Strategies and obstacles in an organ donation program in developing countries: Saudi Arabian experience.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Cadaver↗
Biomedical subjects
A Abdullah
Publications and source records attributed to A Abdullah.
Localized idiopathic elastosis perforans serpiginosa effectively treated by the Coherent Ultrapulse 5000C aesthetic laser.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
The reproducibility of patch tests.
There is conflicting evidence regarding the reproducibility of patch testing. Discordant results have been reported in up to 44% of cases. The clinical relevance of these discordant patch tests has not been previously assessed. We studied 383 consecutive patients receiving simultaneous duplicate patch testing on opposite sides of the upper back with 10 allergens from the European standard series. Completely discordant patch tests-a negative test on one side with a positive test on the opposite side-were recorded in 30 (8%) patients. Two patients had discordant tests to two of the allergens; 28 had discordant reactions to one allergen. Completely discordant tests were recorded for nickel in 10 (3%) patients, balsam of Peru in two (0.5%), thiomersal in one (0.3%), cobalt in four (1%), paraphenylenediamine in three (0.8%), fragrance mix in two (0.5%), formaldehyde in four (1%), potassium dichromate in two (0.5%), lanolin in three (0.8%) and Kathon CG in one (0.3%). Of those patients with completely discordant patch tests, the allergen was deemed to be a true positive in 11 (3% of total) cases and of possible relevance in a further three. The allergen was felt to be relevant to the presenting complaint in seven (2% of total) patients.
Adolescent↗
Four-year experience with liver transplantation in Saudi Arabia.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adolescent↗
Spinobulbar muscular atrophy: polyglutamine-expanded androgen receptor is proteolytically resistant in vitro and processed abnormally in transfected cells.
The neuronotoxicity of genes with expanded CAG repeats is most likely mediated by their respective polyglutamine (Gln)-expanded gene products. Gln- expanded portions of these products may be sufficient, or necessary, for pathogenesis. We tested whether a Gln-expanded human androgen receptor (AR) is structurally altered, so that it allows for the proteolytic generation of a potentially pathogenic portion that may be resistant to further degradation. We found, in vitro , that a Gln-expanded AR is more proteolytically resistant than normal, and that it yields a distinct set of Gln-expanded fragments even after extended proteolysis in the presence of 2 M urea. Furthermore, COS cells transfected with CAG-expanded AR cDNA generate an aberrant, nuclear-associated 75 kDa derivative containing the Gln-expanded tract. They are also twice as likely to die by 24 h apoptotically than those transfected with normal AR cDNA. Our data support the notion that an unconventional derivative of the Gln- expanded AR is a component of the proximate motor neuronopathic agent in spinobulbar muscular atrophy. They also focus attention on two ways in which neuronotoxic derivatives may originate from various Gln-expanded proteins: (i) generation of an unusual derivative that is pathogenic de novo ; and (ii) the toxic accumulation of a normal derivative because of an inability to dispose of it.
Animals↗
Rhabdoid transformation of tumor cells in meningiomas: a histologic indication of increased proliferative activity: report of four cases.
Four cases of meningeal tumors in adults (ages ranging from 28 to 84 years) are presented. All had the typical gross appearance of meningiomas at operation. In three tumors, areas of meningothelial or fibroblastic meningiomas showed transition to cell groups of the rhabdoid type. In the fourth case only rhabdoid cells were encountered, possibly representing a total "take-over" of a meningioma by rhabdoid elements. In the three cases with mixed pattern, the rhabdoid cells showed more anaplasia and atypism than the conventional meningiomatous elements. In case 3 this was expressed by very high MIB-1 positivity in the rhabdoid cells and absence of same in the fibroblastic meningiomatous elements. These cases (the first three with certainty, the fourth with a strong likelihood) indicate that the phenotypic changes to cells with "rhabdoid" morphology may involve meningiomas and that such change is associated with aggressive biologic and clinical behavior of the tumors showing this type of alteration.
Adult↗
Lead exposure among Malaysian school children using delta-aminolevulinic acid as an indicator.
A study on lead exposure among school children aged between 7 and 12 years from Kajang and Sepang in the state of Selangor, Malaysia was carried out using delta-aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA) levels in the urine as an index. The delta-ALA levels in urine were linked to variables which could contribute to lead exposure. Out of 1628 school children studied [Kajang (43.5%) and Sepang (56.5%)], only 194 subjects (16 and 8.8% from Kajang and Sepang, respectively) had urinary delta-ALA levels between 0.6 and 2.0 mg/100 ml. However, chi 2 analysis demonstrated significant association between delta-ALA of this group to some of the variables. The strongest association was found in the habit of biting fingernails (P < 0.025). Other statistically significant correlations were found between delta-ALA and father's occupation (P < 0.05) and the amount of time spent playing in the field (P < 0.01). Generally, this study indicates that school children in Kajang and Sepang are still relatively safe from excessively high lead exposure. However, a more sensitive indicator, which is based on a lower tolerable lead limits, such as lead in blood, are necessary to affirm this finding.
Aminolevulinic Acid↗
Lipoprotein(a), tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 levels in hyperlipidaemic patients in Kuwait.
Plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) were assessed in addition to anthropometry and levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and apo A1 and B in 73 patients (36 men and 37 women) with primary hyperlipidaemia (group NDHL) in Kuwait. Lp(a) levels (212 mg L-1, 8-600 mg L-1, median and range) were similar to those obtained in a matched group of 32 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients with hyperlipidaemia (218 mg L-1, 50-610 mg L-1) and slightly higher, although not significantly so (P = 0.06), than levels seen in 68 healthy normolipidaemic control subjects (182 mg L-1, 70-488 mg L-1). tPA levels (8.4 ng mL-1, 3.8-18.4 ng mL-1, median and range) in group NDHL were lower than in the diabetic group (11.4 ng mL-1, 5.2-14.2 ng mL-1) but higher than in the healthy control subjects (7.4 ng mL-1, 2.8-12.6 ng mL-1). PAI-1 levels in group NDHL (40.4 ng mL-1, 8.6-55 ng mL-1, median and range) were higher than in the control subjects (32.5 ng mL-1, 14.6-46.4 ng mL-1) but lower than in diabetic patients (43.8 ng mL-1, 15.6-55 ng mL-1). Hyperlipidaemia phenotype (hypercholesterolaemia or hypertriglyceridaemia) did not influence tPA and PAI-1 levels, but Lp(a) levels were significantly lower with hypertriglyceridaemia. Gender, cigarette smoking and racial origin (Kuwaitis, other Arabs or South Asians) did not affect Lp(a), tPA and PAI-1 levels, but tPA levels were higher in postmenopausal subjects. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (whether in total cholesterol or as apo B) correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with Lp(a) levels. tPA levels were correlated with age and the plasma levels of glucose and uric acid (P < 0.05); this correlation with glucose may explain the high levels associated with diabetes, whereas the age association might account not only for the differences observed between group NDHL and the younger control group but also for the higher levels in the postmenopausal women. PAI-1 levels correlated with tPA and triglyceride (TG) levels in the groups of subjects (normo- and hyperlipidaemic). In the normolipidaemic control group, the significant associations of tPA and PAI-1 were with body mass, expressed as the body mass index or the waist-hip ratio. These results suggest that different factors influence the plasma levels of the prothrombotic factors Lp(a), tPA and PAI-1 in healthy control subjects and in patients with hyperlipidaemia. In the latter, hyperlipidaemia phenotype, age, glycaemic status and uric acid levels are important determinants of the levels of these prothrombotic variables, whereas in the healthy, young control population, body mass was the single important association with tPA and PAI-1.
Adolescent↗
Sensitization to oleth-3-phosphate and oleth-5 in a hair wax.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Allergy to phosphorus sesquisulfide: 0.5% pet. is a more appropriate concentration for patch testing.
Patch testing was performed with phosphorus sesquisulfide P4S3 in 2 groups containing equal numbers of patients using different concentrations (0.5% P4S3 in pet. and 1% P4S3 in pet., the usual suggested test concentration as recommended by the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group). We found that there was a statistically significant increase in the number of clinically irrelevant irritant reactions in the group tested with the concentration (chi 2 = 16, p < 0.0004). We recommend that patch testing with phosphorous sesquisulfide should be at a reduced concentration of 0.5% pet.
Allergens↗
Antral nodularity, gastric lymphoid hyperplasia, and Helicobacter pylori in adults.
Our objective is to evaluate endoscopically-diagnosed antral nodularity in adults and its relationship to lymphoid hyperplasia (LH) and Helicobacter pylori (HP). Antral biopsy specimens were studied for inflammation, presence of HP, and lymphoid follicles. Patients with marked functional dyspepsia or recurrent duodenal ulcers were given triple therapy (bismuth subcitrate, tetracycline, and metronidazole in the recommended doses for 2 weeks) to eradicate HP. Follow-up endoscopy and biopsies, at least 4 weeks after finishing treatment, were performed to assess eradication of HP and its effect on nodularity and LH. In all 25 patients (age range, 20-42 years) with antral nodularity, biopsy specimens were positive for HP. Twenty (80%) of subjects had lymphoid follicles; 13 of these 20 were given triple therapy. Eradication of HP was achieved in five cases (38%). Patients in whom HP was successfully eradicated showed improvement of their symptoms; antral nodularity subsided and there was marked regression of the lymphoid follicles. Antral nodularity with LH, reported to be unique to children, is not uncommon in adults and is induced by HP, eradication of which leads to regression of nodularity and LH in most cases. Low eradication rates achieved with metronidazole-based triply therapy is due, possibly, to primary resistance to metronidazole. Long-term follow-up of such patients is required to assess the evolution of these findings.
Adult↗
Some aspects of dental health in young adult Indian vegetarians. A pilot study.
The effect of a vegetarian diet on oral health status could be manifold, but reports have so far mainly appeared from within Western populations. This study reports the oral health status of southeast Indian vegetarians, obtained by means of a questionnaire, clinical examination, and study cast evaluations. The material comprised 30 vegetarians and 25 sex- and age-matched non-vegetarian controls. Comparison between the samples included dietary and oral hygiene habits, health-related variables, caries prevalence, and dentoalveolar characteristics. The questionnaire showed significantly less consumption of between-meal sweets and more widespread use of a soft toothbrush by the vegetarians. The vegetarians had a significantly higher degree of tooth wear than the non-vegetarians, but no difference in the degree of wear between women and men in either group was found. The vegetarians had a significantly higher tendency towards crowding in the maxillary arch, numerically higher DMFT, and greater number of cervical buccal defects than the controls. The results of this study suggest that the Indian vegetarian diet may produce certain effects on the oral health, associations that need to be studied further.
Adolescent↗
Maternal mortality rate in the Obstetric Unit of University Kebangsaan Malaysia: 1981-1990.
This paper analyses maternal mortality as seen in the Obstetric Unit of the University Kebangsaan Malaysia. During the 10 year study period, the maternal mortality rate was 74/100,000 total births. Women who were non-booked, aged above 40 years, gradmultiparous and of India ethnicity were at the highest risk of maternal death. The commonest causes of death were hemorrhage, hypertension, embolism and sepsis. Post-mortem examinations were performed in only 8.2% of women who died.
Adult↗
Safety and effect of topical recombinant human interleukin-1beta in the management of pressure sores.
Interleukin-1beta is produced by numerous cell types including monocytes and fibroblasts. It has been shown to stimulate multiple cell types including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes. Previously, interleukin-1beta was shown to accelerate healing in partial-thickness and full-thickness wounds in animals and was also shown to be safe when applied topically in Phase I human trials. Therefore a prospectively randomized, blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed with patients with chronic pressure ulcers. Doses of interleukin-1beta of .01 microg, .10 microg, and 1.0 microg per square centimeter did not show acceleration of healing of the pressure ulcers. Therefore use of recombinant human interleukin-1beta in this study was safe but, at the dose levels tested, did not result in improvement in the healing ratio.
Journal Article↗
Prevalence of occlusal tooth wear and its relationship to lateral and protrusive contact schemes in a young adult Indian population.
The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of occlusal tooth wear and their interrelationships with lateral and protrusive occlusal contact schemes in a young adult Indian population. The material comprised 64 individuals (age: mean = 19 years; range, 17-24 years). Assessment of wear was performed by means of a tooth-by-tooth evaluation of casts. Lateral excursive and protrusive contact relationships were recorded at the clinical examination. There was no difference in the degree of wear between women and men. Mean occlusal wear was low for the population studied compared with similarly aged Scandinavians and Saudis. No differences in the severity of wear were found in relation to lateral excursive and protrusive contact schemes. Whereas the low wear experience in the present Indian sample may be related to dietary factors, more must be understood about the various other causes of occlusal tooth wear before its functional interdependence becomes clear.
Adolescent↗
The effect of insulin-like growth factor I on postburn hypermetabolism.
These studies were undertaken to examine the effects of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on the hypermetabolic state that follows major thermal injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 275 to 325 gm were subjected to a 50% total body surface area, full-thickness scald burn. At the time of injury, osmotic pumps were surgically implanted and used to deliver IGF-I, 1000 micrograms/day, or an equivalent volume of placebo solution by constant infusion of 5 microliters/hr for 14 days. Metabolic rates were studied with oxygen-consumption measurements performed on days 3, 7, 10, and 14 after injury. Animal weight measurements were also performed at the above intervals, with serum total IFG-I levels measured at death. Total serum IGF-I levels were decreased significantly 14 days after injury compared with uninjured animals (p less than 0.05). Treatment with IGF-I resulted in a significant decrease in oxygen consumption and a significant increase in body weight compared with burned animals and those treated with placebo 10 and 14 days after injury (p less than 0.05). These data suggest that IGF-I causes a significant change in the metabolic response that follows severe thermal injury and point to a possible role for IGF-I in the treatment of patients after severe thermal injury.
Animals↗
A case of Behcet's disease with intestinal involvement due to Crohn's disease.
A 15-yr-old, Arabic male presented with painful, recurrent, self-resolving oral and genital ulcers, erythema nodosum and uveitis. Behcet's disease was diagnosed. A few months later, he experienced anorexia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Although all routine laboratory and radiologic investigations were negative, colonoscopy revealed the presence of serpiginous ulcers with pseudopolyps and inflamed intervening mucosa in the proximal half of the colon. Therapy with oral steroids was helpful, but the disease exacerbated a few months after prednisone was discontinued. Repeat evaluation showed similar endoscopic findings and, on colonic biopsy, noncaseating granulomas compatible with Crohn's disease were seen. Again, the patient responded well to oral steroids and sulfasalazine. We believe that gastrointestinal involvement in our patient is compatible with Crohn's disease and that screening tests to rule out chronic inflammatory bowel disease should be performed in the presence of gastrointestinal involvement in Behcet's disease. Behcet's disease may be a part of the spectrum of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Adolescent↗
Importance of the hour of sampling in the lymphoblastic transformation assay of sheep peripheral blood lymphocytes.
This paper describes the effect of the nycthemeral cycle on the lymphocyte response of sheep to different mitogens (PHA, Con A and PWM). A considerable decline in the lymphocyte response was evident in the afternoon and early in the morning in all 6 animals tested. Three peak responses were identified during a 24 hour study period, at 14.00 h, 24.00 h and 08.00 h. The results presented here suggest that this variation in lymphocyte response is a meaningful difference in the response ability of individual lymphocytes. Factors affecting the number of leukocytes and the proportion of different types of lymphocytes in peripheral blood might be the essential causes of variation. To obtain an accurate indication of an individual's immunocompetence, it is important to make a preliminary determination of the optimal hour for sampling. If this is not possible, all the samples must be taken at the same hour on each test day, in order to make significant comparisons.
Animals↗