Administration and Monitoring Burden of High-Efficacy Disease-Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis: A Delphi Consensus of Clinical Experts from Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: The emergence of high-efficacy disease-modifying therapies (HE DMT) for multiple sclerosis (MS) may pose challenges to the administration and monitoring burden of the therapies. This article presents the results of the Delphi consensus method to generate insights from experts on the administration and monitoring burden of HE DMT in Saudi Arabia with a special focus on cladribine.

Methods: Between January and March 2023, a two-round modified Delphi method was used to establish consensus regarding the administration and monitoring burden of HE DMTs used for MS.

Assessing the impact of magnesium-based nutritional education on lipid profiles in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a quasi-experimental study.

Background: The potential therapeutic role of magnesium (Mg) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains insufficiently studied despite its known involvement in critical processes like lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. This study examines the impact of Mg-focused nutritional education on lipid profile parameters, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in T2DM patients.

Methods: Thirty participants with T2DM were recruited for this within-subject experimental study.

CIROZ is dispensable in ancestral vertebrates but essential for left-right patterning in humans.

Four genes-DAND5, PKD1L1, MMP21, and CIROP-form a genetic module that has specifically evolved in vertebrate species that harbor motile cilia in their left-right organizer (LRO). We find here that CIROZ (previously known as C1orf127) is also specifically expressed in the LRO of mice, frogs, and fish, where it encodes a protein with a signal peptide followed by 3 zona pellucida N domains, consistent with extracellular localization. We report 16 individuals from 10 families with bi-allelic CIROZ inactivation variants, which cause heterotaxy with congenital heart defects.

EEFSEC deficiency: A selenopathy with early-onset neurodegeneration.

Inborn errors of selenoprotein expression arise from deleterious variants in genes encoding selenoproteins or selenoprotein biosynthetic factors, some of which are associated with neurodegenerative disorders. This study shows that bi-allelic selenocysteine tRNA-specific eukaryotic elongation factor (EEFSEC) variants cause selenoprotein deficiency, leading to progressive neurodegeneration. EEFSEC deficiency, an autosomal recessive disorder, manifests with global developmental delay, progressive spasticity, ataxia, and seizures.

Global, regional, and national burden of primary liver cancer attributable to metabolic risks: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021.

Background: The global burden of metabolic diseases is increasing, but estimates of their impact on primary liver cancer are uncertain. We aimed to assess the global burden of primary liver cancer attributable to metabolic risk factors, including high body mass index (BMI) and high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, between 1990 and 2021.

Methods: The total number and age-standardized rates of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from primary liver cancer attributable to each metabolic risk factor were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2021.

Effectiveness and safety of echinocandins combination therapy with the standard of care compared to the standard of care monotherapy for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis infection: a meta-analysis.

Background: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of combining echinocandins with standard of care (SOC) antifungal drugs for treating invasive aspergillosis infection (IAI).

Method: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from their inception to 25 July 2024. Our outcomes included clinical cure, mortality, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Social Media Use and Body Image Dissatisfaction Among University Students of Health Sciences in Saudi Arabia.

Background Recently, social media has become an integral part of daily life, particularly among young adults. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, including communication, information sharing, and social connection, they have also been linked to a range of negative psychological consequences, including body image dissatisfaction. This study examined the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among health science students in Saudi Arabia, assessed the frequency and duration of social media use by gender, estimated the impact of social media use for >3 hours a day on body dissatisfaction, and identified the most commonly used social media platforms.

Assessing the Causes of Acceptance or Refusal of Breast Cosmetic Procedures Among Saudi Women When They Get to Age of Menopause: A Cross Sectional Study-Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Cosmetic breast surgery encompasses a variety of procedures aimed at enhancing breast appearance and is increasingly popular globally. Despite this trend, the acceptance of such surgeries among Saudi women approaching menopause remains understudied. This research aims to explore the attitudes and perceptions toward cosmetic breast surgery in this demographic, considering cultural and religious influences in Saudi Arabia.

A nationwide cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia for the assessment of understanding and practices of clinicians towards personalized genetic testing.

In order to plan and facilitate the culture of personalized / precision medicine in medical practices within any healthcare institution, it is requisite for healthcare professionals like clinicians to have a clear understanding and approach towards the practices of personalized genetic testing. This nationwide cross-sectional study aimed to measure the perceptions and knowledge of clinicians towards personalized genetic testing and assess their current practices of personalized genetic testing in clinical settings through an online self-administered questionnaire in Saudi Arabia. The results of the study revealed that almost two-fifths of participants were responsible for ordering genetic tests directly (39.

Prevalence of Patellofemoral Pain Among Adults in Saudi Arabia.

Background And Aim: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a disease that clinically presents with retro-patellar and peripatellar pain that affects primarily physically active individuals. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of PFPS in Saudi Arabia and the variables that contribute to its occurrence.

Objectives: This multicenter, cross-sectional study aimed to explore the prevalence of patellofemoral pain in Saudi Arabia.

Assessment of cardio-oncology knowledge and practice among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia: a comprehensive nationwide survey.

Introduction: The evolving field of oncology necessitates effective management of cancer-related cardiovascular diseases. In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of cancer is rising, and there is a critical need for cardio-oncology services to address cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) in Saudi Arabia regarding cardio-oncology.

Post-COVID-19 manifestations among college students: shedding the light on young adults' health.

Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome refers to a variety of symptoms that affect different organs in the body and can persist 28 days following exposure to COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that COVID-19 affects not only elderly individuals but also young adults. However, the influence of post-COVID-19 syndrome on young adults has not been studied sufficiently.

Risk of malignancy and the use of disease-modifying therapy in multiple sclerosis: exploring the role of DMT in a multi-center study.

Background: The potential link between disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) and malignancy in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients has generated significant concern, particularly given the immunosuppressive nature of these treatments. Conflicting evidence in the literature has left this issue unresolved, underscoring the need for definitive research to inform clinical practice. This study addresses this gap by examining cancer occurrence among MS patients on DMTs treated at two tertiary-care centers in Saudi Arabia.

Age-specific vulnerability and high prevalence of delirium in pediatric intensive care based on a prospective cohort study.

Delirium, a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by acute disruptions in attention and awareness, significantly impacts children in Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs), leading to prolonged hospitalization, increased infection risk, and dependence on mechanical ventilation. Despite growing recognition, its true burden and risk factors in children remain poorly understood. This prospective cohort study investigated the prevalence, characteristics, and potential therapeutic targets for delirium in 890 children admitted to a tertiary PICU between January and December 2022.

Exploring Pediatric Sutural Variations with 3D CT Imaging: A Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Hospital.

Background: Sutural anatomy variation has long been a topic of debate among anatomists, paleontologists, and morphologists. While the exact reasons for the prevalence of this variance remains a topic of ongoing discussion, developmental and genetic factors are hypothesized to be the main reasons. Understanding the morphology and occurrence of normal sutural variations in pediatric patients is essential to making the right diagnosis, where a misinterpretation of a sutural bone may lead to an inaccurate assessment, completely misleading the diagnostic process.

Enrolment patterns in a randomized controlled trial of probiotics in critically ill patients: a retrospective analysis of the PROSPECT trial.

Background: Understanding site-related factors that influence enrolment within multicenter randomized controlled trials (RCT) may help reduce trial delays and cost over-runs and prevent early trial discontinuation. In this analysis of PROSPECT (Probiotics: Prevention of Severe Pneumonia and Endotracheal Colonization Trial), we describe patient enrolment patterns and examine factors influencing site-based monthly enrolment.

Design: Retrospective analysis of a multicenter RCT.

Effect of Mechanical Surface Treatment on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets to 3D Printed and Milled CAD/CAM Provisional Materials: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of mechanical surface treatments on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to three-dimensional (3D) printed and milled CAD/CAM provisional materials. Sixty cylindrical samples were fabricated for each provisional material. Samples were treated with one of the following surface treatments: aluminum oxide airborne particle abrasion, diamond bur rotary instrument roughening, and phosphoric acid etching (control).

Comparison of Three-Bag Method Acetylcysteine Versus Two-Bag Method Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Acetaminophen Toxicity: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Acetaminophen is generally considered safe when used according to the recommended guidelines. Consumption in excessive doses can lead to severe liver damage and, in critical cases, may even result in death. To reduce the effects of acetaminophen overdose, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been established as the preferred intervention to prevent liver damage.

Exploring Spine Surgeons' Perspectives on Salah (Islamic prayer) Performance Post-Surgery. Time for consensus?

Background: Post-surgical recovery following spine surgeries poses challenges for Muslim patients wishing to resume Salah (Islamic prayer), which involves physical movements like kneeling and prostration. This study aims to examine spine surgeons' perspectives on the appropriate timing and conditions for resuming Salah after spine surgery without restrictions.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey study included surgeons in Saudi Arabia who perform spine surgeries.

The effects of the paramedics' field work on their mental status in Jeddah.

Background: Paramedics are continuously exposed to stressful events, making them liable to mental disorders. This study assesses the health of paramedics in Jeddah, focusing on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included fieldwork paramedics in Jeddah through an online survey distributed on social media.

Factors Affecting Vancomycin Trough Concentration; a Population Pharmacokinetic Model in Non-Critical Care Saudi Patients.

Background And Objective: Vancomycin is commonly prescribed in treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. While, vancomycins' pharmacokinetic vary among older patients, there is a paucity of data regarding specific characteristics influencing pharmacokinetics in Saudi adult patients. This study aims to establish a population-pharmacokinetic (Pop-PK) model for vancomycin in patients admitted to medical wards, with the focus on identification of patient characteristics influencing vancomycin trough concentrations.

Banning tobacco products sales to adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Background: Tobacco use poses a challenge to public health in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Although restricting access to tobacco can reduce consumption among adolescents, there is limited knowledge of how to implement the tobacco sales ban policy in the sub-region.

Aim: To assess implementation of the ban on tobacco products sales to adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as recommended in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Efficacy and Safety of Prophylactic Agents in Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled rials.

Objective: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness in preterm infants with low birth weight. The efficacy and safety of prophylactic agents, including vitamin A, propranolol and lipids, in reducing ROP incidence remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness and safety of these agents in preventing ROP.

Barriers and Facilitators Toward Disaster Knowledge, Skills, and Preparedness among Emergency Medical Services in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Disasters pose significant challenges globally, affecting millions of people annually. In Saudi Arabia, floods constitute a prevalent natural disaster, underscoring the necessity for effective disaster preparedness among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers. Despite their critical role in disaster response, research on disaster preparedness among EMS workers in Saudi Arabia is limited.