Erectile Dysfunction and Depression Prevalence Among Male Patients with Type II Diabetes.

Background and Objective: Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) are at substantial risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED). The primary goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of ED and depression among T2D patients and the associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for adult T2D patients who had a routine clinic visit between January-August 2023. Structured questionnaires formed with two validated questionnaires - the International Index of Erectile Function short form (IIEF-5) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) - were used to screen for ED and depression, respectively. Results: A total of 478 male patients with T2D with a mean age of 59.2 ± 10.8 years, mostly married, with long standing T2D were included. Hyperlipidemia followed by hypertension were the most reported comorbidities. Of the patients, 61.3% had reported no depression and were less likely to have ED or severe ED (p <0.001) and more likely to be physically active and to report no smoking (p <0.0001) when compared to those with depression. Fifty-two percent of the patients reported moderate and severe ED and those were older in age (p = 0.031), had longer duration of T2D diagnosis (p = 0.005), were more likely to have any comorbidities (p <0.05), were less likely to have a university degree and higher income (both p <0.001), were less likely to be on oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) (p <0.001), had worse glycemic control parameters (p = 0.463), were more likely to have positive urine microalbuminuria (p = 0.019), and were less likely to be physically active (p = 0.048) when compared to patients with no or milder degree of ED. Conclusion: ED is highly prevalent in our study sample, with half of the patients having moderate to severe ED and being more likely to have depression. Older age, long-standing T2D, comorbidities, socioeconomic disadvantage, and sedentary lifestyle were all significantly associated with ED.

The Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine on the Development of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Midbrain.

Methamphetamine, a highly addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, is used worldwide as an anorexiant and attention enhancer. Methamphetamine use during pregnancy, even at therapeutic doses, may harm fetal development. Here, we examined whether exposure to methamphetamine affects the morphogenesis and diversity of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons (VMDNs). The effects of methamphetamine on morphogenesis, viability, the release of mediator chemicals (such as ATP), and the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis were evaluated using VMDNs isolated from the embryos of timed-mated mice on embryonic day 12.5. We demonstrated that methamphetamine (10 µM; equivalent to its therapeutic dose) did not affect the viability and morphogenesis of VMDNs, but it reduced the ATP release negligibly. It significantly downregulated Lmx1a, En1, Pitx3, Th, Chl1, Dat, and Drd1 but did not affect Nurr1 or Bdnf expression. Our results illustrate that methamphetamine could impair VMDN differentiation by altering the expression of important neurogenesis-related genes. Overall, this study suggests that methamphetamine use may impair VMDNs in the fetus if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to exercise strict caution for its use in expectant mothers.

The Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Quetiapine Fumarate on the Development of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Midbrain of Mouse Embryos.

The effects of second-generation antipsychotics on prenatal neurodevelopment, apoptotic neurodegeneration, and postnatal developmental delays have been poorly investigated. Even at standard doses, the use of quetiapine fumarate (QEPF) in pregnant women might be detrimental to fetal development. We used primary mouse embryonic neurons to evaluate the disruption of morphogenesis and differentiation of ventral midbrain (VM) neurons after exposure to QEPF. The dopaminergic VM neurons were deliberately targeted due to their roles in cognition, motor activity, and behavior. The results revealed that exposure to QEPF during early brain development decreased the effects of the dopaminergic lineage-related genes Tyrosine hydroxylase(Th), Dopamine receptor D1 (Drd1), Dopamine transporter (Dat), LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alfa (Lmx1a), and Cell adhesion molecule L1 (Chl1), and the senescent dopaminergic gene Pituitary homeobox 3 (Pitx3). In contrast, Brain derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and Nuclear receptor-related 1 (Nurr1) expressions were significantly upregulated. Interestingly, QEPF had variable effects on the development of non-dopaminergic neurons in VM. An optimal dose of QEPF (10 µM) was found to insignificantly affect the viability of neurons isolated from the VM. It also instigated a non-significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate formation in these neuronal populations. Exposure to QEPF during the early stages of brain development could also hinder the formation of VM and their structural phenotypes. These findings could aid therapeutic decision-making when prescribing 2nd generation antipsychotics in pregnant populations.

Prenatal Exposure to Gabapentin Alters the Development of Ventral Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons.

Background: Gabapentin is widely prescribed as an off-label drug for the treatment of various diseases, including drug and alcohol addiction. Approximately 83-95% of the usage of gabapentin is off-label, accounting for more than 90% of its sales in the market, which indicates an alarming situation of drug abuse. Such misuse of gabapentin has serious negative consequences. The safety of the use of gabapentin in pregnant women has always been a serious issue, as gabapentin can cross placental barriers. The impact of gabapentin on brain development in the fetus is not sufficiently investigated, which poses difficulties in clinical decisions regarding prescriptions. Methods: The consequences effect of prenatal gabapentin exposure on the development of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons were investigated using three-dimensional neuronal cell cultures. Time-mated Swiss mice were used to isolate embryos. The ventral third of the midbrain was removed and used to enrich the dopaminergic population in 3D cell cultures that were subsequently exposed to gabapentin. The effects of gabapentin on the viability, ATP release, morphogenesis and genes expression of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons were investigated. Results: Gabapentin treatment at the therapeutic level interfered with the neurogenesis and morphogenesis of vmDA neurons in the fetal brain by causing changes in morphology and alterations in the expression of key developmental genes, such as Nurr1, Chl1, En1, Bdnf, Drd2, and Pitx3. The TH + total neurite length and dominant neurite length were significantly altered. We also found that gabapentin could halt the metabolic state of these neuronal cells by blocking the generation of ATP. Conclusion: Our findings clearly indicate that gabapentin hampers the morphogenesis and development of dopaminergic neurons. This implies that the use of gabapentin could lead to serious complications in child-bearing women. Therefore, caution must be exercised in clinical decisions regarding the prescription of gabapentin in pregnant women.

Assessment of Type II Diabetes Patients' Caregivers' Burnout Level: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Diabetes mellitus type II (T2D) is a chronic condition that requires significant change in the family behavior and is associated with psychosocial conflicts for both patients and their family environment. The aim of this study is to assess burnout among relatives caring for patients with T2D. Methods: This cross-sectional study with random sampling was conducted on 501 caregivers of patients with T2D between April and September 2021 at Prince Mansour armed forces hospital in Taif city, Saudi Arabia. Data collection tool was a modified version of the caregiver stress self-assessment questionnaire. Data analysis was then carried out using t-test and chi-square test (SPSS v20). Results: The mean patient age was 64.4+12.0 years, female predominant with longstanding T2D. Metformin was the most prescribed T2D medication. The caregivers' mean age was 34.9+12.4 years, male predominant, and around 45% of them report low level of education and income; 63.9% of the caregivers report little to no stress. Compared with caregivers with mild/moderate stress and moderate/severe stress, caregivers with little to no stress were more likely to be younger in age (P <0.001), male (P = 0.464), single (P = 0.035), patient's offspring (P = 0.490), caring for T2D patients with younger age (P = 0.058) and shorter T2D duration (P = 0.074), patients who were less likely to use a wheelchair (P = 0.008), patients who were less likely to be prescribed a complex insulin regimen and with better glycemic control parameters (both P >0.05), and patients with higher HDL level (P = 0.037). Conclusion: There were no correlations between the caregivers' levels of stress and the T2D patients' HbA1c levels. There was a significant positive correlation between a caregiver's stress score and the caregiver's age. Future studies are needed to assess other caregivers' parameters and their relation to metabolic control of T2D patients.

The Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Pregabalin on the Development of Ventral Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons.

Pregabalin is widely used as a treatment for multiple neurological disorders; however, it has been reported to have the potential for misuse. Due to a lack of safety studies in pregnancy, pregabalin is considered the last treatment option for various neurological diseases, such as neuropathic pain. Therefore, pregabalin abuse in pregnant women, even at therapeutic doses, may impair fetal development. We used primary mouse embryonic neurons to investigate whether exposure to pregabalin can impair the morphogenesis and differentiation of ventral midbrain neurons. This study focused on ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons, as they are responsible for cognition, movement, and behavior. The results showed that pregabalin exposure during early brain development induced upregulation of the dopaminergic progenitor genes Lmx1a and Nurr1 and the mature dopaminergic gene Pitx3. Interestingly, pregabalin had different effects on the morphogenesis of non-dopaminergic ventral midbrain neurons. Importantly, our findings illustrated that a therapeutic dose of pregabalin (10 µM) did not affect the viability of neurons. However, it caused a decrease in ATP release in ventral midbrain neurons. We demonstrated that exposure to pregabalin during early brain development could interfere with the neurogenesis and morphogenesis of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons. These findings are crucial for clinical consideration of the use of pregabalin during pregnancy.

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in Women with Type 1, 2 Diabetes and Thyroid Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taif City, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Women with diabetes mellitus or thyroid disorders are at risk of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in women with diabetes and/or thyroid disorders and the impact of disease control on the ASEX score. Methods: A cross-sectional study for female patients who had a routine clinic visits was included. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) was used to evaluate for FSD. Those with a total score of ≥19 or scored ≥5 on any item or ≥4 on three items were considered to have FSD. Results: A total of 253 female patients with a mean age of 39.1 ± 7.3 years were included. Two-thirds of the participants have no FSD. More than half (57.7%) of the participants had a strong desire for sex, and about 20% of the participants were unsatisfied with their orgasm. Compared to those with no FSD, those with FSD had lower BMI (P = 0.375), more likely to have a master's degree or higher (P = 0.117), diabetes (P = 0.879), hypothyroidism (P = 0.625), diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications (P = 0.049), higher HbA1c, fasting glucose, and TSH (P = 0.731, P = 0.161, and P = 0.561, respectively), lower total cholesterol and LDL (P = 0.368 and P = 0.339, respectively), and exercise more regularly (P = 0.929). Conclusion: FSD was highly prevalent in our study population. Those with type 1 diabetes had the highest ASEX scores. We showed non-significant negative correlations between total ASEX score and both BMI and TSH, as well as a non-significant positive correlation between total ASEX score and both HbA1c and fasting glucose value.

Assessment of Knowledge and Fear of Scabies in a Saudi Population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Scabies is a common contagious parasitic dermatological illness. In 2017, WHO recognized scabies as a neglected tropical disease. The aim of the present research was to assess the level of knowledge and fear of scabies among the Saudi population. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional online study conducted in the western region of Saudi Arabia from January to September 2019. We used a validated, 12-questions questionnaire to assess the scabies knowledge and the Fear of Scabies Scale-10 (FSS-10) to determine the level of fear toward scabies. RESULTS: A total of 3778 respondents were included with majorities of them being female and between the age of 15-30 years. About 93.3% of the respondents were considered to have good level of knowledge towards scabies and those were more likely to be females, live in an urban area, have heard about scabies in the past, younger in age, achieved higher educational level, and work for the medical and general education sector (all P <0.001). The total possible scores ranging from 10 (less fear) to 40 (greater fear). The mean total FSS-10 score was 33 ± 4.46 with 58.3% of them were considered to have greater fear and those were more likely to be female, younger in age, educated with higher educational degree, work for the general education sector and medical and, but less likely to be unemployed (all P <0.001). Partial correlation adjusting for potential confounders showed significant positive correlation between FSS-10 score and the scabies knowledge score (r = 0.152, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite the good level of scabies knowledge, the level of fear towards scabies is high. Further educational programs recommended decreasing the negative effect of scabies on the community and the individuals' quality of life.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Disposal of Sharps Waste at Home Among Patients with Diabetes and their Caregivers.

INTRODUCTION: A recent CDC report estimates that only 17.2% people with diabetes receive insulin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of patients with diabetes and their caregivers towards sharps waste disposal at home. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2019 at the two main diabetes specialist centers in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Data collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which was designed after a thorough literature review, were used to assess knowledge, attitude and practice using a total of 36 items. RESULTS: 406 patients comprised of mostly females and those who were unemployed, with a mean age of 53.2 +18.5 years and a mean DM duration of 13.6 +8.7 years were included. Approximately <10% reported sharing used insulin needles or lancets as well as accidental family member sticks by the used needle or lancet. More than half of the respondents answered, "I don't know" regarding the knowledge of transmission of hepatitis B or C and HIV by sharing lancet or insulin needles. 52.5%, 51.7% and 47.0% of participants were considered to have high knowledge, high attitude and good practice levels, respectively. 78.8% of participants stated that they disposed of sharps waste in public household garbage bags, and one-third disagreed that they safely collected and brought their used sharps to a hospital. The highest score in the practice section was on optimal needle recap. A partial correlation adjusting to determine the relationship of practice levels with knowledge and attitude levels after controlling for baseline characteristics and duration of DM showed a statistically significant positive correlation between practice and knowledge levels (r = .172, P = .001) while a statistically significant negative correlation between practice and attitude levels (r = - .116, P = .021). CONCLUSION: Patients with type 1 diabetes exhibited a significantly higher mean score in practice only compared to patients with type 2 diabetes. A partial correlation showed a statistically significant positive correlation between practice and knowledge and a negative correlation between practice and attitude level.

Prevalence of chronic pain and high-impact chronic pain in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of chronic pain (CP) and high-impact chronic pain (HICP) in a sample of the general adult population in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional online survey (N=24,265). Forty data collectors from 5 regions of Saudi Arabia approached people to complete the questionnaires through different social media applications, using a validated survey in Arabic language. RESULTS: Chronic pain and HICP prevalences in the Saudi adult population were found to be 46.4% (CP) and 4% (HICP), with a higher prevalence among women and elderly. Chronic back pain was the most reported pain location. Half of the respondents reported dissatisfaction with pain services. Greater prevalence of HICP was found among women, elderly, unemployed, and those with low-income status. Patients with HICP were more likely to have more healthcare utilization and have more negative impacts on their physical and psychological wellbeing. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain and HICP are common in Saudi Arabia, especially among females and elderly, suggesting a public health problem. This calls for collaborative efforts at various levels of the social hierarchy to ensure the provision of effective management of CP in Saudi Arabia.

Clinical association of vitamin D and serotonin levels among patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Objective: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disorder associated with severe pain. According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, the prevalence of FMS is between 3% and 6% in the general population, with about 90% of the patients being women. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D and serotonin levels and FMS severity. Methods: Forty participants with fibromyalgia (mean age: 37.8±9.5 years) were included and had their medical history taken, a physical examination, and laboratory testing in the Rheumatology Department at Al-Ameen Hospital in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) was used to determine the FMS severity. Results: The results showed that 42.5% of the patients were considered to have mild/moderate fibromyalgia, with the remainder having severe/extreme fibromyalgia. The latter were more likely to have lower serotonin levels. The results showed a significant dose-dependent negative relationship between the serotonin levels and FIQR scores (P=0.002). However, no significant correlations were found between the vitamin D levels and FIQR scores (P=0.112). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the improved health of FMS patients is associated with normal serotonin levels.

Benefits of Using the i-Port System on Insulin-Treated Patients.

BACKGROUND: Insulin-treated patients demonstrate low adherence to insulin injections, which results in poor glycemic control. The i-Port Advance is a new advanced injection method. Our aim was to evaluate patient satisfaction, glycemic control, and adherence with this device. METHODOLOGY: This prospective study examined i-Port use in 55 insulin-treated patients. Baseline characteristics and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status (DTSQs) scores were collected at baseline and at the end of the follow-up period. All patients were trained to use the i-Port. Patients were divided into two groups: regular users of the i-Port, who used it for ≥3 months, and irregular users, who used it for <3 months. Local complications during use of the i-Port were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 55 patients, 92.7% had type 1 diabetes, the mean age was 14.96 ± 8.95 years, and 92.7% used an insulin pen. The patients were divided into 27 regular users and 28 irregular users. Irregular users had a longer duration of diabetes (P = 0.901) at baseline compared to regular users, were less likely to report noncompliance with insulin usage (P = 0.338), were more likely to self-inject insulin (P = 0.038), and had a lower A1C (P = 0.056). There were no statistical differences between groups in mean DTSQs treatment satisfaction scores or mean glycemic control scores. At the end of the follow-up period, regular i-Port usage improved compliance with insulin usage (P = 0.028), reduced diabetes-related hospitalizations (P <0.001), and reduced the frequency of hypoglycemia (P = 0.184). Scarring at the i-Port site was the most common complication. CONCLUSION: Regular i-Port usage improved compliance and decreased hospitalizations and hypoglycemic episodes, with a nonsignificant 0.73% reduction in A1C.

Clinical Characteristics of Type 2 Diabetics Who are at High Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Recent reports have indicated that the majority of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are also having OSA. AIM/OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of the study is to assess the risk of OSA among T2D patients and its impact on T2D related control and complications. METHOD: A cross-sectional study for the adult patients with T2D who had a routine follow up visit from Jun 2013- Aug 2014 was asked to participate. We excluded patients with existed psychiatric illness and those with history of diagnosed OSA. To screen for OSA we used Berlin Questionnaire. RESULT: A total of 265 T2D patients were included in the study with a mean age of 57.2+12.5 years and long standing T2D. Around 53.2% were classified as high risk for OSA. Compared to those who are considered low risk for OSA, those who are high risk for OSA have higher BMI (p <0.001), higher mean SBP (p 0.002), less likely to be male (p 0.003), more likely to have hyperlipidemia (p 0.058), more likely have neuropathy (p 0.021), more likely to report sedentary lifestyle (p 0.046), and more likely to report low income (p 0.068). CONCLUSION: High risk T2D patients for OSA tend to be older, have significantly higher BMI, systolic BP and tend to have significantly higher risk for neuropathy.

Impact of Family History of Diabetes on Diabetes Control and Complications.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess the impact of parental and sibling history of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on patient characteristics, glycemic control, and T2D complications. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adults with T2D. Type 1 diabetes and gestational diabetes patients were excluded. The laboratory data were retrieved from the patients' electronic files, and baseline measurements were obtained by the researchers. RESULTS: The study included a total of 511 T2D patients, with a mean age of 60.1 ± 10.9 years and mean hemoglobin A1c of 8.94 ± 2.1% (74.2 ± 22.9 mmol/mol). Of these patients, 54% were male and 49.7% had a parental history of T2D. The patients with parental history of T2D were diagnosed at a younger age and had a higher body mass index (BMI) ( P = .035) and higher waist circumference (WC) ( P = .013) than those T2D patients with no parental history. Approximately 60% of the participants had siblings with a history of T2D, and in comparison with those with no sibling history, they had higher prevalence of cerebrovascular accidents ( P = .02). CONCLUSION: Having a parental history of T2D is significantly associated with diagnosis at a younger age and a higher BMI and WC. Having a sibling history of T2D is significantly associated with worse cerebrovascular outcome. ABBREVIATIONS: ACR = albumin to creatinine ratio; BMI = body mass index; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; DM = diabetes mellitus; FBG = fasting blood glucose; GFR = glomerular filtration rate; HbA1c = hemoglobin A1c; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; SBP = systolic blood pressure; T2D = type 2 diabetes; TG = triglyceride; WC = waist circumference.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Assessment among Saudi Women.

BACKGROUND: IDF estimates that 16.2% of women giving live births in 2015 had some form of hyperglycemia during pregnancy. In Saudi, a study estimated that the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is 39.4%. AIM: We aimed to assess Saudi women's GDM knowledge and awareness. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between August and December 2016 in Saudi Arabia using a validated questionnaire that included 12 questions focused on awareness and knowledge about GDM. Their responses were scored, and participants were divided poor knowledge (≤ 4/12) fair/good knowledge (≥ 5/12). RESULTS: A total of 9002 adult female participated. Mean age was 27.8 ± 7.9, and they were mainly married urban residents with bachelor's degrees or higher. The mean overall score was 5.5 ± 2.5 with most of them in the fair GDM knowledge category. Participants were mostly aware of the GDM risk factors (54%) while they were least aware of the GDM diagnosis (15.9%). Multigravida and a prior history of GDM were the two risk factors about which participants were most aware (67.7%). Compared to those with poor knowledge, those with fair/good knowledge were more likely to live in urban areas, live in the central region of Saudi Arabia, work in medical fields, and be married, educated, and have personal and/or family histories of chronic diseases (all P values < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study showed a high prevalence of poor awareness and knowledge, mainly in those areas relating to GDM diagnosis.

Prevalence, Attitude, Knowledge, and Practice of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid (AAS) Use Among Gym Participants.

BACKGROUND: Anabolic steroids (AS) are synthetic testosterone derivatives that last longer than physiological androgens in the body. Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse is spreading among athletes. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of gym participants in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among gym users from February 2017 to May 2017. The questionnaire included information on demographics related to the use of AAS and lifestyle habits. Any willing male gym participant could be included. RESULTS: A total of 4860 male gym participants with a mean age of 28.6 ± 6.2 years were included. A majority were single, with a bachelor's degree or higher. Moreover, 9.8% of the participants used AAS, of which 76.7% reported improved fitness. Friends were the main source of AAS-related information, but only 38.0% of AAS users sought medical consults. The oral route was most common, and testosterone enanthate was the AAS most used. CONCLUSION: Also, 9.8% of gym participants used AAS and were more likely to be involved in risky habits, such as smoking and growth hormone abuse. They were less aware of potential complications of AAS, with gym trainers being the predominant source of AAS substances.

The Potential Role of PTPN-22 C1858T Gene Polymorphism in the Pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes in Saudi Population.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations have reported an association between protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type-22 (PTPN-22) gene polymorphism and susceptibility to the development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in some populations and not in others. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of PTPN-22 C1858T polymorphism with T1D in Saudi children. METHODS: A cohort of 372 type 1 diabetic children and 372 diabetes-free subjects was enrolled in the current investigation. The PTPN-22 C1858T polymorphism was identified using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. RESULTS: Our data showed that the frequency of CT and TT genotypes of PTPN-22 C1858T was higher in T1D children (17.7% and 4.3%, respectively) compared to healthy controls (4.8% and 1.6%, respectively), and both genotypes were statistically associated with T1D patients (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 2.55-7.58, p < 0.001; and OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.23-8.28, p = 0.017, respectively). Moreover, the 1858T allele was significantly associated with T1D patients compared to the C allele (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.59-6.88, p < 0.001). In addition, the T allele was significantly associated with elevated levels of HbA1c, anti-GAD, and anti-insulin antibodies (p < 0.001) and a lower concentration of C-peptide (p < 0.001) in T1D children. CONCLUSION: The data presented here suggests that the T allele of PTPN-22 C1858T polymorphism might be a risk factor for T1D development in Saudi children.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among the End-Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have a 2.6-fold greater risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). The primary goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of MetS in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are on hemodialysis (HD) and the impact of MetS presence on HD-related outcomes. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Dialysis Center, King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. It was conducted among ESRD patients that attended the Dialysis Center between August 2013 and September 2016. We excluded patients on peritoneal dialysis and those < 18 years old. We used the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria to identify patients with MetS. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients with ESRD on HD were found, with a mean age of 48.8 (SD 16) years, mean body mass index (BMI) of 25.6 (SD 8.7) kg/m2, and mean waist circumference (WC) of 92.0 (SD 23.5) cm. The mean duration of the HD was 69.3 (SD 65.6) months with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as the most common access for HD. Of the patients, 38.2% had MetS. Compared to those without MetS, those with MetS were more likely to be older (P < 0.001), be female (P < 0.001), be married (P < 0.001), have higher BMI (P < 0.001), have larger WC (P < 0.001), have T2D and hypertension (HTN) (P < 0.001), have shorter HD duration (P < 0.001), have a longer duration since the AVF was placed (P = 0.026), and have high post-HD creatinine levels (P = 0.010) and were less likely to have adequate HD (P = 0.004) and have parathyroid hormone (PTH) at goal (P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: MetS is common among ESRD and MetS was associated with more comorbidity, worse anthropometric measures at baseline, and worse HD-related outcomes. The limitations were small sample size and single center.

Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Obesity Awareness in School Students.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim was to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the participants and its relationship to obesity awareness. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that included intermediate and high schools students was conducted between April 2014 and June 2015. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by the researchers and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. We used the obesity risk knowledge (ORK-10) scale to assess obesity awareness. Participants who answered ≥ 5 out of 10 questions correctly were considered to be aware. RESULT: A total of 528 students were enrolled (mean age, 15.58 years). The mean BMI was 22.37 kg/m2, and 27.6% were either overweight or obese. The mean ORK-10 score was 3.15 and 25.4% were considered to be aware. Compared to those who were non-aware, participants in the aware group were more likely to be older (P < 0.001), male (P < 0.001), attend high school (P < 0.001), eat dinner with their families (P = 0.021), eat fruit at least daily (P = 0.027), and consider obesity to be a disease (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Only 25.4% of students who participated were considered to be aware about obesity. Those who were aware were more likely to be older male high school students.

Gender Disparities in Osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is a growing health concern worldwide and its complications are as prevalent as other common chronic disease complications such as hypertension and diabetes. In this review, we will discuss the role of gender in osteoporosis, especially related to peak bone mass and maturation, rate of annual bone loss, screening, prevalence of osteoporosis and its related fractures, mortality after osteoporosis-related fracture, fracture risk predication using different technologies and the impact of gender on osteoporosis management.