PalStudent Scientific Research Journal

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Behavioral and Social Determinants of Early Childhood Caries among Palestinian Preschoolers in Jerusalem area: A Cross-sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 0011-05-22) Saif Amer; Elham Kateeb
Background: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a public health problem that is influenced by biological, behavioural, psychosocial, and economic determinants predisposed by children’s environment.
In Vitro Assessment of Antioxidant, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity of Wheat Sprouts Extracts
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Gheith, Nameer
Cancer is a major public health problem. Researches show that tens of millions of people around the world suffer from cancer, and almost all ultimately die from it. Cancer is often thought of as an untreatable and painful disease. Although the development of cancer increases with age, people may develop cancer due to lifestyle, genetic mutations, or cell damage. Nevertheless, environmental effects may act as factors that lead to the development of cancer. Treatment of cancer is still being studied. The only choice for treating cancer patients nowadays is anticancer drugs and chemotherapy. The side effects may damage the whole body since anticancer drugs affect not only cancer cells, but also normal healthy cells. As a result, this leads to immunosuppression of the body. The inhibition of the immune system allows bacteria to infect the body, so the patients require antibiotics which are the first defense line against bacterial infections. Cancer patient will suffer more with the side effects of antibiotics along with anticancer drugs and chemotherapy. Accordingly, researches are trying to find alternative treatments that are less toxic than chemicals, like natural plants. Researches began using plant extracts which have always been rich sources for many compounds that are useful for producing drugs. In this study, specific plant sprouts will be used, which are wheat sprouts. This is because they have many nutrients that improve metabolism, keep normal blood sugar levels, and eliminate toxins by neutralizing them. After planting the wheat seeds, the sprouts will be dried in shade, and the anticancer and antimicrobial extracts will be obtained. Specific techniques will be used in order to examine the biological activity of these antioxidants, including the anticancer and the antimicrobial agents. Agar diffusion method will be used for evaluating the width of the inhibition zone. Later, the minimal inhibitory concentration of the antimicrobial extracts will be determined. In addition, the anticancer extracts will be experimentally used on different cancer cell lines, and by counting the floating cells, the number of dead cells will be compared with that of live cells. Afterwards, according to the results, wheat sprouts will be evaluated and tested if they can be used as antimicrobial and anticancer agents or not, by using different concentrations.
The Average of Skill in Fixed Prosthesis among Dental Students in the University of Palestine in 2018-2019
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Othman, Lena
Prostheses are used to rehabilitate mastication, improve esthetics, and aid speech. Teeth require preparation to receive restorations. These preparations must be based on fundamental principles from which basic criteria can be developed to help predict the success of prosthodontic treatment. Among the fundamental principles of tooth preparation are the retention and resistance forms. Both can be achieved by providing a geometrical shape for the prepared tooth with minimal occlusal convergence angles (Hinnara S,2017). The convergence angle (CA) of a tooth preparation is the combined angle made by opposing axial walls when measured against the vertical long axis of the tooth. Textbooks in fixed prosthodontics often recommend an ideal convergence angle of approximately 5° (4–6°) and an acceptable range of 4–14° (Journal of Dental Education,2013). Dental students studying at the University of Palestine in previous years had difficulties in preparing teeth to achieve the generally recommended CA of less than 12°. This Experimental study aims to determine applicability of convergence angles among dental students in the University of Palestine in 4th and 5th year, and compare the reliability of the evaluation done by two investigators with that of AutoCAD. One hundred full crown casts will be selected randomly from preparations made by fourth and fifth year undergraduate students. Two images will be obtained from each of the 200 dies using a Canon 5D iii camera in which the die is placed B-L in one picture and M-D in the other. The pictures will then be scaled to the original scale. By means of AutoCAD 14, lines will be drawn parallel to either the traced axial walls in the gingival one third of the buccal and lingual surfaces or all proximal surfaces. These lines will then be extended until they meet to form an angle above the convergence angles in the images that will be measured using the software tools.
Assessment of Factors Associated with Obesity among Gaza Secondary Schools’ Female Students in Palestine
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Al Najjar, Doa
Globally, obesity has increased among children, adolescents, and adults. At least 2.8 million people die each year worldwide as a result of being overweight or obese; mortality rates have shown to be proportional to the degree of obesity. Younger age groups are affected as demonstrated in nearly one-third of American college students who are overweight or obese. According to the WHO, 30–80% of adults and about 20% of children and adolescents in Europe are overweight. The situation in Asia is better; this is shown in the lower prevalence of obesity in Thailand and China. With obesity becoming an overwhelming global public health issue, there are a multitude of obesity-associated diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. Although obesity in adolescence is less prominently associated with morbidity, it is nevertheless a strong precursor of obesity and related morbidity in adulthood. Adolescence has been identified as a critical period in the development of overweight/obesity patterns, with the transition to college being another potentially important period of risk for weight increase among young adults. Individual behaviors and environmental factors can contribute to excess caloric intake and inadequate amounts of physical activity. The current high rates of obesity have been attributed to, in part, increased snacking and eating away from home, larger portion sizes, greater exposure to food advertising, limited access to physical activity opportunities, and labor-saving technological advances (Duffey & Popkin, 2011; Piernas & Popkin, 2011; Powell et al., 2011;Sallis &; Glanz, 2009). Childhood and adolescent obesity have increased substantially in the past two decades raising concerns about the physical and psychosocial consequences of childhood obesity. In Palestine, the prevalence of obesity has been increasing for decades for both males and females in all age groups. It is about 18% in adult males and 26% in adult females.
Study the Effect of Dietary Supplements and Rhubarb Root on Palestinian Diabetic Patient
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Abu Dheam, Yasmeen
Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The World Health Organization predicts that diabetes will become the seventh leading cause of death in 2030. Dietary supplements may be used as adjuvant to anti-diabetic medications; they are perceived to prevent or at least delay diabetic complications. In addition, diabetic patients may use some herbal product to help control blood sugar. One medicinal herbal product that diabetic Palestinian patients may use is Rhubarb root. This cross-sectional study will evaluate knowledge and practice of Palestinian diabetic patients’ use of dietary supplements and herbal products in general and Rhubarb root in particular. A questionnaire will be used as an instrument of measurement. Approximately 250 questionnaires will be distributed to diabetic patients in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Hebron, Ezzariya and Ramallah. In addition, the investigator will interview Al-Attarin about the herbal product use in diabetic rhubarb plant and will also interview patients that use this plant to obtain better knowledge of patient practice. Results: Preliminary results from 42 questionnaires suggest that 79% of diabetic patients have type II diabetes. Out of the 42 diabetic patients, only 13 patients use Dietary supplements (about 30%), and Vitamin B12.is the most nutritional supplements used by these patients. Some patients reported using some plants to treat diabetes, but none of the patients reported using the rhubarb root plant.
Community Pharmacists’ Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Patient Counseling Among COPD Patients and the Use of Inhaler Devices
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Saeed, Noora; Awar, Asma; Halabieh, Amneh
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is part of a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and also prove to be an economic burden. The prevalence of COPD is mostly related to smoking. Thus, smoking cessation is the most effective option in the prevention and treatment of the disease. Community pharmacists are the ones in charge of delivering the best services in terms of inhalation technique, counseling, and medication adherence. Counseling, which plays a main role in the management of COPD, is an essential prerequisite for achieving full therapeutic effect in patients. The purpose of this study is to research the extent of knowledge, attitude, and patient counseling exhibited by community pharmacists towards COPD patients and to understand the use of inhaler devices by evaluating the level of awareness pharmacists have about it. In February 2019, a questionnaire for assessment of knowledge of COPD was distributed among Palestinian pharmacists (n=300).
The Association between Dopamine Score and Feedback-Based Learning in Healthy Undergraduates
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Arda, Yasmin
People vary in their cognitive performance. In particular, evidence shows that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays an important role in modulating feedback-based learning. Enhanced dopamine levels are related to better learning from positive feedback. Decreased dopamine levels mediate learning from negative feedback. Naturally-occurring differences in dopamine genes contribute to individual differences in feedback-based learning. In the brain, dopamine exerts its actions via receptors located pre and post synaptically. There are several genes involved in regulating the function of the dopaminergic system. Dopamine transporter (DAT1) and dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) regulate and modulate dopamine signaling presynaptically, whereas the dopamine receptor (DRD1) and (DRD2) transmit dopaminergic signals postsynaptically. In our study, we created a dopamine score based on the effects of functional polymorphisms in the aforementioned dopamine genes to consider a pathway-based analysis of individual differences in dopamine functionality based on naturally-occurring polymorphisms. We recruited a sample of 423 healthy undergraduate students from Al-Quds University. All participants completed a battery of psychopathology tests. Furthermore, subjects were administered a computer-based probabilistic categorical feedback-based learning task that dissociated learning from positive and negative feedback. We found that the value of the dopamine score is positively correlated with the efficiency of dopamine neurotransmission. Subjects with higher dopamine scores showed better learning accompanied by the shortest response time for both reward and punishment. These results highlight the importance of examining the collective variations in the dopamine circuitry in the brain. Such scores can be significant in understanding the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders that are related to dopamine such as major depressive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Evaluation and Challenges of Polypharmacy in Palestinian Clinical of Chronic Disease
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Jawabreh, Sara; Al Assa, Sema
Polypharmacy is defined as the concurrent use of multiple medications including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This can result in potential inappropriate drug use and increase the risk of drug-drug interactions. In Palestine, the elderly population is estimated to be 2.9% of the general population and is known to have high prevalence of chronic diseases and thus the high prevalence of polypharmacy. This cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate polypharmacy among geriatrics in East Jerusalem; 100 patients aged 60 or older (59% male and 41% female) were interviewed in the chronic disease clinic in the Jerusalem Health Directorate and all their prescriptions examined. Also, their doctors were interviewed. The interviews covered factors that may affect the possibility of polypharmacy including diseases and demographic factors such as age; educational level. Results show that 57% of patients were from (60 -69) age group, 52% were married and 21% illiterate; 44% smokers and 97% were coffee drinkers. Prevalence of polypharmacy were 100% (more than 3 drugs); 22% had excessive polypharmacy (more than 10 drugs); 26% of the patients had their last visit since more than 3 months. Most importantly, 73% of the patients feel difficult in taking their medicines and polypharmacy also makes 81% of them forget talking their medicines on time. Morbidity of different disease of the study population was studied and all their drugs were discussed with their doctors; results show 27% of the patients took their lowest effective dose. Several statistical relationships were examined; some prove the relationship between polypharmacy as a real cause of patients suffering and difficulties that prevent them to adhere on their medical schedule on time. This study emphasizes the need for a better control on polypharmacy among elderly and the importance to develop care strategies to resolve problems and difficulties patients suffer.
Effect of Salt Concentration on Electric Potential of Macro-ions
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Qamhieh, Khawla; Turkman, Haneen; Abuasabeh, Nehal; Njoom, Isra
Electric charges and electrostatic interactions are ubiquitous in soft-matter and biological systems. Soft materials are typically composed of macromolecules such as polymers, colloids and proteins which often acquire surface charges when dissolved in a polar solvent like water. Charged macromolecule, called macro-ions, such as micelles, DNA, dendrimers and other nanoparticles are important in Gens therapy, drug delivery, and other applications in biotechnology. In our study the effect of salt concentration on the electrostatic interaction in asymmetric electrolyte is investigated using Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) model. From our study we conclude that by increasing salt concentration, the surface electric potential of the macroion and the debey screening length should decrease, and these effects should increase by increasing the valence of the counter-ions.
The Influence of Serotonin Transporter on Rule of generalization and Acquired Equivalence
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Jayousi, Leen
People vary in their cognitive performance; prior studies have shown that cognition is sub-served by different brain regions. For example, studies have demonstrated the significant and dissociable roles of the basal ganglia and medial temporal lobe in learning, memory and generalization. In particular, it has been suggested that the medial temporal lobe facilitates the formation of rules based on prior learning. These rules can be generalized to novel learning situations. Given the significant serotonergic input to the medial temporal structures, studies have focused on the influence of serotonin on generalization. In this study, we investigated the relation between serotonin and generalization by studying a naturally-occurring genetic haplotype of two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene (SERT). The STPP polymorphism in the SERT regulates the expression of the serotonin transporter mRNA. On the other hand, the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism modulates the transcription of the serotonin transporter. A sample of 400 healthy undergraduates from Al-Quds University completed an acquired equivalence computer-based cognitive task for learning and generalization. Results showed that participants with low serotonin (AA-LL haplotype) of the STPP and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms exhibit worse performance in the generalization phase than participants with high serotonin (CC-SS haplotype). These results can advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders that are related to serotonin like major depressive disorder where patients show structural deficits in the medial temporal lobe.
Effect of Sociodemographic Factors and Antipsychotics on Quality of Life in Palestinian Patients with Schizophrenia
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Salhab, Asalah
Quality of life has a vital role in developing treatments that can help individuals with schizophrenia to lead more fulfilling and satisfying lives. To date, there are limited studies regarding the quality of life (QoL) in patients with schizophrenia in Palestine. To evaluate the impact of sociodemographic factors and antipsychotics on quality of life in Palestinian patients with schizophrenia, we used the SF-36 Questionnaire. Method: Eighty patients with schizophrenia were interviewed in both HEBRON Community Mental Health Center and Dr. Kamal Mental health hospital in Bethlehem. Data was gathered between the end of December, 2017 and the beginning of February, 2018. Data was collected by the administration of SF-36 Questionnaire during a personal interview with eighty patients. Medical files were used to obtain medication. Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), and data was analyzed by using parametric tests. A number of significant correlations were identified between QoL and the independent factors. There was no impact of gender on QoL. Similarly, the results show no significance difference in the QoL with respect to marital status. Our findings show that being employed was associated with better QoL in the physical function domain (PF) and the role physical domain (RF). Results also show a positive correlation between the two educational levels diploma degree and vocational degree and QoL in the physical function domain (PF) and the role emotional domain (RE). The results show no correlation between bachelor degree and QoL. Regarding place of living, schizophrenia patients who live in the city have better QoL in the bodily pain domain (BP) and in the social functioning domain (SF). In the current study, income higher than 4000 NIS/month was associated with high quality of life score. The study found that 82.5% of patients with schizophrenia live with a very low income, which is below 3000 NIS/month. Finally, our findings reveal that there is a significant correlation between QoL and patients who did not stay in a mental health hospital. Antipsychotic drugs are the cornerstone for the treatment of schizophrenia. These medications have always been of great interest in studying quality of life in schizophrenia. In our study, majority of the patients were receiving single typical antipsychotic medication (45%). Approximately 35.5% were receiving combinational antipsychotic medications (typical and atypical), and 20% were receiving atypical antipsychotic medications. The results show a positive significant difference between QoL and patients receiving atypical medications in the SF domain. The relationship between subjective treatment satisfaction and QoL in patients with schizophrenia was studied. Our results show that 82.5% of the patients were satisfied with their medication. Moreover, it was found that there is a positive correlation between satisfaction to medication and QoL in mental health domain (MH). The study indicates that 63.8% of schizophrenic patients are smokers. The results show that there is a positive significant difference between QoL and non-smoker patients in the RE and SF domain. Furthermore, results indicate a positive correlation between QoL and family support in all domains of the questionnaire. Unexpectedly, only 18% of our sample have medical conditions other than schizophrenia. In addition, the study found a negative correlation between age and QoL in the PF domain, which means poorer quality of life with increased age. Finally, we found a negative correlation between duration of illness and QoL (As duration of illness increases, QoL decreases). This study characterized the QoL of schizophrenic Palestinian patients and determined the factors that may impact it. The study shows that being employed was associated with better QoL. In addition, living in an area where access to specialist care is available increases QoL for schizophrenic patients. While the majority of the patients receive typical antipsychotic medication (45%), approximately 20% receive atypical antipsychotic medications. Relative to a study conducted in 2004 in which only 2% of patients received atypical medication, the increased use of atypical medication is a positive development. Consistent with literature reports, the results show a positive relationship between QoL and patients receiving atypical medications in the SF domain. This may be attributed to the known effect of atypical medications on negative symptoms. A positive correlation between satisfaction to medication and QoL in the MH domain was identified, in addition to a negative correlation with age (Poorer quality of life with increased age). Finally, we found a negative correlation between duration of illness and QoL (As duration of illness increases, QoL decreases).
Determining the Impact of the ASP Health Club’s Non-Smoking Initiative Awareness Campaign on Elementary Students’ Exposure to Second-Hand Smoking
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Attili, Yasmin; Jaber, Omar; Musa, Tala
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the ASP Heart Health Club awareness campaigns had an effect on children’s exposure to second-hand smoke or not. The sample we have chosen was a random sample, with a number of approximately two hundred participants composed of both genders. The study targeted students from the age of eight through ten. The study was a qualitative one, including a question in the form of a survey about students’ lifestyle, specifically their exposure to second hand smoke at home. The data was collected recorded and analyzed thrice over the course of the school year. The first data point was collected prior to the initiation of the campaign and twice more after the campaign. It seems that our awareness campaign has had a slight impact on the children’s behavior regarding those who smoke around them. More research needs to be done on educating children about the negative effects of second-hand smoke and finding ways for children to influence the adults around them about healthy choices for their households and the public places where there may be smoking present.
Distribution of Cosmetic Dental Procedures among University Students: Observational Cross Sectional Study in Gaza Strip
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) El Bughdady, Dina
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that deals with any dental work that improves the appearance -not necessarily the function- of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite. There are many techniques and methods used to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. Common procedures include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers, reshaping, and contouring. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems, such as overbites and underbites. Due to a heightened awareness of cosmetic dentistry in the society and the rapidly increasing numbers of dentistry graduates, it is important to find the best possible way to satisfy society's demands and fairly distribute dental clinics. The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence of cosmetic dental procedures among university students and their satisfaction with the cosmetic result in Gaza. The study will be carried among adult students aged from 18 to 25years old in Gazan universities (Al-Azhar University, Islamic University, Al-Aqsa University and University of Palestine). Three hundred and twenty students will be recruited randomly by stratified method according to the students' distribution in the colleges. The survey will be conducted by distributing questionnaires to the students in order to gather information about the prevalence of cosmetic dentistry and the tendency of university students to undergo cosmetic procedures. Upon receiving the results, we will be able to compare the demands of our society to the supply of cosmetic dental clinics. In this way, we can work to distribute them geographically on the basis of the major concerns of each area. By having a background of the dental awareness in our society and what they are expecting from a dental treatment, we will be able to enhance our knowledge and application to fulfill patients’ desires.
The Language of Advertising in Billboards across Palestine
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Dwiat, Malak; Ballout, Irene; Handal, Katrin
Businesses around the world communicate and advertise for their products through different modes, such as billboards. While there is research on the language of advertising in the Arab world (Al-Olayan& Karande 2000; El-daly 2011; Kalliny& Gentry 2007), there is no research on the language of advertising or more specific advertising using billboards in Palestine. This paper analyzed the language of advertising in billboards throughout various Palestinian regions. The aim of this study was to answer the following questions: What languages or language varieties are used on billboards in various areas of Palestine? How do these billboards seek to persuade consumers in Palestine to buy products or services? Thirty-two distinct billboards across Palestine were analyzed according to Bhatia’s (1992) and Piller’s (2003) frameworks (as cited in Baumgardner& Brown’s, 2012) for analyzing English in magazine advertising using tools from sociolinguistics, linguistics, and multimodal discourse analysis. The results showed that Arabic was used mostly on the billboards for both international/multinational and local companies. International/multinational companies used Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), while local companies used Palestinian Arabic. Applying Schrank’s manipulation of language techniques (as cited by Prelipceanu, 2013) on the data revealed that Palestinian advertisers tended to use the same techniques as other advertisers around the world to persuade consumers to buy products or services. Furthermore, certain dimensions of the Palestinian culture were depicted on the billboards. The study revealed that Palestine is not as receptive to foreignism as expected, and that the billboards were not inclusive of the entire Palestinian culture. This study emphasizes the need to conduct a future research on a larger number of billboards in different places in Palestine and to study language use in other forms of advertising in Palestine as well.
Prevalence of Chronic Diseases in Palestinian Geriatrics and Common Pharmacological Interventions: A Cross-Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Najjar, Anas
Geriatrics are more susceptible to have multiple medical disorders due to different physiology and, hence, are more subjected to polypharmacy. This study investigates the prevalence of chronic diseases and medical conditions, used medications, and associated socio-demographic factors among the Palestinian geriatrics population. This was a cross-sectional study conducted during June 2013 and January 2014. The study population was Palestinian geriatrics ≥ 60 years old living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Interview-aided questionnaires were completed for participants by the surveying team. The questionnaires comprised of personal and socio-economical data, health condition, current medication, and medication knowledge and adherence. A total of 1192 Palestinian geriatrics participated in this study. The average participant age was 70.3 (SD=8.58) and ranged from 60-110 years. The sample comprised 659 (55.30%) females and 533 (44.70%) males. The majority of participants were retired or unemployed (83.60%), 81.90% were non-smokers, and 61.80% were married. Forty unique chronic diseases and conditions were reported. The mean number of diseases reported per participant was 2.33 (SD=1.68) and ranged from 0-11 conditions. These were divided into ten groups according to body systems. Cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal conditions were most reported. 175 unique drugs were reported. The mean number of drugs per participant was 4.54 (SD= 2.83) and ranged from 1-17 drugs. The total number of drugs was strongly correlated with the total number of conditions (1192)= 0.628, p> 0.001. Commonly prescribed therapeutic agents were aspirin (575 incidents), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (403), diuretics (409), metformin (323), paracetamol (270), and proton pump inhibitors (275). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first prevalence study of chronic diseases among Palestinian geriatrics which comprised a large number of participants from all districts in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. These results provide information and recommendations that should be considered by Palestinian physicians, pharmacists, health professionals, and health policy makers.
Reducing Lipid Levels in Mothers Using Contraceptives by Herbal Extract in Gaza Strip
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Al Qahwaghe, Omar
A contraceptive is a chemical substance used to prevent pregnancy. It produces many effects, such as increasing the level of body fats. In many cases, heart and blood diseases are not seen, however a contraceptive may worsen the patient’s condition if they already had the disease before administration of the contraceptive. A plant with high sweetening capacity attributed to its content of glycosides can be used to reduce body fat. The aim is to decrease lipid profile levels and to lower the risk factors in women using contraceptive drugs by herbal extracts. Experimental study: The experiment can be conducted two ways. One way involves extracting, purifying and analyzing the compound from the herbs by chromatographic techniques. Clinical trials: These include a test on the liver and kidney functions in nonpregnant rabbits, a test on the rabbits’ breast milk and the effect of the extract on the baby, and a test measuring the lipid profile of the rabbits four different times.
The Influence of Dopamine Transporter Gene Polymorphisms on Hippocampus Cognitive Function of Generalization
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Aby Zayyad, Maram
The human ability to generalize previously learned information and stimuli to novel situations is essential for adaptation. It has been shown that the interactions between the basal ganglia and the medial temporal lobe may play a role in learning and generalization. Different genes are involved in regulating dopaminergic function in the basal ganglia. Synaptic dopamine signals are regulated by the dopamine transporter (DAT). Despite the significance of dopamine in modulating learning, it is still unclear how generalization can be modulated by the dopaminergic pathways. In this study, we will examine how dopamine regulates generalization by studying a naturally-occurring variable tandem repeats polymorphism, the 3’UTR VNTR, in the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1). The 3’UTR VNTR polymorphism regulates the expression of the DAT. A sample of 400 healthy participants from Al-Quds University completed an acquired equivalence computer-based cognitive task for generalization. This task aimed to evaluate the ability to learn stimulus associations and generalize the learned rules to novel stimuli. Our results showed that participants with the 9-repeat genotype, which is known to be associated with less DAT expression and higher levels of dopamine, exhibited better performance in the learning phase than participants who were 10/10 homozygotes (higher DAT and less dopamine). There was no effect of genotypes on performance in the generalization phase. Our study shows that dopamine levels could play an important role in regulating the learning process that relates to basal ganglia functionality. Dissociating the contributions of dopamine function to the basal ganglia vs. medial temporal lobe cognitive function can significantly further our understanding of these two crucial neural systems.
The Predictive Value of CBC for Febrile Seizures: Retrospective Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Hamarasha, Islam
Febrile seizures (FS) are seizures that occur between 3-72 months of age, with a temperature of 38 C or higher, absence of central nervous system infection, and incidence of 2-5% in neurologically healthy children. Two forms of FS are simple FS (SFS) and complex FS (CFS). The overlap between the peak FS onset and the onset of iron deficiency anemia diagnosis drives this study to investigate the relationship between anemia and febrile convulsion types. A retrograde study of 170 children between the ages of 6-72 months diagnosed with febrile seizures at different West-Bank hospitals during 2016, 2017, and 2018 was conducted. Data collection for the computerised documentation hospitalisation system for CBC values includes Haemoglobin (HB), Haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and red blood cell distribution width. Analysis was performed on 127 patients, using IBM 23 SPSS. Results showed that FS was presented in two age peaks, at 18 and 24 months, presenting 8.7% each. The sample was distributed between 57.8% females and 42.2% males. Within different patterns of FS, generalized tonic clonic seizure presented the most frequent pattern in 88.3%, generalized Tonic 5.3%, generalized Atonic 3.2%, and focal 3.2%. Complexity was distributed as 78.6% simple and 21.4% complex. There were no significant differences between SFS and CFS patients in relation to age, grade of fever, gender, infection focus, and family history of febrile seizures, and no significant relation between the HB level and complexity (T(123)= 1.104, p= .272) or other inflammatory CBC markers. We suggest that hemoglobin may be an age dependent protective factor of SFS. Further data is planned to be collected to provide a larger sample and to add control cases to compare them with the febrile seizures patients.
Occupational Hazards in Primary Healthcare Dental Clinics in Gaza Strip-Cross Sectional Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Hasan, Nadia
Dental professionals are at risk to many occupational hazards. They are predisposed to infections such as HIV and hepatitis; dental materials can cause dermatitis because of skin exposure from the incidents noise, radiation musculoskeletal disorders, psychological problems, respiratory disorders and eye insults. Skin exposure to incidents remains an important concern, as well as exposure to serious infectious agents represents additional risk. Goal and importance of study: The purpose of this study is to assess the level of awareness and attitudes about occupational hazards among dentists in dental clinics in Primary Health Care centers of MOH and to correlate the level of awareness with the level of practicing the safety measures against the occupational hazards. Also, to discuss safety rules that protect the dentists and their clients from occupational hazards. The results of this study may highlight the importance of adopting protective interventions and updated protocols to be applied routinely in the dental clinics of Gaza strip.
Relationship between Diabetes Type-II and Calcium Ions Concentration in Saliva in Gaza Strip: Retrospective Cohort Study
(Al-Quds University, Deanship of Scientific Research, 2019-09-10) Lubbad, Mohammad
Saliva contains an amount of calcium concentration; when increased it can play a role in plaque formation on the teeth and can cause the periodontitis disease. Therefore, most diabetic patients show loss of their teeth. In this study, the aim is to investigate the relationship between diabetic disease type-2 and calcium concentration in saliva among diabetic patients in the Gaza strip. A retrospective cohort study will be designed to measure the calcium concentration in the saliva of a random sample of uncontrolled diabetic patients (n=150) and controlled diabetic patients (n=150). The HA1C level in blood will be reviewed in the records of diabetic patients in the diabetic clinic in ten primary health care centers that belonged to the Ministry of Health of Palestinian Authority in Gaza strip governorates in order to follow up and classify conditions of the patients as controlled and uncontrolled. In addition, HA1C in blood and Ca++ level in 2ml saliva will be examined during the conduction of the study for each sample unit (either controlled or uncontrolled patients) in the health laboratory of University of Palestine. The saliva for examination will be collected without any stimulation of salivary gland at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. after rinsing the mouth with water and allowing 2- 5 minutes for accumulation of saliva. Also, the patient’s periodontal conditions will be evaluated to examine the relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis according to Ca++ level in saliva. The collected data will be by a prepared questionnaire about the socio-demographic, health status, and lifestyle of patients; it will be entered, cleaned and analyzed by using different significant tests at level of significance α=0.05 such as t- test, correlation and regression test by SPSS program.

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