University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
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description: The UST Journal for Medical Sciences is a peer-reviewed journal officially published by the Medical Faculties of the University of Science and Technology, Sana’a, Yemen. The journal supports open-access publishing, and accepted articles are published online soon after acceptance. A volume is issued once a year in print. Online ISSN: 2959-4146 Print ISSN: 2959-4138
publisher: University of Science and Technology, Yemen
language: en
publication name: University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
issn: 2959-4138
items: Prevalence, Severity and Quality-of-Life Impact of Dysmenorrhea among Non-Medical Undergraduates in Sana’a City, Yemen
items: Phenotypic Resistance Pattern of Helicobacter pylori Isolates to Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole in Sana'a City, Yemen
items: Assessment of Physicians' Knowledge of Molecular and Genetic Testing in Sana’a City, Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study
items: Discrepancy between Knowledge and Practice Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance among Retail Pharmacists in Sana’a City, Yemen
items: Efficacy of Serratiopeptidase After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial
items: Cytotoxic Activity of Capparis cartilaginea Leaf Extract against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line
items: Hepatoprotective Effects of Two Vitamin D3 Formulations on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Rats: An Experimental Study
items: Quality of Life among Yemeni Women Utilizing Intrauterine Devices and Oral Contraceptives in Selected Primary Healthcare Centers in Sana'a City, Yemen
items: Patterns and Characteristics of Uterine Fibroids among Women Attending a Tertiary Maternity Hospital in Sana'a City, Yemen
items: Assessing Physicians' Knowledge Concerning Food-Drug Interactions in Sana'a City, Yemen
items: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Physicians Regarding Brucellosis in Sana'a City, Yemen: Diagnostic Shortcomings Despite High Awareness
items: Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Wound Infections at a Public Tertiary Hospital in Sana'a Governorate, Yemen
items: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Diabetes-Related Ocular Complications among Type 2 Diabetics in Sana’a City, Yemen
items: Cerebrovascular Accidents in Sana'a City, Yemen: Clinico-Epidemiologic and Neuroimaging Findings
items: Celiac Disease among Outpatient Attendees with Gastrointestinal Complaints at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen: A Four-Year Retrospective Study
items: Effect of Khat Chewing on Helicobacter pylori Infection Treatment Outcome Following Standard Triple Therapy: A Single-Center Study in Sana'a City, Yemen
items: A National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network in Yemen: An Urgent Call for Action
items: Association between Lifestyle Habits and Major Depression in Patients Attending Psychiatric Clinics in Sana’a City, Yemen: A Case-Control Study
items: Effect of Catha edulis and Atorvastatin on Electrolyte Imbalance: An Experimental Study
items: Determinants of Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Sana’a City, Yemen
items: Investigation of Bacterial Contaminants and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility on Yemeni Banknotes in Aden City, Yemen
items: Outcomes of Conservative Management of Postoperative Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction among Yemeni Patients
items: Congenital Anomalies in Yemeni Newborns: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sana’a City
items: Strengthening Biomedical Research in Yemen: A Pressing Need for Raising Research Funding
items: Relationship of Adiponectin and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein with Left Ventricular Dysfunction among Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography
items: Impact of Vitamin E on Reducing Primary Dysmenorrhea among University Students: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
items: Inflammatory Markers for Prognosis of COVID-19 Mortality in Hospitalized Indian Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
items: Biomedical Journal Publishing in Yemen: Challenges and Prospects

Prevalence, Severity and Quality-of-Life Impact of Dysmenorrhea among Non-Medical Undergraduates in Sana’a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Dysmenorrhea commonly affects young women and can substantially impair quality of life (QoL), but evidence from Yemen is limited. This study assessed the prevalence, symptoms, impact on QoL, and coping methods of dysmenorrhea among undergraduates enrolled in non-medical colleges in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 371 conveniently sampled students enrolled at the University of Science and Technology in Sana’a during the academic year 2023–2024. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, menstrual history, dysmenorrhea, pain severity, QoL impact, and coping methods. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Dysmenorrhea was prevalent among 89.5% (332/371) of non-medical undergraduates, and most of these students reported experiencing severe pain (49.7%) and reported pain that began before menstruation and continued during menses (39.8%). Among students with dysmenorrhea, lower back pain was the most frequently reported complaint (91.3%), followed by fatigue (89.5%), loss of appetite (85.5%), and abdominal pain (84.9%). The vast majority of non-medical undergraduates with dysmenorrhea reported being unable to perform daily activities effectively (99.1%), followed by those feeling depressed and needing to cry (96.9%) and those feeling irritable with excessive emotions (92.4%). The majority of participants reported taking rest only to cope with dysmenorrhea (89.7%), followed by using a warm water bottle (62%) and drinking plenty of hot liquids (60.8%). The use of self-administered medications was reported by 45.2% of students, while 8.4% reported seeking medical consultation and 14.1% reported practicing light exercise. Conclusion: Dysmenorrhea is common among non-medical undergraduates in Sana’a and often severe, with substantial effects on daily activities, psychosocial well-being, and academic performance. Nevertheless, most students rely on…
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creator: Maha Abdulaziz
creator: Abdullah Almikhlafy
creator: Wafa'a A. Alkasmy
creator: Lamia N. Al-Hammadi
creator: Maram N. Aqlan
creator: Nada A. Shukri
creator: Shemokh M. Al-Meqdad
creator: Hanan M. Hasan
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2026-04-30
publication date: 2026-04-30
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.4.7

Phenotypic Resistance Pattern of Helicobacter pylori Isolates to Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole in Sana'a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium infecting about half of the world's population, with higher rates in developing countries. Many strains of H. pylori are becoming antibiotic-resistant, making it increasingly difficult to treat infections. This resistance can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of gastric cancer. This study aimed to assess antibiotic resistance patterns among H. pylori isolates from Yemeni patients undergoing gastroendoscopy at the University of Science and Technology Hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 116 isolates from gastric biopsy specimens. H. pylori was identified using rapid urease testing and histopathological examination of biopsy specimens. Positive samples were subsequently cultured on selective media to assess antibiotic susceptibility to clarithromycin (CLR), amoxicillin (AMX), and metronidazole (MTZ). Results: Out of the 116 specimens analyzed, H. pylori was isolated from 62 samples (53.4%). Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed resistance rates of 38.7% for CLR, 30.6% for AMX, and 87.1% for MTZ. Conclusion: The rise in antibiotic resistance among H. pylori isolates from Yemeni patients emphasizes the critical need for regular resistance testing to inform treatment choices, improve patient care and minimize the risk of serious complications associated with H. pylori infections. Alternative regimens that exclude MTZ and CLR should be considered.
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creator: Entesar S. A. Amer
creator: Doa’a A. I. Al-Mumin
creator: Wed H. A. Al-Nod
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2026-04-18
publication date: 2026-04-18
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.4.6

Assessment of Physicians' Knowledge of Molecular and Genetic Testing in Sana’a City, Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study
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description: Background: Genetic and molecular testing is a cornerstone of modern personalized medicine, offering significant opportunities for early diagnosis and disease prevention. In Yemen, where consanguinity rates are high, the prevalence of genetic disorders necessitates a high level of physicians’ knowledge. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge regarding genetic and molecular testing among physicians in Sana’a City, Yemen, and to identify the demographic factors influencing their understanding. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2025 among 384 physicians from four public and two private hospitals in Sana’a City using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 384 physicians conveniently included in this study, the highest knowledge level was observed for routinely used tests, where ≥80% of physicians were aware of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), and ≥65% were aware of thalassemia screening. However, knowledge of advanced genomic techniques, such as whole-genome sequencing (25.8%) and whole-exome sequencing (24%), were substantially lower. Conclusion: There is a substantial knowledge gap among physicians in Sana’a concerning modern genetic and molecular testing applications. These results underscore the urgent need for integrating medical genetics into continuing medical education and clinical training programs to improve the utilization of genomic medicine in Yemen’s healthcare system.
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creator: Talal Y. Alqahtani
creator: Ibrahim H. Al-Subol
creator: Ahmed S. Hudna
creator: Nabil H. Alowiri
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2026-04-13
publication date: 2026-04-13
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.4.5

Discrepancy between Knowledge and Practice Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance among Retail Pharmacists in Sana’a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat. While improving knowledge is a key part of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), a significant gap often exists between what healthcare providers know and what they actually practice. assess retail pharmacists’ knowledge, awareness, and dispensing practices regarding AMR and its contrib­uting factors in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 conveniently sampled retail pharmacists from nine districts in Sana’a City, Yemen, between October 2023 and January 2024. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing pharmacists’ demographic and professional characteristics, knowledge of AMR, awareness of its factors contributing, and antibiotic-dispensing practices. Knowledge and awareness items were scored on a 3-point Likert scale, while dispensing practices were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Scores were converted to percentage values and categorized as good or poor using a 75% cutoff. Associations of pharmacists’ characteristics with their knowledge, awareness, and practices were examined using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, with statistical significance set at P <0.05. Results: Most pharmacists demonstrated good knowledge of AMR, where 83.7% correctly defined AMR, 88% recognized it as a major global health problem, and 88.7% identified it as a direct threat to human health. Microbial mutations were recognized as a key driver of AMR by 84.3%, while only 51% acknowledged genetic transmission, and fewer recognized healthcare-associated spread (42.3%) or hospital-acquired resistant infections (45.7%). Awareness of contributing factors was high, including inappropriate antibiotic use (85.7%), treatment interruption (93.3%), suboptimal dosing (77.7%), use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (61.3%), antibiotic use in livestock (86.3%), and environmental contamination (83.3%). Despite high levels of good knowledge (86%) and a…
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creator: Ibrahim H. Al-Subol
creator: Amina H. Al-Moliky
creator: Manar T. Nassar
creator: Amani A. Al-Bakali
creator: Farah A. Al-Mashreqi
creator: Rawan J. Alwajeh
creator: Khairya S. Al-Jabri
creator: Roa'a A. Shafi
creator: Kholoud N. Morad
creator: Doaa A. Alezzi
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2026-02-20
publication date: 2026-02-20
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.4.4

Efficacy of Serratiopeptidase After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Surgery: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial
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description: Background: Surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars is frequently associated with postoperative complications such as trismus, facial edema, and pain, primarily due to inflammatory responses. Conventional management using corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is effective but may cause adverse systemic effects with prolonged use. Serratiopeptidase, a proteolytic enzyme with anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential, has been investigated as a safer adjunctive therapy, though evidence remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of serratiopeptidase in reducing postoperative complications following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Methods: A triple-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial using a split-mouth design was conducted in twelve healthy patients requiring bilateral surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Each patient served as their own control, with one extraction site receiving conventional therapy alone (amoxicillin, metronidazole, and diclofenac sodium) and the contralateral site managed with the same regimen supplemented by oral serratiopeptidase. Assessments of trismus, facial edema, and pain were performed preoperatively and on the 2nd , 3rd , and 5th postoperative days. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA), with significance set at P <0.05. Results: All 12 participants completed the trial, yielding 24 surgical sites for analysis. Trismus improved significantly over time in both sides (P <0.001), with no significant interaction effect between treatment and time. Facial edema across all types demonstrated significant reduction across time points (P <0.001), but between-group comparisons showed no significant differences. Pain scores were consistently lower in the serratiopeptidase side, with significant main and interaction effects (P <0.001), confirming superior analgesic benefit. Conclusion: Serratiopeptidase is a valuable…
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creator: Arwa Dahak
creator: Abdullah H. Farhan
creator: Ali A. Al-Moanan
creator: Shatha Q. Al-Ja'afari
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2026-01-31
publication date: 2026-01-31
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.4.3

Cytotoxic Activity of Capparis cartilaginea Leaf Extract against Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line
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description: Background: Capparis cartilaginea is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Yemen for cancer treatment. Its bioactive compounds exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. Liver cancer is the third cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for about 75–90% of cases. However, scientific evidence regarding the cytotoxic activity of C. cartilaginea leaf extract against HCC remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of a hydromethanolic extract of C. cartilaginea leaves against the human HCC cell line (HepG2). Methods: C. cartilaginea leaves were collected, air-dried in shade at room temperature, and extracted using 70% hydromethanolic solvent. The obtained extract was then evaporated and freeze-dried, and its cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay on HepG2 cells. Cells were exposed to different concentrations of the extract for 24 hrs. Cell viability was then determined spectrophotometrically. Vinblastine sulfate was used as a reference cytotoxic drug. Dose-response curves were used to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract. Results: The hydromethanolic leaf extract of C. cartilaginea exhibited a weak cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells, with an IC50 value of 167.81±6.23 µg/mL compared with the standard cytotoxic drug vinblastine sulfate that showed an IC50 value of 3.04±0.22 µg/mL. Conclusion: C. cartilaginea leaf extract exhibits a weak cytotoxic activity against the human HCC cell line (HepG2).
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creator: Sameha A. Al-Qubati
creator: Doa'a A. Ibrahim
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2026-01-30
publication date: 2026-01-30
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.4.2

Hepatoprotective Effects of Two Vitamin D3 Formulations on Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Female Rats: An Experimental Study
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description: Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, leading to ovarian dysfunction and hyperandrogenism. This experimental study aimed to compare the hepatoprotective effects of micellized vitamin D3 (MVD3) and conventional vitamin D3 (CVD3) compared to metformin (MET) in a rat model of letrozole (LTZ)-induced PCOS. Methods: An experimental study was conducted over 90 days using 30 healthy female albino rats with regular estrous cycles. Rats were randomly assigned to five groups (six per group): control, LTZ-induced PCOS, LTZ + MET (155 mg/kg), LTZ + CVD3 (1000 IU/kg), and LTZ + MVD3 (1000 IU/kg). PCOS was induced using oral LTZ (200 µg/day), and treatments were administered daily by gavage. Estrous cycle was assessed by vaginal cytology. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured to evaluate hepatic function, and liver tissues were examined histopathologically after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mean levels of liver enzymes were compared using the independent samples t-test, with significance set at P <0.05. Results: LTZ-induced PCOS caused significant elevations in serum ALT, AST, and ALP levels compared with controls (P <0.001). MET treatment partially reduced liver enzyme levels, but the mean levels remained higher than controls. In contrast, treatment with either MVD3 or CVD3 resulted in marked normalization of ALT, AST, and ALP levels compared with controls, being comparable to controls. Histopathological analysis supported these findings, showing severe hepatic structural damage in rates with LTZ-induced PCOS, partial improvement with MET, and restoration of normal hepatic architecture with MVD3 and CVD3. Conclusion: MVD3 or CVD3 markedly alleviate LTZ-induced hepatic injury in PCOS rats, outperforming MET in normalizing ALT, AST, and ALP levels and restoring hepatic architecture. …
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creator: Bushra M. H. Dahak
creator: Butheina A. Al-Amrani
rights: Copyright (c) 2026 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2026-01-12
publication date: 2026-01-12
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.4.1

Quality of Life among Yemeni Women Utilizing Intrauterine Devices and Oral Contraceptives in Selected Primary Healthcare Centers in Sana'a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Various contraceptive methods are available, with intrauterine devices (IUDs) and oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) being the most widely used for fertility reduction. However, underlying health conditions may compromise the safety and effectiveness of these methods. Family planning programs primarily target women, but their impact on women's quality of life (QoL) has received limited attention. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of IUDs and OCPs on the QoL of Yemeni women attending primary healthcare (PHC) centers in Sana’a City and to examine the associations between these factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 354 married women aged 14–49 years attending selected PHC centers in Sana’a City. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was applied, where three districts were randomly selected, followed by the selection of nine PHC centers. Then, eligible women were proportionally allocated to centers and selected via systematic random sampling. Sociodemographic and contraceptive-related data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the Arabic version of the WHO QoL Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to evaluate the influence of contraceptive use on women’s QoL across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. QoL scores were computed for physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains, categorized as high (> median) or low (≤ median). Associations between QoL and women’s characteristics were examined using the chi-square test, with statistical significance set at a P-value of <0.05. Results: Among the participants, 56.8% used oral contraceptive pills (OCPs), predominantly combined estrogen–progesterone formulations (45.8%), while 11% used progesterone-only pills; the remaining 43.2% used IUDs. Age was significantly associated with method choice (P <0.001), as OCPs were more frequently used by women <30 years (47.5% for combined and 59% for progesterone-only OCPs), whereas IUDs were…
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creator: Duaa Mutahar
creator: Afaf Mahdi
creator: Hajar Ahmed
creator: Tarteel Raweh
creator: Fatima Al-Refaei
creator: Maleka Kasem
creator: Wafaa Al-Awar
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-08-26
publication date: 2025-08-26
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.10

Patterns and Characteristics of Uterine Fibroids among Women Attending a Tertiary Maternity Hospital in Sana'a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign pelvic tumors in women of reproductive age and a major cause of gynecologic morbidity. While global and regional prevalence data exist, no published studies have described their patterns and characteristics in Yemen. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the demographic, reproductive, and clinical features of uterine fibroids among women attending a tertiary maternity hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using retrospective data from January 1 to December 31, 2022, at Al-Sabeen Maternity Hospital in Sana’a. Medical records of 171 women diagnosed with uterine fibroids who underwent hysterectomy or myomectomy were reviewed. Data on demographic factors, reproductive history, fibroid characteristics, and surgical management were extracted and analyzed. Results: Of the 171 women with uterine fibroids, most were aged >40 years (45%), followed by 30–40 years (35.7%), with 19.3% younger than 30 years. Menarche under the age of 12 years was reported by 52.6% of women, and most were multiparous (64.3%). A positive family history was uncommon (2.3%). More than half of women (54.4%) had a single fibroid, while 45.6% had multiple fibroids. Intramural fibroids predominated (81.3%), followed by subserosal (21.1%) and submucosal (17.5%) types, with broad ligament (4.7%) and cervical (1.8%) sites being rarely affected. Myomectomy was performed in 62.6% of cases and hysterectomy in 37.4%. Multiple and submucosal fibroids were more frequent in women with early menarche, whereas single and intramural fibroids were more common in those with later menarche. Multiple fibroids were more common in nulliparous women, whereas single fibroids predominated among multiparous women. Conclusion: Uterine fibroids are most frequently found in women over 40 years of age, suggesting a potential association between advancing age and fibroid development. Early menarche and nulliparity are more…
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creator: Hanan M. Hasan
creator: Amal A. Mohammed
creator: Maha Abdulaziz
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-08-17
publication date: 2025-08-17
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.9

Assessing Physicians' Knowledge Concerning Food-Drug Interactions in Sana'a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Certain foods and specific nutrients can interact with some drugs, potentially affecting their therapeutic efficacy and safety. A thorough understanding of food-drug interactions (FDIs) across various medical specialties is crucial in preventing these interactions in patients. Physicians have a key role in preventing these issues, as they are responsible for prescribing drugs and advising patients on dietary management. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate the knowledge of common FDIs and appropriate timing for drug administration among physicians in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2021 among 499 physicians working in four public and two private hospitals in Sana’a City, Yemen. Data about physicians’ FDIs and the timing of drug administration in relation to food intake were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used to determine the factors influencing physicians’ knowledge of FDIs and appropriate timing of drug administration. Results: Of the 499 physicians surveyed, 26.3% perceived that they had sufficient knowledge of FDIs. Most physicians correctly identified the interaction between caffeine and diazepam (79.6%) and the need to avoid potassium-rich foods with spironolactone (64.9%), followed by those who recognized interactions involving theophylline (59.3%) and tetracycline with milk (51.9%). Fewer physicians were aware of interactions such as grapefruit with amiodarone (30.3%) and atorvastatin (28.7%), wheat bran with digoxin (24.2%), and aged cheeses with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (27.7%). Most respondents correctly identified the appropriate timing for administering omeprazole (79.8%) and erythromycin (71.7%), followed by metformin (58.7%) and methotrexate (46.0%). Fewer answered correctly for propranolol (37.7%), levothyroxine (32.5%), calcium carbonate supplements (32.5%), isotretinoin (26.5%), glipizide (23.2%), griseof…
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creator: Abdulrazzaq Y. Al-Khazzan
creator: Gamil Q. Othman
creator: Abdulsalam M. Halboup
creator: Doa’a A. Ibrahim
creator: Faisal Ali
creator: Mohamed I. M. Ibrahim
creator: Yaser M. Al-Worafi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-08-05
publication date: 2025-08-05
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.8

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Physicians Regarding Brucellosis in Sana'a City, Yemen: Diagnostic Shortcomings Despite High Awareness
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description: Background: Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic infection that poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. However, it remains underdiagnosed due to nonspecific symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of physicians regarding brucellosis in Sana'a City, Yemen. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 physicians of various specialties in Sana’a City, Yemen, from March to May 2025. Data on physician characteristics and brucellosis-related KAPs were collected using a structured electronic questionnaire. Responses were scored and categorized into good/poor knowledge, positive/negative attitudes, and acceptable/unacceptable practices, based on predefined thresholds. Data were summarized and presented using descriptive statistics. Results: Among 264 surveyed physicians, 94% demonstrated good knowledge of brucellosis. Most identified animals (87.9%) as reservoirs and farmers (89%) as a high-risk group, though fewer recognized laboratory personnel (42.4%) as being at risk. Commonly known transmission routes included raw milk (89%), raw meat (69.3%), and direct contact with animals (66.3%), while awareness of occupational exposures—placentas (44.7%), aborted materials (42.4%), and aerosols (24.6%)—was limited. Clinical signs like fever (91.3%), gastrointestinal symptoms (85.2%), and neurological involvement (78.2%) were well recognized. Anemia (72.7%) was the most known hematological finding. While 72% correctly identified the doxycycline-rifampin regimen, only 51.1% knew the six-week treatment duration. A positive attitude prevailed among 92% of physicians, with strong support for increasing medical awareness (80.7%), recognizing frequent misdiagnosis (78.1%), and promoting continuing education (78%). About 71.3% trusted serological tests, and 69.7% supported referring cases to specialists, yet only 51.1% viewed brucellosis as a major public health issue in Yemen. Diagnostic prac…
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creator: Ahmed S. Hudna
creator: Abdulrahman Y. Khamis
creator: Kamal W. Yousef
creator: Abdulkareem F. Albathali
creator: Reham M. Mohammed
creator: Ezaldeen H. Qaid
creator: Mohamed S. Al-Hakimi
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-07-09
publication date: 2025-07-09
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.7

Bacteriological Profile and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Wound Infections at a Public Tertiary Hospital in Sana'a Governorate, Yemen
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description: Background: Wound infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, representing one of the most prevalent nosocomial infections. The etiological agents vary by geographic region, and there is a growing incidence of antibiotic resistance among these pathogens. This study retrospectively analyzed the bacterial species isolated from patients with wound infections and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns at a public tertiary hospital in Sana'a Governorate, Yemen. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the bacterial species causing wound infections and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns among patients admitted to the 48 Model Hospital in Sana’a Governorate from January 2020 to December 2020. This study included all patients diagnosed with wound infections and undergoing culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing during the study period. Results: Of the 386 patients with wound swab cultures, 290 (75.1%) had infections caused by a single bacterial species, most frequently among males (98.6%). Among the isolates, Gram-negative bacilli accounted for 61.4%, while Gram-positive cocci comprised 38.6%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated bacterial species (38.3%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36.6%) and Klebsiella spp. (11.7%). Vancomycin showed the highest efficacy against Gram-positive isolates (100% sensitivity), followed by moxifloxacin (90.9%), linezolid (86.2%), and methicillin (68.5%), whereas amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and amoxicillin showed the lowest activity. Among Gram-negative isolates, imipenem demonstrated the highest activity (90.4%), followed by ceftriaxone/tazobactam (80.2%), amikacin (78.1%), and gentamicin (77.1%). However, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and cefuroxime showed limited efficacy. For P. aeruginosa, imipenem remained the most effective agent (90.5%), followed by amikacin (78.6%) and tazobactam/piperacillin (70%). Conclusion: Wound infections are predominantly c…
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creator: Gamil T. Abdul Mughni
creator: Butheina A. Alamrani
creator: Arwa M. Othman
creator: Sadeq S. Abdulmogni
creator: Naif M. Al-Haidary
creator: Ahmed Y. M. Aljamrah
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-05-22
publication date: 2025-05-22
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.6

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Diabetes-Related Ocular Complications among Type 2 Diabetics in Sana’a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Ocular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), including diabetic retinopathy (DR), progress silently, underscoring the need for patient awareness and screening. However, there is a lack of studies assessing diabetic patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding the ocular complications of DM. Therefore, this study assessed KAPs regarding diabetes-related ocular complications among type 2 DM patients in Sana’a city to inform preventive strategies. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among 400 type 2 diabetic patients recruited via convenience sampling from public and private healthcare facilities in Sana’a city, Yemen. A pilot-tested, structured questionnaire was used to collect patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as their KAPs regarding diabetes-related ocular complications. Data were then summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Most patients (88%) recognized the ocular effects of DM, primarily visual impairment (31%) and DR (22.4%), with fewer identifying cataracts (5.7%) or eye infections (4%). While 74.3% acknowledged the importance of regular eye exams, 39.3% were unaware of recommended frequencies, and 63% reported not undergoing regular screenings. Notably, 52.8% had never undergone dilated eye exams, 57% consulted optometrists/opticians, 37.7% never examined their eyes, and 52.8% never underwent dilated exams. Among 57 patients with DR, 98.2% received treatment recommendations, with 73.7% adhering to them and 97.6% attending follow-ups. Conclusion: In Sana’a, most type 2 diabetes patients are generally aware of diabetes’ ocular effects but lack specific knowledge of complications like DR. Many value regular eye exams, but few adhere to guidelines, rarely undergoing routine or dilated screenings. Addressing the gap between awareness and practices requires targeted education to improve preventive practices and reduce the risk of blindness.
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creator: Tariek Aldoais
creator: Abdullah Al-Mekhlafy
creator: Lamia’a Khaled
creator: Lamya Al-Hattami
creator: Njood Alsharabi
creator: Huwaida Mansoor Ahmed Al-Areqi
creator: Bothina Alzomor
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-04-24
publication date: 2025-04-24
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.5

Cerebrovascular Accidents in Sana'a City, Yemen: Clinico-Epidemiologic and Neuroimaging Findings
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description: Background: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are acute neurologic injuries that represent a common cause of disability and mortality worldwide, with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes being the most common forms. In Yemen, there has been limited research on CVA. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the clinical presentation, risk factors and different types of CVA based on head computed tomography (CT) scans among patients admitted to tertiary care hospitals in Sana'a. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 patients with CVA who underwent head CT scans at four tertiary hospitals in Sana'a from October 2023 to February 2024. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation and potential risk factors for CVA were collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were then used to summarize and present the data. Results: Most patients with CVA admitted to tertiary care hospitals were males (63.7%) and over 40 years old (81%), with a mean age of 56 ± 17 years. More than half of the patients were rural residents (56.7%), illiterate (57.2%), and unemployed (55.2%). Based on CT scan findings, 68.7% (138/201) of patients with CVA had ischemic strokes and 15.4% (31/201) had hemorrhagic strokes. However, the pattern of CVA was undetermined in 15.9% (32/201) of patients. Dysarthria (49.3%) was the most frequent presentation among patients with CVA, followed by left-sided hemiplegia (39.8%), headache (32.8%), right-sided hemiplegia (30.8%), and choking (30.3%). In contrast, fatigue and loss of vision were the least frequent presentations (0.5% each), followed by asphyxia (2.5%), diplopia (3%), chest pain (4.5%), and coma (5.5%). Other manifestations ranged from 7% for memory loss to 28.9% for decreased consciousness. Khat chewing was the most frequent potential risk factor among 64.2% of stroke patients, followed by HTN (46.8%), smoking (39.8%), DM (33.3%), and past history of stroke (23.4%). However, dyslipidemia (8.4%) an…
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creator: Mohammed M. Alassar
creator: Abdulaziz A. Alqodimi
creator: Yusuf A. Almuasawa
creator: Khawla A. Al-Ankat
creator: Rawiah Habal
creator: Abdullah A. Al-Muntaser
creator: Hager Al-Aayni
creator: Hamza A. Abdullah
creator: Saleh S. Alwahaishi
creator: Abdulaziz Al-Muntaser
creator: Belal M. Al-Gerafi
creator: Bushra F. Al-Jaberi
creator: Abdulkalik M. Al-Matri
creator: Murad A. Al-Akel
creator: Mohammed Al-Hakimi
creator: Tawfiq Al-Hammadi
creator: Sulaiman Al-Haiga
creator: Ahmed S. Hudna
creator: Ala A. Abdullah
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-02-24
publication date: 2025-02-24
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.4

Celiac Disease among Outpatient Attendees with Gastrointestinal Complaints at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sana’a City, Yemen: A Four-Year Retrospective Study
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description: Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune enteropathy, which is caused by gluten in people with genetic predisposition regardless of age and gender. Its presentations can vary from asymptomatic nature to severe malnutrition. Diagnosis usually depends on serology and intestinal biopsy examination. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CD and describe its clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches among patients with gastrointestinal complaints in Sana’a City, Yemen. Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted using the medical records of patients diagnosed with CD at the University of Science and Technology Hospital (USTH) from January 2020 to December 2023. Out of 350 records for CD patients diagnosed during the study period, 155 records were complete and were used in describing the clinical presentations and diagnostic methods of CD among Yemeni patients. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentations and diagnostic methods were collected using a pre-designed data collection sheet. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the collected data. Results: Out of 160,000 patients attending the Gastroenterology Outpatient Department at the USTH from 2020 to 2023, 350 were diagnosed with CD, yielding a prevalence of 0.22%. The mean age of CD patients was 26 ± 14.6 years, with a majority being female (71%) and over half (54.8%) falling within the 20-40 age group. Clinically, more than half of the patients presented with abdominal pain (52.9%) and diarrhea (50.3%), followed by abdominal distention (25.8%) and weight loss (21.9%). Less frequent typical symptoms included vomiting (17.4%), anorexia (12.9%), and constipation (7.7%). Among atypical manifestations, fatigue and failure to thrive (9% each) were the most common, followed by anemia (7.7%), while rickets, bruising, and delayed puberty were rare (0.6% each). Diagnostic evaluation revealed that 78.4% of 87 patients tested were positive for anti-tis…
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creator: Ahlam Abdulmalik Esmail
creator: Ahmed S. Hudna
creator: Essam Al-Safadi
creator: Amani S. Al-Jobi
creator: Khawlah Z. Aljobi
creator: Eram H. Alnedhami
creator: Rania A. Almiri
creator: Ruba A. Alaliee
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-02-20
publication date: 2025-02-20
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.3

Effect of Khat Chewing on Helicobacter pylori Infection Treatment Outcome Following Standard Triple Therapy: A Single-Center Study in Sana'a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is a well-established risk factor for gastrointestinal diseases, affecting approximately half of the global population, with higher prevalence rates in developing countries. Chewing khat is a wide­spread habit in Yemen and has been suggested to affect the outcome of standard triple therapy (STT) for H. pylori infection. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of khat chewing on H. pylori infection treatment outcome after STT at a single center in Sana'a city, Yemen. Methods: A single-arm longitudinal study was conducted among 123 H. pylori-infected patients at the internal medicine out­patient clinics of the Modern European Hospital in Sana'a, Yemen, from March to September 2024. Infection was confirmed using stool antigen testing, and all participants received STT twice daily for 14 days. Stool samples were collected at baseline and four weeks after completing STT to assess the cure rate of H. pylori infection. Additionally, the association between khat chewing and the outcome of STT for eradicating H. pylori infection was analyzed using the chi-square test, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Results: Four weeks after completing STT, the overall cure rate was 65.9% (81/123). The cure rates of H. pylori infection with STT were 63.5% (40/63) among khat chewers and 68.3% (41/60) among khat non-chewers. However, no statistically significant association was found between khat chewing and the outcome of STT for H. pylori infection (P = 0.571). Conclusion: Approximately two-thirds of H. pylori infections among Yemeni patients can be successfully eradicated using STT. However, its effectiveness needs to be evaluated across different regions of Yemen. Furthermore, khat chewing appears to have no impact on the outcome of STT, highlighting the need for further studies to explore other factors that may influence the success of STT in treating H. pylori infection.
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creator: Hind F. A. Al-Sanabani
creator: Butheina A. A. Al-Amrani
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-02-08
publication date: 2025-02-08
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.2

A National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network in Yemen: An Urgent Call for Action
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description: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern that requires well-coordinated surveillance systems. In Yemen, the lack of a surveillance network hampers efforts to combat AMR and make it difficult to collect and analyze AMR data for strategic interventions. To obtain reliable information about AMR emergence and patterns, an extensive surveillance system that includes hospitals, clinics and laboratories is crucial. The government’s adoption of this system, along with the nomination of an AMR steering committee, can facilitate standardization of protocols and data integration related to AMR. Strengthening surveillance is key to combating AMR, and establishing a national AMR network can serve as an early warning system for the emergence and patterns of AMR.
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creator: Rashad Abdul-Ghani
rights: Copyright (c) 2025 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2025-01-14
publication date: 2025-01-14
starting page: 1
ending page: 1
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.3.1.E

Association between Lifestyle Habits and Major Depression in Patients Attending Psychiatric Clinics in Sana’a City, Yemen: A Case-Control Study
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description: Background: Depression is a serious mental disorder and is ranked as the fourth leading cause of disease burden worldwide, which can be multifactorial with unclear etiology. Therefore, this study assessed the association be­tween certain lifestyle habits and depression among psychiatric patients in Sana’a city, Yemen. Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted in October and November 2019 at Al-Amal Hospital for Psychiatric Diseases and outpatient clinics of the University of Science and Technology Hospital (USTH) in Sana’a. Thirty patients aged 18–65 years, with a mean age of 31.1 ± 10.4 years, who were diagnosed with major or unipolar depression for the first time in the past three months were conveniently selected as cases, while 90 adult subjects, with a mean age of 30.9 ± 10.5 years, were conveniently selected as non-depressed controls from various USTH clinics other than the psychiatric clinic during the study period. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits were collected using a structured questionnaire. Univariate analysis using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to test the association between lifestyle habits and depression, with a confidence level of less than 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant association between depression among patients attending psychi­atric clinics and current smoking status (OR = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.29–2.57; P = 0.785), khat chewing (OR = 1.0, 95% CI: 0.41–2.25; P = 0.913), or the frequency of khat chewing (OR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.21–3.26; P = 0.932). Coffee drinking was not significantly associated with depression (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 0.50–2.62; P = 0.750), while infrequent drinking of red tea was significantly associated with depression among patients compared to controls (OR = 16.8, 95% CI: 6.14–45.73; P <0.001). On the other hand, no significant association was found between hours of sleep per day and depression (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 0.71–3.87; P = 0.245). However, sedentary lif…
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creator: Essam H. Al-Safadi
creator: Adel A. Alemad
creator: Ahmed S. Hudna
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2024-10-24
publication date: 2024-10-24
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.2.2.A6

Effect of Catha edulis and Atorvastatin on Electrolyte Imbalance: An Experimental Study
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description: Background: Chewing the leaves of Catha edulis, commonly known as khat, is a habitual practice embraced by individuals across various societal strata in Yemen and East Africa. The interaction of medications used to treat chronic diseases with khat has not been adequately studied, particularly in relation to electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of khat extract and atorvastatin, either alone or in combination, on electrolyte imbalance in a rat model. Methods: Khat was extracted by the methanolic extraction protocol. A total of 24 healthy albino rats were randomly divided into four groups of six rats: control group, khat extract-treated group, atorvastatin-treated group, and khat plus atorvastatin-treated group. All drugs were administered orally using a metal gavage needle from day 1 to 28, and body weight was measured weekly. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein to measure serum levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and ionized calcium. The mean values of body weight and serum electrolytes were compared using appropriate statistical tests. Results: On day 28, the mean body weights of rats treated with khat plus atorvastatin (153.17±30.30), atorvastatin (155.67±19.53) and khat extract (194.17± 26.73) were significantly lower than the mean body weight of the control group (246.50±39.73). In addition, significantly higher mean serum sodium levels (mmol/L) were observed in rats treated with khat extract (157±2.22), atorvastatin (161±7.21) and khat plus atorvastatin (167±4.14) compared to the control group (139±1.71). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the mean serum potassium levels (mmol/L) in rats treated with khat extract (5.07±0.33), atorvastatin (5.21±.036) and khat plus atorvastatin (5.48±0.68) compared to the control group (4.66±0.39). Regarding serum chloride, significantly higher mean levels (mmol/L) were observed in rats treated with khat extract (111±5.49), atorvastatin …
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creator: Abdulatef M. M. Abbas
creator: Butheina A. A. Al-Amrani
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2024-09-22
publication date: 2024-09-22
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.2.2.A4

Determinants of Antibiotic Prescribing for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Sana’a City, Yemen
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description: Background: Antibiotics are frequently overprescribed for upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) in outpa­tient settings, especially in regions with fragile health systems. Therefore, the present study assessed the patterns and predictors of antibiotic prescribing for URTIs in Sana’a city, Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 453 conveniently sampled patients with URTIs in the pediatric and ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinics in six public and private referral hospitals in Sana’a from July to September 2019. Demographic characteristics of patients and physicians, as well as data on the likely types of URTIs and prescribed antibiotics, were collected using a validated questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression, with a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: Of 453 patients with URTIs, 429 (94.7%) received antibiotics in the pediatric and ENT outpatient clinics of the study hospitals. More than half of antibiotic prescriptions were prescribed by physicians who were male (54.7%), experienced for 15 years or fewer (53.2%), and pediatricians (51.2%). On the other hand, most prescriptions (73.7%) were prescribed by physicians aged ≤45 years. Penicillins were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics (44.3%), followed by macrolides (25.9%), and cephalosporins (17.2%). However, antifolates (0.9%) and fluoroquin­olones (11.7%) were the least frequently prescribed. Amoxicillin-clavulanate (38.9%) was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic for URTIs, followed by azithromycin (16.1%), clarithromycin (9.8%), and cefdinir (5.7%). In multivariable analysis, female physicians were more likely to prescribe antibiotics than males (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.49–13.33; P = 0.007), while ENT specialists were less likely compared to pediatricians (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.07–0.84; P = 0.025). Conclusion: The rate of prescribing antibiotics for URTIs among outpatients in Sana’a is high, with a high pr…
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creator: Abdulrazzaq Y. Al-Khazzan
creator: Doa’a A. Ibrahim
creator: Abdulsalam M. Halboup
creator: Sabariah N. Harun
creator: Shatha Al Dhubai
creator: Noor Hayal
creator: Hajer Alhazwarah
creator: Aisha Shaaban
creator: Afraa Alsabri
creator: Soha Al-Thalje
creator: Abdullah A. Areqi
creator: Ammar A. S. Jaber
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2024-10-10
publication date: 2024-10-10
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.2.2.A5

Investigation of Bacterial Contaminants and Their Antibiotic Susceptibility on Yemeni Banknotes in Aden City, Yemen
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description: Background: Banknotes are among the objects frequently exchanged between people and can serve as a vehicle for the transmission of infectious agents. Therefore, the present study aimed to isolate and identify potentially pathogenic bacteria on Yemeni banknotes collected from various municipal sources in Aden city, south of Yemen. In addition, the susceptibility of the isolated bacterial species to commonly used antibiotics was tested. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 Yemeni banknotes of various denominations randomly collected from people from different places in Aden city between November 2019 and February 2020. Swabs from the surfaces of banknotes were streaked onto blood agar, chocolate agar, mannitol salt agar and MacConkey agar and incubated at 37 °C for 48 hours. After isolation, bacterial species were identified and tested for their susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics using established techniques. Results: Out of 240 banknotes examined, 98.3% were found to be contaminated with bacteria, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 96 to 99. Among the isolated bacteria, 17.4% were Gram-positive cocci, 33% were Gram-negative bacilli and 49.6% were a combination of both. The mean plate counts of bacterial colonies ranged from 163.6±51.0 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml (95% CI: 147.3–179.9) for banknotes with a denomination of 100 Yemeni rials (YRIs) to 257.1±52.0 CFU/ml (95% CI: 240.5–273.7) for banknotes with a denomination of 50 YRIs. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated bacterial species, detected on 66.9% of contaminated banknotes, followed by Escherichia coli (60.6%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (42.8%). Regarding antibiotic resistance, most S. aureus isolates showed resistance to ceftazidime (80.1%), followed by ceftriaxone (78.2%), ampicillin (77.6%) and co-trimoxazole (69.3%). On the other hand, most E. coli isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanate (84.6%), followed by ceftriaxone (7…
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creator: Nabil Q. M. Al-Hajj
creator: Doaa Mutahar
creator: Najeeb Y. L. Al-Surmi
creator: Hafiz R. Sharif
creator: Saeed Bhaddadh
creator: Sallah Al-Hashedi
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2024-05-25
publication date: 2024-05-25
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.2.2.A3

Outcomes of Conservative Management of Postoperative Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction among Yemeni Patients
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description: Background: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is a surgical emergency and represents the leading cause of small bowel obstruction, accounting for 60–75% of cases. Conservative management is the main approach for treating ASBO in the absence of complications. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the success rate, outcomes and complications of conservative management for ASBO in Yemen. Methods: A prospective, case-series study of 102 patients with ASBO was conducted at two tertiary care hospitals in Sana’a city, Yemen; namely, Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital and Kuwait University Hospital, in the period from January 2021 to January 2023. A structured data collection sheet was used to collect pre- and postoperative data, including demographic characteristics, history of previous surgery, type of surgery, time of presentation from initial symptoms, presenting symptoms, details of non-surgical management, success or failure of conservative treatment, intraoperative findings, complications during hospital stay, and condition at discharge. Data were then analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 102 patients with ASBO, 69 patients (67.6%) responded well to conservative management and did not require surgical management, while conservative management failed and surgical intervention was indicated for 33 patients (32.4%). The condition of most patients undergoing conservative management (88.4%) improved within 1–2 days, while five patients (7.3%) improved within one day and three patients (4.3%) improved after three days. For patients who required surgical intervention, continuous abdominal compromise was observed in 31 patients (93.9%), fever in 23 patients (69.7%), tachycardia in 28 patients (84.8%), tenderness in 31 patients (93.9%), and leukocytosis in 13 patients (39.4%). However, one patient was diagnosed with peritonitis, and one patient did not show any improvement within three days. During the surgical intervention for the 33 p…
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creator: Waleed M. Gailan
creator: Yasser Abdurabo Obadiel
creator: Awad Badhroos
creator: Khaled Alsharafy
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2024-01-20
publication date: 2024-01-20
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.2.2.A2

Congenital Anomalies in Yemeni Newborns: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sana’a City
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description: Background: Congenital anomalies (CAs) are major causes of morbidity and mortality among newborns worldwide. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of CAs in Sana’a city, Yemen. Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among newborns admitted to Al-Thawra Modern General Hospital in Sana’a from January to December 2017. Data were collected from 1100 medical records of newborns, besides data about their mothers, using a predesigned data collection sheet. Data were then analyzed, and the results were presented as frequencies and proportions. Results: Of 1100 newborns, 164 (14.9%; 95% confidence interval: 12.9–17.1) newborns had CAs. Of these, 74.4% had single-system CAs, and 25.6% had multiple-system CAs. Gastrointestinal tract anomalies (43.9%) were the most frequent CAs, followed by anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS) (18.9%), musculoskeletal system (17.1%), chromosomes (15.2%) and cardiovascular system (14%). However, orofacial anomalies of cleft lip and cleft palate (2.4%) were the least frequent CA, followed by urogenital anomalies (8.5%). Esophageal atresia (33.3%) and imperforated anus (25%) were the most frequent gastrointestinal CAs. On the other hand, meningocele (35.4%) was the most frequent CNS anomaly. Of musculoskeletal anomalies, limb defects were the most frequent (96.4%), while achondroplasia was observed among 3.6% of newborns with CAs. Congenital heart disease was the most frequent cardiovascular anomaly (95.7%), while dextrocardia was observed among 4.3% of newborns. Hypospadias (57.2%) was the most frequent urogenital anomaly, followed by ureteropelvic junction obstruction (21.5%). More than half of newborns with CAs died, while 35.4% of them were discharged from hospital without correction of CAs. On the other hand, CAs were corrected for 11.6% of newborns before discharge. Conclusion: The prevalence of CAs among Yemeni newborns is relatively high and can be observed in more than …
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creator: Sahar A. Thabet
creator: Ahmed S. Hudna
creator: Abdulrahman M. Alhadi
creator: Hala Al-Kherbash
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2024-01-16
publication date: 2024-01-16
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.2.2.A1

Strengthening Biomedical Research in Yemen: A Pressing Need for Raising Research Funding
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description: This editorial emphasizes the need to secure funding for biomedical research in Yemen, considering the ongoing challenges faced by the research community in the country due to the war and humanitarian crises in the recent years and the lack of domestic research funding. It raises some issues related to improving the fundraising capacity of research institutions and highlights the success story of the University of Science and Technology in Sana’a in raising international funding for research projects on infectious diseases over the past decade.
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creator: Rashad Abdul-Ghani
rights: Copyright (c) 2024 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2024-01-09
publication date: 2024-01-09
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.2.2.E

Relationship of Adiponectin and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein with Left Ventricular Dysfunction among Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography
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description: Background: Decreased levels of adiponectin (APN) and elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have been found as predictors of left ventricular dysfunction and cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship of APN and hs-CRP with the severity of left ventricular dysfunction among Egyptian patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 Egyptian patients who underwent clinically indicated CAG at Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia - Egypt, from May 2009 to December 2010. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) scoring system was used to assess left ventricular function based on echocardiographic findings. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship of APN and hs-CRP levels with echocardiographic LVEF score, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare clinical and biochemical parameters among patients according to left ventricular function at P-value <0.05. Results: The mean hs-CRP level had a significant weak negative correlation with the mean HDL-cholesterol level (r = -0.222; P = 0.048), while the mean APN level had a significant weak negative correlation with BMI (r = -0.269; P = 0.007) but a significant weak positive correlation with the mean hs-CRP level (r = 0.215; P = 0.031) and a significant moderate positive correlation with the mean HDL-cholesterol level (r = 0.302; P = 0.002). Left ventricular function in patients undergoing CAG was normal in 34 (34%), mildly impaired in 41 (41%) patients and moderately impaired in 25 (25%), with significantly different mean hs-CRP levels among the three groups (P = 0.025) that increased from normal to moderately impaired left ventricular function. However, there was no statistically significant difference in left ventricular function according to the mean level of APN. Conclusion: The hs-CRP level is negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol, while APN is negatively correlat…
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creator: Mohammed S. Al-Hakimi
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2023-12-04
publication date: 2023-12-04
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.1.1.A3

Impact of Vitamin E on Reducing Primary Dysmenorrhea among University Students: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
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description: Background: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common complaint among adolescent girls and women of reproductive age, which can be severe enough to negatively affect the quality of their life. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the impact of vitamin E on primary dysmenorrhea severity among university female students. Methods: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 82 female university students with primary dysmenorrhea, who were allocated to either an intervention group (vitamin E) or a comparison group (placebo) and treated during two successive menstrual cycles. Dysmenorrhea severity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale at baseline and during the two cycles. Results: The median dysmenorrhea scores were not significantly different between both groups at baseline or during the first cycle after the intervention. However, the median dysmenorrhea score was significantly reduced in the vitamin E group during the second cycle. Most students in the vitamin E and placebo groups had moderate dysmenorrhea at baseline, being 73.2% and 85.4%, respectively. During the first and second cycles after the intervention, most students in the vitamin E group had mild dysmenorrhea (56.1% and 61%, respectively), while most students in the placebo group had moderate dysmenorrhea (58.5% and 56.1%, respectively). Conclusion: Vitamin E can significantly reduce the severity of primary dysmenorrhea when administered in doses of 200 mg twice daily for two days before menstruation and three days thereafter.
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creator: Maha Abdulaziz
creator: Abdullah A. Almikhlafy
creator: Afnan Almagrami
creator: Rawan Al-Hakimi
creator: Abrar Alrimi
creator: Marwa Al-Maqtari
creator: Asmaa Al Barakani
creator: Khadija Alrazzqe
creator: Mahmoud Alhammadi
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2023-07-21
publication date: 2023-07-21
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.1.1.A2

Inflammatory Markers for Prognosis of COVID-19 Mortality in Hospitalized Indian Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
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description: Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic associated with poor outcomes and mortality. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the prognostic value of inflammatory markers in predicting COVID-19 mortality among patients hospitalized at a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 444 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was conducted in Karnataka state, India from October 2020 to September 2021. Data on inflammatory markers for survivors and non-survivors of COVID-19 were retrieved and analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine their prognostic value for predicting mortality. Results: Compared to survivors, the median values of all studied serum inflammatory markers were significantly higher in non-survivors of COVID-19. ROC analysis showed that LDH, D-dimer and ferritin were the best predictive markers of COVID-19 mortality. Conclusion: Serum ferritin, LDH, CRP, PCT, IL-6 and D-dimer, are significantly elevated in non-survivors of COVID-19 than in survivors, with all can significantly predict disease mortality. Among these, LDH, D-dimer and ferritin are the best prognostic markers for predicting COVID-19 mortality, with good sensitivity and specificity.
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creator: Nuha Al-Aghbari
creator: Arif Maldar
creator: Mubashir Angolkar
creator: Romana Khurseed
creator: Snehi Shrestha
creator: Pavani Saikam
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2023-06-12
publication date: 2023-06-12
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.1.1.A1

Biomedical Journal Publishing in Yemen: Challenges and Prospects
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description: This editorial highlights some of the challenges encountered by medical journal publishing in Yemen, considering the recent launch of many medical journals by academic institutions in the context of war and humanitarian crises over the past few years. Meanwhile, it also presents prospects for enhancing the quality of medical publishing in the country.
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creator: Rashad Abdul-Ghani
rights: Copyright (c) 2023 University of Science and Technology Journal for Medical Sciences
date: 2023-05-07
publication date: 2023-05-07
doi: 10.59222/ustjms.1.1.E