Postpartum quality of life and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: To determine factors associated with postpartum quality of life (QOL). METHODS: An analytic cross-sectional design was used in this study, and data was collected from December 2019 to March 2020. Participants were 252 postpartum women visiting eight governmental primary healthcare centers in Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Sleep problems were assessed using an item from the Prime-MD Patient Health Questionnaire. RESULTS: Maternal age between 26 and 35 years had a significant independent association with the physical health domain of QOL (p < .01). Postpartum depression was significantly associated with lower QOL in all dimensions (p < .01). In addition, sleep problems were associated with three out of the four QOL domains (p < .05). The significant other subscale of the MSPSS was significantly associated with higher QOL scores in all dimensions (p < .01); additionally, family and friends subscales of the MSPSS were significantly associated with the social domain of QOL (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal QOL, during the postpartum period, showed negative associations with age, postpartum depression, and sleep disturbances. Ultimately, social support appeared to be an essential factor in mothers' ability to cope with the physical and psychological problems experienced during this period.

Global, Regional, and Country-Specific Lifetime Risks of Stroke, 1990 and 2016.

BACKGROUND: The lifetime risk of stroke has been calculated in a limited number of selected populations. We sought to estimate the lifetime risk of stroke at the regional, country, and global level using data from a comprehensive study of the prevalence of major diseases. METHODS: We used the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2016 estimates of stroke incidence and the competing risks of death from any cause other than stroke to calculate the cumulative lifetime risks of first stroke, ischemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke among adults 25 years of age or older. Estimates of the lifetime risks in the years 1990 and 2016 were compared. Countries were categorized into quintiles of the sociodemographic index (SDI) used in the GBD Study, and the risks were compared across quintiles. Comparisons were made with the use of point estimates and uncertainty intervals representing the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles around the estimate. RESULTS: The estimated global lifetime risk of stroke from the age of 25 years onward was 24.9% (95% uncertainty interval, 23.5 to 26.2); the risk among men was 24.7% (95% uncertainty interval, 23.3 to 26.0), and the risk among women was 25.1% (95% uncertainty interval, 23.7 to 26.5). The risk of ischemic stroke was 18.3%, and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was 8.2%. In high-SDI, high-middle-SDI, and low-SDI countries, the estimated lifetime risk of stroke was 23.5%, 31.1% (highest risk), and 13.2% (lowest risk), respectively; the 95% uncertainty intervals did not overlap between these categories. The highest estimated lifetime risks of stroke according to GBD region were in East Asia (38.8%), Central Europe (31.7%), and Eastern Europe (31.6%), and the lowest risk was in eastern sub-Saharan Africa (11.8%). The mean global lifetime risk of stroke increased from 22.8% in 1990 to 24.9% in 2016, a relative increase of 8.9% (95% uncertainty interval, 6.2 to 11.5); the competing risk of death from any cause other than stroke was considered in this calculation. CONCLUSIONS: In 2016, the global lifetime risk of stroke from the age of 25 years onward was approximately 25% among both men and women. There was geographic variation in the lifetime risk of stroke, with the highest risks in East Asia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.).

Critically ill patients with diabetes and Middle East respiratory syndrome: a multi-center observational study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a risk factor for infection with coronaviruses. This study describes the demographic, clinical data, and outcomes of critically ill patients with diabetes and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at 14 hospitals in Saudi Arabia (September 2012-January 2018). We compared the demographic characteristics, underlying medical conditions, presenting symptoms and signs, management and clinical course, and outcomes of critically ill patients with MERS who had diabetes compared to those with no diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if diabetes was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Of the 350 critically ill patients with MERS, 171 (48.9%) had diabetes. Patients with diabetes were more likely to be older, and have comorbid conditions, compared to patients with no diabetes. They were more likely to present with respiratory failure requiring intubation, vasopressors, and corticosteroids. The median time to clearance of MERS-CoV RNA was similar (23 days (Q1, Q3: 17, 36) in patients with diabetes and 21.0 days (Q1, Q3: 10, 33) in patients with no diabetes). Mortality at 90 days was higher in patients with diabetes (78.9% versus 54.7%, p < 0.0001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that diabetes was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality (odds ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.72). CONCLUSIONS: Half of the critically ill patients with MERS have diabetes; which is associated with more severe disease. Diabetes is an independent predictor of mortality among critically patients with MERS.

Ribavirin and Interferon Therapy for Critically Ill Patients With Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: A Multicenter Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ribavirin and recombinant interferon (RBV/rIFN) therapy on the outcomes of critically ill patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), accounting for time-varying confounders. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed MERS from 14 hospitals in Saudi Arabia diagnosed between September 2012 and January 2018. We evaluated the association of RBV/rIFN with 90-day mortality and MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) RNA clearance using marginal structural modeling to account for baseline and time-varying confounders. RESULTS: Of 349 MERS patients, 144 (41.3%) patients received RBV/rIFN (RBV and/or rIFN-α2a, rIFN-α2b, or rIFN-ß1a; none received rIFN-ß1b). RBV/rIFN was initiated at a median of 2 days (Q1, Q3: 1, 3 days) from intensive care unit admission. Crude 90-day mortality was higher in patients with RBV/rIFN compared to no RBV/rIFN (106/144 [73.6%] vs 126/205 [61.5%]; P = .02]. After adjusting for baseline and time-varying confounders using a marginal structural model, RBV/rIFN was not associated with changes in 90-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 1.03 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .73-1.44]; P = .87) or with more rapid MERS-CoV RNA clearance (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, .30-1.44]; P = .29). CONCLUSIONS: In this observational study, RBV/rIFN (RBV and/or rIFN-α2a, rIFN-α2b, or rIFN-ß1a) therapy was commonly used in critically ill MERS patients but was not associated with reduction in 90-day mortality or in faster MERS-CoV RNA clearance.

Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity in 195 Countries over 25 Years.

BACKGROUND: Although the rising pandemic of obesity has received major attention in many countries, the effects of this attention on trends and the disease burden of obesity remain uncertain. METHODS: We analyzed data from 68.5 million persons to assess the trends in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adults between 1980 and 2015. Using the Global Burden of Disease study data and methods, we also quantified the burden of disease related to high body-mass index (BMI), according to age, sex, cause, and BMI in 195 countries between 1990 and 2015. RESULTS: In 2015, a total of 107.7 million children and 603.7 million adults were obese. Since 1980, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in more than 70 countries and has continuously increased in most other countries. Although the prevalence of obesity among children has been lower than that among adults, the rate of increase in childhood obesity in many countries has been greater than the rate of increase in adult obesity. High BMI accounted for 4.0 million deaths globally, nearly 40% of which occurred in persons who were not obese. More than two thirds of deaths related to high BMI were due to cardiovascular disease. The disease burden related to high BMI has increased since 1990; however, the rate of this increase has been attenuated owing to decreases in underlying rates of death from cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid increase in the prevalence and disease burden of elevated BMI highlights the need for continued focus on surveillance of BMI and identification, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions to address this problem. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.).

Burden of injury along the development spectrum: associations between the Socio-demographic Index and disability-adjusted life year estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological transition of non-communicable diseases replacing infectious diseases as the main contributors to disease burden has been well documented in global health literature. Less focus, however, has been given to the relationship between sociodemographic changes and injury. The aim of this study was to examine the association between disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from injury for 195 countries and territories at different levels along the development spectrum between 1990 and 2017 based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 estimates. METHODS: Injury mortality was estimated using the GBD mortality database, corrections for garbage coding and CODEm-the cause of death ensemble modelling tool. Morbidity estimation was based on surveys and inpatient and outpatient data sets for 30 cause-of-injury with 47 nature-of-injury categories each. The Socio-demographic Index (SDI) is a composite indicator that includes lagged income per capita, average educational attainment over age 15 years and total fertility rate. RESULTS: For many causes of injury, age-standardised DALY rates declined with increasing SDI, although road injury, interpersonal violence and self-harm did not follow this pattern. Particularly for self-harm opposing patterns were observed in regions with similar SDI levels. For road injuries, this effect was less pronounced. CONCLUSIONS: The overall global pattern is that of declining injury burden with increasing SDI. However, not all injuries follow this pattern, which suggests multiple underlying mechanisms influencing injury DALYs. There is a need for a detailed understanding of these patterns to help to inform national and global efforts to address injury-related health outcomes across the development spectrum.

Quality of life reported by survivors after hospitalization for Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

INTRODUCTION: Data are lacking on impact of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among survivors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of MERS survivors who required hospitalization in Saudi Arabia during 2016-2017, approximately 1 year after diagnosis. The Short-Form General Health Survey 36 (SF-36) was administered by telephone interview to assess 8 quality of life domains for MERS survivors and a sample of survivors of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) without MERS. We compared mean SF-36 scores of MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors using independent t-test, and compared categorical variables using chi-square test. Adjusted analyses were performed using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Of 355 MERS survivors, 83 were eligible and 78 agreed to participate. MERS survivors were younger than non-MERS SARI survivors (mean ± SD): (44.9 years ±12.9) vs (50.0 years ±13.6), p = 0.031. Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were similar for MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors (46.2% vs. 57.1%), p = 0.20. After adjusting for potential confounders, there were no significant differences between MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors in physical component or mental component summary scores. MERS ICU survivors scored lower than MERS survivors not admitted to an ICU for physical function (p = 0.05), general health (p = 0.01), vitality (p = 0.03), emotional role (p = 0.03) and physical component summary (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Functional scores were similar for MERS and non-MERS SARI survivors. However, MERS survivors of critical illness reported lower quality of life than survivors of less severe illness. Efforts are needed to address the long-term medical and psychological needs of MERS survivors.

Corticosteroid Therapy for Critically Ill Patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.

RATIONALE: Corticosteroid therapy is commonly used among critically ill patients with Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), but its impact on outcomes is uncertain. Analyses of observational studies often do not account for patients' clinical condition at the time of corticosteroid therapy initiation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of corticosteroid therapy on mortality and on MERS coronavirus RNA clearance in critically ill patients with MERS. METHODS: ICU patients with MERs were included from 14 Saudi Arabian centers between September 2012 and October 2015. We performed marginal structural modeling to account for baseline and time-varying confounders. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 309 patients, 151 received corticosteroids. Corticosteroids were initiated at a median of 3.0 days (quartile 1 [Q1]-Q3, 1.0-7.0) from ICU admission. Patients who received corticosteroids were more likely to receive invasive ventilation (141 of 151 [93.4%] vs. 121 of 158 [76.6%]; P < 0.0001) and had higher 90-day crude mortality (112 of 151 [74.2%] vs. 91 of 158 [57.6%]; P = 0.002). Using marginal structural modeling, corticosteroid therapy was not significantly associated with 90-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-1.07; P = 0.12) but was associated with delay in MERS coronavirus RNA clearance (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.17-0.72; P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroid therapy in patients with MERS was not associated with a difference in mortality after adjustment for time-varying confounders but was associated with delayed MERS coronavirus RNA clearance. These findings highlight the challenges and importance of adjusting for baseline and time-varying confounders when estimating clinical effects of treatments using observational studies.

Hepatitis C virus infection in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia: Seroprevalence and knowledge.

The infection rate of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Saudi Arabia is among the lowest in the world. However, it is likely that poor knowledge and awareness of HCV infection could minimize the effectiveness of prevention and control programs in the kingdom. Thus, the study objective was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection, and to assess current knowledge about it, in the targeted population. Data on 5482 Saudi people attending primary healthcare centers in Jeddah City in 2014/2015 were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Questions that covered the natural history, risk behavior, and prevention, and treatment of HCV were collected using a predesigned questionnaire. HCV seroprevalence was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. HCV prevalence of 0.38% (95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.54) was found. The level of knowledge of the natural history, risk behavior, and prevention and treatment of HCV was poor among the participants. The lowest level of knowledge for all participants pertained to its prevention and treatment. The prevalence of HCV was low in Saudi Arabia (0.38%). However, adequate knowledge of HCV was lacking. Thus, the need to increase knowledge and awareness of HCV in the Saudi population is warranted.

Quality of life among caregivers of sickle cell disease patients: a cross sectional study.

PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers of children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and to determine the risk factors associated with poor QoL. METHOD: A cross sectional study was conducted between 01 and 30 June 2015, in a tertiary care center in western Saudi Arabia to assess various dimensions of QoL by using TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Health-related Quality of Life (TAAQOL). A total 164 adult caregivers (aged 16 years or more) of children with SCD, who were regularly visiting the department were enrolled (refusal rate = 61.6%). The questionnaire scores were transformed into 0-100 scale; with higher scores indicating less difficulty and better QoL Demographic, socioeconomic data and a satisfaction questionnaire regarding participants' lifestyle were collected and analyzed as risk factors for impaired QoL, by comparing different QoL dimensions' scores using independent t-test, Oneway ANOVA, or linear regression, as appropriate. RESULTS: Sixty-three caregivers were included; 79.4% were mothers, age range 21-71 years, 64.5% were from low social class receiving insufficient support and financial needs were unmet for considerable number of families. Analysis of QoL using TAAQOL showed that emotions (median [75th centile] = 44.44 [66.67] for negative and 61.11 [72.22] for positive emotions), sleep quality (66.67 [91.67]) and sexual life (50.00 [83.33]) were the most affected dimensions. Professional achievement (91.67 [100]), cognitive skills (83.33 [100]), and social contact (100 [100]) were relatively preserved. Negative emotions were more marked in mothers and mostly predicted by satisfaction with social relations notably with partner (B = 3.14, p = 0.016), friends (B = 2.51, p = 0.015) and relatives (B = 2.69, p = 0.016). Positive emotions were predicted by the levels of satisfaction of the caregiver with his/her health (B = 2.56, p = 0.001), job achievement (B = 4.54, p = 0.001), living conditions (B = 2.60, p = 0.034) and the condition of the diseased child (B = 2.55, p = 0.011). A strong correlation was found between sleep quality and cognitive skills. CONCLUSION: There are notable financial and emotional burdens on the caregivers of children with SCD affecting various aspects of their QoL, which are likely to be impacted by the individual levels of social and professional achievement. Physicians and health authorities should give particular attention to the QoL of caregivers and families of children with SCD, to help them cope up with the disease and overcome its related psychological and financial impacts.

Global Mortality From Firearms, 1990-2016.

Importance: Understanding global variation in firearm mortality rates could guide prevention policies and interventions. Objective: To estimate mortality due to firearm injury deaths from 1990 to 2016 in 195 countries and territories. Design, Setting, and Participants: This study used deidentified aggregated data including 13 812 location-years of vital registration data to generate estimates of levels and rates of death by age-sex-year-location. The proportion of suicides in which a firearm was the lethal means was combined with an estimate of per capita gun ownership in a revised proxy measure used to evaluate the relationship between availability or access to firearms and firearm injury deaths. Exposures: Firearm ownership and access. Main Outcomes and Measures: Cause-specific deaths by age, sex, location, and year. Results: Worldwide, it was estimated that 251 000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 195 000-276 000) people died from firearm injuries in 2016, with 6 countries (Brazil, United States, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guatemala) accounting for 50.5% (95% UI, 42.2%-54.8%) of those deaths. In 1990, there were an estimated 209 000 (95% UI, 172 000 to 235 000) deaths from firearm injuries. Globally, the majority of firearm injury deaths in 2016 were homicides (64.0% [95% UI, 54.2%-68.0%]; absolute value, 161 000 deaths [95% UI, 107 000-182 000]); additionally, 27% were firearm suicide deaths (67 500 [95% UI, 55 400-84 100]) and 9% were unintentional firearm deaths (23 000 [95% UI, 18 200-24 800]). From 1990 to 2016, there was no significant decrease in the estimated global age-standardized firearm homicide rate (-0.2% [95% UI, -0.8% to 0.2%]). Firearm suicide rates decreased globally at an annualized rate of 1.6% (95% UI, 1.1-2.0), but in 124 of 195 countries and territories included in this study, these levels were either constant or significant increases were estimated. There was an annualized decrease of 0.9% (95% UI, 0.5%-1.3%) in the global rate of age-standardized firearm deaths from 1990 to 2016. Aggregate firearm injury deaths in 2016 were highest among persons aged 20 to 24 years (for men, an estimated 34 700 deaths [95% UI, 24 900-39 700] and for women, an estimated 3580 deaths [95% UI, 2810-4210]). Estimates of the number of firearms by country were associated with higher rates of firearm suicide (P < .001; R2 = 0.21) and homicide (P < .001; R2 = 0.35). Conclusions and Relevance: This study estimated between 195 000 and 276 000 firearm injury deaths globally in 2016, the majority of which were firearm homicides. Despite an overall decrease in rates of firearm injury death since 1990, there was variation among countries and across demographic subgroups.

Critically Ill Patients With the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe patient characteristics, clinical manifestations, disease course including viral replication patterns, and outcomes of critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory infection from the Middle East respiratory syndrome and to compare these features with patients with severe acute respiratory infection due to other etiologies. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Patients admitted to ICUs in 14 Saudi Arabian hospitals. PATIENTS: Critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection (n = 330) admitted between September 2012 and October 2015 were compared to consecutive critically ill patients with community-acquired severe acute respiratory infection of non-Middle East respiratory syndrome etiology (non-Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection) (n = 222). INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Although Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection patients were younger than those with non-Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection (median [quartile 1, quartile 3] 58 yr [44, 69] vs 70 [52, 78]; p < 0.001), clinical presentations and comorbidities overlapped substantially. Patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection had more severe hypoxemic respiratory failure (PaO2/FIO2: 106 [66, 160] vs 176 [104, 252]; p < 0.001) and more frequent nonrespiratory organ failure (nonrespiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score: 6 [4, 9] vs 5 [3, 7]; p = 0.002), thus required more frequently invasive mechanical ventilation (85.2% vs 73.0%; p < 0.001), oxygen rescue therapies (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation 5.8% vs 0.9%; p = 0.003), vasopressor support (79.4% vs 55.0%; p < 0.001), and renal replacement therapy (48.8% vs 22.1%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, Middle East respiratory syndrome was independently associated with death compared to non-Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection (adjusted odds ratio, 5.87; 95% CI, 4.02-8.56; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial overlap exists in the clinical presentation and comorbidities among patients with Middle East respiratory syndrome severe acute respiratory infection from other etiologies; therefore, a high index of suspicion combined with diagnostic testing is essential component of severe acute respiratory infection investigation for at-risk patients. The lack of distinguishing clinical features, the need to rely on real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction from respiratory samples, variability in viral shedding duration, lack of effective therapy, and high mortality represent substantial clinical challenges and help guide ongoing clinical research efforts.

Self-medication with analgesics among medical students and interns in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and predictors of self-medication with analgesics among senior medical students and interns in King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 504 participants in 2013. A multistage stratified random sampling was used. A confidential, anonymous & self-administered questionnaire was used to collect personal & socio-demographic data. Data about self-medication and self-medication with analgesics during the preceding 6 months were also inquired. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were done by SPSS version 18 & Epi-Info. RESULTS: During the 6 months preceding the study, 75.2% and 55.4% of participants used self -medication & analgesic self-medication, respectively. The first predictor of utilization of analgesic self-medication was living with family (aOR; 1.96, 95% CI: 1.22-3.14), followed by age >21 years & non- professional jobs of fathers. CONCLUSION: Alarming high rates of self medication and self-medication with analgesics were observed among medical students and interns. Self-medication needs improvement through educational, regulatory and managerial strategies.

Usefulness of Neck Circumference, Waist-to-Height Ratio and Waist-to-Hip Ratio in Predicting Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Saudi Population Without Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: Early identification and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) could reduce overall mortality. Anthropometric measurements offer a simple and cost-effective method to potentially improve early detection of NAFLD and prevent its complications. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of NAFLD using the fatty liver index (FLI) and evaluate the effectiveness of certain anthropometric measurements in predicting NAFLD as diagnosed by FLI. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 1264 Saudi population without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) non-alcoholic individuals at primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Jeddah city. Measurements included triglycerides, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Measurements for neck circumference (NC), and calculations for weight-to-height ratio (WHtR) and weight-to-hip ratio (WHpR), along with FLI, were performed. NAFLD was identified in individuals with an FLI ⩾60. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to assess the accuracy of WHtR, WHpR, and NC in detecting NAFLD, with Youden's index determining the optimal cutoff points for these 3 indices. Result: The prevalence of NAFLD was found to be 30.9%. Among the markers, WHtR emerged as the most significant in indicating NAFLD, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.916; whereas NC and WHpR exhibited identical AUC values of 0.783. WHtR demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy for identifying elevated FLI, with gender-specific cutoff values established at >0.57 for females and >0.61 for males. In all 3 markers, females exhibited higher sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value (NPV) compared to males. Conclusion: WHtR could serve as a useful tool in the initial clinical screening for NAFLD among Saudi population without T2DM to identify those who may benefit from more comprehensive testing. Further local studies are warranted to confirm the levels of accuracy and the calculated cutoffs.

Nanoformulated 3'-diindolylmethane modulates apoptosis, migration, and angiogenesis in breast cancer cells.

Background: It is well-established that specific herbal plants contain natural active ingredients that have demonstrated anti-cancer potential. Therefore, they are considered highly beneficial as a potential adjuvant, alternative or complementary agent in anti-cancer therapy. However, the low chemical stability and limited bioavailability of 3, 3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a plant-derived compound used in clinical settings, limit its therapeutic applications. To overcome this challenge, researchers have focused on developing innovative approaches to improve DIM's biological activity, such as utilizing nanoformulations. Here, we investigated the potential benefits of coating DIM nanoparticles (DIM-NPs) with PEG/chitosan in the treatment of breast cancer. Our results demonstrate the molecular mechanism underlying the activity of DIM-NPs, highlighting their potential as an effective therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment. Methods: DIM-PLGA-PEG/chitosan NPs were synthesised and characterised using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and evaluated the impact of these NPs on two breast cancer cell models. Results: DIM-NPs had an average diameter of 102.3 nm and a PDI of 0.182. When treated with DIM-NPs for 48 h, both MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells displayed cytotoxicity at a concentration of 6.25 g/mL compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, in MDA-MB-231 cells, treatment with 2.5 µg/mL of DIM-NPs resulted in a significant decrease in cell migration, propagation, and angiogenesis which was further enhanced at 10 µg/mL. In chicken embryos, treatment with 5 µg/mL of DIM-NPs on day 2 led to a significant reduction in angiogenesis. Furthermore, this treatment induced cell death through a regulatory pathway involving the upregulation of Bax and p53, as well as the downregulation of Bcl-2. These results were supported by in-silico analysis of DIM's binding affinity to key proteins involved in this pathway, namely Bax, Bcl-2, and p53. Conclusion: Our findings show that DIM-NPs induces apoptosis, inhibit migration, and reduce angiogenesis in breast cancer. However, further research using a preclinical cancer model may be necessary to determine the pharmacokinetics of DIM-NPs and ensure their safety and efficacy in vivo.

Perceived COVID-19 Severity, Risk of Infection, and Prevention Self-Efficacy in Saudi Arabia During Lockdown: A Population-Based National Study.

Evidence shows that the risk perception of humans can significantly affect their response to a threat. This population-based, cross-sectional study explored the determinants of perceived disease seriousness, perceived disease infectiveness, and perceived prevention self-efficacy of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), during the lockdown period, using the health belief model for preventive behavior (HBMPB) among 4423 adults in Saudi Arabia from 13 provinces. Multivariate binary regression was used to analyze the independent factors of three risk perception variables and to measure their effect on adherence to preventive measures. Overall, COVID-19 seriousness was perceived to be higher than that of diabetes and lower than that of a heart attack, while its infectiousness was perceived to be high by 75.3% of the participants. Furthermore, 66.6% had a low perception of their prevention self-efficacy. The HBMPB showed independent effects of all three risk perception parameters on adherence to the preventive measures, including perceived seriousness (Odd's ratio [OR] = 1.26; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.01-1.56), infectiousness (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.52-2.38), and prevention self-efficacy (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.20-1.91). Authorities should maintain an optimal level of communication on the COVID-19 risk, communicate more about the virus' cycle and the disease to demystify the rationale of the preventive measures, and enhance confidence in their efficiency.

Patient journey for hypertension and dyslipidemia in Saudi Arabia: highlighting the evidence gaps.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed staggering rates of hypertension and dyslipidemia-related cardiovascular (CV) deaths, overburdening the healthcare ecosystem of the country. Appropriate public health interventions can be devised through quantitative mapping of evidence. Identification of potential data gaps can prioritize future research needs and develop a 'best-fit' framework for patient-centric management of hypertension and dyslipidemia. METHODS: This review quantified data gaps in the prevalence and key epidemiological touchpoints of the patient journey including awareness, screening, diagnosis, treatment, adherence, and control in patients with hypertension and dyslipidemia in Saudi Arabia. Studies published in English between January 2010 and December 2021 were identified through a structured search on MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS, and PubMed databases. An unstructured search on public and government websites, including Saudi Ministry of Health, without date limits was carried out to fill data gaps. After exclusion of studies based on predefined criteria, a total of 14 studies on hypertension and 12 studies and one anecdotal evidence for dyslipidemia were included in the final analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was reported to be 14.0%-41.8% while that for dyslipidemia was 12.5%-62.0%. The screening rate for hypertension was 100.0% as revealed by the nationwide surveys. Among hypertensive patients, only 27.6%-61.1% patients were aware of their condition, 42.2% patients underwent diagnosis, 27.9%-78.9% patients received antihypertensive treatment, 22.5% patients adhered to treatment medication, while blood pressure (BP) control was achieved in 27.0%-45.0% patients. Likewise, among patients with dyslipidemia, 10.5%-47.3% patients were aware of their condition, 34.6% patients were screened, and 17.8% underwent diagnosis. Although high treatment rates ranging from 40.0%-94.0% were reported, medication adherence recorded was 45.0%-77.4% among the treated patients. The overall low control rates ranged from 28.0%-41.5%. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings highlight evidence gaps along key touchpoints of patient journey. Reinforcing the efforts for high-quality evidence-based research at a national level may pave a path for better resource utilization and provide guidance to practice and amend health policies for patients, healthcare practitioners (HCPs), and healthcare policy makers for better patient outcomes in Saudi Arabia.

Systematic review and pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Methods and quality assessment.

OBJECTIVES: To describe variations in characteristics of randomized controlled trials conducted in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and critically appraising the quality of design, conduct and analysis of the trials. METHODS: We carried out a systematically comprehensive electronic search of articles published between 1990 and 2018 and indexed in several databases: i) MEDLINE/PubMed, ii) EMBASE, iii) Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), iv) ClinicalTrials.gov, and v) World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We summarized the overall risk of bias present in all analyzed studies using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool (CCRBT). RESULTS: A remarkable shift in numbers of publications from 2006 onwards was found. The largest number of publications were from Saudi Arabia and consisted of hospitals/clinics based studies. Lack of randomization was found in the majority of reports, and nearly three-fourth of the studies involved the use of intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. However, the proportion of adequately generated random sequence methods has increased yearly, and this increase accounted for a relatively large proportion over the latter half of the studied period (p<0.001), in contrast to the proportion of allocation concealment and blinding. Journal impact factor was significantly correlated with the quality of random sequence generation (r=0.145; p=0.014). CONCLUSION: The randomization methods have gained more attention over the last 3 decades. Secondly, Journal impact factor can serve as an indicator of randomization quality. To mitigate the large rate of overall high risk of bias in GCC studies, high-quality trials must be considered by ensuring adequate allocation concealment and blinding methods. PROSPERO No. ID: CRD42022310331.

Apoptosis induction in human hepatoma cell line HepG2 cells by trans- Anethole via activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways.

trans-Anethole a valuable compound derived from star anise widely used by ethnic tribals to manage numerous human diseases. In this study antiproliferative activities of trans-Anethole towards human liver cancer (HepG2), cervical cancer (HeLa) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells were explored. trans-Anethole showed free radical scavenging potential as assessed by DNA nicking assay. trans-Anethole exhibited strong antiproliferative potential towards HepG2 cells compared to other cell lines. trans-Anethole strongly induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells by significantly upregulating the protein expressions of p53, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 were assessed by western blotting analysis which highlighted apoptosis-inducing capacity of trans-Anethole against HepG2 cells. Rt-qPCR analysis revealed that trans- Anethole upregulated p53, caspase - 3 and - 9 in comparison to untreated HepG2 cancer cells. Moreover, trans-Anethole provoked the generation of ROS and disruption of MMP. Our research suggests that trans-Anethole may have a significant anticancer therapeutic potential for treating liver cancer.

Novel curcumin nanoformulation induces apoptosis, and reduces migration and angiogenesis in liver cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Curcumin has been used in the treatment of several diseases; however, its low pharmacologic profile reduces its therapeutic use. Towards improving its biological activity, nanoformulations have emerged. Thus, we aimed to determine whether curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) coated with PEG/chitosan improve the treatment of liver cancer (LC) cells and underpin the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer activity. METHODS: Cur-NPs were synthesised in the form of Cur-PLGA-PEG/chitosan NPs. The effect of Cur-NPs was assessed in HepG2 and Huh 7 LC cells and THLE-2 normal liver cells. RESULTS: The size of synthesised Cur-NPS was determined in the standard range of 141.2 ± 47.5 nm. Compared to THLE-2 cells, LC cells treated with Cur-NPs exerted cytotoxicity at 6.25 µg/mL after 48h. Treatment of HepG-2 cells with 2.5 µg/mL of Cur-NPs inhibited cell migration and this inhibition was augmented at 10 µg/mL (p < 0.001). Treatment of chicken embryo with 5 µg/mL Cur-NPs reduced angiogenesis (p < 0.001) of 4-day-old embryos. The nanoformulation upregulated Bax and p53 and downregulated Bcl-2 in a concentration-dependent manner and subsequently induce apoptosis in HepG-2 cells. CONCLUSION: Treatment of LC cells with Cur-NPs decreased cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, and induced cell death by promoting the proapoptotic pathway.

Curcumin nanoparticles (Cur-NPs) increase the anticancer efficiency of Curcumin against liver cancer cells.Cur-NPs induce apoptotic cell death of Liver cancer cells.Cur-NPs have ant-angiogenesis and metastasis effect.