Characterization and prevalence of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese young Palestinian students at An-Najah National University

Objectives

Metabolic Syndrome “MetS” is characterized by the presence of several factors that play a major role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. This study was conducted to establish the prevalence of MetS and its individual components among the overweight and obese students at An-Najah National University (ANU) using IDF and modified NCEP ATP III definition and to identify conditions associated with it.

Pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes toward medication therapy management service and the associated challenges and barriers for its implementation

BackgroundThe literature demonstrated a positive impact of medication therapy management (MTM) services provided by the pharmacists to improve the overall health outcomes. Nevertheless, limited data is available with regard to MTM service implementation by community pharmacists and its associated factors in Jordan.ObjectiveTo evaluate community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude and practice of MTM service and to explore the challenges and barriers for its implementation.MethodsThe present cross-sectional study utilized a validated online survey which was filled by community pharmacists in different areas across Jordan. In addition to the socio-demographic variables, the study questionnaire evaluated pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes towards MTM service, extent of MTM implementation and its associated challenges and barriers.ResultsA total of 250 pharmacists completed the survey. The study pharmacists showed moderate knowledge level (median of the total knowledge score = 6 (4–7) out of 10) and positive attitude (median of the attitude score was 23 (19–26) out of 30) towards MTM services. The participating pharmacists recognized performing or obtaining necessary assessments of patient’s health status as the most frequently provided MTM service (84.8%), while the least one was documenting the care delivered and communicating essential information to other healthcare providers (62%). Furthermore, collecting patient-related information was the most commonly recognized challenge to MTM service provision (36.8%), followed by referring the patient to a physician or consultant (36%) and collaboration with them (35.6%). The most reported barrier was negative physician attitudes (40.4%), followed by the lack of training on MTM provision (38.4%), and lack of adequate support staff (37.2%).ConclusionEfforts are needed to enhance collaboration between pharmacists and other health care professional, to develop documentation systems that would preserve and facilitate access to patient information, and to implement appropriate training programs which aim to overcome the challenges and barriers for MTM implementation.     

Surgical anatomy,radiological features,and molecular biology of the lumbar intervertebral discs

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a joint unique in structure and functions. Lying between adjacent vertebrae, it provides both the primary support and the elasticity required for the spine to move stably. Various aspects of the IVD have long been studied by researchers seeking a better understanding of its dynamics, aging, and subsequent disorders. In this article, we review the surgical anatomy, imaging modalities, and molecular biology of the lumbar IVD. Clin. Anat. 30:251–266, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.