Identification of aryl hydrocarbon receptor allosteric antagonists from clinically approved drugs.

The human aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, plays a pivotal role in a diverse array of pathways in biological and pathophysiological events. This position AhR as a promising target for both carcinogenesis and antitumor strategies. In this study we utilized computational modeling to screen and identify FDA-approved drugs binding to the allosteric site between α2 of bHLH and PAS-A domains of AhR, with the aim of inhibiting its canonical pathway activity. Our findings indicated that nilotinib effectively fits into the allosteric pocket and forms interactions with crucial residues F82, Y76, and Y137. Binding free energy value of nilotinib is the lowest among top hits and maintains stable within its pocket throughout entire (MD) simulations time. Nilotinib has also substantial interactions with F295 and Q383 when it binds to orthosteric site and activate AhR. Surprisingly, it does not influence AhR nuclear translocation in the presence of AhR agonists; instead, it hinders the formation of the functional AhR-ARNT-DNA heterodimer assembly, preventing the upregulation of regulated enzymes like CYP1A1. Importantly, nilotinib exhibits a dual impact on AhR, modulating AhR activity via the PAS-B domain and working as a noncompetitive allosteric antagonist capable of blocking the canonical AhR signaling pathway in the presence of potent AhR agonists. These findings open a new avenue for the repositioning of nilotinib beyond its current application in diverse diseases mediated via AhR.

Workforce estimate to treat mental disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Mental, neurological, and substance abuse (MNS) disorders describe a range of conditions that affect the brain and cause distress or functional impairment. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), MNS disorders make up 10.88 percent of the burden of disease as measured in disability-adjusted life years. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is one of the main providers of mental health services and one of the largest contributors to mental health research in the region. Within the past decade, mental health resources and services has increased. METHODS: We employ a needs-based workforce estimate as a planning exercise to arrive at the total number of psychiatrists, nurses, and psychosocial care providers needed to meet the epidemiological need of mental health conditions of the population of KSA. Estimates for a potential mental health workforce gap were calculated using five steps: Step 1-Quantify target population for priority mental health conditions. Step 2-Identify number of expected cases per year. Step 3-Set target service coverage for each condition. Step 4-Estimate cost-effective health care service resource utilization for each condition. Step 5-Estimate service resources needed for each condition. RESULTS: The planning exercise indicates an epidemiologic need for a total of 17,100 full-time-equivalent (FTE) health care providers to treat priority MNS disorders. KSA appears to have a need-based shortage of 10,400 health workers to treat mental disorders. A total of 100 psychiatrists, 5700 nurses, and 4500 psychosocial care providers would be additionally needed (that is, above and beyond current levels) to address the priority mental health conditions. The shortfall is particularly severe for nurses and psychosocial workers who make up 98.9 percent of the shortfall. This shortage is substantial when compared to other high-income countries. Overall, the workforce needed to treat MNS conditions translates to 49.2 health workers per 100,000 population. CONCLUSION: Challenges to addressing the shortfall are Saudi specific which includes awareness of cultural customs and norms in the medical setting. These challenges are compounded by the lack of Saudi nationals in the mental health workforce. Saudi nationals make up 29.5 percent of the physician workforce and 38.8 percent of the nursing workforce. Policymakers and planners supplement this shortfall with non-Saudi providers, who must be mindful of Saudi-specific cultural considerations. Potential solutions to reducing the shortfall of mental health care workers includes nurse task shifting and training of general practitioners to screen for, and treat, a subset of MNS disorders.

Perceptions of mental disorder causes, treatments, and prevention among the general population in Saudi Arabia.

This study investigates the community's perception of mental health in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its influence on attitudes toward the causes, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues. This understanding is vital for creating evidence-based mental health interventions. A cross-sectional national mental health screening was conducted in 2023, utilizing proportional quota sampling for age, gender, and regional representation among 4547 Saudi participants aged 18-90, randomly selected from national databases. Data were gathered using the ZDataCloud system. The study covered all 13 administrative regions of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Qassim, Eastern Province, Asir, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Borders, Jazan, Najran, Baha, and Al-Jouf. The majority (86.5%) had no personal history of mental health diagnosis or treatment. Key findings identified psychological trauma (78.36%) and substance abuse (72.88%) as primary perceived causes of mental disorders. Preferred treatments included non-pharmacological psychotherapies (74.97%) and pharmacological methods (71.08%). Prevention strategies focused on raising awareness of mental illness (80.4%) and enhancing positive relationships (70.6%). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between demographic variables and perceptions of mental disorder causes, treatments, and prevention strategies. Females were more likely than males to perceive psychological trauma, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence and sexual harassment as causes of mental disorders. Regarding treatments, females and those with personal or close connections to mental health issues were more likely to endorse non-pharmacological psychotherapy and Roquia in the Qur'an. For prevention strategies, females, those with a mental health diagnosis, and those living with someone diagnosed with a mental disorder were more likely to endorse increasing awareness, positive social relationships, and physical activity. The study suggests integrating religious and social beliefs into mental health programs to enhance community engagement and effectiveness.

Modulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ponatinib and tofacitinib).

Ponatinib and tofacitinib, established kinase inhibitors and FDA-approved for chronic myeloid leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis, are recently undergoing investigation in diverse clinical trials for potential repurposing. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor influencing a spectrum of physiological and pathophysiological activities, stands as a therapeutic target for numerous diseases. This study employs molecular modelling tools and in vitro assays to identify ponatinib and tofacitinib as AhR ligands, elucidating their binding and molecular interactions in the AhR PAS-B domain. Molecular docking analyses revealed that ponatinib and tofacitinib occupy the central pocket within the primary cavity, similar to AhR agonists 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD) and (benzo[a]pyrene) B[a]P. Our simulations also showed that these compounds exhibit good stability, stabilizing many hot spots within the PAS-B domain, including the Dα-Eα loop, which serves as a regulatory element for the binding pocket. Binding energy calculations highlighted ponatinib's superior predicted affinity, revealing F295 as a crucial residue in maintaining strong interaction with the two compounds. Our in vitro data suggest that ponatinib functions as an AhR antagonist, blocking the downstream signaling of AhR pathway induced by TCDD and B[a]P. Additionally, both tofacitinib and ponatinib cause impairment in AhR-regulated CYP1A1 enzyme activity induced by potent AhR agonists. This study unveils ponatinib and tofacitinib as potential modulators of AhR, providing valuable insights into their therapeutic roles in AhR-associated diseases and enhancing our understanding of the intricate relationship between kinase inhibitors and AhR.

Diagnostic evaluation of patients with epileptic spasms in the era of next-generation sequencing.

OBJECTIVE: Epileptic spasms (ES) can be caused by a variety of etiologies. However, in almost half of cases, the etiology is unidentified. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS), the recognition of genetic etiologies has increased. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with ES who were evaluated in the comprehensive epilepsy program at King Fahad Specialist Hospital Dammam between 2009 and 2022. RESULTS: Our data show that in 57.7% of patients with ES, the etiology was unidentified after a standard clinical evaluation and neuroimaging. Of these patients, n = 25 (35.2%) received a genetic diagnosis after some form of genetic testing, and 3.1% of patients from specialized metabolic work indicated the need for genetic testing to confirm the diagnosis. Karyotyping led to a diagnosis in 3.6% of patients, and chromosomal microarray led to a diagnosis in 7.1%. An NGS epilepsy gene panel (EP) was done for 45 patients, leading to a diagnosis in 24.4% (n = 11). Exome sequencing was done for 27 patients, including n = 14 with non-diagnostic panel testing; it led to a diagnosis in 37.3% (n = 10). Exome sequencing led to a diagnosis in 61.5% of patients without a previous panel test and in only two patients who had previously had a negative panel testing. SIGNIFICANCE: In this article, we present the diagnostic evaluations of ES for a cohort of 123 patients and discuss the yield and priority of NGS for evaluating ES. Our findings suggest that exome sequencing has a higher diagnostic yield for determining the etiology of ES in patients for whom the etiology is still unclear after an appropriate clinical assessment and a brain MRI.

Sonographic imaging of the stellate ganglion in healthy adults: An observational study.

The aim of this study is to estimate the normal cross-sectional area and diameter of the stellate ganglion (SG) by ultrasound (US) in healthy adults. The study sample included 80 stellate ganglia in 40 participants (15 males, 25 females), mean age 38 years, mean height 162.5 cm, mean weight 67.8 kg, mean body mass index 25.4 kg/m2. Two radiologists separately obtained US images of the bilateral SG. Each participant was scanned 3 times bilaterally to assess for intra-observer reliability. The mean diameter of the SG was 1 mm (range: 0.1-2). The mean CSA of the bilateral SG was 1.3 mm2 (range: 0.6-3.9). The SG diameter positively correlated with age. Our study demonstrates the ability of US to image the SG and estimate its normal diameter and CSA. Knowledge of how to identify and measure the SG during ultrasound-guided procedures would be expected to decrease the risk of associated complications and help establish normal reference values.

Unlocking the potential of Berberine: Advancing cancer therapy through chemosensitization and combination treatments.

Despite considerable progress in cancer treatment options, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs remains a significant challenge. This review focuses on Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid found in various medicinal plants, which has garnered attention in the field of oncology for its anticancer potential either alone or in combination with other compounds and its ability to modulate chemoresistance, acting as a natural chemosensitizer. BBR's ability to modulate chemoresistance is attributed to its diverse mechanisms of action, including inducing DNA breaks, inhibition of drug efflux pumps, modulation of apoptosis and necroptosis, downregulating multidrug resistance genes, enhancing immune response, suppressing angiogenesis and targeting multiple pathways within cancer cells, including protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), Wnt/ß-catenin etc. Moreover, BBR, in combination with other compounds, also offers a promising approach to cancer therapy, enforcing its broad-spectrum anticancer effects. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanism of action of BBR in combinatorial therapy as a potential chemosensitizer to increase the efficiency of several drugs, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, lapatinib, tamoxifen, irinotecan, niraparib, etc. in various cancers. Additionally, this review briefly covers the origin and biological activities of BBR, exploring the specific actions underlying its anticancer effects. Further, pharmacokinetic properties of BBR are also discussed, providing insight into its therapeutic potential and optimization of its use in cancer treatment.

Harnessing potential role of gangliosides in immunomodulation and cancer therapeutics.

Gangliosides represent glycolipids containing sialic acid residues, present on the cell membrane with glycan residues exposed to the extracellular matrix (ECM), while the ceramides are anchored within the membrane. These molecules play a critical role in pathophysiological processes such as host-pathogen interactions, cell-cell recognition, signal transduction, cell adhesion, motility, and immunomodulation. Accumulated evidence suggests the overexpression of gangliosides on tumor tissues in comparison to healthy human tissues. These tumor-associated gangliosides have been implicated in various facets of tumor biology, including cell motility, differentiation, signaling, immunosuppression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Consequently, these entities emerge as attractive targets for immunotherapeutic interventions. Notably, the administration of antibodies targeting gangliosides has demonstrated cytotoxic effects on cancer cells that exhibit an overexpression of these glycolipids. Passive immunotherapy approaches utilizing murine or murine/human chimeric anti-ganglioside antibodies have been explored as potential treatments for diverse cancer types. Additionally, vaccination strategies employing tumor-associated gangliosides in conjunction with adjuvants have entered the realm of promising techniques currently undergoing clinical trials. The present comprehensive review encapsulates the multifaceted roles of gangliosides in tumor initiation, progression, immunosuppression, and metastasis. Further, an overview is provided of the correlation between the expression status of gangliosides in normal and tumor cells and its impact on cancer patient survival. Furthermore, the discussion extends to ongoing and completed clinical trials employing diverse strategies to target gangliosides, elucidating their effectiveness in treating cancers. This emerging discipline is expected to supply substantial impetus for the establishment of novel therapeutic strategies.

The emerging role of human papillomavirus in lung cancer.

Lung cancer stands as one of the most lethal diseases and is the foremost cause of cancer-related mortalities worldwide. The pathophysiology of lung cancer is multifaceted, and it includes multiple cell signaling pathways and other complex factors such as oxidative stress and genetics. The association of HPV with lung carcinogenesis was first proposed in 1979, and since then, scientists worldwide have been putting forward several hypotheses to establish a relationship between this virus and lung cancer. Although studies have reported the presence of HPV in lung cancer, the exact mechanism of entry and the route of transmission have not been elucidated clearly till date. Numerous studies across the globe have detected differentially expressed HPV oncoproteins in lung cancer patients and found their association with the critical cell signaling pathways that leads to the development and progression of lung cancer. Many reports have also provided evidence stating the involvement of HPV in determining the survival status of lung cancer patients. The present review recapitulates the studies evincing the association of HPV and lung cancer, its route of transmission and mechanism of action; the detection of the virus and treatment opportunities for HPV-positive lung cancer; and the severity associated with this disease. Therefore, this will provide an explicit idea and would help to develop preventive measures and specific as well as effective treatment for HPV-associated lung carcinogenesis.

Load frequency control of multi-area power system incorporated renewable energy considering electrical vehicle effect using modified cascaded controller tuned by BESSO algorithm.

In power systems, load frequency control (LFC) matters significantly to achieve stability. Dealing with the fluctuations in the frequency of a multi-area power system becomes more challenging by incorporating additional energy resources. In this research, a multi-area power system is built by integrating thermal power systems with photovoltaic (PV) cells, wind turbines, and electric vehicles (EV). The addition of an electric vehicle "to a thermal power system which is integrated with a renewable energy source (RES)" increases the system productivity but also increases the system complexity, making it more problematic for LFC. Looking at the stability criteria for LFC, frequencies in two areas (Area-1 & Area-2) and tie-line power are considered for measurements. For the tuning of the proposed cascaded (1+PI)-PID controller, a new approach Bald Eagle Sparrow Search Optimization (BESSO) algorithm is implemented which is strongly inspired by nature. BESSO is a combination of bald eagle and sparrow searching techniques and performs comparatively better for fast convergence due to their strong food-seeking natural behavior to find the best solution for controller gains. Controller effects on multi-area systems are compared with the addition of PV, wind, and EV and resulting measurements meet the stability criteria with high accuracy even with the complexity of the system and also undertake a stability analysis to prove the performance by minimizing undershoot, overshoot, steady-state error and settling time for system frequencies and tie-line power. Simulation results are examined at different load-changing conditions. In contrast with similar combinations of PID controller with proposed cascaded (1+PI)-PID controller, it is claimed that the effect of the proposed controller is much finer and more reliable, even with electric vehicles to avoid system blackout caused by frequency fluctuations in interconnected power system.

Use of nanotechnology-based nanomaterial as a substitute for antibiotics in monogastric animals.

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution for tackling antibiotic resistance in monogastric animals, providing innovative methods to enhance animal health and well-being. This review explores the novel use of nanotechnology-based nanomaterials as substitutes for antibiotics in monogastric animals. With growing global concerns about antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable practices in animal husbandry, nanotechnology offers a compelling avenue to address these challenges. The objectives of this review are to find out the potential of nanomaterials in improving animal health while reducing reliance on conventional antibiotics. We examine various forms of nanomaterials and their roles in promoting gut health and also emphasize fresh perspectives brought by integrating nanotechnology into animal healthcare. Additionally, we delve into the mechanisms underlying the antibacterial properties of nanomaterials and their effectiveness in combating microbial resistance. By shedding light on the transformative role of nanotechnology in animal production systems. This review contributes to our understanding of how nanotechnology can provide safer and more sustainable alternatives to antibiotics.

Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannulas in Saudi's Neonatal Level III Intensive Care Units: A Nationwide Questionnaire Study.

Objective. To describe heated humidified high-flow nasal cannulas (HHHFNC) utilization in level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Saudi Arabia. Methods. A prospective cross-sectional study using an electronic web-based questionnaire. The survey targeted level III NICUs hospitals using HHHFNCs, covering HHHFNC availability, protocols, patient characteristics, and indications. It also collected opinions on the benefits of HHHFNCs compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). Results. Out of 47 government-level III neonatal intensive care units, 35 (74%) responded to the survey. Among the included units, 46% had guidelines for HHHFNC use. Additionally, 51% reported using HHHFNC in infants of all gestational ages. The primary indication for HHHFNC use was weaning off nCPAP (34%), with 60% of the respondents noting its advantages for kangaroo care and breastfeeding. Conclusion. HHHFNC are increasingly prevalent in NICUs in Saudi Arabia. However, there remain no clear policies or guidelines regarding their use in preterm infants.

Correction: Nursing Students' Perspectives on Academic Dishonesty During Examinations and Assignments: A Cross-Sectional Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52418.].

Salivary interleukin-17A and interleukin-18 levels in patients with celiac disease and periodontitis.

Background: An increased level of interleukin-17A and interleukin-18 in the serum and intestinal mucosa of celiac disease patients reflecting the severity of villous atrophy and inflammation was documented. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of salivary-17A, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-18 in patients with celiac disease who are on a gluten-free diet, both with and without periodontitis, and to compare these levels with those in healthy individuals. Methods: The study involved 23 participants with serologically confirmed celiac disease (CD) and 23 control subjects. The CD patients had been following a gluten-free diet (GFD) for a minimum of 1 year and had no other autoimmune disorders. The research involved collecting demographic data, conducting periodontal examinations, gathering unstimulated whole saliva, and performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to measure salivary interleukin-17A, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-18 levels. Spearman's correlation analysis was utilized to explore the relationships between CD markers in patients on a GFD and their periodontal clinical findings. Results: The periodontal findings indicated significantly lower values in celiac disease patients adhering to a gluten-free diet compared to control subjects (p = 0.001). No significant differences were found in salivary IL-17A, IL-18, and IL-1B levels between celiac disease patients and control subjects. Nevertheless, the levels of all interleukins were elevated in periodontitis patients in both the celiac and control groups. The IL-1 Beta level was significantly higher in periodontitis patients compared to non-periodontitis patients in the control group (p = 0.035). Significant negative correlations were observed between serum IgA levels and plaque index (r = -0.460, p = 0.010), as well as gingival index (r = -0.396, p = 0.030) in CD patients on a gluten-free diet. Conclusion: Celiac disease patients on gluten-free diet exhibited better periodontal health compared to control subjects. However, increased levels of salivary IL-17A, IL-18 and IL-1B levels were associated with periodontitis. Additionally, serum IgA level was significantly inversely associated with periodontitis clinical manifestations and with salivary inflammatory mediators in CD patients on GFD.

Epilepsy first aid awareness among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting more than 50 million human lives of all ages, its social, physical and psychological implications is of huge concern. The current study and as a continuation of epilepsy knowledge assessment projects conducted by our research team is aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers regarding epilepsy first aid in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was carried out from 2020 to 2021. Results: During the study period, 272 healthcare workers were recruited; participants were males and females from different nationalities in various Saudi Arabian cities, possess diverse qualifications, and belong to several healthcare-related professions. The question, "Did you witness an epileptic seizure"? was answered as "Yes" by 42% of participants, and in response to the question "If you know that this patient struggles during seizure attacks," 58% of respondents stated that they would not call an ambulance. Moreover, the question "Put something in his/her mouth to prevent tongue biting" was incorrectly answered as "Yes" by 42% of respondents, and the question "Try to catch him/her and stop his/her movement" in order to control the attack was answered "Yes" by 21% of respondents. Furthermore, almost 90% of healthcare participants do not know how to use the Vagus Nerve Stimulation device. The mean knowledge score among participants was 23.7; sex, as well as type of higher qualification obtained, was found to be significantly associated with the score of knowledge. Conclusion: Knowledge toward epilepsy and epilepsy first aid among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia was found fragile. Further research is appreciated to support the current findings.

Predictors of procedural errors in class II resin composite restorations using bitewing radiographs.

Objective: To identify the potential factors that induce procedural errors during posterior proximal resin composite restorations placed by dental students. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 803 bitewing radiographs of posterior proximal resin composite restorations placed by dental students at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. Atypical radiographic signs of failure were screened, and different patient-, operator-, and clinical-related factors were recorded. Chi-square test was used to examine the relationship between procedural errors and recorded factors. Stepwise adjusted logistic regression model was performed to identify predictors of procedural errors. Results: The most observed errors were internal gaps at the bonding interface and internal voids. Molars had 0.39 the risk of internal voids (odds ratio [OR] = 0.39; confidence interval [CI] = 0.25-0.60; P = <0.0001), 0.41 the risk of sharp angle (OR = 0.41; CI = 0.24-0.68; P = <0.001), and 0.57 the risk of open contact (OR = 0.57; CI = 0.34-0.97; P = 0.04) compared to premolars. Those who were >40 years of age had 1.79 the risk of overhang compared to younger patients (OR = 1.79; CI = 1.04-3.11; P = <0.04). First molars and premolars had 0.64 the risk of overhang compared to second molars and premolars (OR = 0.64; CI = 0.41-1.00; P = 0.04). Junior students had 1.97 the risk of internal gap compared to their senior counterparts (OR = 1.97; CI = 1.20-3.21; P = 0.008). Mesial restorations had 0.38 the risk of external gap compared to mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) restorations (OR = 0.38; CI = 0.19-0.78; P = 0.003). Restorations with a margin coronal to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) had 0.44 the risk of external gap compared to those restorations with a margin apical to the CEJ (OR = 0.44; CI = 0.29-0.66; P = <0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings suggested a higher incidence of procedural errors in restoring premolars and MOD cavity preparations. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance the comprehensiveness of laboratory training and expose students to diverse clinical scenarios and various techniques.

From incivility to outcomes: tracing the effects of nursing incivility on nurse well-being, patient engagement, and health outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Nursing incivility, defined as disrespectful behaviour toward nurses, is increasingly recognized as a pressing issue that affects nurses' well-being and quality of care. However, research on the pathways linking incivility to outcomes is limited, especially in Saudi hospitals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined relationships between perceived nursing incivility, nurse stress, patient engagement, and health outcomes in four Saudi hospitals. Using validated scales, 289 nurses and 512 patients completed surveys on exposure to incivility, stress levels, activation, and medication adherence. The outcomes included readmissions at 30 days and satisfaction. RESULTS: More than two-thirds of nurses reported experiencing moderate to severe workplace incivility. Correlation and regression analyzes revealed that nursing incivility was positively associated with nursing stress. An inverse relationship was found between stress and patient participation. Serial mediation analysis illuminated a detrimental cascade, incivility contributing to increased nurse stress, subsequently diminishing patient engagement, ultimately worsening care quality. Conclusions The findings present robust evidence that nursing incivility has adverse ripple effects, directly impacting nurse well-being while indirectly affecting patient outcomes through reduced care involvement. Practical implications advocate for systemic interventions focused on constructive nursing cultures and patient empowerment to improve both healthcare provider conditions and quality of care. This study provides compelling information to inform policies and strategies to mitigate workplace mistreatment and encourage participation among nurses and patients to improve health outcomes.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Among Obese Children in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent among children, impacting their well-being. Obesity and related morbidity may lead to serious health disorders. In obese children, OSA may be a risk factor for systemic diseases that negatively affect their quality of life. This study explored the correlation between obesity and OSA among children aged five to 14 years in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study employed an online questionnaire for the parents of 517 children, assessing sociodemographic variables, medical history, and OSA symptoms. The data analysis used Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software, employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The children were predominantly male (281, 54.4%) and from Tabuk (405, 78.3%), with 158 (30.6%) classified as obese. Symptoms such as snoring (191, 36.9%), daytime fatigue (195, 37.7%), and impact on daily activities (79, 15.3%) were prevalent. OSA scores significantly correlated with BMI categories (p < 0.001), family history of OSA (p < 0.001), and medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol (p < 0.05). Correlations showed weak positive associations of age (ρ = 0.159) and height (ρ = 0.229) with OSA score, whereas a strong correlation existed between weight (ρ = 0.531) and OSA score (p < 0.001). Conclusion Obesity demonstrated a strong association with OSA severity among children in Tabuk. Higher BMI categories, a family history of OSA, and certain medical conditions correlated significantly with increased OSA scores. Although age and height displayed weaker associations, weight emerged as a major contributing factor to OSA severity. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing obesity in managing pediatric OSA, advocating for early interventions to mitigate its impact on children's health and well-being.

Effect of Transplanted Bone Marrow on Spleen of Irradiated Pregnant Rats and Their Fetuses.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Prenatal ionizing radiation exposure may hinder fetal and embryonic growth depending on the dose and gestational age. The current study's objective was to discover how bone marrow transplants affected the spleens of pregnant rats that had been subjected to γ (Gamma) radiation. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Sixty rats that were pregnant were separated into five different groups, each with 6 females. The pregnant rats in the second Group were exposed to 2Gy of γ-rays. Group III; pregnant rats subjected to 2Gy of γ-rays, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of newly prepared bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The fifth Group were exposed to 2Gy γ-rays and received 1 dosage of BMT an hour later. Spleen samples from the pregnant rats as well as their fetuses were taken for histological and histochemical analyses. <b>Results:</b> Gamma rays damaged the splenic tissue of women and their fetuses on days 7 or 14 of pregnancy in a variety of histological and histochemical ways, although bone marrow transplantation significantly reduced the damage. Treated mothers with bone marrow post-radiation showed a noticeable recovery in spleen of their fetuses. Improved spleen architecture was accompanied by appearance of normal content of collagen, polysaccharides and total protein in the fetal spleen tissue especially on day 7 of gestation. <b>Conclusion:</b> Bone marrow transplantation can lessen the damage caused by gamma radiation.