Electronic Journal of University of Aden for Basic and Applied Sciences

Front Cover

2024-06-30T20:42:55+00:00

A STUDY OF ASSOCIATION AMONG BODY COMPOSITION AND KHAT CHEWING AMONG THE EMPLOYEES OF UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SANA’A, YEMEN

2024-06-24T06:49:12+00:00

Catha edulis (khat) is a plant grown commonly in the Republic of Yemen. The leaves of small khat are chewed by the people for its stimulant action. Association between body composition, khat chewing is little known. We recruited 300 individuals 19-70 years of age from University of Science and Technology, Sana’a, Yemen. Demographic, body composition and physical activity data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements devices. Muscle mass (kg), body fat (kg), visceral fat (kg), waist circumference (cm) and body Mass index (kg/m²) were estimated. Participants in habit of khat chewing were 170 (56.7%) of Chewer and 130 (43.3%) of non-chewer. Participants’ mean ± SD of age was 38.7±9 years, 217 (72.3%) and 83 (27.7%) were males and females, respectively. Including 40 (13.3%) smokers and 260 (86.7%) non-smokers. Whereas 151 (88.8%) of the men and 19 (11.2%) of the women take khat, including 39 (22.9%) academics and 131 (77.1%) non-academics. In addition, 46 (27.1%) have low activity and 105 (61.8%) %) had moderate activity and 19 (11.2%) had high activity. Participants in daily khat chewing were 77 (45.3%) while 14 (8.2%), 43 (25.3%), 36 (21.2%) were 4-6 times/week, 2-3 times/week and Once/week, respectively. Participants spent an average of 4.5±2 hours per day in khat chewing sessions, with 52.9% spending 1-4 hours, 43.5% spending 5-8 hours, and 3.5% spending more than 8 hours. The majority of khat chewers reported spending around 2000 Yemeni Riyals (Y.R.) per day on khat. In terms of the impact on meal schedules, 38.8%. Khat chewers had higher muscle mass (33±6), lower body fat percentages (27.8±9), higher levels of visceral fat (9.3±4), larger waist circumferences (88.4±10) and slightly higher BMI values (25.9±4) compared with non-chewers were muscle mass (29.9±7), body fat percentages (31±12 levels of visceral fat (7.8±4), waist circumferences (82.6±11) and BMI values (24.9±4). In addition to, males khat chewers had higher muscle mass, higher visceral fat levels and higher waist circumferences values in compared with females where were muscle mass, visceral fat levels and waist circumferences low. There is no significant association between khat chewers’ status and excess body fat.

HERMIT CRABS (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA: ANOMURA) IN ADEN COASTS AT THE GULF OF ADEN WITH A NEW RECORD

2024-06-24T07:40:30+00:00

The information on the hermit crab diversity on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aden is very limited and almost completely unknown. This study aims to record the hermit crab species in different habitats in Aden coasts at Gulf of Aden. The specimens were collected from 7 sites, by hand, and snorkelling up to 3 m depth, during the period time October 2020- October 2022. In this study, 10 hermit crab species were recorded belonging to 3 families (Coenobitidae, Diogenidae, Parapaguridae) belonging to 6 genera. One of these species represents the first records in the Gulf of Aden (Dardanus lagopodes (Forskål, 1775)). The dominant hermit crab on sandy shores was Coenobita scaevola (Forskål, 1775), while the dominant hermit crab in rocky shores was Clibanarius signatus Heller, 1861.

ASSOCIATION OF AGE AND DIABETES DURATION WITH ESTIMATED GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS ATTENDING AL-DOFIAH MARTYR HOSPITAL-BEIHAN, SHABWAH, YEMEN

2024-06-24T07:50:07+00:00

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and limits treatment options in DM. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a crucial test for renal assessment. Significant association was found between risk factors and lower eGFR. Ageing is a natural and inevitable biological process that affects all organs. In Yemen, the association between rate of kidney function decline and age or/and duration of diabees has not been well investigated. The current study aimed to determine the association between eGFR and age or/with duration of DM. 177 individuals with DM were studied for the analysis of the association between eGFR rate with age and diabetes duration during the period of February 2022 to February 2023. Results showed high significant differences found in age groups based on eGFR. However, significant difference between the values of eGFR in age groups 25-34, 45-54 and 55-64. Except in the 7 age group, the eGFR of individuals in age groups tended to decreased. In the whole section, prevalence of CKD (high and very high risk) was 16.9% and increased progressively with age. The CKD associated with each 5 year increase in diabetes duration. Of these patients, 11.3% had an eGFR of 15-29 and < 15mL/min/1.73m², and 5.6% had an eGFR of 30-44 mL/min/1.73m². In the 4 category (15 years), 4% of study subjects were treated with stage 5 of eGFR (very high risk). The shape of the association between age with diabetes duration and risk of CKD was linear. The results of our study and the other kinds of literature indicate that the important of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) according to age, diabetes duration and degree of renal dysfunction. In conclusion: These results emphasize the importance of assessment of eGFR for CKD risk prediction in diabetes patients. Our findings suggested that early diagnosis and treatment is important for these patients. So, the observation that could guide preventative efforts of efficient glucose-lowering and renal protective strategies are needed in persons with DM.

ON GENERALIZED – \(K_{(B)}\) QUAD – RECURRENT IN FINSLER SPACE

2024-06-24T08:09:13+00:00

In this paper, we study the generalized -quad recurrent Finsler spaces of fourth order with a non-metric Finsler connection. We obtain the expressions of the fourth order recurrent curvature tensor and the h-fourth order recurrent curvature tensor. We also study the properties of these tensors and obtain some interesting results.

HEMATOLOGICAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 INFECTION IN ADEN/ YEMEN

2024-06-24T08:29:00+00:00

Chronic Hematological alterations in COVID-19 patients range from mild to severe, with common changes including lymphopenia, neutrophilia, and thrombocytopenia. The gold standard for diagnosis is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which is highly specific and sensitive for detecting SARS-CoV-2 genetic material. The study was a single isolation center retrospective analysis of 200 patients with COVID-19 confirmed cases. The hematological indicators were taken after sample blood collected from the staff of Central Public Health Laboratory to determine the changes, and compared between different grades of severity and prognosis with the hematological indicators. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. simple frequencies and percentage were used, while chi-square test used to determine the association between variables. Males consisted 73.5% in this study, while 63% of participants suffered from moderate severity. Related to the hematological changes; and comparisons made according to real-time PCR test results revealed that the Lymphocytopenia and leukocytosis presented among 47.5% and 46.5% respectively with significance association with illness severity and outcome of patients with p-value< 0.05. hematological changes in COVID-19 patients are a common and significant aspect of the disease. Lymphopenia, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and increased levels of inflammatory markers are frequently observed. These hematological abnormalities are associated with disease severity, poor clinical outcomes. Blood parameters aid in COVID-19 diagnosis and prognosis, with abnormal hematological parameters providing early evidence. However, interpretation should consider limitations, sample size, and potential biases. Further research needed.

FLORA OF ERF JABAL, AL-MAQATERAH DISTRICT, LAHEJ GOVERNORATE, YEMEN

2024-06-24T08:51:04+00:00

The study was conducted during March 2020 until November 2023. 12 sites were identified from various parts of Erf Mount, which represented the presence of all growing habitats of plant species. By which, it aims to identify the flora in the study area, and study life forms and chorotypes of each species recorded in the study area. Plant samples were collected for each species from each site, specifying the coordinates of each site and altitude above sea level, using a GPS. The most important results obtained can be summarized as follows: Recording 293 taxa (including species, sub-species, and varieties) belonging to 185 genera within 69 families. The fern plants were represented by 3 families, while the angiosperm plants were represented by 66 plant families, and one family within the gymnosperm plants. The results proved that the study area is very rich in endemic and near-endemic species, which were represented by 28 plant species, including Aloe irafensis, which is considered a neo-endemism species. The study demonstrated that the most diverse and representative plant families are: Fabaceae (10 genera and 24 species), Asteraceae (15 genera and 22 species), and Acanthaceae (10 genera and 21 species). It found that the most diverse genera within the flora of the study area are: Acacia, with 8 species, followed by the genera Grewia and Indigofera, with 6 species for each one. From the analysis of the life form of the recorded species, it was found that Chamaephytes, Phanerophytes and Therophytes were dominant, as they were represented by 131, 66 and 63 plant species respectively. The study area is rich in aquatic and soil moisture-loving plant species, as 13 plant species belonging to 10 plant families were recorded, representing 4.44% of the total plant species recorded in the study area. Plant species belonging to the Sudano-Zambezian region were dominant in the study area, which represented 96 plant species, constituting 34.78%. The total number of plant species recorded in the study area, the endemic and near-endemic species, and the generic index. All of this indicates that the region is very rich in species and more diverse and needs great attention and special care to preserve its plant diversity. Especially after the increase and expansion in the number of residents in the mountain and the spread of buildings in a large part of the mountain.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HEPATITIS VIRUSES IN HAJJAH GOVERNORATE, YEMEN, BETWEEN 2020-2023

2024-06-24T09:11:03+00:00

Viral hepatitis is now recognized as a major public health challenge that requires urgent response. They are also responsible for killing approximately 1.5 million people every year. The health care system in Yemen is fragile and cannot handle public health emergencies. Thus, this study aimed to determine the epidemiology of hepatitis A, E, B and C viruses in Hajjah governorate between 2020-2023, Yemen. This retrospective study was conducted in the Hajjah Governorate of Yemen for four years, 2020– 2023. About 41162 cases were collected from clinical records of epidemiological surveillance in the Public Health Office of the Hajjah governorate that documented between 2020– 2023. The required data were obtained and analyzed using SPSS. Out of 41162, 761 (1.85%) were positive for HAV and HEV, while 971 (2.36%) were positive for HBV and HCV. The highest rates of HAV and HEV were in 2022 (2.3%), whereas HBV and HC were in 2020 (2.9%). In addition, a higher rate of hepatitis HAV and HEV was detected among individuals from the Al Miftah district 116 (7.5%) in September 85 (2.6%), while HBV and HCV were higher in Hajjah city 579 (22.9%) and in October and November (2.8%). Additionally, all viral hepatitis cases were higher in the autumn. In spite of the low rate of hepatitis viruses observed in this study, these viruses will continue to pose a significant risk to public health. Therefore, enhancing sanitation practices, ensuring food safety, and promoting immunization are the most efficacious strategies for preventing hepatitis viruses.

INTRA-FAMILIAL TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS IN ADEN -YEMEN

2024-06-24T10:01:30+00:00

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major challenge to public health worldwide. Close contacts between susceptible family members and the index cases who live with HBV infection increase the rate intra-familial transmission of HBV. So our study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among family members of confirmed positive HBV patients and to identify the intra and extra-familial risk factors contributing for transmission of HBV infection among those members. Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 family members who belong to the 14 index cases were included in this study, the average was 7.1(100/14) members. HBsAg in both index cases and family members was determined by using ELISA kit. Analysis of the data was performed by using SPSS (Version 21), the quantitative data were expressed as mean values, (SD) because the data was normal distributed. The qualitative data was expressed as percentages and χ² test was used for comparison of two variables to determine the p- value where <0.05 was considered statistically significant. They were 50 (50 %) males with a total mean± SD of age were 25±15.9 years. The overall prevalence of HBV infection was 19 (19. 0%). The highest rates were 41.2% in age group 30—39 years, 22% males, 26.7% married, 19.4% among those family members who were in close contact with female index cases and 40% father relatives. A statistically significance association between HBV infection and age group 30—39 years (p=0.011). There were no positive cases was found among those members who were vaccinated against HBV and no significant association between HBV infection and either intra or extra risk factors among family members. It can be concluded that Intra-familial transmission of HBV infection was high among family member in Yemen. The highest prevalence was found in age group 30-39 years, males, married and among those family members who were in close contact with female index cases. The most frequent relatives with HBV infection were fathers, while a negative HBV cases was observed among mothers and wives and vaccinated members. There were no significant association between HBV infection and either intra or extra risk factors among family members.

REMOVAL OF LEAD IONS BY GREEN SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF PROSOPIS JULIFLORA AND MENTHA PIPERITA L. LEAVES

2024-06-24T10:29:49+00:00

Heavy metal compounds are commonly used as required industrial materials. Heavy metal ions are known to possess poisonous properties. Lead (II) ion is one of them; it is more toxic and carcinogenic. The contamination of water with Pb (II) may lead to kill people who drink it, in addition to harmful effects on plants and animals. Therefore, Pb (II) ions must be removed from the polluted water. In this work, an eco-friendly method was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate and two separate plant extracts; leaves of Prosopis Juliflora and Mentha Piperita L. AgNPs were used to remove Pb (II) ions from aqueous solutions through the adsorption process. The synthesized AgNPs were identified by ultraviolet- visible (UV-Vis), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The diameters of formation nanoparticles were within the range of 8.06–11.5 and 8.02- 11.5 nm of AgNPs from Prosopis Juliflora, and AgNPs from Mentha Piperita L. extracts, respectively. During the adsorption process, the influence of adsorbent dose, Pb (II) ion concentration, and contact time in removing were studied at constant temperature and constant pH.