bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaginal Misoprostol in the Management of First Trimester Non-viable Pregnancy
Authors: Seyam Y. S. , Flamerzi M. A. , Abdallah M. M. , Ahmed B.
Published: February 2016

To study the effectiveness of a regimen of repeated doses of vaginal misoprostol in the management of first trimester missed abortion, one hundred andfour pregnant women with first trimester non-viable pregnancies were treated with an initial dose of800 g of vaginal misoprostol followed after four hours by further doses of400 ! g fourhourly for a maximum of three doses. The complete expulsion rate was 85.6%. Fifty of the 104 (48.1%) women underwent surgical evacuation. In 14 (135%) women, gestational products were obtained and confirmed by histopathological examination. In 36 (34.6%) there were minimal or no products obtained and these were considered to be complete miscarriages. The cervical os was found open in all (135%) the incomplete miscarriages. Severe abdominal pain was experienced by 10.6% of the patients and excessive vaginal bleeding occurred in 135% of them. A fall in hemoglobin of more than one gramldl occurred in 5.8% of the women and another 5.8% of them had fever > 38°C. The stay in hospital was two days for 87 (83.7%) women and three days for 15 (14.4%) women. One (1%) woman stayed four days and another stayed less than one day. None of the women had any complications. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of vaginal misoprostol as a medical treatment for first trimester non-viable pregnancies using an initial dose of 800 g, followed after four hours by further doses of 400 ! g four-hourly for a maximum of three doses. This management also provided adequate cervical dilatation for surgical evacuation when complete expulsion did not occur.
“Body Packing” and its Implications in Qatar
Authors: Baljevic M. , Sadiq N. D. , Hussain N.
Published: February 2016

The internal concealment of highly profitable illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin, by means of body packing is an important means of international drug trafficking. This phenomenon is apparently uncommon in Qatar, with only one reported case thus far. Here, we present a case of body packer who was transiting Doha and was found to be carrying 90 internalized packets of heroin. Regardless of whether this is another isolated case or an emerging phenomenon in Qatar, awareness of medical and surgical complication that can arise in these individuals is of importance to practicing physicians.
The Influences of the Clinico-Radiological Factors in Predicting the Intra-operative Difficulties in single Disc Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Al Anzi A. R.
Published: February 2016

Background of the Study: The clinical experience that there is a great variability in the ease of performing lumbar microdiscectomy, in particular while instructing the trainee surgeons.

Objective: To determine the role of the pre operative symptoms, it is duration and the radiological findings on influencing the procedure of lumbar microdiscectomy for a single lumbar disc prolapse.

Method: A prospective study of 82 patients with a single level lumbar disc prolapse included the analysis and correlation of clinical and radiological factors: age, sex, height, weight, type of physical work, presenting symptoms and their duration, the level and status of the disc prolapse - to the intra-operative findings of epidural vein dilatation, degree of fibrosis, and the duration of operation. The data were subjected to detailed analysis by using the statistical package of Social Science (SPSS/PC) Release 10.

Results: Thirty two percent of patients had significantlydilated epidural veins; their presence was influenced by the predominance of low back pain and the duration of symptoms. A third (34%) of patients had appreciable fibrosis at the surgical site, again influenced by low back pain, duration of symptoms and radiological findings of obstruction and bony abnormalities. In 37% of the patients the blood loss was in excess of 100 ml seen in patients with a profile similar to those with significant fibrosis. The procedure of microdiscectomy lasted longer than 120 minutes in 34% of patients whose predominant symptom was low back pain with prolonged duration of symptoms and abnormal x-ray findings.

Conclusion: The patient's preoperative clinical presentation and the radiological appearance of the prolapsed disc can affect significantly the microsurgical procedure. The short history of illness with more pronounced leg pain in the absence of bony abnormalities would favor easier operation; while Lumbar microdiscectomy is expected to be a difficult procedure in patients with low back pain as predominant symptom lasting for longer than 12 months and in whom the disc prolapsed is central or who showed additional bony abnormalities.
Unexplained Cardiac Arrest During Closure of Craniotomy: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Faraj J.H. , Sinha T. , Raza A. , Kamel H.
Published: February 2016

Hypotension and bradycardia after application of suction to a subgaleal drain, or stimulus inside or outside the skull, have been reported in the medical literature. The commonly reported occurrence is stimulation of the Trigeminal nerve along its distribution and is the main factor that sets off the whole reflex arc through the Vagus nerve ending in a series of serious hemodynamic changes that institute severe bradycardia, asystole and severe hypotension. Another less common but possible patho logy caused by a suction drain is Pseudo-Hypoxic Brain Swelling (PHBS). We report a case of transient cardiac arrest after the application of theatre suction to a subgaleal drain at the closure of an uneventful craniotomy and discuss the possibilities as well as review the literature.
The utility of the Difference of Latency of Median and Mixed Ulnar Nerve Action Potential in Focal Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy
Authors: El Alamy O.R.
Published: February 2016

Several electrophysiological tests have been used to diagnose focal ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow, including evidence of focal motor slowing at the elbow, mixed ulnar nerve potentials across the elbow and comparing the results to the contralateral side; here I am trying to diagnose focal ulnar nerve neuropathy comparing the latencies of the median and ulnar nerves across the elbow.
Treatment of Oral Candidiasis by 805 Nanometer Diode Laser in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Khattab O. S.
Published: February 2016

In a prospective study at the Surgical Specialty HospitalMedical City Teaching Hospital, Baghdad30 immunocompromised patients with oral candidiasis (thrush) of the tongue were treated with diode laser irradiation, antifungal antibiotics or ordinary light irradiation as a placebo. A fungicidal effect was achieved in those treated by irradiation with 805 nm wavelength semiconductor diode laser using a power of 1W and continuous working mode for 3 minutes for 5 consecutive days, and also in those treated with antimycotics but the laser treatment was shorter (5 days) compared to the antimycotic treatment (10-21 days) and was used successfully in a renal transplant patient without interference with the drug regimen. It is concluded that light from a low power laser may be valuable in the treatment of oral candidiasis, especially in immunocompromised patients where the rate of recurrence is high and development of resistant strains is a possibility.
Detection of Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Dyspeptic Patients by Different Sero-Bacteriological Methods
Authors: Qibi E. M. , Abdulla Z. A.
Published: February 2016

To evaluate invasive (biopsy related) tests and noninvasive (serological) tests in the diagnosis of H.pylori, ninety-two adults (54 male, 38 female) presenting with dyspepsia were studied after classification into two groups on the basis of endoscopical diagnosis; 46 patients with erosive diseases (gastroduodenal ulcers or gastroduodenal erosions) and 46patients with non-erosive diseases (gastritis or gastroduodenitis). Sera were testedfor anti-H.pylori IgG and IgM by an immunochromatography card test and ELISA respectively. Three antral biopsies were taken for biopsy urease test (BUT), bacterial culture and histological examination. Stool samples were obtained from only 30 dyspeptic cases for H.pylori antigen detection (HpSA) by an ELISA method.

H. pylori was detected in 81 of 92 cases; these were positive by one or more of the gold standard tests (culture, histology and biopsy-urease test). Histological examination yielded the highest frequency of microorganism detection (71.7%), followed by BUT (68.5%) and then bacterial culture (26.1%). In erosive disorders the BUT gave the highest frequency ofpositivity (78.3%),followed by histological examination (67.4%), and then bacterial culture (41.3%) but in non-erosive disorders histological examination gave the highest positive results (76.1%) followed by BUT (58.7%) and bacterial culture (10.9%). The overall sensitivities of BUT, histology and bacterial culture of H.pylori were 77.8%, 81.5% and 29.6% respectively. Serologically the anti-H.pylori IgG test yielded the highest frequency of positive results (80.4%), followed by HpSA test (66.7%) and the least positive was anti-H.pylori IgM test (65.2%). In the light of the gold standard tests used (biopsy-related tests), the validity of anti-H.pylori IgG test, anti-H.pylori IgM test and HpSA test were determined; the sensitivities being 79%, 65.4% and 75% respectively and their specificities were 9.1%, 36.4% and 66.7% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values, the positive and negative likelihood ratios of serological tests were also evaluated.

Conclusion: The most sensitive invasive test (biopsy related) and noninvasive (serological) tests were histological examination and IgG immunochromatography card tests respectively.
The Outcome of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury in Children in Qatar: Six year study
Authors: Omar A.O. , Ahmad A.E. , El Bashir H. , Algibali O. , Al Jaber M.J. , Bener A.
Published: February 2016

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are important public health problem resulting in short-term or permanent disability and death. To determine the extent and outcome of severe TBI amongst children in Qatar medical records were reviewed retrospectively of all cases of severe TBI in children aged 14 years or less who attended the Children Rehabilitation Unit, Hamad General Hospital, Qatar, between January 2002 to December 2008. The severity of TBI was assessed by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Of 65 children with severe TBI, most were male (73.8 %) and 91 % were older than five years of age. The leading causes of injury were road traffic accident (84.6%) and falls (10.8%). Other causes included trauma by ceiling fan blades (4.6%), sports and recreation injuries. Early sequelae included spasticity (43.1 %) and posttraumatic epilepsy (33.8%); both were significantly associated with the increased severity and need for intracranial surgery. Almost a quarter of the children had communication disorders, 17 (26.2 %) had poor cognition, 16 (24.6%) had hemiplegia and 12 (18.5 %) had abnormal behaviour. Twelve (18.5%) children died within the first month of admission to hospital. It is clear that severe TBI results in significant morbidity and mortality among children in Qatar and special efforts are needed to reduce the causes especially motor vehicle crashes and injuries. Rehabilitation programs are also needed to limit the extent of long-term complications associated with TBI.
Acute Meningitis Complicated by Transverse Myelitis
Authors: Jassim R.A.J. , Sadik N.D. , Salim K.M.
Published: February 2016

Myelopathy is an infrequently reported complication of bacterial meningitis. We report the case of 32- year old Nepali male who developed acute transverse myelopathy, confirmed by MRI, subsequent to acute bacterial meningitis.
Abstracts From Other Journals
Authors: Hammoudeh M. , Gehani A.A.
Published: February 2016

Background: The herpes zoster vaccine is effective in preventing herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in
immunocompetent older adults. However, its safety has not been described in depth.
Factors Influencing Rehabilitation Outcome in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury in Qatar
Authors: Al Yazeedi W. , Venkatachalam L. , Bobinac Georgievski A. , Singh R.
Published: February 2016

To analyze the factors influencing outcome in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) rehabilitation in Qatar medical records, we reviewed 50 patients with TBI who were seen between January 2004 and Sep 2007 in the Rehabilitation Unit of Rumailah Hospital (RH), Hamad Medical Corporation. Demographic and clinical variables included age at admission, length of stay in acute care (LOSa), length of stay in rehabilitation (LOSr), Rancho Level (RLA), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Functional Outcomes were functional independence measure on admission (FIMa) and functional independence measure on discharge (FIMd).

There was a significant positive correlation of FIMd with FIMa and Rancho level (r = 0.69, p = 0.00 and r = 0.70, p = 0.00) respectively, where there was no correlation between FIMd and GCS score. Negative correlation was observed between FIMd and age as well as LOSa (r = − 0.47, p = 0.01) and (r = − 0.49, p = 0.00) respectively. Multivariate regression analysis was performed taking age, Rancho, FIMa, mobility, GCS and LOSa variables as independent and FIMd as the dependent variable. The model could explain 70% of variation.

It was concluded that the Rancho level of cognitive functioning, FIMa and mobility variables were the most influential factors in determining the functional outcome.
Audit of the Management of Patients Admitted to Hamad General Hospital with Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Khan F.Y. , Matar I. , Khudair I.F.
Published: February 2016

To enhance the quality of patient care, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has previously adopted guidelines for the management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based upon the PSI model. We audited retrospectively the management of CAP inpatients admitted to Hamad General Hospital from 1 January until 31 June, 2008 with the objective of establishing whether these HMC guidelines were being implemented appropriately. Sixty-nine patients with CAP were admitted during the study period. Guidelines for the assessment of disease severity at presentation were not followed in all patients. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was instituted in 52 (75.4%) cases. Ten patients died (14.5%). The rate of use of a severity assessment score to stratify patients with CAP based on recognized guidelines was zero and the death rate of 14.5% might reflect that noncompliance.
Brain Metastasis Masquerading as Progressive Glaucoma
Authors: Kanaan A. , Pai A.
Published: February 2016

Evaluation of the visual fields is an integral part of diagnosing and following-up any patient with suspected glaucoma. If any progressive loss in the visual field is noted the treatment plan may need alteration to suit the clinical circumstances but if the follow-up visual field changes are atypical then other ocular or systemic pathologies need to be excluded before changing the glaucoma management plan. We present an unusual case of brain metastasis from a lung carcinoma that masqueraded as progressive glaucoma in a patient previously diagnosed as primary open angle glaucoma.
Mesenteric Chylous Cyst
Authors: Altabeeb A.H. , Althani H. , Aljohary H. , Alshabani N. , Almahmoud M. , Al Emadi S.
Published: February 2016

Mesenteric cysts are uncommon and mesenteric chylous cysts are extremely rare. The most common presenting symptoms are abdominal pain and abdominal distention. We report two cases of mesenteric chylous cyst in a young man and a young woman. Pre-operative, intra-operative and histological findings are discussed.
Abstracts “From Qatar to the World”
Authors: Gehani A.A. , Hammoudeh M.
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to analyze the factors predicting length of stay in a stroke patient rehabilitation unit at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar. The medical rehabilitation data of 100 stroke patients discharged from a 15-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit (IPRU) were collected retrospectively from medical records during the period from September 2004 to April 2007. A questionnaire was developed, and variables included in the study were age of the patient, length of stay in acute care (LOSa), length of stay in rehabilitation (LOSr), functional independence measure on admission and discharge (FIMa and FIMd), modified disability scale, and modified mobility scale. Patients were grouped by impairments defined by cause as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and right or left body side deficit. A significant negative correlation was observed between LOSr and FIMa (r = -0.44, p = 0.00), and positive correlation between LOSr and LOSa (r = 0.37, p = 0.00). There was no correlation between LOSr and FIMd (r = -0.03, p = 0.76). We observed that low admission FIMa and FIMd were related to extended LOS in both acute and IPRU. Multivariate regression analysis was performed by taking age, LOSa, cause of hemorrhage or ischemia, and FIMa as independent variables, and LOSr as dependent variable. The model could explain only 26% variation for LOSr. This study supports the hypothesis of an association between LOSr, LOSa, and FIMa. Further research is needed to confirm the results of this and other similar studies.
How Effective is Systematic Care of Diabetic Patients?
Authors: Mohamed H.
Published: February 2016

With the ultimate goal of improving medical care for diabetes, a study of four Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) surveyed the composition of PHC population, completeness of patient data, changes in biochemical variables two years before and after establishing specialized diabetic clinics. Patients with diabetes of less than four years duration were excluded from the study. Most (71.7%) of 403 patients with Type II diabetes were aged 40-59 years. Diabetes regulation (HbA1 C), lipid levels (total cholesterol), systolic blood pressure and creatinine improved significantly after inclusion in the specialized diabetic clinic demonstrating that the introduction of systematic care for diabetic patients was effective and lead to an improvement in the recorded process measures and outcome criteria.
Subsartorial Mid-thigh Graft for Hemodialysis Access in Patients with Exhausted Arm Veins A Novel Strategy
Authors: El Zoubi O.N
Published: February 2016

To study the value of a mid-thigh graft as an alternative in the provision of long-term vascular access in patients requiring hemodialysis 11 patients (9 females, 2 males) aged 27-71 (mean 48 years) with unsuitable arm veins underwent surgery between February 2001 and January 2004 to create an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and superficial femoral vein (SFV). There were no deaths due to the procedure, no limb losses, no technical failures and all fistulae matured satisfactorily. Complications included two cases of thrombosis (surgically thrombectomised at 15 and 24 months post-operatively), one case of graft infection at three years post-operatively (treated by graft excision), and one graft failure at five years post-operatively (replaced with a second graft at the same site). After three years 10 grafts were functional and being used for dialysis. It was concluded that a mid-thigh graft is a suitable durable procedure in patients where creation of vascular access at the upper limbs is not feasible. Adequate clinical and radiological surveillance is imperative.
Adalimumab for the Treatment of Refractory Sciatica Induced by Disc Prolapse
Authors: Al Izzi M , Hussein I. , Mahmoud N
Published: February 2016

Ten patients with back pain and sciatica were selected according to certain inclusion criteria for a study to assess the efficacy of the Anti TNF agent Adalimumab in the treatment of refractory sciatica pain induced by a lumbar disc prolapse in patients who failed to improve following lumbar epidural steroid or disc surgery. Each was given a subcutaneous injection of 40mg Adalimumab repeated after two weeks. Patients were assessed regularly on weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8 employing the Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for leg pain and back pain and the Straight Leg Raising (SLR) test. The median improvement of the leg pain VAS was 55. Median improvements of back pain VAS was 37. Median improvement of the SLR was 45. The study demonstrated the beneficial effect of adalimumab therapy in reducing the back and leg pain associated with sciatica in this difficult to treat group of patients. The improvement of leg pain was more significant than that of back pain. The response was better in patients with symptoms of shorter duration and with less SLR restriction at base line.
Hereditary Benign Intra-Epithelial Dyskeratosis (HBID)
Authors: Al Mahmoud B. , Al Hayki N. , Al Meslamani H.
Published: February 2016

Hereditary Benign Intraepithelial Dyskeratosis (HBID) is a rare autosomal dominant recurring disorder of the oral and ocular mucosa first described in 1960 among Haliwa Native American Indians in North Carolina. A few cases have been reported also in other parts of the United States, South America and Europe. This report describes a case with clinical and histopathological features of HBID.
Postpartum Endometritis Leading to Decidual Abscess
Authors: Ummunnisa F , Sharara H
Published: February 2016

Postpartum Endometritis (PPE) is one of the common causes of postpartum fever. PPE leading to decidual abscess has not been reported previously in the literature. Risk factors for PPE range from invasive fetal monitoring to maternal diabetes mellitus and anemia. Our patient had several risk factors for the development of PPE. Commonly PPE is a polymicrobial infection but in our case it was monobacterial. Ultrasonography, tissue histopathology and culture sensitivity are helpful in diagnosing PPE, as well as tailoring the antimicrobial therapy. PPE is a common etiology for postpartum fever and acute infection of decidua which may progress and lead to decidual abscess formation. Endometritis can be monobacterial from the genital tract organisms. Uterine curettage and endometrial tissue culture and sensitivity will guide in tailoring the antimicrobial therapy.
Coital Retrograde Menstruation as a Risk Factor for Pelvic Endometriosis
Authors: Samir F , Badr S , Al Obeidly A , Alfotouh A.A. , Farid A , Alsamny N , Ahmed B.E
Published: February 2016

To investigate coitus during menstruation as a possible predisposing factor for endometriosis 78 patients were asked about their coital habitus during menstruation and subsequently were examined by ultrasound transabdominally, transvaginally or both, before laparoscopy or surgery. MR! was used in six patients only. There was a statistically significant relationship between endometriosis and coital practice during menstruation. The incidence of endometriosis in patients with history of coitus in menses was 66% while the incidence was 34 % in patients with no such history. It is concluded that coitus during menses could be a predisposing factor for endometriosis.
HELLP Needs Aggressive Help
Authors: Shaikh N. , Ummunissa F. , Shafak Mustafa G.
Published: February 2016

HELLP (Hemolysis Elevated Liver Enzymes and Low Platelets) syndrome is a multi-system pregnancy associated disorder, commonly seen in patients with pre-eclampsia but can occur alone. It is significantly associated with maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality.

A triad of hemolysis elevated liver enzymes and thrombocytopenia after 24 weeks of gestation is diagnostic of this syndrome. HELLP syndrome is classified depending on simple parameters but it dictates severity of the disease. Frequently encountered complications with HELLP syndrome are hemorrhagic stroke, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pulmonary edema, acute renal failure and hepatic rapture. The aggressive supportive care of failing organs with high dose of steroids will decrease the duration of HELLP syndrome, decreases intensive care and hospital stay of these patients as well as reduction in fetal complications. HELLP syndrome is associated with significant increase in morbidity and mortality of pregnant patients; hence it is of vital importance that not only obstetrician, but acute care physicians and intensivist should be aware of this clinical entity. We report a case of Classl, normotensive postpartum HELLP syndrome complicated by pulmonary edema and acute renal failure, successfully managed in our intensive care unit.
Islamic Scholar: Abu Nasr Al Farabi
Authors: Al Farabi Abu Nasr
Published: February 2016

Abu Nasr Mohammad Ibn Al Farakh Al Farabi, known as Al Phrarabius in Europe, was born the son of a general in Wasij, a small village near Farab in Turkistan in 259 AH (870 AD). He completed his early education at Farab and Bukhara but later went to Baghdad for higher studies where he studied and worked from 901 AD to 942 AD becoming fluent in several languages and mastering various branches of knowledge and technology. He lived through the reign of six Abbasid Caliphs and was a well-respected and renowned philosopher and scientist
Mid-Term Results of Balloon Pulmonary Valvuloplasty in Children at Queen Alia Heart Institute
Authors: Al Madani A.
Published: February 2016

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term results of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) in children. Design: Prospective study. Settings: Pediatric Cardiology Department of Queen Alia Heart (QAHI), Jordan. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two patients with a median age of 3 years (range 1 day to 16 years), underwent (BPV) between January 1999 and January 2006. We evaluated our patients with regard to peak pressure gradient across the right ventricular outflow tract before and after BPV. Thereafter we followed them at the Outpatient Clinic regarding the peak instantaneous gradient pressure, the pulmonary valve incompetence, right ventricular function based on echocardiographic findings, and the need for repeat BPV. Results: There was significant reduction in the peak to peak gradient from 93.5 ± 32.3 mmHg to 26.1 ± 9.6 mmHg (p <  0.001). Echo-Doppler data showed that residual peak instantaneous gradient dropped from 26.1 ± 9. 6 to 19 ± 6 mmHg; (p <  0.001) on follow-up for 6 years. Mild to moderarte pulmonary valve regurgitation was noticed in 34 patients (27.8%) at one year and in 43 patients (38%) at mid term follow-up, but non had right ventricular dilatation or paradoxical interventricular septal motion. Conclusions: The results of mid-term follow up after balloon dilatation of the pulmonary valve are encouraging. The degree of pulmonary regurgitation is increasing with time. Longer term follow-up studies should be undertaken to evaluate the significance of residual pulmonary regurgitation.
Prevalence of Obesity in Qataris Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Doha, 2008
Authors: Ismail M.F.S. , Al Mutawa N.A. , Al Musallam M.S.
Published: February 2016

Obesity is a chronic disease prevalent in both developed and developing countries and as a risk factor for several other chronic diseases it should be regarded as one of the greatest neglected public health problems with significant future implications to healthcare systems. With the aim of assessing the prevalence of overweight and obesity in patients attending Primary Health Care Centers (PHC) and identifying important causal factors a cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was made of 217 randomly selected adults >18 years attending five Qatari PHCs between February and April 2008. The overall prevalence of obesity in adult Qataris was 47.9% and prevalence of overweight was 33.6%; higher in males than females (17.9%, 15.6%), while the prevalence of obesity was higher in females (49.5% cf. 46%). Obesity was significantly higher among those on a high caloric diet, with physical inactivity and a family history of obesity (p = 0.000). Obesity increased with age, the highest prevalence being in the group above 48 years, (p = 0.0002). All the chronic diseases were significantly higher among the obese; e.g. diabetes (p = 0.02) and hypertension (p = 0.037). It is concluded that obesity is highly prevalent in the community and is caused by several social and lifestyle factors. The health authority should establish a program to prevent and control obesity, an important factor linked to the occurrence of several chronic non-communicable diseases.
Large Organized Intrapericardial Hematoma Presenting as a Case of Constrictive Pericarditis and Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Authors: Al Soub H , Ahmedulla HS
Published: February 2016

Superior vena cava syndrome and constrictive pericarditis are rare complications of intrapericardial hematoma. We herein report a young patient presenting with a mass attached to the heart causing pressure on the right atrium and superior vena cava, and leading to superior vena cava syndrome and constrictive pericarditis. The exact pathogenesis was not determined but possibly was related to pericardiocentesis 29 years prior to presentation. Diagnosis was established at surgery and confirmed by histopathology. Resolution was partial because complete resection was not possible due to adherence of the mass to the right ventricular wall.
Evaluation of Non-fatal Work-related Injuries Presenting to Al Khor Hospital Emergency Department in Qatar
Authors: Mohammad O. H. , Kilani H. , Elhardello O. A. , Abraham J. , Mirza S. A.
Published: February 2016

Work-related injuries constitute a large sector of patients seen at Al Khor Hospital's Emergency Department. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics, frequency and mechanism of work-related injuries presenting to the emergency department. Patients of all ages with work-related injuries presenting to the Emergency Department at Al Khor Hospital at any time, from May to November 2009, were included in the study. Domestic injuries were excluded from the study. Character of the patients and injuries were described. The study included 903 patients. The mean age was 32.73 years (standard deviation 8.565). Most patients were construction workers, 346 (39.1%), and mechanical workers, 262 (29.6%). The types of non-fatal work related injury were: hands injuries, 329 (36.4%), contusions, 239 (26.5%) and cuts, 205 (22.7%). The main mechanisms of injury involved heavy objects falling on patients, 191 (21.2%). Wearing personal protective gear was reported in 546 (60.5%) patients, and having training to use it was reported in 510 (56.5%) cases. Wearing protective equipment was lower in mechanical workers (62.6%) and construction workers (57.4%) who had the higher percentage of work related injuries (29.6% and 39.1 % respectively), [E1] P value < 0.001. There was a positive correlation between the level of education and wearing protective equipment (P value 0.002). Our findings affirm that safety precaution and proper training on how to use the personal protective equipment is needed from companies in industrial areas to reduce the incidence of work related injury.
Intralobar Pulmonary Sequestration in 22 year-old Male: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Al Marri M.R. , Mahufouz A. , Darwish A. , Al Marri N.
Published: February 2016

Pulmonary sequestration is a rare congenital malformation of the lower respiratory tract characterized by a non-functioning mass of lung tissue that is not communicating with the normal tracheo-bronchial tree and receives its vascular supply from a systemic artery. We report the first case of intrapulmonary sequestration in Qatar, of a 22 year-old Qatari male who presented with recurrent chest infection. This case study includes a literature review.
Cefazolin and Coagulation Disorder: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Shaikh N , Al Khowtair J , Al Sulaiti G , Nasser A , Ummunnisa F , Ahmed Z , Hassens Y
Published: February 2016

A 63-year old Yemeni male, known case of endstage renal disease (ESRD), hypertension and diabetes mellitus, underwent craniotomy and endoscopic removal of an intraventricular mass. Peri-operatively he was started on cefazolin, a normal diet and regular hemodialysis without heparin. The international normalising ratio (INR) increased rapidly, reaching 4.2 on day five but responded equally rapidly to parenteral Vitamin K and withdrawal of cefazolin. Cefazolin is an antibiotic commonly used in clinical practice because of its long half-life, narrow spectrum and its ability for dose adjustment in renal failure patients. We review the literature, discuss the risk factors of its use and suggest possible mechanisms causing the prolonged coagulation.
Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Chronic Viral Hepatitis C Treated with Interferon and Ribavirin
Authors: Al Mannai F.A. , Qaddoura R.H. , Derbala M.F.
Published: February 2016

Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (ION) is a rare complication of interferon (IFN) during treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) with all reported cases occurring within three months of the start of therapy. We report a case of a late bilateral sequential ischemic optic neuropathy after 36 weeks of pegylated-interferon therapy. In contrast to previous reports, we recommend a regular ophthalmological follow-up throughout the whole course of interferon therapy.
Tubercular Dactylitis:
Authors: Al Hetmi T.A. , Alnoor M.M. , Abuelgasim M.M.
Published: February 2016

Tubercular Dactylitis is a rare extra-pulmonary presentation in adults with more than 85% of cases presenting children below 6 years old.
Patterns of Dental Diseases in Diabetic Females in Primary Health Centers in Qatar: Cross-sectional, observational study
Authors: Faidhi BA , Shakhir DK
Published: February 2016

Periodontal diseases comprise a large group of predominantly infectious and/or inflammatory disorders affecting periodontal tissues. They are diagnosed by assessment of the dento-gingival area, including the the gingival sulcus depth, and the presence of bleeding with radiographic assessment of the alveolar bone. The prevalence of periodontitis (PD) is reported to be 20-50% worldwide;(1) while the aggressive form of PD is found in less than 10% of the population/2,3). Periodontitis is a chronic infectious/inflammatory disease of multi-factorial etiology(4) with a number of risk factors that are shared with other chronic inflammatory conditions; increasing age, low socio-economic conditions, stress, increased body weight, dyslipidemia, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, cigarette smoking and Diabetes mellitus.(5-6) Systemic reviews have shown a clear association between PD and coronary heart diseases (CHD) emphasizing the need to consider PD as a risk factor for CHD.
Varicella-zoster virus associated encephalitis in a patient undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Al-Mula Abed Yasser W.
Published: February 2016

We describe an elderly gentleman with end stage renal disease on haemodialysis who presented with ophthalmic zoster infection and was discharged on oral acyclovir. He presented again a few days later with confusion and expressive dysphasia. Differential diagnosis was mainly between varicella-zoster virus (VZV) associated encephalitis versus acyclovir toxicity. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed the diagnosis of VZV associated encephalitis and the patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir and steroids with full recovery back to pre-admission neurological status.
Determinants of the Efficiencies in Turkish Banking Sector (Tobit Analysis)
Authors: Gunes Nizamulmulk , Yilmaz Abdurrahman
Published: February 2016

The competition that has been faced in Turkish banking sector compels banks to use their sources efficiently. Efficiency and productivity analyses are important management tools to determine to what extent inputs have been used in the process of acquiring required outputs of banks. Efficient and productive functioning of the banks in Turkey has a major importance in terms of national economy. Being different from other economic sectors, the banking undertakes the duty of financial intermediation which determines resource allocation. This places banking to a central position for the economic development of the country. For this reason, analysis of efficiency and productivity measurements is necessary to carry out performance analysis of the banking sector.

This research aims at investigating the determinant factors of the technical, pure technical, and scale efficiencies of Turkish Banking Sector for the period of 2007-2013 with a sample of 4 Participation Banks (PBs) and 28 Conventional Deposit Banks (DBs) by using Tobit Regression Analysis.
The findings from Tobit regression analysis suggest that while the factors in terms of size, risk and bank management quality have negative impact on technical efficiency of Turkish banking sector, market share and profitability variables have positive impact. On the other hand, while the factors like market share, risk, bank management quality and year 2010 (as the dummy variable to capture the financial impact) have negative impact on pure technical efficiency, size and loan intensity have positive affect. Lastly, while the factors like size, risk and bank management quality is found affecting the scale efficiency negatively, loan intensity, market share and profitability variables have positive influence.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 2
Authors: Zhang Michael
Published: February 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of Economics and Finance, Vol. 8, No. 2
Linear and Nonlinear Dynamics of the Turkish Trade Balance
Authors: Karamelikli Huseyin
Published: February 2016

This study empirically analyses bilateral trade of Turkey with her main trade partners using monthly time series data over the period of 2000 to 2015. J-curve theory and short-run dynamics of bilateral trade is tested by linear ARDL and Non-linear ARDL approaches. The empirical results indicate that there is no J-curve effect during short-run for United States and for France; it symmetrically exists to Germany and asymmetrically to United Kingdom. Also long-run relationship between exchange rate and trade balance has mixed results. Asymmetric long-run relationship between exchange rate and trade balance for United States exists where it is symmetrically most appropriate for Germany. In the other hand this study failed to verify any long-run relationship between exchange rate and trade balance for France and for United Kingdom.
The Determinants of Capital Structure: Evidence from Selected Listed Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Pratheepan Tharmalingam , Weerakon Banda Y. K.
Published: February 2016

This research examines the determinants of capital structure of selected listed companies in Sri Lanka. The capital structure of 55 companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) is empirically examined using the fixed effects model. Based on the findings of the panel data analysis during the period of 2003-2012, Profitability exhibits statistically significant of inverse relationship with leverage while firm size and growth shows statistically significant of positive relationship with leverage for selected listed companies in Sri Lanka. Non–debt tax shields and tangibility indicate insignificant impacts on leverage. The results of this empirical study shows that there is robust evidence to support the pecking order theory by manufacturing based companies on the capital structure determinant of profitability variable, and growth variable also strongly supports to the association of the pecking order theory. Though, trade–off theory also can not be rejected because of the correct estimate of the positive sign of size variable of manufacturing based companies. Thus, implication of pecking order theory is more appropriate in Sri Lankan perspective.
The Use of the [ts] Variant in the Arabic Bedouin Dialects
Authors: Salman Mahmoud El
Published: February 2016

This paper is a sociolinguistic study of the speech of people who belong to Bedouin tribes, namely, the Anizi tribe, in Saudi Arabia. The speech of forty-eight informants from this tribe has been observed and analyzed with the aim of noting variations in the speech of this group and identifying possible correlations with selected extra-linguistic factors. Because the variant [ts] of the (K) variable is the key feature of the dialect of this group, it will be used as a basis in investigating this variation. The study shows that the /ts/ sound, which is not widely known or used by a large percentage in the Arab world, is still categorically used in the speech of the members of this tribe within the tribe’s domain. It frequently appears in a high percentage in the speech of the older generation as well as the young. The study also shows that its use drastically decreases in other settings. Complex psycho-linguistic and socio-linguistic factors have been found to be crucial in determining whether the variant is preserved or abandoned within the different settings.
A Corpus-Driven Analysis of Media Representations of the Chinese Dream
Authors: Hou Zhide
Published: February 2016

The Chinese dream describing a set of ideals received numerous media reports after its proclamation by Chinese President Xi Jinping in November 2012. Making use of the rich source of media data, this article explores the ideology and ideals of the Chinese Dream represented in China’s state-run English-language newspapers. Modeled on the approach of corpus-driven discourse studies and combining the theoretical framework and methodological approaches of Critical Discourse Analysis and corpus linguistics, this study attempts to yield new insights into the media representations of the Chinese Dream. A corpus of the Chinese dream is analyzed using software Concgram (Greaves, 2009) by creating information on the frequency distribution regarding the most frequently occurring two-word/three-word concgrams, and related concordance lines. Findings shown Chinese President Xi’s speech on the Chinese Dream has strong control of ideological positions in media representations.

 
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 6, No. 1
Authors: Xu Diana
Published: February 2016

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Journal of English Linguistics, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2016.
Perceived Influencers of the Decline on Performance of Students in Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education’s Agriculture Examination Results
Authors: Sibanda Clyde , Hulela Keba , Tselaesele Nelson
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the study was to investigate factors perceived to contribute to the decline of students’ performance in the Botswana’s General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) agriculture results. Ninety-one agriculture examiners were randomly sampled out of 100 teachers who were invited to mark the 2012 end of year examination scripts. A questionnaire was mailed by post and partly hand delivered to gather quantitative data. The SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The results showed that majority (57%) of the agriculture teacher examiners were male, 66% were in the age range of 31-35 years old. A large proportion (66%) of them had taught for a period of 6 to 15 years. The study revealed positive perceptions of teachers on three constructs influencing the decline on the students’ performance in agriculture. The study revealed that under the construct, Students’ behaviors, social and economic related factors, students attitudes towards the subject yielded high mean (x̅)‘= 4.45, STD (σ) ’ = .81; on Factors related to curriculum issues, the study showed “interpretation of examination items” had high mean (x̅) ‘= 4.39, STD (σ) = .75 and under the construct on Factors related to resources and infrastructure the mean (x̅) was = 4.79, STD (σ) = .53 was high on the student teacher ratio. The study concluded that the three constructs studied had influence towards students’ performance in agriculture. However, based on interpretational correlations the results did not find any strong relationship among the demographic variables studied.
Hoe divers, invloedrijk en deliberatief is een G1000?
Authors: Michels Ank , Binnema Harmen
Published: February 2016

How diverse, influential and deliberative is a G1000? The design of a citizens summit and the realization of democratic values

In imitation of the G1000 in Belgium in the Netherlands G1000-meetings were held in Amersfoort, Kruiskamp, Uden and Groningen and a citizens summit in Amsterdam with a similar design. In this article the authors investigate the design of these citizens summits and their contribution to a number of important democratic values. What is the diversity of the participants, the influence on policies and the quality of the discussions during the citizen summit? Their research shows that the diversity of the group of participants is rather limited. The selection method that is chosen, whether a lottery selection or an open invitation, doesn’t make much difference for the diversity of the group of participants. In addition the influence of citizens summits on policies and politics is nearly absent. The subjects that come forward at citizens summits hardly ever come back in the local policies, not even at the citizens summit in Uden, where the municipal council has taken the initiative to organize a G1000. Finally, in general the participants qualify the discussions at the table during citizens summits as constructive and inspiring. The specific form of the dialogue has only little influence on the extent to which the participants feel themselves heard and feel free to say whatever they want.
Controle en verantwoording in een veranderend lokaal bestuur
Authors: Denters Bas
Published: February 2016

Control and accountability in a changing local government

For the Dutch Association of Municipal Councillors (Raadslid.Nu) Bas Denters, professor of Public Administration at the University of Twente, wrote an essay on control and accountability in local government and the role of the municipality in this process. At close examination the relations in this area are less clear than they look on paper. The reason is what Mark Bovens and others have called the ‘displacement of politics’ in all its appearances: regionalization, privatization and socialization (i.e. tasks carried out by the society instead of the government). That process requires reflection on the question how democratic control and accountability at the local level can be reshaped. It is important to experiment with new ways in which municipal councils redefine the local processes of control and accountability. One can think of: (a) broadening the scope of the section in Dutch Municipal Law on affiliated parties (‘Verbonden Partijen’); (b) formulating Governance Charters and process framework notes; and (c) organizing the ‘democratic encirclement’ of the local administration, e.g. by other parties. In various places interesting initiatives have already been taken and hopefully this essay and the attention from Raadslid.Nu will contribute to more municipalities daring to blaze new paths.