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Modelling the prevalence of Echinococcus and Taenia species in small ruminants of different ages in northern Jordan.

A base-line survey of Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia hydatigena and T ovis were undertaken in order to investigate the transmission dynamics of these parasites in northern Jordan. Intensity of E. granulosus infection, in sheep, increased with age in a linear fashion whilst the asymptotic prevalence was one. This implied that E. granulosus is in an endemic steady state with no evidence of protective immunity in the intermediate host. The mean number of cysts increased by 1.66 per year with approximately 0.320 infections per year, each infection consisting of 598 eggs to produce 5.2 cysts. The basic reproduction ratio (R0) was estimated to be 1.5-1.8. A similar pattern was suggested with E. granulosus in goats but the infection pressure appeared to be lower with only 0.128 cysts per year. Although infection in goats appeared to be endemic there was some evidence of departure from the model which might indicate that the model needs adjusting for this species. In the case of T. hydatigena the host age-intensity helminth distribution indicated that this parasite was hyperendemic in both sheep and goats, implying regulation by intermediate host immunity. Consequently, R0 was determined from asymptotic prevalence curves for T hydatigena and was calculated to be 4.0 and 3.1 in sheep and goats, respectively. The lower R0 in goats, together with the higher asymptotic age-intensity and age-prevalences, indicates that goats acquire immunity more slowly to T hydatigena in comparison to sheep. Taenia ovis was not detected in any animals.

Animals↗

Prevalence of hydatidosis among donkeys in northern Jordan.

One hundred and thirty donkeys (Equus asinus), aged between 5 months and 14 years of age, from the Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan were necropsied between November 1997-May 1999. Of these animals, 16.9% had hydatid cysts in either their lungs and/or livers. No donkeys of 3 years of age or less were infected, where as 33.3% (22 of 66) aged 4 years or greater were infected. Intensity of infection increased with age in a linear fashion. The prevalence also increased with age approaching an asymptotic prevalence of 1 in the oldest animals. This implied there was minimal regulation of the parasite population by intermediate host immunity. The numbers of cysts in the donkeys were increasing at a rate of 0.48 cysts per year from 0.054 infections. The frequency distribution was highly aggregated, consistent with a negative binomial distribution indicating infection of donkeys was not random.

Age Factors↗

Herbal medicine in Jordan with special emphasis on less commonly used medicinal herbs.

The use of herbal medicine in Jordan is very common. In order to evaluate the knowledge and the attitudes of the herbalists and acquire the common and less common medicinal herbs sold by the Jordanian herbalists, more than 100 herbalists throughout the country were interviewed and data concerning herbs present in their shops, the herbalists' recommendations and other observations were collected. The present paper reports on the less common herbs and problems observed dealing with them.

Data Collection↗

Ethnopharmacological survey of traditional drugs sold in the Kingdom of Jordan.

The results of a survey of present-day traditional medicinal materials conducted in 1998-1999 in the Kingdom of Jordan are reported. The study covered selected markets of medicinal substances of ethnic communities throughout the kingdom, and also included questioning of the sellers about the healing characteristics of the various materials. The survey yielded information on many and varied medicinal substances, of which 304 are identified according to the following classifications: 236 species of plants (77.6%); 30 species of animals (9.8%); 29 kinds of inorganic substances (9.6%); and 9 materials of other or mixed origin (3%). Analysis of the data showed that some substances were of local origin (41.8%), but the majority of the substances (45.4%) were imported from other countries. 12.8% of the substances were both local and imported. These data demonstrate that there is still a flourishing and well-developed trade in these materials--a trade that is the remnant of a rich and ancient medical culture, which is disappearing from the modern world.

Animals↗

Herbal medicine in Jordan with special emphasis on commonly used herbs.

To assess the current situation of sales and uses of herbal medicines in Jordan, more than 100 herbalists throughout the country were interviewed. The collected data included the types of herbs present in the market, the recommendations made by the herbalists in the treatment of ailments, the level of education and training of the herbalists, and miscellaneous observations. One hundred and fifty medicinal plant species were present in the local market. Based on their availability in the market and on the herbalists' recommendations, 9 plant species were considered very common and 17 were considered as common. The survey indicated that most of the herbalists were not educated or trained in the field of herbal medicine except for their expertise gained from their predecessor, none were licensed for this particular purpose; several odd or unprecedented recommendations were passed to the customers. This survey emphasizes the necessity of proper handling of herbal medicines that requires proper regulations and licensing.

Data Collection↗

Socio-demographic characteristics of adolescents with epilepsy in Northern Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: The main objectives of this study were to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of epilepsy, and to compare these results with findings of comparable studies from other parts of the world. METHOD: Initially, the target population of this study consisted of 116 patients with epilepsy randomly selected, over a 6-month period, from those patients attending the neurology clinic at Princess Basma Teaching Hospital (PBTH) in Northern Jordan. However, seven patients were dropped from the study and eight others refused to participate in the study. A semi-structured clinico-epidemiological questionnaire was used to investigate the most significant socio-demographic characteristics of this group of adolescent Jordanian patients with epilepsy such as age, sex, living status, family history, type of epilepsy, and some other special clinical investigations. To further evaluate the significance of a family history of epilepsy, the education attainment and employment in these patients with epilepsy were compared with a similar number of age, sex matched control cases obtained from patients attending the hospital for reasons other than epilepsy. RESULTS: Among the study population, the mean age at presentation was 19 years (SD+/-2.7); 54 were males 47 were females. Fifty three patients had a poor level of education because they had less than 10 years of formal education, 29 had an average level of education (10-12 years) of formal education, and 19 had achieved a higher level of education. Thirty patients were employed, 21 unemployed and 50 were students. Twelve patients were living alone and leading independent lives, 88 patients were living with parents and siblings. One male patient was married and living with his wife and children. A positive family history was present in first degree relatives in 11 patients as compared to 3 in the control group. Ninety eight patients suffered from generalized epilepsy and three from partial epilepsy. Sixty seven patients reported an aura and 84 patients had post ictal complaints such as sleepiness, headache, or drowsiness. CONCLUSION: Socio-demographic characteristics of this group of adolescents with epilepsy are compatible with the results of the work of others such as Elwes [Neurosurg Psychiatr 54 (1991) 200], in the North East of England and Hauser from the Mayo clinic in his descriptive study of the epidemiology of epilepsy.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Etiology and incidence of maxillofacial fractures in the north of Jordan.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this investigation was to determine the causes and incidence of maxillofacial fractures in the country of Jordan. DESIGN: A retrospective review of patient records and radiographs for the 5-year period from 1992 to 1997 was conducted. Data regarding age, gender, cause of fracture, anatomic site, and treatment modalities were reviewed. RESULTS: During the 5-year period, 563 patients with 756 maxillofacial fractures were treated. The age range was 5 to 73 years (mean, 28.8 years). Of the 563 patients, 75.3% were male, with the peak incidence occurring in the age group 20 to 29 years. The bone of fracture was most frequently the mandible (seen in 419 cases, or 74.4% of the total), followed by the maxilla (76 cases; 13.5%), the zygomatic arch (60 cases; 10.7%), and the alveolar process (8 cases; 1.4%). Of the fractures, 55.2% were due to traffic accidents, 19.7% to accidental falls, and 16.9% to assaults. Most patients (82.3%) were treated by closed reduction surgery (45.2% with eyelet wiring; 54.8% with arch bars and intermaxillary fixation). Only 17.7% of patients were treated by open reduction surgery. All maxillary fractures were treated by orbital and circumzygomatic suspension with interdental wiring and intermaxillary fixation. Of the zygomatic complex fractures, 26 cases were treated with Gillies' temporal approach, 20 with percutaneous hook elevation, and 14 with observation alone. CONCLUSION: The findings support the view that both the causes and the incidence of maxillofacial fractures vary from one country to another.

Accidental Falls↗

Consanguinity in north Jordan: prevalence and pattern.

The rate of consanguineous mating in north Jordan was 63.7% with an average inbreeding coefficient of 0.0283. First cousin marriages were the most predominant type (58.5%); villagers showed higher levels than city dwellers. The level of female education did not influence consanguinity rate.

Adult↗

Effects of polygyny and consanguinity on high fertility in the rural Arab population in South Jordan.

Based on the authors' interview survey for 608 randomly selected women of the rural Arab population in the South Ghor district of Jordan, this paper examined the effects of polygyny and consanguinity on high fertility, which was recognized as natural fertility. The prevalence of polygynous and consanguineous marriages was 28.0% and 58.1%, respectively, largely reflecting the population's traditional marriage customs. The findings highlighted a significantly higher total marital fertility rate (TMFR) in the monogamous wives (10.5) than in the senior polygynous (8.1) and junior polygynous wives (8.6); the TMFR did not significantly differ among the wives of non-consanguineous, first-cousin and second-cousin marriages. The formation of polygynous marriage was decided by the husband, mostly as a result of his senior wife's infecundity or sub-fecundity, and the age of the husband at marriage to his junior polygynous wife was high in many cases, leading to a decline in this wife's fecundity.

Adolescent↗

Seroprevalence of Toxocara canis antibodies in humans in northern Jordan.

Sera of 699 individuals, aged between 5-24 years, from the Irbid area, Jordan, were tested for Toxocara canis antibodies using an ELISA-IgG test. Crude prevalence was 10.9% (76 of 699) but age-adjusted prevalence was 14.3%. The highest prevalence was observed in females aged 5-9 years, 23.3% (7 of 30), and males of 15-19 years of age, 19.5% (16 of 82). The lowest prevalence was observed in females aged 20-25 years, 5.2% (8 of 155). Significant differences (P < 0.05) between the prevalences of the toxocaral antibodies in males and females were observed in the age groups 5-9, 15-19 and 20-24 years. The trend of prevalence in relation to age was different according to sex.

Adolescent↗

Clinical evaluation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Jordan.

Thirty-three cases of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are reported. This is the first report of this condition from Jordan. Age, sex, early presentation and metastases are discussed. Bimodal distribution of age showed two peaks between 16-20 and 41-45 years. The disease was more common in males. Lymph node enlargement was the most common presentation, and bone metastases were the most frequent.

Adolescent↗

Presentation and epidemiology of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Jordan.

A retrospective study, which highlights some of the aspects of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) as seen in a large hospital for 20 years in Jordan, was performed. Collected data showed that NPC accounted for one per cent of all malignant tumours during the period. The present series showed an age range from six to 89 years old with a mean of 39.5 years. There was a bimodal peak at presentation at 16 to 20 and 46 to 50 years. A high incidence of childhood NPC was also noticed (two per cent of all childhood malignant tumours). The difficulty in early diagnosis urges for better awareness of the tumour especially among general practitioners. The tumour is still detected at an advanced stage with 34 per cent metastasis most frequently to bone. The study stresses the importance of full ENT examination in cases of persistent middle ear disease, recurrent or persistent nasal symptoms or headache, or neck swelling; and routine bone scanning for all cases with NPC. There is a need for prospective studies of the causal relationship of NPC to environmental factors including Epstein-Barr (EB) virus as well as occupational and domestic hazards.

Adolescent↗

Gendered utilization differences of mental health services in Jordan.

A revised Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL), translated into Arabic, was distributed to a sample of 87 nonpsychotic mental health out-patients in Zarka, Jordan (male = 61, female = 26). Findings revealed no significant gendered differences, but higher responses among women in all dimensions. Regardless of gender, patients also expected and were satisfied with medicinal treatment; explained etiologies as having supernatural origins; and utilized informal community traditional healing and religious healing systems. The supernatural explanations and community healing systems varied by gender. Findings emphasize future treatment and programme development strategies that take into account the biomedical/traditional interface, culturally appropriate treatment modalities, different gendered patient needs, and the potential stigma of professional treatment.

Adult↗

Protein digestibility using corrected amino acid score method (PDCAAS) of four types of mushrooms grown in Jordan.

This study was conducted to evaluate the protein quality of four types of edible mushrooms common in Jordan in terms of protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), which is a combination of the chemical score of the limiting amino acid multiplied by true digestibility of the protein. True protein digestibility values were low (61.4, 73.4, 52.6 and 80.5 for Terfezia claveryi, Pleurotus ostreatus, Tricholoma terrum and Agaricus macrosporus, respectively). Based on the essential amino acids pattern requirements for children, the limiting amino acids in P. ostreatus and A. macrosporus protein were sulphur-containing amino acids with chemical scores of 0.61 and 0.50, respectively. However, lysine was the limiting amino acid in the protein of T. claveryi and T. terreum with chemical scores of 0.71 and 0.67, respectively, and the PDCAAS was 0.43, 0.45, 0.35 and 0.40 for the mushrooms types, respectively. Considering the pattern of essential amino acid requirements of laboratory rats, the sulphur containing amino acids were the limiting amino acids in the protein of T. claveryi, P. ostreatus, T. terreum and A. macrosporus with chemical scores of 0.56, 0.30, 0.34 and 0.25, respectively. The PDCAAS were 0.34, 0.22. 0.17 and 0.20, respectively. It is concluded that the four mushroom types studied are of low protein quality.

Agaricales↗

Protein quality of four types of edible mushrooms found in Jordan.

This study was conducted to determine the protein quality of four types of edible mushrooms, Terfezia claveryi, Pleurotus ostreatus, Tricholoma terreum and Agaricus macrosporus that are common in Jordan. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) and net protein utilization methods (NPU) were used. The four mushroom types failed to support growth as reflected by negative values for PER; -1.76 for T. claveryi; -0.23 for P. ostreatus; -0.98 for T. terreum and -0.41 for A. macrosporus. The NPU(op), NPU(st) and NdpE% for T. claveryi were 32.6, 33.9 and 3.89%, respectively. The respective values for P. ostreatus were 38.5, 40.7 and 4.35%; T. terreum 29.1, 29.8 and 3.63%; and A. macrosporus 31.5, 32.9 and 3.91%. The results showed that the four mushrooms were significantly (p < or = 0.05) lower in protein quality compared with casein results (NPU(op), NPU(st) and NDpE% of 78.5, 86.4 and 7.16%, respectively.

Agaricales↗

Obesity in Jordan.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of obesity among semi-urban communities in Jordan and its association with a number of factors. DESIGN: A sample of households was systematically selected from four Jordanian towns namely, Sarih, Sikhra, Southern Mazar and Subha-Subhieh. All subjects aged > or = 25 y within the selected households, were invited to participate in the study. A total of 2836 subjects were actually included in the study, with an overall response rate of 70.5%. Study procedures were carried out in the local health centres in each town over a one-month period. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of obesity (body mass index, BMI > or = 30 kg/m2) was 49.7%; 32.7% in males and 59.8% in females. Obesity was more prevalent in the older age groups, illiterate people, diabetic and hypertensive subjects, and those with hypercholesterolaemia (HC), hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG), high level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and low level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL). After adjusting for age and gender, obesity was associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence limit (CL) 1.1, 1.8), hypertension (HT) (OR 2.2, 95% CL 1.7, 2.8), HC (OR 1.3, 95% CL 1.1, 1.5), HTG (OR 2.3, 95% CL 2.0, 2.8), elevated LDL (OR 1.5, 95% CL 1.2, 1.8) and low HDL (OR 2.3, 95% CL 1.8, 2.9). CONCLUSION: Obesity seems to be a common disorder among adult Jordanians. More attention should be paid to this problem at the national level.

Adult↗

Atmospheric deposition of major ions and trace metals near an industrial area, Jordan.

Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, NO3- and SO4(2-), along with pH were determined in wet and dry deposition samples collected at Al-Hashimya, Jordan. Mean trace metal concentrations were similar or less than those reported for other urban regions worldwide, while concentrations of Ca2+ and SO4(2-) were the highest. The high Ca2+ concentrations were attributed to the calcareous nature of the local soil and to the influence of the Saharan dust, while the high concentrations of SO4(2-) were attributed to the influence of anthropogenic sources and Saharan dust soil. Except for SO4(2-), NO3-, and Ca2+, dry deposition fluxes of measured metals and ions were higher than their corresponding wet deposition fluxes. The high annual average pH values recorded for wet and dry deposition samples were attributed to the neutralization of acidity by alkaline species. Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, NO3- and SO4(2-) were enriched in wet and dry deposition samples relative to crustal material, and a significant anthropogenic contribution to these elements and ions is tentatively suggested. Finally, the possible sources and the main factors affecting the concentrations of the measured species are discussed.

Air Pollutants↗

Pattern of tooth loss in recipients of free dental treatment at the University Hospital of Amman, Jordan.

The aim of this study is to document reasons for tooth loss in disadvantaged Jordanians who seek free dental care at the University Hospital/Dental Clinics. A 4-year (1998-2001) prospective study was undertaken involving 2200 randomly selected patients from this subpopulation. Of their 3069 lost teeth, 46.9% were lost due to caries and its sequel; 18% were lost because of periodontal disease; 8% were lost for a combination of caries and periodontal disease; 19.4% for pre-prosthetic reasons; 4% for orthodontic reasons; 2.8% for eruption problems and 0.7% due to trauma. Logistic regression analysis for reasons of tooth loss in this sector revealed that caries and its sequel was the predominant cause of tooth loss in patients <or=40 years of age whereas periodontal extractions were predominant for the above 40-year-old group. In addition, the most frequently extracted teeth, due to caries, were lower first and second molars while lower incisors were most commonly extracted for periodontal disease. Premolars were extracted for orthodontic reasons, upper incisors for trauma, third molars for eruption problems and canines for pre-prosthetic reasons. In conclusion, dental caries was the main reason for removal of teeth in adults attending the University of Jordan free dental casualty clinic. Therefore, in order to reduce the rate of dental extractions in this sector of the Jordanian population, efforts should focus on prevention and treatment of caries. Efforts should also be made to change the values and beliefs of this sector towards the importance of natural dentition.

Adult↗