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.

Learned phenotypes emerge during social stress modifying hippocampal orexin receptor gene expression.

Psychological distress, including anxiety or mood disorders, emanates from the onset of chronic/unpredictable stressful events. Symptoms in the form of maladaptive behaviors are learned and difficult to treat. While the origin of stress-induced disorders seems to be where learning and stress intersect, this relationship and molecular pathways involved remain largely unresolved.

Oxidized phospholipid and transcriptomic signatures of THC-related vaping associated lung injury.

E-cigarette/vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) is strongly associated with vitamin E acetate and often occurs with concomitant tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use. To uncover pathways associated with EVALI, we examined cytokines, transcriptomic signatures, and lipidomic profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from THC-EVALI patients. At a single center, we prospectively enrolled mechanically ventilated patients with EVALI from THC-containing products (N = 4) and patients with non-vaping acute lung injury and airway controls (N = 5).

A microbiota-derived metabolite, 3-phenyllactic acid, prolongs healthspan by enhancing mitochondrial function and stress resilience via SKN-1/ATFS-1 in C. elegans.

The mechanisms underlying the impact of probiotic supplementation on health remain largely elusive. While previous studies primarily focus on the discovery of novel bioactive bacteria and alterations in the microbiome environment to explain potential probiotic effects, our research delves into the role of living Lactiplantibacillus (formerly known as Lactobacillus) and their conditioned media, highlighting that only the former, not dead bacteria, enhance the healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans).

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and Postoperative Outcomes Following Head and Neck Cancer Surgery.

Background: The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a tool to assess preoperative nutritional status that can be calculated simply based on height, weight, and serum albumin. This study assesses the utility of GNRI in predicting postoperative complications in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery.

Methods: Retrospective review of the 2016-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Supplemental Intervention for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Patients With a Co-Occurring Anxiety Disorder: Technical Development and Functional Testing of an Autonomous Digital Program.

Background: Anxiety disorders are common in alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment patients. Such co-occurring conditions ("comorbidity") have negative prognostic implications for AUD treatment outcomes, yet they commonly go unaddressed in standard AUD care. Over a decade ago, we developed and validated a cognitive behavioral therapy intervention to supplement standard AUD care that, when delivered by trained therapists, improves outcomes in comorbid patients.

Life-Space Mobility Is Related to Loneliness Among Living-Alone Older Adults: Longitudinal Analysis With Motion Sensor Data.

Background: Life-space mobility can be a behavioral indicator of loneliness. This study examined the association between life-space mobility measured with motion sensors and weekly vs. annually reported loneliness.

I-CONECT intervention effects on weekly time spent outside of home and social contacts among socially isolated older adults.

Background: Socially isolated individuals tend to have less access to cognitively stimulating activities, which could adversely impact their cognitive health. The Internet-Based Conversational Engagement Clinical Trial (I-CONECT) intervention was designed to deliver online conversation sessions to socially isolated older old adults to prevent cognitive decline. The current study examined the intervention efficacy on participants' weekly time spent out-of-home and their social interaction with family and friends.

Altered brain glymphatic function on diffusion-tensor MRI in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: an exploratory study.

Objectives: To investigate the function of the glymphatic system (GS) and its association with neuropsychological tests in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) by diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS).

Methods: This retrospective study included 58 patients with sICH and 63 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Partial correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationships between the DTI-ALPS index and radiological as well as clinical data.

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.

Clinical Profile, Comorbidities and Therapies in Type 2 Diabetes Patients on Sitagliptin-Based Therapy in Indian Outpatient Setting.

Objectives The study was conducted to generate real-world data on prescription patterns and patient profiles for sitagliptin-based therapies in real-world outpatient settings across India. Method A cross-sectional, observational, multicenter, real-world prescription event monitoring (PEM) study was conducted at 1058 sites across India over six months, from 1 August 2023 to 16 January 2024. Adult type 2 diabetes patients receiving sitagliptin-based mono or combination therapies were included in the study.

US regulatory compliance for medical combination products: an overview.

This article provides a high-level overview of US regulatory review and approval processes for the growing field of medical combination products (CPs; those merging drugs with devices and/or biological products). US law defines drugs, medical devices, and CPs in specific ways, and the components of a CP are still subject to their respective regulations while combined. The Food and Drug Administration's Office of Combination Products (OCP) oversees the review and classification of CPs, which is based on their primary mode of action.

Prevalence and related factors of compassion fatigue among registered nurses and nursing students during the internship: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Compassion fatigue impacts nurses' well-being and work efficiency. Extensive research has explored its prevalence, but evidence regarding related factors is broadly categorized and lacks descriptive data. There's also a lack of systematic reviews on compassion fatigue among nursing students during internships.

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.

An exploration of healthcare professionals' knowledge and perceived barriers about acute oxygen therapy: a survey in a tertiary care hospital, Sudan.

Background: Oxygen is an essential drug that is commonly used in clinical practice, and its misadministration can result in severe consequences. This research sought to evaluate the knowledge and perceptions of physicians and nurses regarding acute oxygen therapy and delivery barriers.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based survey.

Dual-plasmonic eccentric nanostructure with prominent colorimetric and photothermal performance to detect zearalenone by dual signal immunochromatography assay.

In the study, an eccentric heterogeneous core-shell nanomaterial Au@CuSe was simply and rapidly synthesized. This novel nano-structure exhibits superior colorimetric intensity, enhanced antibody coupling efficiency, and strong broadband absorption across the visible to near-infrared spectrum, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 59.40%.

Physicians' Social Skills - Conceptualization, Taxonomy, and Behavioral Assessment.

Social skills (e.g., assertiveness, empathy, ability to accept criticism) are essential for the medical profession and therefore also for the selection and development of medical students.

Diversity-Related, Student-Led National Medical Organizations: Leadership Opportunities for Learners.

Introduction: In light of the lack of diversity in academic medicine leadership, diversity-related, student-led national medical organizations (NMOs) provide a space for solace and reprieve among common peers while providing an opportunity to develop leadership competencies in a supportive environment. Despite the impact NMOs have had on cultivating generations of leaders in medicine, trainees may not identify opportunities for leadership development that are transferable to future careers in academic medicine.

Methods: We designed and implemented a dynamic 60-minute workshop with an interactive PowerPoint presentation, author-owned video testimonials (from past student leaders of NMOs), two case presentations, and reflection exercises.

Revisiting Injectable Estrogen Dosing Recommendations for Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

Injectable estrogens are options for gender-affirming hormone therapy per guidelines, which suggest intramuscular dosages of 5-30 mg every 2 weeks or 2-10 mg weekly with estradiol cypionate or valerate interchangeably. Data among transgender and gender-diverse patients are limited due to local unavailability and concerns around laboratory assay variability and estradiol (E2) level fluctuation. We note a concerning trend where patients are prescribed high-dose injections based on the guidelines leading to serum E2 levels well above the range recommended in the same guidelines.

Study protocol: A national cross-sectional study on psychology and behavior investigation of Chinese residents in 2023.

Introduction: This study protocol specifies the primary research line and theoretical framework of the 2023 Survey of the Psychology and Behavior of the Chinese Population. It aims to establish a consistent database of Chinese residents' psychological and behavioral surveys through multi-center and large-sample cross-sectional surveys to provide robust data support for developing research in related fields. It will track the public's physical and psychological health more comprehensively and systematically.

The Prevalence and Severity of Computer Vision Syndrome Among Primary Care Health Workers in the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Central Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a common condition affecting individuals who spend prolonged periods using electronic devices. It is characterized by symptoms such as eye strain, dryness, headaches, and neck pain. This study aims to assess the prevalence of CVS symptoms among healthcare professionals, their awareness of the condition, and the effectiveness of various preventative practices.

Serving Those Who Served: Enhancing Colorectal Surgery Care for Veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the largest provider of integrated health care services in the United States and its mission is to honor veterans by providing timely, effective, and high-quality health care that improves individuals' health and functionality. The VA provides comprehensive primary and specialty care, including colorectal surgery services, to eligible veterans who suffer from a disproportionately high burden of medical comorbidities and often belong to vulnerable populations, including individuals of low socioeconomic status, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning, racial minorities, and those suffering from severe mental health illness. There are many challenges to caring for a population of veterans with benign and malignant colorectal disease due to both patient and system level factors.

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.

Making the Cut: A Six-Year "Bone-afide" Membership Trend From Student to Surgeon.

Background: Mentorship and early exposure vary greatly from school to school for osteopathic medical students. Historically, allopathic medical students have matched at a higher rate for competitive surgical specialties, like orthopedic surgery, compared to osteopathic medical students. The unique position of medical student interest organizations in filling those gaps and their related outcomes, including successful residency acceptance, is unknown.