD8+ counts for the control group were 1001±232 cell/μl and 717±159 cell/μl respectively. Absolute counts of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in pregnant women were significantly lower as compared to controls (P<0.05). Statistically significant decrease in the CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts was reported during T1 (P<0.05). These values increased significantly during the T2, and was comparable to the controls during T3 (P>0.05). The absolute CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts decreased with age for both groups. Geographical variation was reported for the cell counts between Tripoli and Zwara district at T3. We established reference ranges of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes for the Libyan healthy pregnant women and discussed their use as prognostic markers. Further cohorts with greater sample size may be required to define the stage of the disease in relation to the normal CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte count subsets in the Libyan population.
Prodrugs from Serendipity to Design by Computational Chemistry Methods
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Karaman, Rafik
Imagination is more important than knowledge when knowledge is limited and can not solve important questions. Inventiveness in the drug design has been clumsiness in quality and quantity. This may be due to the ineptness and incapability of medicinal chemists to comprehend biochemistry and biology issues. On the other hand, biochemists, biologists, and pharmaceutical chemists do not possess the expertise to make complex organic entities. Hence, a team comprising of all expertise is a must to invoke a novel drug.
Epidemiology of Enterobiasis in Palestine
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Hamarsheh, Omar
Enteropiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the pinworm; Enterobius vermicularis. In this report, the prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection in the West Bank and Gaza strip was investigated based on Palestinian Ministry of Health reports from 2008 to 2018. A total of 29,390 cases was reported, 29,061 (98.9%) in the West Bank, and 329 cases (1.1%) in Gaza Strip. The results of the present study show that E. vermicularis infection is highly prevalent among people living in the West Bank and to lesser extend in Gaza Strip. There is a need for joint and concentrated efforts from the Palestinian government and public health services to control this infection. Personal hygiene, education and living conditions and overcrowding are risk factors associated with the spread of infection.
The long Non-coding RNA Orchestrator of Cancer Axis of EvilInsights into the Multiple Modes of Action of the H19 Gene
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Matouk, Imad
ncreasing evidence has indicated that the non-coding RNA molecules play central roles in almost all biological processes and many pathological conditions including carcinogenesis. This review focuses on the pathological tumorigenic role of the first discovered long non-coding RNA gene called H19 and its pivotal contribution to the cancer axis of evil. H19 RNA utilizes a variety of mechanisms to perform its pathological function. Some key unanswered questions are presented by the end. Understanding the H19 RNA mechanisms of action will shed light into the class of long non-coding RNA which contains contains thousands of members mostly with unknown functionn and will help in delineating the pathological role played by at least some of them
Characterization of Leishmania Ulcers Microbiota Using Next Generation Sequencing
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Ereqat, Suheir; Al-Jawabreh, Amer; Abdeen, Ziad; Al-Jwabreh, Hanan; Nasereddin, Abedelmajeed
The human skin microbiome is a major source of bacteria in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) ulcers following the fall of the crust and the subsequent formation of a shallow depression in the epidermis and dermis of the skin. As a result, secondary bacterial infections are frequently observed which impair the healing process. Our study aimed to investigate the bacterial communities in CL lesions using next-generation sequencing. A total of 298 patients (178 males and 120 females; the median age of 17) presenting ulcerated skin lesions suspected with CL were included in this study. CL was confirmed in 153 (51%) cases by ITS1-PCR and/ or microscopy. Based on bacterial 16S rRNA-PCR, 92 samples were positive for the presence of bacteria, while 206 samples were negative and excluded from the microbiome study. A total of 925 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified and assigned to 215 genera. Despite an insignificant difference in the microbiome composition between CL and non-CL lesions, the phylum level analysis revealed that Actinobacteria was significantly higher in CL ulcers while Proteobacteria was significantly higher in non-CL ulcers (X2, P=0.039). The relative abundance of the most commonly encountered skin pathogens i. e E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter, Enterococcus and Acinetobacter species were significantly higher in non-CL ulcers (X2, P<0.05) compared to Staphylococcus aureusand Proteus mirabilis which was higher in CL ulcers (P<0.05). Our data showed that bacterial communities did not cluster according to the Leishmania infection. Nonetheless, bacterial diversity was lower in CL compared to non-CL lesions. Presence of pathogenic bacteria in CL lesions such as S. aureus might exacerbate lesions, hinder diagnosis, and delay healing.
Cluster analysis for food group consumption patterns in a national sample of Palestinian schoolchildren: Evidence from HBSC Survey 2013-2014
(Al-Quds University - Deanship of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Qasrawi, Radwan; Al Halawa, Diala Abu; Ayyad, Rawan; Al Sabbah, Halema; Taweel, Haneen; Abdeen, Ziad
Background: Promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle to reduce the national burden of nutrition-related problems among Palestinians requires an understanding of food consumption trends and patterns. Few studies have examined the food consumption patterns with the macro and micronutrient intakes and nutrition risk factors. The objective of this study was to study the food frequency and nutrient intake consumption patterns of Palestinian schoolchildren and their associations with the socioeconomic and risk factors.This is a national cross-sectional descriptive study conducted on Palestinian schoolchildren from the West Bank. The study examined the food consumption patterns of the macro and micronutrient intakes and nutrition risk factors among 1945 students aged 11-16 years. The data collected using the food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall that was administered by trained field workers. Food groups’ classification, nutrient intakes, body mass index (BMI) Z-scores, and socioeconomic differences were examined across the food groups’ patterns of consumption. We employed Z-score and K-Means cluster analysis to identify food consumption patterns and to examine factors associated with nutrient intakes. The food frequency results identified three food consumption clusters including the traditional, non-traditional, and mixed pattern. A total of 796 students (41%) were in traditional cluster, 458 (23.5%) in non-traditional cluster, and 691(35.5%) in mixed cluster. The nutrient intakes identified three clusters (High, Moderate, and Low consumption patterns) out of macronutrient, vitamins, and minerals categories. Most of the students located in the low consumption cluster for macronutrient, vitamins, and minerals clusters (66.9%, 67.7%, and 64 %) respectively. The traditional cluster was associated with healthy, non-obese, and physically active students and the non-traditional cluster was associated with unhealthy and obese students, but both shown significantly different across the identified clusters. Imbalance in dietary intakes among schoolchildren reflects a lack of dietary diversity. High sugar, fats and oils, and beverages consumption, low consumption of grains, fruits, beans and legumes, and meat are noticed in Palestinian schoolchildren. The findings indicated the importance of considering the food groups' intake variations among Palestinian schoolchildren. As the segments relate to children’s health, nutrition diet programs should consider the high scores of non-traditional and mixed food consumption among schoolschildren.
The Plastic Industry worldwide and in Palestine
(Al-Quds University Deasnhip of Scientific Research, 2021-02-20) Dweik, Hassan
A world without plastics or synthetic polymers can't be imagined today. The first synthetic plastics was produced in the beginning of the twentieth century, however industrial plastics production started in 1950. Production of plastic materials to day surpasses any other synthetic material with the exception of steel and cement. The share of plastics in municipal solid waste increased from 1% in the 1960 to more than 10% in 2005. Most monomers used today to make plastics such polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS) are produced from the petroleum industry and none is biodegradable, they accumulate in the environment and pose great threat and serious concern to humanity and to marine life. In 2010 approximately 8 Million Metric Ton (MT) of plastic waste entered the marine environment. Global production of polymers and fiber increased from 2 (MT) in 1960 to 380(MT) in 2015 a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% while the total production of polymers and fibers from 1960 – 2015 was estimated to be around 7800 (MT). China alone produces 28%, and 68% of world production of PP. Biodegradable plastics amount to only 4 (MT). Non fiber plastics production is (PE 36%, PP 21%), Polyvinylchloride PVC (12%) followed by polyethylene terphthalate PET, polyurethane, and polystyrene less than 10% each ,42% of plastics are used in packaging. Palestine show a fast-growing plastic industry though we import plastics worth 255 million US $ as reported in the United Nations International Trade Statistics (COMTRADE) in 2018, compared to US $200 Million imported in 2014. However, we were able to export to the world 66.3 million US $ worth of plastic materials added to that our export to Israel of plastic product worth 86 million US $, mostly packaging materials.Three important countries that export plastic materials to Palestine are Turkey. China and south Korea. Turkey alone in 2018 exported plastics worth 25 million $. The plastic industry in Palestine is among the largest industry. However, we still manufacture the traditional plastics for packaging. Our country needs to develop this industry and diversify the plastic products to meet the needs of the market such as automobile, electrical appliances, refrigerators, and many other industries.

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