Omar Salem Gammoh

SOD1 and DJ-1 Converge at Nrf2 Pathway: A Clue for Antioxidant Therapeutic Potential in Neurodegeneration

Neurodegenerative diseases share diverse pathological features and among these oxidative stress (OS) plays a leading role. Impaired activity and reduced expression of antioxidant proteins have been reported as common events in several aging-associated disorders. In this review paper, we first provide an overview of the involvement of reactive oxygen species- (ROS-) induced oxidative damage in Parkinsons disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Subsequently, we focus on DJ-1 and SOD1 proteins, which are involved in PD and ALS and also exert a prominent role in the interaction between redox homeostasis and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, recent studies demonstrated that DJ-1 and SOD1 are both tightly connected with Nrf2 protein, a transcriptional factor and master regulator of the expression of many antioxidant/detoxification genes. Nrf2 is emerging as a key neuroprotective protein in neurodegenerative diseases, since it helps neuronal cells to cope with toxic insults and OS. We herein summarize the recent literature providing a detailed picture of the promising therapeutic efficacy of Nrf2 natural and synthetic inducers as disease-modifying molecules for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Increased Salivary Nitric Oxide and G6PD Activity in Refugees with Anxiety and Stress.

Anxiety and stress are related to physiological changes in humans. Accumulating evidence suggests a cross-talk between psychiatric disorders and oxidative stress. The objective of this study was to compare oxidative stress and defensive antioxidant biomarkers in a group of refugees with acute anxiety and stress with a group of local Jordanians. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Arabic version were used to assess anxiety and stress respectively. Salivary nitric oxide concentration, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity and total salivary protein were compared. As expected, refugees showed higher anxiety and stress scores compared with Jordanians. Also, we report a significant increase in salivary nitric oxide and G6PD activity in the refugee group while total protein concentration did not vary between the two groups. This is the first study that demonstrates an increase in nitric oxide and G6PD activity in the saliva of refugees, thus highlighting their potential role as possible biomarkers in anxiety and stress disorders. Copyright

An audit on parental attitudes towards medicines used in children

Introduction There is growing concerns regarding the use of medicines in children. Therefore, many strategies were implemented to improve such use and make safe and effective medicines more available for children. Enhancing interaction between parents and health care providers plays an important role in insuring the proper use of medicines. In order to optimize such interaction, the attitudes, beliefs and practices of parents toward medicine use in children need to be explored. Methods A validated questionnaire was administered via face to face interviews to 1000 parents attending pediatric outpatient clinics with their children in order to investigate their attitudes toward childrens medicines. Results The majority of respondents (83.2%) were mothers. The majority participants (84.4%) agreed that medicines are necessary in treating illnesses, 80% of the parents had worries about the side effects and interactions of medicines, and 60% of the parents said they try to avoid giving medicines to their children. Moreover, parents in this study varied considerably in their views toward prescription and over-the- counter medicines. More than half of the participants (55.2%) declared that doctors in Jordan prescribe antibiotics to children too easily. Conclusion Participants had positive attitudes toward the necessity of medicines for ill children. However, a considerable proportion of the parents had negative attitudes toward childrens medicines with respect to their side effects and interactions, their capability of disturbing the bodys own capability of healing illnesses, their unnatural characteristic and other aspects related to medicines.

Predictors of Coping Strategies Employed by Iraqi Refugees in Jordan.

The purpose of this study was to examine coping strategies used by Iraqi refugees in Jordan based on their demographic details. A cross-sectional design was used. A representative sample of 333 refugees living in Jordan participated in the study. The Cope inventory and the demographic details were compiled to produce and collate the relevant data. Being older, female, educated, single, and living with more than three family members was associated with greater use of the problem solving coping strategy. Being female, educated, and unemployed was associated with greater use of the active emotional coping strategy. In addition, being older, male, illiterate, unemployed, and living with less than three family members was associated with greater use of the avoidant emotional coping strategy. This study recommends a multidisciplinary approach intervention as being the best method of addressing and fulfilling the health and socioeconomic needs of older, male, illiterate, unemployed people.

Salivary Nitric Oxide, a Biomarker for Stress and Anxiety?

Objective To investigate if salivary nitrate correlates to the daily psychological stress and anxiety in a group of human subjects. Methods The convenient sample recruitment method was employed; data from seventy three subjects were analyzed. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) inventories were used to determine stress and anxiety scores respectively. Salivary nitric oxide was measured through nitrate (NOx) levels using the Griess reaction method. Results Although stress and anxiety were correlated. No significant correlation exists between salivary nitrate and daily psychological stress and anxiety in the studys participants. Conclusion While all previous studies focused NOx levels in acute stress models. This is the first study to investigate the correlation between salivary nitrates and daily psychological stress and anxiety. Although stress and anxiety were correlated, there is no correlation between salivary nitrates and daily psychological stress and anxiety. Further studies are required to investigate this correlation using other biological samples such as plasma.

A Preliminary Description of Medical Complaints and Medication Consumption among 375 Syrian Refugees Residing in North Jordan = وصف أولي للحالة الصحية و استعمال الأدوية لدى 375 لاجئا سوريا مقيم في شمال الأردن

ينزح السوريون بشكل مستمر إلى البلدان المجاورة جراء الحرب الدائرة. يعد الأردن من الدول المضيفة لأعداد كبيرة من اللاجئين السوريين واللذين يقيمون في مختلف مناطق المملكة ولا سيما في الشمال. تهدف هذه الدراسة لوصف الأعراض الطبية وتحديد استعمال الأدوية لدى مجموعة من اللاجئين الذين حضروا للاستفادة من بعض الأيام الطبية المجانية في بلدة الحصن بالتعاون مع منظمات إنسانية وهيئات طبية. قام بتقديم الخدمات الطبية وفد من الأطباء الأجانب ترافقهم مجموعة من الممرضات والمترجمين المحليين. حيث قام الباحث بعد انتهاء الأيام الطبية بتجميع وتحليل 375 ملفا لمرضى من اللاجئين المراجعين بأثر رجعي كما وتم تصنيف الأعراض المرضية والأمراض المشخصة وتم دراسة استهلاك الأدوية الموصوفة وفقا للفئات العمرية المختلفة. وخلصت الدراسة إلى أن 30% من العينة تعاني من الألم الجسدي والأمراض الالتهابية المعدية والأمراض المزمنة. أما بالنسبة للأدوية فتم صرف 280 وصفة طبية جلها من المضادات الحيوية والمسكنات وأدوية ارتفاع ضغط الدم. ويمكن أن نخلص إلى أن الحالة الصحية التي يعاني منها اللاجئين السوريين مماثلة لحالات اللاجئين في جميع أنحاء العالم بما يمثل تحديا طبيا للبلد المضيف.

The effect of Ginkgo biloba and psycho-education on stress, anxiety and fatigue among refugees

Background: Refugees and war survivors are at higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Anxiety and stress are caused by many factors, including a stressful environment that could cause fatigue and low quality of life. Despite the existence of many synthetic anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, symptom management has still not been successful. Ginkgo biloba extract has been used as one of the potential herbal remedies to enhance cognitive functions. Psycho-education plays a significant role in alleviating psychological distress. However, the role of G. biloba in alleviating anxiety, stress and fatigue among refugees was not well studied previously. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of G. biloba and psycho-education with only psycho-education on refugees’ anxiety, stress and fatigue. Methods: A randomized controlled, pre-test–post-test design was used. Data were measured at baseline and 6 weeks later. Results: Providing psycho-education for the control group showed a non-significant improvement in outcome variables. However, adding G. biloba to psycho-education for the experimental group showed a significant reduction in mental, physical, activity fatigue and anxiety. Conclusion: The addition of G. biloba to the psycho-education proved superior to psycho-education alone. Therefore, combining the two approaches is beneficial in alleviating anxiety and fatigue.

Efficacy of single dose antihistamine vs. single dose valerian-hops in subjective sleep measures among war refugees: a comparison trial

Abstract Background: Many sedatives and anxiolytics are used in single dose or chronically to aid sleep. Clinically important sedatives include valerian-hops and antihistamines as they are used over the counter and are highly accessible and safe agents. Objectives: To evaluate and compare a single dose of chlorpheniramine versus valerian-hops combination in modulating subjective sleep measures in insomniac war refugees. Methods: Insomnia among refugees was screened using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Insomniac subjects were randomized to received a single dose valerian-hops (320/80 mg) (n = 65), or chlorpheneramine (4 mg) (n = 50) or placebo (n = 76) two hours prior sleeping. Participants were instructed to complete Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), visual analogue scales of anxiety and sedation. Also sleep latency, total hours slept and self-rated improvement were obtained. Results: Almost 75% of screened refugees had insomnia. Chlorpheneramine reduced sleep latency and anxiety significantly, however it resulted in poor sleep quality. Valerian-hops group showed marked anxiolysis one hour after dosing, a sleep quality similar to placebo and better than chlorpheneramine, and better alertness compared to placebo. Participants satisfaction was higher with chlorpheneramine and there was no difference in the total hours slept.

Anxiety, stress, and quality of life among Iraqi refugees in Jordan: A cross sectional survey: Quality of life among refugees

This study was conducted to identify the predictors, levels, and prevalence of anxiety and stress and to assess the relationship between these factors and quality of life in recently displaced Iraqis. A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 171 Iraqi refugees was recruited. The results indicated that more than half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, while 42.8% reported high stress. The regression model explained 46.3% of the variance in levels of quality of life. Unemployment, fewer than three family members, and high anxiety significantly predicted low-level quality of life. These three predictors need to be taken into consideration when developing health-related interventions to improve the quality of life of Iraqi refugees.This study was conducted to identify the predictors, levels, and prevalence of anxiety and stress and to assess the relationship between these factors and quality of life in recently displaced Iraqis. A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 171 Iraqi refugees was recruited. The results indicated that more than half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, while 42.8% reported high stress. The regression model explained 46.3% of the variance in levels of quality of life. Unemployment, fewer than three family members, and high anxiety significantly predicted low-level quality of life. These three predictors need to be taken into consideration when developing health-related interventions to improve the quality of life of Iraqi refugees.

Anxiety, stress, and quality of life among Iraqi refugees in Jordan: A cross sectional survey.

This study was conducted to identify the predictors, levels, and prevalence of anxiety and stress and to assess the relationship between these factors and quality of life in recently displaced Iraqis. A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 171 Iraqi refugees was recruited. The results indicated that more than half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, while 42.8% reported high stress. The regression model explained 46.3% of the variance in levels of quality of life. Unemployment, fewer than three family members, and high anxiety significantly predicted low-level quality of life. These three predictors need to be taken into consideration when developing health-related interventions to improve the quality of life of Iraqi refugees.This study was conducted to identify the predictors, levels, and prevalence of anxiety and stress and to assess the relationship between these factors and quality of life in recently displaced Iraqis. A cross-sectional design was used. A convenience sample of 171 Iraqi refugees was recruited. The results indicated that more than half of the sample suffered from high anxiety levels, while 42.8% reported high stress. The regression model explained 46.3% of the variance in levels of quality of life. Unemployment, fewer than three family members, and high anxiety significantly predicted low-level quality of life. These three predictors need to be taken into consideration when developing health-related interventions to improve the quality of life of Iraqi refugees.