Obesity Medications and Their Impact on Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review.

Obesity is a major global issue linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While lifestyle changes are the primary treatment, medications are often required for long-term weight management and reducing risk in patients with obesity. The cardiovascular effects of many obesity medications are still being studied.

Matched three-dimensional organoids and two-dimensional cell lines of melanoma brain metastases mirror response to targeted molecular therapy.

Despite advances in the treatment paradigm for patients with metastatic melanoma, melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) continues to represent a significant treatment challenge. The study of MBM is limited, in part, by shortcomings in existing preclinical models. Surgically eXplanted Organoids (SXOs) are ex vivo, three-dimensional cultures prepared from primary tissue samples with minimal processing that recapitulate genotypic and phenotypic features of parent tumors without an artificial extracellular scaffold.

Anti-VEGF Injections vs. Panretinal Photocoagulation Laser Therapy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Topic: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The outcomes examined are changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), neovascularization (NV), central macular thickness (CMT), and adverse outcomes.

Clinical Relevance: Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-aged adults globally.

Exploring COVID-19 Vaccine Intentions, Perceptions, and Uptake Among the Saudi Population.

Background The widespread hesitancy, delays in acceptance, or outright refusal to receive vaccinations, even when readily available, present a notable global challenge. This is particularly pertinent in the context of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, where research shows considerable variability in hesitancy rates worldwide. The primary aim of this study is to investigate COVID-19 vaccine intentions among the Saudi population using behavioral theories as a framework.

Is Full Scrubbing Necessary Before Short Endourological Procedures to Reduce the Risk of Post-Operative Infection? A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Endoscopic surgery is now increasingly taking the place of open surgery in urology. Traditionally, endourological procedures are classified as clean-contaminated because the genitourinary tract is colonized by micro-flora, even in the case of sterile urine. The aim of this study was to determine whether a difference occurs in the infection rate after short endourological procedures using standard scrubbing and partial scrubbing techniques before the operations.

Relationship Between Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Weight Self-Stigma Among Youths in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Study.

Background and objectives Many research studies show that self-stigma related to weight can exacerbate mental health issues. There is also evidence suggesting that depression, anxiety, and stress could be predictors of weight stigma. However, these connections have not been thoroughly investigated among young people in Saudi Arabia, where there is a high prevalence of obesity.

Causal Associations of Modifiable Risk Factors With Migraine: Evidence From Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

Background and objectives The exact etiology of migraine is unknown; however, it is likely a mixture of genetic and non-genetic factors including lifestyle variables like smoking and diet. This study aims to assess the causal effect of modifiable risk factors on the risk of migraine using two-sample Mendelian randomization. Materials and methods The study used publicly available genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Unraveling the Complex Relationship Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Lifestyle Factors, and Interstitial Lung Disease: Insights From Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analyses.

Background Although the cause of interstitial lung disease (ILD) remains uncertain, it is believed to be a combination of genetic and non-inherited factors, such as smoking and diet. This research aims to evaluate the impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other modifiable risk factors on the likelihood of developing ILD by utilizing two-sample Mendelian randomization. Methodology The research utilized publicly accessible single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were deemed significant on a genome-wide scale.

Pattern of congenital heart defects among children in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia: A five-year hospital-based study.

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the leading cause of death and morbidity in children under one year around the world. This study explores the prevalence, patterns, and interventions of congenital heart defects in children in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Right posterior insular epidural stimulation in rats with neuropathic pain induces a frequency-dependent and opioid system-mediated reduction of pain and its comorbid anxiety and depression.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a sensory, emotional, and persistent disturbing experience caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system which can lead when chronic to comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. Available treatments (pharmacotherapy, neurostimulation) have partial and unpredictable response; therefore, it seems necessary to find a new therapeutical approach that could alleviate most related symptoms and improve patients 'emotional state'. Posterior Insula seems to be a potential target of neurostimulation for pain relief.

Pediatric Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis: A Retrospective Study from Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by Basidiobolus ranarum, and its incidence is poorly understood due to its rarity. Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis (GIB) is an uncommon presentation with limited reports in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective study aims to describe risk factors, clinical findings, diagnosis, and management of GIB in the pediatric population.

Human plasma-like medium facilitates metabolic tracing and enables upregulation of immune signaling pathways in glioblastoma explants.

Purpose: Metabolism within the tumor microenvironment (TME) represents an increasing area of interest to understand glioma initiation and progression. Stable isotope tracing is a technique critical to the study of tumor metabolism. Cell culture models of this disease are not routinely cultured under physiologically relevant nutrient conditions and do not retain cellular heterogeneity present in the parental TME.

The Effect of Sexual Counseling Based on EX‑PLISSIT Model on Improving the Sexual Function of Married Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease. This disease triggers sexual dysfunction due to physiological, cognitive and mental effects. Since sexual function is often ignored in these patients, this study aimed to investigate the effect of sexual counseling based on EX‑PLISSIT model on improving the sexual function of married women with SLE.

Awareness and Perceptions of the Impact of Tonsillectomy on the Level of Immunity and Autoimmune Diseases among the Adult Population in Abha City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The widespread misconception that tonsillectomy leads to a decrease in immunity may lead to fear and avoidance of the operation. This can result in a deterioration of the situation, such as sleep-related breathing issues, frequent infections, and an increase in complications. The current research was conducted to assess the awareness and perception with respect to the impact of tonsillectomy on the immune system and to assess the awareness and perception of the relationship between autoimmune diseases and tonsillectomy.

Adverse Childhood Experience as a Risk Factor for Developing Type 2 Diabetes among the Jazan Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), such as childhood abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction, prevent appropriate emotional, behavioral, and physical development. They are also a major public health issue, and have been debatably linked to chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, and various theories have been raised to explain the epidemiology of diabetes.

Assessment of prevalence and measurement of mandibular lingual concavities using Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography (CBCT) among patients in Jeddah: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: Dental implant procedure is the most common way to restore missing teeth but also comes with several complications. Success rates for dental implants are expected to be good when proper diagnosis and planning, study of bone morphology and closeness of implant with vital structures, such as nerves and blood vessels, are made pre-surgery.

Patients And Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 636 adult patients, aged 18-80 years old, that came for dental implants in screening clinics or referred to specialty clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the year 2019 to 2020.

Recent management trends of subependymal giant cell astrocytoma associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) are benign cranial tumours typically found in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Surgical resection has been the standard treatment for SEGA, however, medical management through mTOR inhibitors has now predominantly replaced surgery as the primary treatment modality. Additionally, newer treatment modalities have emerged with the hopes of providing safer methods for treating the tumour such as laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT).

Comparison of the accuracy of nine intraocular lens power calculation formulas using partial coherence interferometry.

Cataract surgery is the most performed procedure in the world. To achieve the target refraction, several intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas have been developed to improve the accuracy of IOL power predictions. We compared the accuracy of 9 IOL power calculation formulas (SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Haigis, Barrett Universal II, Kane, EVO 2.

Community-level awareness of proper immediate steps regarding ocular chemical injury in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Although the eyes represent 0.1% of the total human body, they are exposed to many injuries, some of which may cause blindness. Ocular chemical injury is a true ocular emergency requiring immediate assessment and initiation of treatment.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of the Population in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia Regarding Dengue Fever and Its Prevention Measures: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

In previous studies, there was an apparent lack of health education about dengue fever (DF) among the Saudi population. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about dengue fever among the Jazan region population, which is one of the most prevalent diseases in the region in Saudi Arabia (KSA). This was a cross-sectional and community-based study.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic and wearing face masks on ophthalmology practice: What is known so far? A narrative review.

Face masks, along with other preventive measures, can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Despite the positive effect of the mask in combating the virus, it has some negative effects on the human body that must be followed up on and reduced. In this study, we discuss the impact of wearing face masks on the eye and the common issues associated with using them.

Admission Grades as Predictors of Medical Students' Academic Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia.

: Admission to medical school is competitive, and different countries use various tests in addition to high school grades to minimize selection bias. A few studies have been conducted to evaluate the usefulness of these tests as predictors for students' academic performance. In this article, we aimed to assess factors that influenced students' grades in medical school.

Optimized combined low level light therapy and intense pulsed light therapy for the treatment of dry eye syndrome caused by Meibomian glands dysfunction.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common disease that can lead to ocular discomfort, reduced visual acuity and reduced quality of life. Meibomian Gland dysfunction plays an important role in most cases. To evaluate the effects of "EyeLight", a novel device delivering combined intense pulsed light (IPL) and low-level light therapy (LLLT), we conducted a retrospective chart review of patients refractory to conventional medical treatment who were treated with "EyeLight" therapy at Laser Vision, Lebanon.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Diabetes Mellitus Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia.

Background Diabetes mellitus is a disease whose dramatic increase in prevalence worldwide poses a global health crisis. Saudi Arabia has the seventh highest rate of diabetes in the world and the second highest rate in the Middle East. The incidence of diabetes has risen due to insufficient knowledge, attitude, and practice surrounding the disease.

The relationship between walking and depression, anxiety, and stress among a sample from Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional investigation.

This study is aiming to investigate the association between walking and depression, anxiety and stress among adults from Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This study was a cross-sectional investigation where data was collected via an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had 4 components that measured demographics of the sample, presence of depression, anxiety and stress, and walking history.