Leisure Time Physical Activity in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence, Pattern and Determining Factors

Amin, Tarek Tawfik,Al Khoudair, Ali Salah,Al Harbi, Mohammad Abdulwahab,Al Ali, Ahmed Radi Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.1

Background: Identification of reliable predictors of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) will enable healthcare providers to intervene and change the patterns of LTPA in the population to improve community health. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine prevalence and pattern of LTPA among adult Saudis aged 18-65 years, and to define the socio-demographic determinants that correlate with LTPA in Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2176 adult Saudis attending urban and rural primary health care centers were selected using a multistage proportionate sampling method. Participants were personally interviewed to gather information regarding socio-demographics, physical activity pattern using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Physical activity (PA) in each domain was expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs). Results: The median total METs minutes/week for LTPA for both genders was 256, higher for men (636 METs minutes/week) compared to women (249METs minutes/week). Overall, only 19.8% of the total PA was derived from LTPA. Of the sampled population 50.0% reported doing no leisure activity. Using the cut off of 600 METs-minutes/day or 150 minutes of moderate intensity over 5 or more days/week, only 21.0% of the included sample were considered as being sufficiently active and 10.4% were in the high active category with beneficial health effects. Multivariate regression analysis showed that male, younger age (<35 years), absence of chronic disease conditions and moderate level of total PA were significant predictors for being active in the LTPA domain. Conclusion: The prevalence and intensity of LTPA among the included sample demonstrated low levels. Nearly 80% of the included sample population did not achieve the recommended LTPA level with beneficial health effects. Female gender, urban residence and associated chronic diseases correlated with a low LTPA.

Plazomicin—a New Aminoglycoside—for Treating Complicated Urinary Tract Infections

라흐만 모하마드 세이더,Gazi Mohammad Al Amin,Shah Mohammad Anwar,Mohammad Ferdaus Azam,Fatema Akhter,Mohammad Rabiul Islam,고영상 대한미생물학회 2023 Journal of Bacteriology and Virology Vol.53 No.1

Plazomicin belongs to a new class of semisynthetic aminoglycosides that suppress bacterial protein synthesis. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved this antibacterial drug for use in adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), such as pyelonephritis. The worldwide emergence of multidrug- resistant (MDR) organisms has become a significant health issue. It is a promising alternative to carbapenems or β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors for treating cUTIs caused by MDR Enterobacterales. Plazomicin is primarily designed to overcome the common resistance mechanisms of pathogens. It has also demonstrated good in vitro efficacy against various resistant gram-negative pathogens. Plazomicin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis and exhibits rapid bactericidal efficacy against numerous extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing, aminoglycoside- resistant, and carbapenem-resistant bacterial isolates. Similar to other amin- oglycosides, plazomicin inhibits bacterial protein synthesis by attaching to the 30S ribosomal subunit of bacteria. Plazomicin also demonstrated a favorable minimum inhibitory concentration value compared to other aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, amikacin, and tobramycin. The commonly observed adverse effects of plazomicin include headache, hypertension, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and hypotension. In this review, we discuss the likelihood of using plazomicin to treat bacterial infections, focusing on its chemistry, mode of action pharmacokinetics, indications for treatment, adverse reactions, and safety profile.

Physical Activity and Cancer Prevention: Awareness and Meeting the Recommendations among Adult Saudis

Amin, Tarek Tawfik,Al-Hammam, Abudllah Mohammed,AlMulhim, Nasser Abdullah,Al-Hayan, Mohammed Ibrahim,Al-Mulhim, Mona Mohammed,Al-Mosabeh, Modhahir Jawad,Al-Subaie, Mohammed Ali,Al-Hmmad, Qassem Ahmed Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.6

Background: There is a scarcity of information about the proportion of the adult Saudi population that meet the recommended guidelines of physical activity (PA) to reduce cancer risk. Moreover, their awareness about the role of PA in cancer prevention is unclear. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed at estimating the proportion of adult Saudis meeting the PA guidelines, specifically those recommended by American Cancer Society (ACS) for cancer prevention, and to assess the public awareness about the role of PA in cancer prevention. Materials and Methods: Using a multistage sampling method, 2,127 adult Saudis of both genders were recruited from 6 urban and 4 rural primary health care centers in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Participants were personally interviewed to gather information about their sociodemographic characteristics, searching activity about PA and cancer, and the time spent in leisure time PA (moderate and vigorous)/week using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire with show cards. Finally, items about the role of PA in cancer risk reduction were inquired. Results: Of the included participants, 11.6% met the recommendations for cancer prevention (${\geq}45$ minutes of moderate-vigorous PA activity/${\geq}5$ days/week or 225 minutes/week). Multivariate regression showed that being male (AOR=1.49, CI=1.09-2.06), <20 years of age (AOR=3.11, CI=2.03-4.76), and unemployed (AOR=2.22, CI=1.57-3.18) were significant predictors for meeting PA recommendations for cancer prevention. Only 11.4% of the sample indicated correctly the frequency and duration of PA required for an average adult to be physically active and while >70% of them indicated the role of PA in prevention of hypertension, coronary heart disease and lowering elevated blood cholesterol, only 18.6% and 21.7% correctly mentioned the role of PA in reducing colon and breast cancer risk, respectively. Poor knowledge was found among those with less than college education and aged ${\geq}50$ years. The level of knowledge was significantly positively correlated with total leisure time PA of the participants. Conclusions: A minority of adult Saudis in Al Hassa was aware about the role of PA in cancer prevention and engaged in sufficient LTPA for cancer risk reduction benefits, highlighting the need for public health actions to include policies and programs that address factors deterring their participation in LTPA and increasing their awareness with remedies to manage the prevalent misconceptions.

Patients' Profile, Clinical Presentations and Histopathological Features of Colo-rectal Cancer in Al Hassa Region, Saudi Arabia

Amin, Tarek Tawfik,Suleman, Waseem,Al Taissan, Abdul Aziz,Al Joher, Abdul Latif,Al Mulhim, Othman,Al Yousef, Abdul Hameed Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.1

Background: Patients' demographics, presenting clinical and histopathological features for colo-rectal cancer (CRC) are important factors for patients' outcome and disease prognosis. This study aimed to describe the pattern of CRC in terms of patients' demographics, main presenting symptoms and histopathological features in Al Hassa region of Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: A retrospective hospital records-based study which included reviewing of patients' records diagnosed with CRC at three general hospitals in Al Hassa region, Saudi Arabia. A compilation form was designed to collect information regarding socio-demographics, age at diagnosis; referral sites and the main presentations at CRC diagnosis. sites and the main presentations at CRC diagnosis. Histopathological reports were reviewed to delineate the main cytopathologic features, prominent cytological characteristics, the presence of predisposing pathology, and disease stage. Results: Of the 142 cases with CRC, 15.5% and 33.1% were affected before 40 and 50 years of age respectively. Emergency rooms were main referral sites for CRC cases (31.0%). Right colon was affected in 16.9% while left colonic lesions accounted for 62.7%. Intestinal obstruction was the main presentations (41.5%), and 26.1% presented with symptoms indicating distant metastastic lesions. Adenocarcinoma was the predominant pathological lesions (86.6%). Metastastic CRC was diagnosed in 62.7%. Duke's staging showed that 22.5% and 40.1% of lesions were classified into C and D categories respectively. Conclusion: Saudi patients with CRC present late with distant metastasis, and advanced disease stage. A sizeable proportion of patients developed the lesions at relatively young age. Screening recommendations should be enacted and revised in response to current change with younger age of affection.

Saudi Women's Interest in Breast Cancer Gene Testing: Possible Influence of Awareness, Perceived Risk and Socio-demographic Factors

Amin, Tarek Tawfik,Al-Wadaani, Hamed Abdullah,Al-Quaimi, Manal Mubarak,Aldairi, Nedaa' Abdullah,Alkhateeb, Jawaher Mohammed,Al-Jaafari, Azzam Abdul Lateef Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.8

Background: Development of effective educational strategies should accompany increases in public awareness and the availability of genetic testing for breast cancer (BC). These educational strategies should be designed to fulfill the knowledge gap while considering factors that influence women's interest in order to facilitate decision making. Objective: To determine the possible correlates of Saudi women's interest in BC genes testing including socio-demographics, the level of awareness towards BC genes, the family history of BC and the perceived personal risk among adult Saudi women in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during the second BC community-based campaign in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. All Saudi women aged ${\geq}18$ years (n=781) attending the educational components of the campaign were invited to a personal interview. Data collection included gathering information about sociodemographics, family history of BC, the perceived personal risk for BC, awareness and attitude towards BC genes and the women's interest in BC genes testing. Results: Of the included women (n=599), 19.5% perceived higher risk for BC development, significantly more among < 40 years of age, and with positive family history of BC before 50 years of age. The participants demonstrated a poor level of awareness regarding the inheritance, risk, and availability of BC genetic testing. The median summated knowledge score was 1.0 (out of 7 points) with a knowledge deficit of 87.8%. The level of knowledge showed significant decline with age (> 40 years). Of the included women 54.7% expressed an interest in BC genetic testing for assessing their BC risk. Multivariate regression model showed that being middle aged (Odds Ratio 'OR'=1.88, confidence intervals 'C.I'=1.14-3.11), with higher knowledge level (OR=1.67, C.I=1.08-2.57) and perceiving higher risk for BC (OR=2.11, C.I=1.61-2.76) were the significant positive correlates for Saudi women interest in BC genetic testing. Conclusion: Saudi women express high interest in genetic testing for BC risk despite their poor awareness. This great interest may reflect the presence of inappropriate information regarding BC genetic testing and its role in risk analysis.

Comparison of the Change in the Prevalence and Intensity of Schistosoma haematobium Infection Between High and Low Prevalence Areas of White Nile State, Sudan

차승만,홍성태,이진수,Hoo-Gn Jeong,권인선,Abd Al Wahab Saed,Mousab Siddig Elhag,Hassan Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Ismail,Mutamad Amin,이영하 대한기생충학ㆍ열대의학회 2020 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.58 No.4

This study aimed to investigate whether mass drug administration (MDA) intervention has an equivalent effect on reducing the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium infection regardless of the baseline values. A repeated cross-sectional survey was performed targeting students of 12 primary schools in Al Jabalain and El Salam districts of White Nile State, Sudan, at both 1 week before and 8 months after the MDA. Prior to the baseline survey, school-aged children in Al Jabalain had received MDA interventions twice in 4 years, while those in El Salam had not. The baseline prevalence was 9.1% in Al Jabalain and 35.2% in El Salam, which were reduced to 1.8% and 5.5% at 8 months after the MDA, respectively. The corresponding reduction rates were 80.3% and 84.4%, not significant difference between both districts. However, changes in the geometric mean intensity (GMI) of egg counts were significantly different between both districts. The baseline GMIs were 14.5 eggs per 10 ml of urine (EP10) in Al Jabalain and 18.5 EP10 in El Salam, which were reduced to 7.1 and 11.2 EP10 after treatment, respectively. The corresponding reduction rates were 51.0% and 39.5%. In conclusion, MDA interventions were found to bring about similar relative reduction in prevalence regardless of the baseline value; however, the relative reduction in infection intensity was more salient in the district with a low baseline value for both prevalence and intensity. This clearly points to the importance of repeated MDA interventions in endemic areas, which will eventually contribute to schistosomiasis elimination.

Profile of Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Employees at a Saudi University

Amin, Tarek Tawfik,Al Sultan, Ali Ibrahim,Mostafa, Ola Abdelmoniem,Darwish, Amr Ahmed,Al-Naboli, Mohamed Rashad Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.18

Background: There is paucity of studies defining the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in Saudi Arabia despite the surging epidemic of obesity, change in dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCDs risk factors among employees at King Faisal University in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia and to determine the possible correlates for clustering of NCDs risk factors among them. Materials and Methods: All employees were invited to participate; the World Health Organization STEPwise approach was used for data collection which consisted of a personal interview to collect socio-demographic characteristics, NCD history, tobacco use, vegetables and fruit consumption, and physical activity (PA), followed by anthropometric measurements namely weight, height and waist circumference and blood pressure measurements, subjects were finally subjected to biochemical tests with determination of fasting plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol and high density lipoproteins. Results: Of the surveyed employees (n=691), daily current smokers accounted for 22.7%. 94.9%, 95.1% and 86% consumed < 5 servings per day of vegetables, fruits and both fruits and vegetables respectively, 73% were physically inactive, 64% were overweight or obese, 22.1% had hypertension, and 21.5% were diabetics. Elevated cholesterol levels were found in 36.6%, low high density lipoproteins in 36.8%, and elevated triglycerides in 36.1%. Only 3% had no NCD risk factors, and 57.6% had ${\geq}3$ factors. Multivariate logistic regression showed that gender (being male, adjusted odds ratio 'aOR'=1.51), aged ${\geq}50$ years (aOR=3.06), < college education (aOR=1.75), current smokers (aOR=2.37), being obese (aOR=6.96) and having a low PA level (aOR=4.59) were the significant positive predictors for clustering of NCD risk factors. Conclusions: Over fifty percent of the studied university's employees had multiple (${\geq}3$) NCD risk factors. Screening and health promotion initiatives should be launched at least targeting the modifiable factors to avert the excessive risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and several types of cancers.

Caffeine Induces the Stress Response and Up-Regulates Heat Shock Proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans

Al-Amin, Mohammad,Kawasaki, Ichiro,Gong, Joomi,Shim, Yhong-Hee Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2016 Molecules and cells Vol.39 No.2

Caffeine has both positive and negative effects on physiological functions in a dose-dependent manner. C. elegans has been used as an animal model to investigate the effects of caffeine on development. Caffeine treatment at a high dose (30 mM) showed detrimental effects and caused early larval arrest. We performed a comparative proteomic analysis to investigate the mode of action of high-dose caffeine treatment in C. elegans and found that the stress response proteins, heat shock protein (HSP)-4 (endoplasmic reticulum [ER] chaperone), HSP-6 (mitochondrial chaperone), and HSP-16 (cytosolic chaperone), were induced and their expression was regulated at the transcriptional level. These findings suggest that high-dose caffeine intake causes a strong stress response and activates all three stress-response pathways in the worms, including the ER-, mitochondrial-, and cytosolic pathways. RNA interference of each hsp gene or in triple combination retarded growth. In addition, caffeine treatment stimulated a food-avoidance behavior (aversion phenotype), which was enhanced by RNAi depletion of the hsp-4 gene. Therefore, up-regulation of hsp genes after caffeine treatment appeared to be the major responses to alleviate stress and protect against developmental arrest.

Transparent Multilayered Thin-Film Passivation Based on Parylene C-AlN for OLEDs Using a Single Deposition Chamber

Al Amin,이재현,이정환 한국고분자학회 2023 한국고분자학회 학술대회 연구논문 초록집 Vol.48 No.1

Customer's Attitude toward Mobile Banking Usage: A Case Study in Bangladesh

AL AMIN, Md.,SULTANA, Nahida,SAHA, Trina,ISLAM, S.M. Nazrul,KASHEM, Md. Abul 한국유통과학회 2021 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.8 No.2

Mobile banking brings about a progressive change in the field of banking sectors in Bangladesh. To create a sustainable banking environment, technological implementation is important. As a part of this, many organizations as well as modern banks propelled mobile banking systems in Bangladesh. The customers' attitudes towards mobile banking are fascinating in Bangladesh. So, it is important for mobile banking authority to know what factors influence customers' positive attitude towards mobile banking usage and whether they are facing problems in using mobile banking. To evaluate the customers' attitude toward mobile banking usage in Bangladesh is the main objective of this study. People who use mobile banking have been considered for the study. Respondents were reached out based on their online activities. Around 400 questionnaires have been sent to respondents, but only 200 were returned with responses. A quantitative research design was used for this study. As regards statistical analysis tools, descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and regression analysis have been adopted for analyzing the research study. The results revealed that usage benefits, shopping benefits, and psychological factors influence customers' positive attitude toward mobile banking usage in Bangladesh. Besides, some problems with mobile banking usage are identified by the respondents.