Human MCTS1-dependent translation of JAK2 is essential for IFN-γ immunity to mycobacteria.

Human inherited disorders of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) immunity underlie severe mycobacterial diseases. We report X-linked recessive MCTS1 deficiency in men with mycobacterial disease from kindreds of different ancestries (from China, Finland, Iran, and Saudi Arabia). Complete deficiency of this translation re-initiation factor impairs the translation of a subset of proteins, including the kinase JAK2 in all cell types tested, including T lymphocytes and phagocytes. JAK2 expression is sufficiently low to impair cellular responses to interleukin-23 (IL-23) and partially IL-12, but not other JAK2-dependent cytokines. Defective responses to IL-23 preferentially impair the production of IFN-γ by innate-like adaptive mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT) and γδ T lymphocytes upon mycobacterial challenge. Surprisingly, the lack of MCTS1-dependent translation re-initiation and ribosome recycling seems to be otherwise physiologically redundant in these patients. These findings suggest that X-linked recessive human MCTS1 deficiency underlies isolated mycobacterial disease by impairing JAK2 translation in innate-like adaptive T lymphocytes, thereby impairing the IL-23-dependent induction of IFN-γ.

ChestCovidNet: An Effective DL-based Approach for COVID-19, Lung Opacity, and Pneumonia Detection Using Chest Radiographs Images.

Currently used lung disease screening tools are expensive in terms of money and time. Therefore, chest radiograph images (CRIs) are employed for prompt and accurate COVID-19 identification. Recently, many researchers have applied Deep learning (DL) based models to detect COVID-19 automatically. However, their model could have been more computationally expensive and less robust, i.e., its performance degrades when evaluated on other datasets. This study proposes a trustworthy, robust, and lightweight network (ChestCovidNet) that can detect COVID-19 by examining various CRIs datasets. The ChestCovidNet model has only 11 learned layers, eight convolutional (Conv) layers, and three fully connected (FC) layers. The framework employs both the Conv and group Conv layers, Leaky Relu activation function, shufflenet unit, Conv kernels of 3×3 and 1×1 to extract features at different scales, and two normalization procedures that are cross-channel normalization and batch normalization. We used 9013 CRIs for training whereas 3863 CRIs for testing the proposed ChestCovidNet approach. Furthermore, we compared the classification results of the proposed framework with hybrid methods in which we employed DL frameworks for feature extraction and support vector machines (SVM) for classification. The study's findings demonstrated that the embedded low-power ChestCovidNet model worked well and achieved a classification accuracy of 98.12% and recall, F1-score, and precision of 95.75%.

Mesoporous SO42- / kit-6-catalyzed hydrocracking of waste chicken oil.

In this study, we studied the hydrocracking of waste chicken oil (WCO) catalyzed by mesoporous SO42-/KIT-6. The study included WCO extraction, SO42-/KIT-6 catalyst synthesis, hydrocracking, and catalytic characterization. XRD patterns revealed intense peaks in the low-angle region, with shoulder peaks showing an increase in sulphate loading from 10% to 30%. The BET-specific surface area for the pure KIT-6 supports measured at 1003 m2/g, indicative of a well-defined mesoporous structure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed a two-stage weight loss, attributed to the elimination of hydrated water (about 200 °C) and decomposition of sulphate ions (400-450 °C). SEM analysis highlighted the surface morphology of the active SK-2 catalyst. Hydrocatalytic and catalytic cracking reactions were performed, and about 99.8% conversion was achieved with 20 mL/H H2 flow, whereas higher production of bioliquids was observed at a flow of 15 mL/h. The hydrocracking mechanism was also studied to understand the formation of lower hydrocarbons. GC analyses of simulated distilled gasoline, kerosene, and diesel showed diverse hydrocarbon compositions. For engine testing, non-hydrocracked fuel rose to 28 kW at 3000 rpm and declined to 21 kW at 3500 rpm. Emission analysis revealed decreasing trends in NOX emissions of hydrogen-rich blends, with values of 65 ppm, 54 ppm, and 48 ppm for petrol, NHBL, and HBL, respectively. Similarly, SO2 emissions reduced from petrol to NHBL and HBL at 910 ppm, 800 ppm, and 600 ppm, respectively, suggesting reduced environmental impact. CO emissions exhibited a substantial reduction in NHBL (0.90%) and HBL (0.54%) compared to petrol (2.70%), emphasizing the cleaner combustion characteristics. Our results provide a comprehensive exploration of waste chicken oil hydrocracking, emphasizing catalyst synthesis, fuel characterization, engine performance, and environmental impact, thereby contributing valuable insights to the field of sustainable bioenergy.

Nanomaterials - A promising solution for textile and fossil fuel generated pollutants.

This review approach is divided into two scopes to focus the pollution threats. We cover the applications of nanomaterials to curtail the pollution induced by fossil fuel combustion, and textile dye effluents. Toxic emissions released from automobile exhaust that comprise of NOX. SOX and PAHs compile to harsh breathing and respiratory troubles. The effluents generated from the mammoth textile and leather industry is potential threat to beget massive health issues to human life, and environmental problem. Part I projects the broad envisage on role of nano materials in production of alternative biofuels. In addition, green sources for synthesizing nanomaterials are given special importance. Nano catalyst's utilization in bio-derived fuels such as biogas, bio-oil, bioethanol, and biodiesel are catered to this article. Part II cover the current statistics of textile effluent pollution level in India and its steps in confronting the risks of pollution are discussed. A clear picture of the nano techniques in pre-treatment, and the recent nano related trends pursued in industries to eliminate the dyes and chemicals from the discharges is discussed. The substantial aspect of nano catalysis in achieving emission-free fuel and toxic-free effluents and the augmentation in this field is conferred. This review portrays the dependency on nano materials & technology for sustainable future.

Lanthanum and Indium intermetallics nanomaterial for thermal photovoltaic applications - A full potential study.

In this work Full Potential study performed on Lanthanum compounds to analyze its photovoltaic properties. Five different combinations of Lanthanum and Indium with phosphorus are chosen in this study are La3P, La2InP, LaIn2P, LaP and InP. The optical, structural, thermoelectric, thermal, and electronic properties of all the above-mentioned compounds are analyzed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) applied in the WIEN2k software. Based on the analysis of electronic properties is concluded that La3P, LaP, La2InP and LaIn2P are conductors whereas InP is semiconductor (direct band gap) with band gap (energy) value 0.39 eV. The optical properties analysis shows these materials have desirable properties in the near UV or in the UV region. The low value of Gibbs energy indicates high thermodynamic stability. Power factor values for La2InP, LaP, InP and La3P are found to be in agreement with existing thermoelectric material, rendering them as potential thermal photovoltaic materials.

4-Carboxyphenyl as efficient donor group in nano Zn-Porphyrin for dye sensitized solar cells.

Dye-sensitized solar cells, represent the alternate technology in solar research due to their cost effective, easy fabrication processes, higher efficiencies, and design flexibility. In this research, dual donor group modified zinc porphyrin dyes, have been synthesized for DSSCs. The complexes of zinc porphyrin functioned as acceptor or attaching groups within each mesophenyl ring and carboxylic acid. These complexes exhibited diverse alkyl substituents and sizable electron-donating substituents, contributing to their varied chemical structures and potential applications. The dual Donor-π bridge -Acceptor group sensitizers, Zn[5,15-diphenylcarbazole-10,20-(4-carboxyphenyl) Porphyrin] (KSR-1) and Zn [5,15-thiadiazole-10,20-(4-carboxyphenyl) Porphyrin] (KSR-2) have been synthesized and adopted for DSSCs implementation. The molar absorption coefficients (ε) of KSR-2 and KSR-1 Soret bands were 0.56 x 105 mol/L/cm and 0.47 x 105 mol/L/cm, respectively. The Q bands of the KSR-1 and KSR-2 dyes were 1.10 x 105 mol/L/cm and 1.0 x 105 mol/L/cm, respectively and the molar absorption coefficient of the KSR-1 dye was greater when compared to the KSR-2 dye. The molar absorption coefficient of 0.71 x 105 mol/L/cm was visible in the KSR -1 Q-band. DFT calculations and the electrochemical characteristics of the KSR-1 and KSR-2 dyes have been studied and discussed. The exploration involved in investigating the photophysical properties and photovoltaic performance which were affected by varying the length and number of the donor entities. The wall-plug efficiency of the KSR-1 based solar panel was Voc = 0.68 V, Jsc = 8.94 mA/m2, FF = 56 and Efficiency (µ) = 3.44%. The wall-plug efficiency of the KSR-2 based solar panel was Voc = 0.63 V, Jsc = 5.42 mA/m2, FF = 53 and Efficiency (µ) = 1.83%.

Machine learning and statistical physics modeling of tetracycline adsorption using activated carbon derived from Cynometra ramiflora fruit biomass.

The current investigation reports the usage of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and artificial neural network (ANN), the two recognized machine learning techniques in modelling tetracycline (TC) adsorption onto Cynometra ramiflora fruit biomass derived activated carbon (AC). Many characterization methods utilized, confirmed the porous structure of synthesized AC. ANN and ANFIS models utilized pH, dose, initial TC concentration, mixing speed, time duration, and temperature as input parameters, whereas TC removal percentage was designated as the output parameter. The optimized configuration for the ANN model was determined as 6-8-1, while the ANFIS model employed trimf input and linear output membership functions. The obtained results showed a strong correlation, indicated by high R2 values (ANNR2: 0.9939 & ANFISR2: 0.9906) and low RMSE values (ANNRMSE: 0.0393 & ANFISRMSE: 0.0503). Apart from traditional isotherms, the dataset was fitted to statistical physics models wherein, the double-layer with a single energy satisfactorily explained the physisorption mechanism of TC adsorption. The sorption energy was 21.06 kJ/mol, and the number of TC moieties bound per site (n) was found to be 0.42, conclusive of parallel binding of TC molecules to the adsorbent surface. The adsorption capacity at saturation (Qsat) was estimated to be 466.86 mg/g - appreciably more than previously reported values. These findings collectively demonstrate that the AC derived from C. ramiflora fruit holds great potential for efficient removal of TC from a given system, and machine learning approaches can effectively model the adsorption processes.

TiO2 nanoparticles: green synthesis, characterization, and investigation of antimicrobial properties, and developmental toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos.

The present study was designed to green synthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles (G-TiO2 NPs) using Salacia reticulata leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent to assess antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects as well as toxicity evaluation in zebrafish. Besides, zebrafish embryos were employed to study the effect of G-TiO2 NPs on embryonic development. Zebrafish embryos were treated with TiO2 as well as G-TiO2 NPs at four different concentrations, i.e., 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/ml for 24-96-hour post-fertilization (hpf). The SEM analysis of G-TiO2 NPs confirmed that the size was in the range of 32-46 nm and characterized by EDX, X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, UV-vis spectra. During 24-96-hour post-fertilization (hpf), the results showed that 25-100 µg/ml of TiO2 and G-TiO2 NP instigated developmental acute toxicity in these embryos, causing mortality, hatching delay, and malformation. TiO2 and G-TiO2 NPs exposure induced axis bent, tail bent, spinal cord curvature, yolk-sac, and pericardial edema. Exposure of larvae to the highest concentrations of 200 µg/ml TiO2 and G-TiO2 NPs caused maximum mortality at all time points and reached 70% and 50%, respectively, at 96 hpf. Besides, both TiO2 and G-TiO2 NP revealed antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. In addition, G-TiO2 NPs exhibited antibacterial effects. Taken together, this study provided a valuable insight into the synthesis of TiO2 NPs using green methods and the synthesized G-TiO2 NPs possess moderate toxicity and potent antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities.

Insights into the Biological Activities and Substituent Effects of Pyrrole Derivatives: The Chemistry-Biology Connection.

Pyrrole, with its versatile heterocyclic ring structure, serves as a valuable template for generating a diverse range of lead compounds with various pharmacophores. Researchers and scientists globally are intrigued by pyrrole and its analogues for their broad pharmacological potential, prompting thorough investigations aimed at advancing human welfare. This comprehensive review delves into the diverse activities exhibited by pyrrole compounds, encompassing their synthesis, reactions, and pharmacological properties alongside their derivatives. In addition to detailing the characteristics of pyrrole and its derivatives within the context of green chemistry, the review also examines microwave-assisted reactions. It provides insights into their chemical structures, natural occurrences, and potential applications across various domains. Furthermore, the article investigates structural alterations of pyrrole compounds and their implications on their functionality, highlighting their versatility as foundational elements for both functional materials and bioactive compounds. Ultimately, the review underscores the imperative for continued research and development in the realm of pyrrole compounds to unearth novel activities and advantages.

Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion using triangular titanium implants versus nonsurgical management for sacroiliac joint dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive sacroiliac joint (MISIJ) fusion is a surgical option to relieve SIJ pain. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare MISIJ fusion with triangular titanium implants (TTI) to nonoperative management of SIJ dysfunction. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We included prospective clinical trials that compared MISIJ fusion to nonoperative management in individuals with chronic low back pain attributed to SIJ dysfunction. We evaluated pain on visual analogue scale, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores, patient satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 8 articles representing 3 trials that enrolled 423 participants were deemed eligible. There was a significant reduction in pain score with MISIJ fusion compared with nonoperative management (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] -2.03 to -1.39). Similarly, ODI scores (SMD -1.03, 95% CI -1.24 to -0.81), SF-36 PCS scores (SMD 1.01, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.19), SF-36 MCS scores (SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.9), and patient satisfaction (odds ratio 6.87, 95% CI 3.73 to 12.64) were significantly improved with MISIJ fusion. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups with respect to adverse events (SMD -0.03, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.23). CONCLUSION: Our analysis showed that MISIJ fusion with TTI shows a clinically important and statistically significant improvement in pain, disability score, HRQoL, and patient satisfaction with a similar adverse event profile to nonoperative management in patients with chronic low back pain attributed to SIJ dysfunction.

Development of In-Needle SPME Devices for Microextraction Applied to the Quantification of Pesticides in Agricultural Water.

The chemical industry explosion in the 20th century has led to increased environmental pollution, affecting fauna, flora, and waterways. These substances alter water's taste, color, and smell, making it unfit for consumption or toxic. Agricultural water networks face threats from pollution before and after treatment. Some chemical contaminants, like pesticides, are embedded in natural biogeochemical cycles. In this study, we developed a simple and low-cost procedure for the fabrication of needles coated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as an efficient sorbent for the microextraction of organic pollutant traces from water. The prepared needles were used as an alternative for commercial solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) devices in analytical chemistry. The PDMS polymeric phase was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PDMS-coated needles were used for extraction of thirteen pesticides by direct-immersion solid-phase microextraction (DI-SPME) from contaminated waters, followed by determination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The developed analytical method showed limits of detection (LODs) between 0.3 and 2.5 ng mL-1 and RSDs in the range of 0.8-12.2%. The homemade needles were applied for the extraction of pesticides in surface and ground aqueous samples collected from an agricultural area. Several target pesticides were identified and quantified in the investigated water samples.

Microplastics and associated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and sediment of the Bay of Bengal coastal area, India: sources, pathway and ecological risk.

In the aquatic environment around the world, microplastic contamination has been a common and ongoing issue. Particularly, the ability of microplastics to absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and then transmit these POPs to aquatic creatures has attracted a lot of interest. A stereomicroscope was used to detect the size, shape, and color of the microplastics (MPs), and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the polymer composition of the MPs. To address MP transit, destiny, and mitigation, a study of MP pollution coastal areas is required. In the current study, MP pollution in the collected sample from upper layer of water and sediment of the Digha and Puri beaches along the coast of BOB was evaluated. The average concentration with SD of MPs observed in water was 5.3 ± 1.8 items/L whereas, in sediments, it was 173.4 ± 40.1 items/kg at Digha beach. The mean MPs abundance in the Puri beach was 6.4 ± 1.7 items/L in the water and 190.4 ± 28.0 items/kg in the sediments. The investigated total 16-PAHs concentrations were 164.7 ng/g, 121.9 ng/g, 73.6 ng/g, and 101.3 ng/g on the MPs surface of foam, fragment, fibers, and film respectively in the studied MPs sample. Smaller than 1000 µm size of MPs are distributed in the largest concentration. Fibers, films, fragments, and foam were the most common shapes of MPs. The molecular structure of MPs in water and sediment samples was analysed i.e., polyesters (PEs), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), polycarbonates (PC), and polyurethane (PU). The obtained result offers an accurate assessment of the PLI, and the investigated polymer facilitates determining the polymer hazard levels, which emphasizes the risk associated with it.

A novel biallelic variant in the Popeye domain-containing protein 1 (POPDC1) underlies limb girdle muscle dystrophy type 25.

POPDC1 also known as BVES, is a highly conserved transmembrane protein, important for striated muscle function and homeostasis. Pathogenic variants in the POPDC1 gene are associated with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 25 (LGMDR25). In the present study, we performed trio-whole exome sequencing (WES) followed by Sanger sequencing on a single family having LGMD clinical features. Protein modeling of all POPDC1 missense variants (POPDC1Pro134Leu , POPDC1Ile193Ser , and POPDC1Ser201Phe ) associated with LGMDR25 were performed using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation. We identified a homozygous missense variant (c.401C>T; p.Pro134Leu) in the POPDC1 gene. Altered 3D structure, disruptive fluctuation, less compactness, and instability were observed in all the three variants of POPDC1 protein models. In comparison, POPDC1Ser201Phe protein dynamics were more unstable than other variants. Functional study of newly identified variant would add key answers to underlying mechanisms of the disease.

Outcomes of Left Main Revascularization in Patients with Anemia: Gulf Left Main Registry.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of baseline anemia and anemia following revascularization on outcomes in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study conducted between January 2015 and December 2019. The data on patients with ULMCA who underwent revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) were stratified by the hemoglobin level at baseline into anemic and non-anemic groups to compare in-hospital events. The pre-discharge hemoglobin following revascularization was categorized into very low (<80 g/L for men and women), low (≥80 and ≤119 g/L for women and ≤129 g/L for men), and normal (≥130 g/L for men and ≥120 g/L for women) to assess impact on follow-up outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2,138 patients were included, 796 (37.2%) of whom had anemia at baseline. A total of 319 developed anemia after revascularization and moved from being non-anemic at baseline to anemic at discharge. There was no difference in hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) and mortality between CABG and PCI in anemic patients. At a median follow-up time of 20 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 27), patients with pre-discharge anemia who underwent PCI had a higher incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) (p < 0.0001), and those who underwent CABG had significantly higher follow-up mortality (HR: 9.85 (95% CI: 2.53-38.43), p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this Gulf LM study, baseline anemia had no impact upon in-hospital MACCE and total mortality following revascularization (PCI or CABG). However, pre-discharge anemia is associated with worse outcomes after ULMCA disease revascularization, with significantly higher all-cause mortality in patients who had CABG, and a higher incidence of CHF in PCI patients, at a median follow-up time of 20 months (IQR: 27).

Left Main Coronary Artery Revascularization in Patients with Impaired Renal Function: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

INTRODUCTION: The evidence about the optimal revascularization strategy in patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease and impaired renal function is limited. Thus, we aimed to compare the outcomes of LMCA disease revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI] vs. coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]) in patients with and without impaired renal function. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 2,138 patients recruited from 14 centers between 2015 and 2,019. We compared patients with impaired renal function who had PCI (n= 316) to those who had CABG (n = 121) and compared patients with normal renal function who had PCI (n = 906) to those who had CABG (n = 795). The study outcomes were in-hospital and follow-up major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of in-hospital MACCE was significantly higher in CABG compared to PCI in patients with impaired renal function (odds ratio [OR]: 8.13 [95% CI: 4.19-15.76], p < 0.001) and normal renal function (OR: 2.59 [95% CI: 1.79-3.73]; p < 0.001). There were no differences in follow-up MACCE between CABG and PCI in patients with impaired renal function (HR: 1.14 [95% CI: 0.71-1.81], p = 0.585) and normal renal function (HR: 1.12 [0.90-1.39], p = 0.312). CONCLUSIONS: PCI could have an advantage over CABG in revascularization of LMCA disease in patients with impaired renal function regarding in-hospital MACCE. The follow-up MACCE was comparable between PCI and CABG in patients with impaired and normal renal function.

Computational analysis and in vitro evaluation of TMF 104, for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer efficacies.

Benzylidene chromanones are small molecules, structurally similar to active phytochemicals. Herein, we report one novel benzylidene chromanone, TMF 104, for its bio-efficacies. Its computational docking for Vanin-1, antioxidant, free radical scavenging capacities, antimicrobial effects, and anticancer efficacy were analyzed. TMF 104 predicated strong binging to Vanin-1 protein with a docking energy of -8.1 kcal/mol. The compound dose-dependently exhibited free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activities when tested in vitro. The compound also had remarkable activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 1.5, 2.0, 12.5, and 13.5 µg/ml, respectively. The compound was also effective against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa albeit at higher concentrations. TMF 104 dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7, NCI H460, and Caki-1 cells with respective GI50 values of 24.51, 21.95, and 32.95 µg/ml, whereas the compound was toxic to normal Vero cells at much higher concentration of 264.70 µg/ml. The compound also aided in apoptosis and increased the sub G0 /G1 phase of the cell cycle in all three cancer cells tested. Our study identified a novel, potent benzylidene analogue with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities, which drives further attention for further research.

Who have a better-kidney-related quality of life: peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis patients? A cross sectional study from Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) substantially impacts different aspects of patients' lives, including mental and physical health, and overall quality of life. The aim of our study is to assess the quality of life (QoL) and the associated predictors in ESKD Saudi Arabian patients receiving either hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). Saudi Ministry of health (MOH) is advancing dialysis care in the country with more focus on patients' satisfaction and QoL. However, the data regarding QoL in Saudi Arabian dialysis patients is limited. METHODS: A cross sectional study was carried out using Kidney Disease Quality of Life scale (KDQOL-36) to assess the QoL. We disturbed a validated formal arabic version of the questionnaire. Patients older than 18-year-old and attending dialysis clinics in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, were invited to participate in the study. RESULTS: A total of 152 responses were analyzed, which were separated into two primary groups: the HD group (98 patients) and the PD group (54 patients). Our results showed no significant differences between the two groups except for the KDQOL-SF-36 physical composite score at which the PD group had a higher mean than the HD group 44.75 vs 37.84, respectively (p < 0.001). However, more PD patients reported feeling depressed compared to HD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Kidney Disease Quality of Life scale scores were comparable between HD and PD groups except for the physical composite score. On the other hand, PD patients tend to suffer from depression more than HD patients. Interventions to attenuate the physical deconditioning and depressive symptoms in HD and PD patients, respectively, are crucial. Future prospective studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Normative values for hand grip and pinch strength for 6 to 18 year-olds in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Normative values for hand grip and pinch strength among children in Saudi Arabia has not been well established. Therefore, the main aim of this study is to establish normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in children aged 6 to 18 years in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from different 5 regions in Saudi Arabia. Participants between the age of 6 years and 18 years old were recruited through different primary and secondary schools in Saudi Arabia. Data for age, gender, Body Mass Index, and preferred hand were collected. Hand grip strength was measured using digital hand dynamometer and the tip pinch, palmar pinch, and key pinch strength were measured using the hydraulic pinch gauge. RESULTS: A total of 616 participants included in this study (318 boys and 298 girls). Participants were stratified into 5 chronological age groups of 6-7 years, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17, and 18 years. The results showed an overall trend of increasing hand grip strength and pinch strength with age regardless of hand preference. Boys had significantly higher grip strength than girls in all age groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study established normative values for hand grip and pinch strength in the healthy Saudi pediatric and adolescent population, using boys and girls aged 6 to 18. The outcomes of this study also demonstrated that gender, age, and hand preference can all have an impact on how strong a handgrip develops.

Prevalence of lower back pain and its associations with lifestyle behaviors among college students in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Lower back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that may affect students' daily lives. Recent psychological research showed a relevant connection between LBP and multidimensional health. However, the association between LBP and lifestyle behavior has not been established, and improving knowledge in this area may help develop preventive strategies and optimize college students' quality of life. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 1420 college students in Saudi Arabia was conducted, and participants who attended Saudi Universities were recruited from May 2021 to November 2021. An established validated online survey assessed LBP, sleep quality, time spent sedentary (sedentary duration), health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, spiritual growth, interpersonal relationships, and stress management. Generalized Linear Regression was used to assess the associations between LBP severity and lifestyle behaviors after controlling for covariates. RESULTS: LBP was prevalent among college students from Saudi Arabia. Most of the sample were young (23.81 ± 6.02), and female (83.7%). There were significant differences between students with and without LBP regarding age, BMI, sex, marital status, pain severity, overall lifestyle behavior, health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition, stress management, and global sleep quality. After controlling for age, BMI, sex, and marital status, there were significant associations between pain severity and global sleep quality (ß=0.2, p < .001, CI: 16 to 0.24), and sedentary duration (ß=0.03, p = .01, CI:0.009 to 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: This study helped define the prevalence of LBP in college students in Saudi Arabia and evaluated the association between LBP and lifestyle behaviors. The findings showed that students with higher levels of poor sleep quality or sedentary behavior had higher levels of pain. Promoting sleep quality and reducing sedentary behavior may help establish preventive strategies for LBP in college students.

The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms among first-year and fifth-year medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Medical students have higher risk of psychological disorders due to the relatively stressful environment. Educators are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of stresses on the students general well-being. The objective of the current study was to examine the prevalence of and risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms among first-year and fifth-year medical students. Additionally, we aimed to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic has affected students' mental well-being. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed at the College of Medicine at King Saud University between September 2020 and January 2021. The target population was first-year and fifth-year medical students. Depressive symptoms were screened using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), while anxiety symptoms were screened using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder assessment (GAD-7). Students were also directly asked about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental well-being. Outcomes were compared between groups using the chi-squared test and Student's t test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 182 medical students were included. Depressive symptoms (52.9% versus 35.8%, p = 0.020) and anxiety symptoms (35.6% versus 26.3%, p = 0.176) were higher in the first-year students than in the fifth-year students. Approximately 19.2% of the students were worried about acquiring COVID-19, 49.4% were worried about academic performance, and 30.8% were feeling sad, depressed or anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent risk factors for depressive symptoms included having concomitant anxiety, being worried about acquiring COVID-19, being worried about academic performance, and feeling sad, depressed or anxious. Independent risk factors for anxiety included having a lower grade point average and having concomitant depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Medical students have an alarmingly high prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, which might have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need for a special mental health program targeting new and current medical students.