From the Editor
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Abdul Abyad, MD, MPH, MBA, AGSF, AFCHSE (Chief Editor)

Address correspondence to:
Abdul Abyad, MD, MPH, MBA, AGSF, AFCHSE (Editor)
Abyad Medical Center & Middle East Longevity Institute
Azmi Street, Abdo Center, 2nd Floor
PO BOX 618, Tripoli LEBANON
Tel & Fax: 961 6 443684/5/6
Email: aabyad@cyberia.net.lb
Web: www.amc-lb.com

This issue is rich with various paper dealing with important health issues across the spectrum of age. A paper from Kuwait looked at the role of clinical examination and lab. investigations in reaching a reliable diagnosis of appendicitis. The authors reviewed the record of 200 patients who underwent appendicectomy were analyzed retrospectively. The authors concluded that clinical examination is an adequate diagnostic tool in most cases of appendicitis.

Dr Khan H et Afridi AK looked at the demographic variables of the residents of Palosi village near the vicinity of Peshawar. They followed a descriptive observational survey. The findings revealed that the population of Palosi village comprises of adult males and females in their reproductive ages. There is low literacy rate, improper water supply and sanitation facilities. Health care facilities in general and antenatal care to pregnant ladies are not up to the need of the respondents. Immunization coverage is lower because of their social taboos and religious concept regarding utilization of these services.

A paper from Iran looked on emotional intelligence and psychopathology. The authors studied a sample of sample of 182 students (113 girls & 69 boys, aged 19-29 with 21.15 mean & 1.47 SD) from Tabriz university, who selected through multi-level clustering method, were assessed by emotional intelligence scale (MSEIS) and symptom check-list (SCL-90-R). Results showed that emotional intelligence has negative correlation with all pathological symptoms. Also, regression analysis indicated that emotional regulation as a factor of emotional intelligence, can significantly predict symptom's variance. In general, these findings reveal that emotional intelligence and its factors has considerable role in both prevention and treatment of pathological signs and symptoms.

A study from Jordan attempted to evaluate the clinical manifestations of scorpion stings in children and their management in Aqaba region, south of Jordan. A total of 75 children admitted to the paediatric ward during the study period. The authors stated that the severity of the scorpion envenomation was most likely dependent upon the type of offending scorpion, the dose of venom injected by the scorpion and the susceptibility of the individual. We recommend that specific antivenom should be given intravenously in all children who show significant symptoms.

A paper from Nigeria looked at the use of medicinal plants for treating HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections. The author aimed to highlight important herbs used in treating and/or preventing infections including HIV/AIDS opportunistic infections.

Data were gathered through literature review, interviews and observations made during participation in treatment of patients. Ways forward in practice of traditional medicine were emphasized during study.

Dr Akter S , Rahman M, Khan RA et al looked at the effect of Reproductive Knowledge of Mother on Pregnancy Wastage in Rural Rajshahi of Bangladesh.

Analyzing their data by some statistical tools like linear probability models we have found that the reproductive knowledge influences pregnancy wastage of mother. The pregnancy wastage of women in two extreme age groups (below 20 and above 35) is tremendously dodgy where as in other age groups this is relatively benign. Knowledge on healthy reproductive behavior as well as lower acceptance of family planning procedure by contraception substantially reduces the risk of pregnancy wastage; however giving more birth increases this risk.