Khat chewing delays gastric emptying of a semi-solid meal.

Background: The leaves of Khat are chewed for their central stimulant effect, but their use may cause anorexia and constipation.

Methods: Gastric emptying of a radio-labelled semi-solid meal was measured in 12 healthy volunteers on two occasions a week apart. Subjects chewed either Khat leaves (Catha edulis) or lettuce for 2 h before the study.

Prevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D virus markers in Yemeni patients with chronic liver disease.

A serological survey for hepatitis B, C, and D markers was carried out in the Yemen Republic. Serum samples from 243 pregnant females, 294 male blood donors, and 108 patients with chronic liver disease were examined. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was found in 18.

Pleural effusions associated with pancreaticopleural fistula.

Two cases of pancreaticopleural fistula are reported. The delay in diagnosis and extensive investigations performed highlight the need for pleural fluid amylase estimation at an early stage.

Effect of chewing Qat on mucosal histology and prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum of Yemeni patients.

This investigation was aimed at assessing whether the Yemeni habit of chewing Qat on a regular basis had a significant effect on the upper alimentary tract. Seventy patients with dyspepsia attending Al-Thawra Hospital in Taiz, Yemen Republic were examined by endoscopy. Biopsies were taken from the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.