scholarly journals Trends of Ambient Concentrations of Gaseous Air Pollutants in Almadinah Al Menawwarah, Central Area, Saudi Arabia

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 31-53
Author(s):  
Hesham A. Al-Jeelani Hesham A. Al-Jeelani
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Central Area ◽  
Nitrogen Monoxide ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Traffic Density ◽  
Mixing Processes ◽  
Diurnal Cycles ◽  
Ambient Concentrations ◽  
Hajj Season

Nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) were measured in Almadinah Al Menawwarah, Saudi Arabia. From Ramadan to Hajj season (October, 2005 - January, 2006) daily average concentrations of NO, NO2, NOx, SO2, O3, CO, CH4 and NMHCs, were 0.055, 0.040, 0.095, 0.011, 0.009, 2.82, 3.83 and 1.12 ppm, respectively. The SO2/NOx and SO2/NO2 concentration ratios were 0.12 and 0.28, respectively, suggesting that the mobile emissions are the predominant sources within the study area. The diurnal variations of NO, NO2, NOx, SO2, CO, NMHCs concentrations were similar and showed two daily peaks, in the morning and late evening. These peaks concentrations are linked to traffic density, boundary layer mixing processes and chemical processes in the atmosphere. The diurnal cycles of O3 concentrations revealed a uni-modal peak in the mid-day time. The highest concentrations of the measured pollutants were found in Ramadan and Hajj seasons, due to increasing human activities. Significant positive correlation coefficients (p<0.05) were found between NO, NO2, NOx, NMHCs and CO, and also between SO2 and NO, NO2, NOx, NMHCs and CH4. Significant negative correlation coefficients were found between O3 concentrations and NO2. These results indicate that an increase in O3 level is associated with a drop in the concentration of NO2, CO and NMHCs.

SERUM GONADOTROPHINS, TESTOSTERONE AND SPERMATOGENESIS IN SUBFERTILE MEN

1977 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 651-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Aafjes ◽  
J. C. M. van der Vijver ◽  
R. Docter ◽  
P. E. Schenck
Keyword(s):  
Partial Correlation ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Sperm Production ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Natural Logarithm ◽  
Biopsy Score

ABSTRACT In 210 subfertile men there existed a significant positive correlation between serum FSH and LH (0.41). No correlation was observed between the gonadotrophin levels and testosterone. In contrast to this FSH as well as LH were negatively correlated with the natural logarithm (In) of the sperm count/ml ejaculate (−0.44 and −0.18, respectively). When the positive correlation which existed between FSH and LH was used to calculate partial correlation coefficients, the coefficient between FSH and ln sperm count did hardly change (−0.41) the coefficient between LH and ln sperm count on the other hand became insignificant (−0.05). This suggests that spermatogenesis influences FSH serum levels in subfertile men by a decreased suppression when sperm production is diminished. Testicular biopsies taken from 97 of these patients were used to determine biopsy scores. These scores showed a significant negative correlation with FSH (−0.34) and a positive one with ln sperm count/ml ejaculate (0.45). Interestingly the biopsy score of 16 patients who fertilized their wives, was found to be higher compared with the score of the other patients who did not fertilize. The number of sperm/ml ejaculate and the FSH values of these 2 groups of biopsied patients were, however, not significantly different. This leads to the conclusion that the biopsy score is a better parameter for the evaluation of oligospermic men than either sperm count or FSH serum values.

scholarly journals Relationships between Meteorological Parameters and Particulate Matter in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wissanupong Kliengchuay ◽  
Aronrag Cooper Meeyai ◽  
Suwalee Worakhunpiset ◽  
Kraichat Tantrakarnapa
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Meteorological Parameters ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Pm10 Concentration ◽  
P Value ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Ambient Concentrations

Meteorological parameters play an important role in determining the prevalence of ambient particulate matter (PM) in the upper north of Thailand. Mae Hong Son is a province located in this region and which borders Myanmar. This study aimed to determine the relationships between meteorological parameters and ambient concentrations of particulate matter less than 10 µm in diameter (PM10) in Mae Hong Son. Parameters were measured at an air quality monitoring station, and consisted of PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), and meteorological factors, including temperature, rainfall, pressure, wind speed, wind direction, and relative humidity (RH). Nine years (2009–2017) of pollution and climate data obtained from the Thai Pollution Control Department (PCD) were used for analysis. The results of this study indicate that PM10 is influenced by meteorological parameters; high concentration occurred during the dry season and northeastern monsoon seasons. Maximum concentrations were always observed in March. The PM10 concentrations were significantly related to CO and O3 concentrations and to RH, giving correlation coefficients of 0.73, 0.39, and −0.37, respectively (p-value < 0.001). Additionally, the hourly PM10 concentration fluctuated within each day. In general, it was found that the reporting of daily concentrations might be best suited to public announcements and presentations. Hourly concentrations are recommended for public declarations that might be useful for warning citizens and organizations about air pollution. Our findings could be used to improve the understanding of PM10 concentration patterns in Mae Hong Son and provide information to better air pollution measures and establish a warning system for the province.

scholarly journals Eddy covariance measurements and parameterisation of traffic related particle emissions in an urban environment

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 5541-5584
Author(s):  
E. M. Mårtensson ◽  
E. D. Nilsson ◽  
G. Buzorius ◽  
C. Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Eddy Covariance ◽  
Emission Factor ◽  
Friction Velocity ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Traffic Density ◽  
Urban Aerosol ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Diurnal Cycles ◽  
Flux System ◽  
Aerosol Source

Abstract. Urban aerosol sources are important due to the health effects of particles and their potential impact on climate. Our aim has been to quantify and parameterise the urban aerosol source number flux F (particles m-2 s-1), in order to help improve how this source is represented in air quality and climate models. We applied an aerosol eddy covariance flux system 118.0 m above the city of Stockholm. This allowed us to measure the aerosol number flux for particles with diameters >11 nm. Upward source fluxes dominated completely over deposition fluxes in the collected dataset. Therefore, the measured fluxes were regarded as a good approximation of the aerosol surface sources. Upward fluxes were parameterised using a traffic activity (TA) database, which is based on traffic intensity measurement. The footprint (area on the surface from which sources and sinks affect flux measurements, located at one point in space) of the eddy system covered road and building construction areas, forests and residential areas, as well as roads with high traffic density and smaller streets. We found pronounced diurnal cycles in the particle flux data, which were well correlated with the diurnal cycles in traffic activities, strongly supporting the conclusion that the major part of the aerosol fluxes was due to traffic emissions. The emission factor for the fleet mix in the measurement area EFfm=1.4±0.1×1014 veh-1 km-1 was deduced. This agrees fairly well with other studies, although this study has an advantage of representing the actual effective emission from a mixed vehicle fleet. Emission from other sources, not traffic related, account for a F0=14±18×106 m-2 s-1. The urban aerosol source flux can then be written as F=EFfmTA+F0. In a second attempt to find a parameterisation, the friction velocity U* normalised with the average friction velocity has been included, F=EF. This parameterisation results in a somewhat reduced emission factor, 1.3×1014 veh-1 km-1. When multiple linear regression have been used, two emission factors are found, one for light duty vehicles EFLDV=0.3±0.3×1014 veh-1 km-1 and one for heavy-duty vehicles, EFHDV=19.8±4.0×1014 veh-1 km-1, and F0=18±16×106 m-2 s-1. The results show that during weekdays ~70–80% of the emissions came from HDV.

Pattern of referral of sick Omani pilgrims from Omani medical mission during hajj 2019 (Preprint)

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Obaid Almashaykhi ◽  
Dr. Randa Consultant M. Nooh ◽  
Dr. Sami Said Almudarra ◽  
Abdulaziz Saad ALMutari ◽  
Naif Saud ALBudayri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Gastrointestinal Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical Mission ◽  
Common Causes ◽  
Hajj Season ◽  
Mean Time

BACKGROUND Annually, in the month of Dhul hijjah, over 2 million Muslims travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj. Hajj is the biggest mass gathering globally, which creates a significant influence on Hajjes' health. The Omani medical mission is the official delegation from the Omani government to Saudi Arabia to serve the Omani hajjees regarding their health issues. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the referral rate and pattern of diseases among hajjees referred by the Omani medical mission during Hajj 1440 H. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study at the Omani Medical missions in Makkah, Madinah, Mina, and Arafat. Data was collected via a predesigned form. All Omani pilgrims presenting to the mission who were referred to local hospitals were included. RESULTS The total number of cases was 5000, of which 106 (2.1%) were referred to local hospitals (21.2 per 1000 hajjees). The most common causes of referral were cardiovascular diseases (23.6%), followed by gastrointestinal disease (17.9%) and trauma (16.9%). Males comprised 60.1%. Their mean age was 47.3 years (SD ±11.27), with the highest referrals in the 51-60 years age group (30%). Over half (55.7%) had co-morbidities. Patients' mean time to reach the clinic was 8.87 min (SD ±6.41), with 65% arriving in 5 min or less. The mean time needed to reach the hospital by ambulance was 11.39 min (SD ±6.6), with 36% arriving within 5 min. Of the referrals, 42% were admitted into hospital. Hospitalization was significantly higher among patients with chest pain (P-value < 0.0057), diabetics (P-value < 0.0001), and patients with Heart Disease (P-value = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS The most common causes for referral of Hajjees from the Omani Medical Mission were cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disease, and trauma. This information should assist the Omani government in planning their medical services in hajj season in future years.

scholarly journals Reproducibility of Fixed-luminance and Multi-luminance Flicker Electroretinography in Patients With Diabetic Retinopathy Using an Office-based Testing Paradigm

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1095-1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Wroblewski ◽  
Christa McChancy ◽  
Kassandra Pickel ◽  
Hunter Buterbaugh ◽  
Tyler Wieland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Retinopathy ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Fundus Photography ◽  
University Of Wisconsin ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation ◽  
Department Of Ophthalmology ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Pearson Correlations ◽  
Reading Center

Background: We evaluated the reproducibility of office-based flicker electroretinography (ERG) in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Methods: An observational study was conducted in which ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWF-FA) was performed on 20 patients with mild-to-moderate NPDR; images were graded by the Fundus Photography Reading Center (Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA). Fixed- and multi-luminance flicker ERG was repeated four times (greater than or equal to seven days apart). Recording consistency was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation, and Pearson correlations. Results: 82.5% and 17.5% of eyes had mild and moderate NPDR using UWF-FA; 90% of the angiograms were given a high confidence grade. Fixed-luminance phase values were highly reproducible (ICC: 0.949; P < .001). There was a significant negative correlation between fixed-luminance phase and log-corrected ischemic index values (−0.426; P = .015). Conclusions: Office-based, fixed-luminance phase values are highly reproducible and negatively correlate with retinal ischemia in NPDR, suggesting that global retinal dysfunction may be reliably quantified early in patients with diabetes.

Association of Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels with Agitation and Cognitive Function in a Geropsychiatry Unit

1996 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia A. Orengo ◽  
Mark E. Kunik ◽  
Victor A. Molinari ◽  
Thomas A. Teasdale ◽  
Richard H. Workman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Serum Cholesterol ◽  
Serum Triglyceride ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
High Cholesterol ◽  
Cholesterol Levels ◽  
Elderly Inpatients ◽  
Comprehensive Evaluations ◽  
Relationship Of

Several studies have reported an association between aggression and cholesterol levels. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels with aggression and cognitive function in elderly inpatients. One hundred ten patients consecutively admitted to the Geriatric Psychiatry inpatient unit at Houston's Veterans Affairs Hospital received comprehensive evaluations by a multidisciplinary team. Fasting serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were obtained within 3 days of admission. In addition, two geriatric psychiatrists administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). Correlation coefficients were calculated between lipid levels, CMAI total and subscale scores, and MMSE scores. Multiple linear-regression analyses were done to further investigate the relation between lipid concentrations and various confounders. We found no significant correlation between serum triglyceride levels and MMSE, CMAI total, and CMAI factor scores. In addition, we found a significant positive correlation between serum cholesterol levels and physical nonaggressive behavior, and a significant negative correlation between serum cholesterol levels and MMSE scores. We found no relationship between aggressive behavior and serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels. However, an association between high cholesterol levels and agitation exists, which may be mediated by the association between high cholesterol levels and impaired cognition.

scholarly journals Relationship between changes in core body temperature in lambs and post-slaughter muscle glycogen content and dark-cutting

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. G. Pighin ◽  
W. Brown ◽  
D. M. Ferguson ◽  
A. D. Fisher ◽  
R. D. Warner
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Meat Quality ◽  
Muscle Glycogen ◽  
Glycogen Content ◽  
Core Body Temperature ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
Muscle Glycogen Content ◽  
Core Body

Pre-slaughter stress may decrease muscle glycogen content, a key element for a suitable low ultimate pH and prevention of dark-cutting meat. Body temperature monitoring is a tool used in research on animal stress, as an indicator of stress events. Possible relationships between body temperature of sheep and post-mortem muscle glycogen were investigated in this study. Body temperature was measured with intravaginal loggers inserted into each animal at 3 days pre-slaughter, to record body temperature every 3 min over a period of 3 days. Blood samples were collected from each animal at exsanguination for measurement of glucose and lactic acid concentrations. The muscle content of glycogen and lactic acid were determined in samples of M. longissimus collected at the level of the 13th rib, at 1 h post-slaughter. A plot of body temperature versus time showed a rise in body temperature from all animals during events such as mustering, loading onto the truck, unloading at the abattoir, during pre-slaughter handling and at slaughter. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were determined between (1) the main temperature increments occurring between farm and slaughter; and (2) post-slaughter muscle glycogen and lactate levels. A significant negative correlation was detected between elevation in core body temperature due to physical stress of sheep and muscle glycogen levels at slaughter. A low correlation was detected between body temperature and blood glucose or lactate concentrations. Further research should examine the relationship between core body temperature and meat quality in order to better understand the complex relationship between animal stress and meat quality.

scholarly journals Association of Hypertension and Lipid Profile with Osteoporosis

Scientifica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Mohammed Al-Hariri ◽  
Bander Aldhafery
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Antihypertensive Drugs ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Significant Negative Correlation ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Record System ◽  
The Status ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

Background. Hypertension (HTN) and osteoporosis (OP) are common diseases that adversely affect the health-related quality of life among the elderly. However, there is a scarcity of literature on the association between HTN and OP. Objective. The aims of this study were to investigate the association between HTN and antihypertensive drugs (AHT), with bone mineral density (BMD) T-scores, as well as to determine the status of bone quality in Saudi Arabia. Method. A retrospective study was conducted at King Fahd Hospital of the University, Khobar, Saudi Arabia, during 2016 to 2018. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). T-score values were used for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. HTN diagnosis and medications, laboratory, and radiology results were collected from the hospital record system. Results. Out of 1332 extracted profiles, 1103 (82.8%) were females. Based on the T-score, the majority of patients either had osteopenia (41.1%) or was osteoporotic (27.8%). The present study found that there is a significant increase in serum lipids and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the osteoporotic group when compared with normal and osteopenia groups. Furthermore, it was found that ALP and Ca levels were significant predictors for OP. Pearson’s correlation test revealed a significant negative correlation between HTN and BMD T-score. However, the study reported a nonsignificant association between AHT and BMD T-score. Conclusion. We conclude that controlling both HTN and dyslipidemia might improve bone health. Every osteoporotic patient should be screened for dyslipidemia. Early detection and appropriate management for OP are highly recommended in Saudi Arabia, especially amongst the high-risk group.

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