Diabetes surpasses obesity as a risk factor for low serum testosterone level.

Background: Male obesity is one of the most associated factors with substandard testosterone levels. However, there is growing evidence linking low testosterone levels to insulin resistance and diabetic complications. We aimed to study the impact of diabetes mellitus on testosterone levels and to assess the correlation of various clinical and biochemical factors with hypogonadism.

Impact of diabetic peripheral neuropathy on gait abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: Many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and impaired muscle coordination. These changes may lead to walking instability, and gait abnormalities resulting in increased fall risk and lower limb amputations. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of DPN and patient footwear on the gait in patients with diabetes, in addition to Comparing the peak plantar pressure (PPP) in patients with and without DPN and assessing its association with gait abnormalities.

Assessment of Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Ratio in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Their Relation to Microvascular Complications.

Objective: Triglyceride-based indices have gained much attention over the past few years. Relation of triglyceride - glucose (TyG) index with insulin resistance and diabetic macrovascular complications was thoroughly studied; nevertheless its relation to microvascular complications is still unclear. This provoked us to carry out the present study.

Delayed seropositivity is associated with lower levels of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

Background: Patients with COVID-19 can develop a range of immune responses, including variations in the onset and magnitude of antibody formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels vary in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 in relation to the onset (days) of their post-symptom seropositivity and to explore host factors that may affect antibody production METHODS: This was a prospective, multiple measurements study involving 92 PCR-confirmed patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Antibody testing for anti-nucleocapsid (anti-NP) and spike proteins (anti-S) was performed using ELISA tests.

A peek behind the curtain in the diagnosis and management of COVID‑19‑Associated Mucormycosis (CAM).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is responsible for a high mortality rate due to its unique and severe host-pathogen interactions. Critically ill or immunocompromised COVID-19 patients are more prone to suffer from aggressive mycoses. Probable victims include those with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM), metabolic acidosis, prolonged neutropenia, increased ferritin levels, hypoxia, and prolonged hospitalization with/without mechanical ventilators and corticosteroids administration.

Asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional seroprevalence study.

Background: Although symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection predisposes patients to develop complications, the asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection state is of public health importance being a hidden source of infection. Moreover, the asymptomatic state may camouflage the actual burden of the disease.

Methods: Data of 1434 seropositive participants for SARS-CoV-2 spike (anti-S) and/or nucleocapsid antibodies (anti-N) were retrieved from a larger cross-sectional survey on COVID-19.

Identifying the barriers of smoking cessation and predictors of nicotine dependence among adult Malaysian smokers: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Proper understanding of the prevalence and determinants of nicotine dependence is crucial for developing and implementing effective tobacco control interventions. The aim of the study was to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to smoking cessation, and to assess the association between nicotine dependence with demographic variables in Malaysia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey based on the Challenges to Stopping Smoking Scale (CSS-21) and Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) was performed on smoking Malaysian citizens aged ≥18 years, from February to June 2021.

"Day 25": a temporal indicator of stabilization of mortality risk among COVID-19 patients with high viral load.

Introduction: The relationship between SARS-CoV-2 viral load and hospitalization and mortality among COVID-19 patients has been established. However, the estimation of the duration of time after which the risk of mortality of these patients stops escalating was not extensively discussed earlier. Stratifying patients according to their risk of mortality would optimize healthcare services and costs and reduce mortality.

The relationship between the high-risk disordered eating and social network navigation among Saudi college females during the COVID pandemic.

Background: Disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) are complex health issues that may lead to negative physical and mental health outcomes among college students. More studies should be directed toward the screening of DEBs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DEBs among Saudi female university students and their association with social networking site (SNSs) usage and composite lifestyle behaviors during the unprecedented period of COVID-19.

Association Between Mental Health Outcomes and Changes in Lifestyle Behavior Index Among Saudi Adults 16 Weeks After COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown Release.

Background: The current (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) pandemic is still uncontrolled with associated dramatic changes in daily lifestyle activities. Evidence for studying the impact of these health behavior changes on our mental health is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological distresses and assess their influence by the change in the composite lifestyle behaviors before the COVID-19 pandemic till 16 weeks after the lockdown release in Saudi Arabia.

Medication errors associated with direct-acting oral anticoagulants: analysis of data from national pharmacovigilance and local incidents reporting databases.

Background: For more than a decade, direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been approved in clinical practice for multiple indications such as stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. This study aimed to explore the nature and contributory factors related to medication errors associated with DOACs in hospital settings.

Methods: Analysis of error reports using data from (a) Saudi Food and Drug Authority pharmacovigilance database and (b) local incidents reporting system from two tertiary care hospitals were included.

Benefits of Aerobic Exercise for Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Physical exercise may be beneficial to breast cancer (BC) survivors. Here, we systematically summarized the effects of aerobic exercise in BC survivors. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Keratoconus correction using a new model of intrastromal corneal ring segments.

Purpose: To evaluate the optical value of a new model of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) (Keratacx Plus) in patients with keratoconus and to quantify subsequent changes in corneal topography and asphericity.

Setting: Private practice.

Design: Prospective case series.