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Purpose: To assess public awareness and knowledge about presbyopia and their compliance to ocular examination in Jordan. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed to interview people in different provinces of Jordan. Socio-demographic data such as age, gender and level of education and region was reported. The first part of the questionnaire assessed awareness of presbyopia in terms of the need for spectacles with age, age of onset, possible causes of presbyopia and methods of presbyopia management. The second part of the questionnaire evaluated compliance of the participants with ocular examination in terms of frequency and motive to do general eye check, intraocular pressure (IOP), fundus exam and visual acuity. Results: A total of 802 participants (232 males, 570 females) with an average age of 28 (±11.6) completed the questionnaire. Most participants (84.2%) knew that glasses are needed for near vision as age increases, and 62.8% estimated the age at which spectacles are required (40 years or older). Over half understood that presbyopia is correctable and progressive. Age significantly influenced knowledge about the need for near vision spectacles, and whether presbyopia is preventable and progressive (both p < 0.05). Females were more knowledgeable about these aspects. The frequency of eye examinations, particularly fundus exams and IOP tests, was significantly influenced by age but not by education. Gender only significantly affected the frequency of vision checks (p = 0.01), with females being more likely to adhere to them. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a good level of awareness and knowledge about presbyopia among Jordanians, especially those over 40 and females. Regular eye check-ups were more common among young participants and females. Addressing misconceptions about presbyopia's preventability and promoting regular eye exams are crucial for early diagnosis and management of presbyopia and other serious eye conditions.
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The xenobiotic transporter ABCC4/MRP4 is highly expressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and correlates with a more aggressive phenotype and metastatic propensity. Here, we show that ABCC4 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PDAC, a hallmark process involving the acquisition of mesenchymal traits by epithelial cells, enhanced cell motility, and chemoresistance. Modulation of ABCC4 levels in PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cell lines resulted in the dysregulation of genes present in the EMT signature. Bioinformatic analysis on several cohorts including tumor samples, primary patient-derived cultured cells, patient-derived xenografts, and cell lines, revealed a positive correlation between ABCC4 expression and EMT markers. We also characterized the ABCC4 cistrome and identified four candidate clusters in the distal promoter and intron one that showed differential binding of pro-epithelial FOXA1 and pro-mesenchymal GATA2 transcription factors in low ABCC4-expressing HPAF-II and high ABCC4-expressing PANC-1 xenografts. HPAF-II xenografts showed exclusive binding of FOXA1, and PANC-1 xenografts exclusive binding of GATA2, at ABCC4 clusters, consistent with their low and high EMT phenotype respectively. Our results underscore ABCC4/MRP4 as a valuable prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target to treat PDAC subtypes with prominent EMT features, such as the basal-like/squamous subtype, characterized by worse prognosis and no effective therapies.
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BACKGROUND: Long-term pulmonary complications have been reported after a coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). We hypothesized that a history of COVID-19 is associated with a measurable decrease in baseline respiratory system compliance in patients undergoing general anesthesia. METHODS: In this hospital registry study, we included adult patients undergoing general anesthesia between January 2020 and March 2022 at a tertiary health care network in Massachusetts. We excluded patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status >IV, laryngoscopic surgeries, and patients who arrived intubated. The primary exposure was a history of COVID-19. The primary outcome was baseline respiratory system compliance (mL/cmH2O). Effects of severity of infection, surges (Alpha1, Alpha2, Delta, and Omicron), patient demographics, and time between infection and assessment of compliance were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 19,921 patients were included. Approximately 1386 (7.0%) patients had a history of COVID-19. A history of COVID-19 at any time before surgery was associated with a measurably lower baseline respiratory system compliance (ratio of meansadj = 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94-0.97; P < .001; adjusted compliance difference: -1.6 mL/cmH2O). The association was more pronounced in patients with a severe form of COVID-19 (ratio of meansadj = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90-0.99; P = .02, adjusted compliance difference: -2 mL/cmH2O). Alpha1, Alpha2, and Delta surges, but not Omicron, led to a lower baseline respiratory system compliance (P < .001, P = .02, and P < .001). The Delta surge effect was magnified in Hispanic ethnicity (P-for-interaction = 0.003; ratio of meansadj = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.93; P = .001; adjusted compliance difference: -4.6 mL/cmH2O). CONCLUSIONS: A history of COVID-19 infection during Alpha1, Alpha2, and Delta surges was associated with a measurably lower baseline respiratory system compliance.
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Background: Amyloidosis is a major long-term complication of chronic disease; however, whether it represents one of the complications of post-myocardial infarction (MI) is yet to be fully understood. Methods: Using wild-type and knocked-out MI mouse models and characterizing in vitro the exosomal communication between bone marrow-derived macrophages and activated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) isolated after MI, we investigated the mechanism behind Serum Amyloid A 3 (SAA3) protein overproduction in injured hearts. Results: Here, we show that amyloidosis occurs after MI and that amyloid fibers are composed of macrophage-derived SAA3 monomers. SAA3 overproduction in macrophages is triggered by exosomal communication from a subset of activated MSC, which, in response to MI, acquire the expression of a platelet aggregation-inducing type I transmembrane glycoprotein named Podoplanin (PDPN). Cardiac MSC PDPN+ communicate with and activate macrophages through their extracellular vesicles or exosomes. Specifically, MSC PDPN+ derived exosomes (MSC PDPN+ Exosomes) are enriched in SAA3 and exosomal SAA3 protein engages with Toll-like receptor 2 (TRL2) on macrophages, triggering an overproduction and impaired clearance of SAA3 proteins, resulting in aggregation of SAA3 monomers as rigid amyloid deposits in the extracellular space. The onset of amyloid fibers deposition alongside extra-cellular-matrix (ECM) proteins in the ischemic heart exacerbates the rigidity and stiffness of the scar, hindering the contractility of viable myocardium and overall impairing organ function. Using SAA3 and TLR2 deficient mouse models, we show that SAA3 delivered by MSC PDPN+ exosomes promotes post-MI amyloidosis. Inhibition of SAA3 aggregation via administration of a retro-inverso D-peptide, specifically designed to bind SAA3 monomers, prevents the deposition of SAA3 amyloid fibrils, positively modulates the scar formation, and improves heart function post-MI. Conclusion: Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insights into post-MI amyloidosis and suggest that SAA3 may be an attractive target for effective scar reversal after ischemic injury and a potential target in multiple diseases characterized by a similar pattern of inflammation and amyloid deposition. NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE: What is known? Accumulation of rigid amyloid structures in the left ventricular wall impairs ventricle contractility.After myocardial infarction cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) acquire Podoplanin (PDPN) to better interact with immune cells.Amyloid structures can accumulate in the heart after chronic inflammatory conditions. What information does this article contribute? Whether accumulation of cumbersome amyloid structures in the ischemic scar impairs left ventricle contractility, and scar reversal after myocardial infarction (MI) has never been investigated.The pathophysiological relevance of PDPN acquirement by MSC and the functional role of their secreted exosomes in the context of post-MI cardiac remodeling has not been investigated.Amyloid structures are present in the scar after ischemia and are composed of macrophage-derived Serum Amyloid A (SAA) 3 monomers, although mechanisms of SAA3 overproduction is not established. SUMMARY OF NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE: Here, we report that amyloidosis, a secondary phenomenon of an already preexisting and prolonged chronic inflammatory condition, occurs after MI and that amyloid structures are composed of macrophage-derived SAA3 monomers. Frequently studied cardiac amyloidosis are caused by aggregation of immunoglobulin light chains, transthyretin, fibrinogen, and apolipoprotein in a healthy heart as a consequence of systemic chronic inflammation leading to congestive heart failure with various types of arrhythmias and tissue stiffness. Although chronic MI is considered a systemic inflammatory condition, studies regarding the possible accumulation of amyloidogenic proteins after MI and the mechanisms involved in that process are yet to be reported. Here, we show that SAA3 overproduction in macrophages is triggered in a Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2)-p38MAP Kinase-dependent manner by exosomal communication from a subset of activated MSC, which, in response to MI, express a platelet aggregation-inducing type I transmembrane glycoprotein named Podoplanin. We provide the full mechanism of this phenomenon in murine models and confirm SAA3 amyloidosis in failing human heart samples. Moreover, we developed a retro-inverso D-peptide therapeutic approach, "DRI-R5S," specifically designed to bind SAA3 monomers and prevent post-MI aggregation and deposition of SAA3 amyloid fibrils without interfering with the innate immune response.
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The selection of high-tech AAC for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder can be a challenging process due to the vast array of options available. One of the decisions that clinicians need to make involves how vocabulary will be organized on the display. This study aimed to compare a visual scene display (VSD) with a grid display using a multiple-probe design across participants with an embedded adapted alternating treatment design. Four young children with autism spectrum disorder who were beginning communicators were recruited and taught to request preferred items using two display formats: VSD and grid layout on a mainstream tablet with an AAC app. Two of the participants achieved criterion with both displays, the other two participants failed to achieve criterion in either display. For all participants, progress was similar in both displays. The results are discussed through the lens of each participant's characteristics with suggestions for clinical decision-making.
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BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine (MA) is well recognized as a psychostimulant that can cause neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration, which is associated with cognitive decline, has been confirmed experimentally. OBJECTIVE: The research aimed to investigate the neuroprotective properties of europinidin (Eu) in rodents affected by methamphetamine (MA)-induced cognitive impairments and hippocampal alterations. This was achieved by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory markers. METHODS: Rats were exposed to cognitive impairment produced by MA. The Morris water maze (MWM) is utilized for evaluating behavioral parameters. Tests were conducted on malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), interleukins-1ß (IL-1ß), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the expression of neurotransmitters (Norepinephrine [NE], dopamine [DA], glutamate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]) as well as cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), IL-6, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and caspase 3 proteins. An investigation was carried out using docking methodology to ascertain whether Eu interacts with relevant molecular targets. RESULTS: Significant decline in the transfer latency and there were significant changes in the amount of SOD, GSH, CAT, and MDA and alterations in levels of IL-6, IL-1ß, CREB, TNF-α, BDNF, and Caspase 3 proteins expression, as well as considerably alterations in level of neurotransmitters (NE, DA, Glutamate, and GABA) were observed in the Eu-treated rats compared to the MA-induced rats. Eu had a favorable affinity towards BDNF with docking scores of -9.486 kcal/mol. CONCLUSION: The experiment found that administering Eu to rats improved cognitive abilities by changing antioxidant enzymes, reducing cytokines, and modifying neurotransmitter levels, compared to rats in the control group treated with MA.
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Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and anemia are both public health nutrition concerns. An association between VDD and anemia has been suggested in various healthy and diseased populations. The current study aimed to elucidate the effect of VDD on iron status in children with type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The study recruited two groups of children with T1DM: control group comprised of 38 T1DM children with sufficient vitamin D (> 30 ng/ml) and a case group, consisted of 52 T1DM children with VDD (< 20 ng/ml). Both groups had comparable gender, age, BMI, and disease duration. The laboratory measurements included analysis of blood indices, markers of iron metabolism, hepcidin and inflammatory markers included interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). Compared to control group, T1DM children with VDD differs specifically in terms of some markers of blood indices, such as decreased hemoglobin and increased red blood cell distribution width. Moreover, decreased serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity and transferrin along with elevated inflammatory markers were observed in case group. Results of the study indicated that VDD had increased the risk of iron deficiency anemia in children with T1DM as well as inflammatory related anemia. Furthermore, in T1DM children, VDD had raised the incidence of both absolute and functional iron deficiency, with greater incidence of the former. This study may indicate that VDD may be a risk factor that may worsen iron deficiency anemia in T1DM.
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Anemia Ferropriva , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1 , Ferro , Deficiência de Vitamina D , Humanos , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/complicações , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/sangue , Deficiência de Vitamina D/sangue , Deficiência de Vitamina D/complicações , Feminino , Masculino , Criança , Ferro/sangue , Anemia Ferropriva/sangue , Anemia Ferropriva/complicações , Biomarcadores/sangue , Proteína C-Reativa/metabolismo , Proteína C-Reativa/análise , Vitamina D/sangue , Vitamina D/análogos & derivados , Pré-Escolar , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Adolescente , Interleucina-6/sangue , Hepcidinas/sangueRESUMO
Background: Renal impairments commonly occur as a complication of autoimmune connective tissue diseases (CTDs). Therefore, early nephritis prediction is vital for patient outcomes. Growth Arrest-Specific Protein 6 (GAS6) was found to be upregulated in many types of inflammatory renal disease, including diabetic nephropathy.Aim: To evaluate GAS6 as a predictor of renal impairment in adults with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and children with systemic lupus Erythematosus (SLE).Methods: The study included 60 patients with SSc and 40 children with SLE. The serum level of GAS6 was measured using the ELISA technique. In adults with SSc, total proteins in 24-h urine concentration of >300 mg/24 h indicated renal inflammation, while in children with SLE, nephritis was diagnosed by abnormal renal pathology.Results: In SSc patients, GAS6 significantly increased in patients with proteinuria. GAS6 is an independent predictor of nephritis with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.06 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.0-1.1. at cutoff 12.2 ng/mL GAS6 predicted proteinuria with sensitivity 86.7% (95% CI: 59.5% to 98.3%), specificity 57.8% (95% CI: 42.1% to 72.3%), positive predictive value 40.6% (95% CI: 31.5% to 50.4%), negative predictive value 92.9% (95% CI: 77.7% to 97.73%), and accuracy 65.0% (95% CI: 51.6% to 76.9%). In SLE patients, Serum GAS6 did not differ significantly between children with and without lupus nephritis.Conclusion: GAS6 is an independent predictor of nephritis in patients with SSc. However, there is no association between GAS6 and nephritis in juvenile patients with SLE.
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Biomarcadores , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico , Nefrite Lúpica , Escleroderma Sistêmico , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Biomarcadores/sangue , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Peptídeos e Proteínas de Sinalização Intercelular/sangue , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/complicações , Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/sangue , Nefrite Lúpica/sangue , Nefrite Lúpica/urina , Nefrite Lúpica/diagnóstico , Nefrite/etiologia , Nefrite/sangue , Nefrite/urina , Nefrite/diagnóstico , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Proteinúria/etiologia , Escleroderma Sistêmico/complicações , Escleroderma Sistêmico/sangue , IdosoRESUMO
Health profession educators readily identify with the goal of fostering healthcare providers who are critical thinkers focused on quality patient care. In the following paper, we aim to delve into critical thinking at the team level and help educators begin the process of creating a shared mental model focusing on cognition to identify gaps and opportunities for growth in their trainees. We will distinguish between microcognition (an individual's own critical thinking process in a controlled environment), macrocognition (critical thinking process in a real-world environment), and team cognition (the interaction and relationship among team members to augment macrocognition). A common case example will be used to guide the discussion as well as provide a model framework to be used for clinician educators in the future.
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Objectives: Given the adverse effect of liver injury on a multitude of body functions, it is vital to understand its underlying mechanism and how to overcome it. In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce liver injury, while sulforaphane (SFN), a natural phytochemical, was used as the antagonist to overcome the deleterious effect. Methods: Twenty-four mice were divided into three groups: Control group (0.9% saline), LPS induction group (0.75 mg/kg), and SFN treatment (25 mg/kg) followed by LPS induction group (0.75 mg/kg), all with access to food and water ad libitum. Blood samples from retro-orbital sinus were used to measure liver function through two aminotransferases (i.e., alanine transaminase [ALT] and aspartate transaminase [AST]) whereas liver homogenate was used to measure glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (antioxidant activity markers); caspase-3 (apoptosis marker); malondialdehyde (MDA) (lipid peroxidation marker); and NO. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a cellular energy homeostasis and lipid metabolism sensor, was also measured. Statistical analysis including normalization, analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and significance of P < 0.05 were applied to all collected data. Results: SFN treatment significantly attenuated all tests compared to the induced liver injury by LPS where significant reduction was observed in the levels of hepatic function markers (AST and ALT), lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) as well as apoptosis marker (caspase-3) whereas a marked increase was observed for antioxidant activity markers (SOD, CAT, and GSH) and AMPK. Conclusion: These results indicate the protective effect of SFN as it re-instated the levels of antioxidation while decreasing the level of the biomarkers, which were significantly increased during liver injury induction by LPS.
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Background: Smoking is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and its prevalence has increased globally, particularly among university students. Objective: The study aimed to assess the smoking prevalence and its associated factors among students at University of Dongola, Northern State, Sudan. Methods: A multi-centred cross-sectional study was conducted among students of University of Dongola. Data was collected via an online Google form questionnaire. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using SPSS, version 26. Statistical significance was considered at p less than or equal to 0.05. Results: A total of 642 students participated in the study, of which 51.9% were females. Most of the students (73.6%) were aged 20-25 years and came from health & medical faculties (60.7%). The overall prevalence of smoking was 11.7%. The determined risk factors for smoking included male gender (P≤0.001), older age (P≤0.001), non-health and non-medical faculties (P≤0.001), uneducated fathers (P=0.032), and low socio-economic status (P=0.001). The most common reason for smoking was stress (36%), with cigarettes being the most commonly used type (88%). Personal savings were the main source of smoking expenses (73.3%). Most smokers (88%) were aware of the harmful effects of smoking. Conclusion: The overall smoking prevalence was relatively low among students at University of Dongola. Male gender, older age, non-health and non-medical faculties, uneducated fathers, and low socio-economic status were significant risk factors for smoking. The majority of smokers were aware of the harmful effects of smoking.
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BACKGROUND: The liking for sweet taste is a powerful driver for consuming added sugars, and therefore, understanding how sweet liking is formed is a critical step in devising strategies to lower added sugars consumption. However, current research on the influence of genetic and environmental factors on sweet liking is mostly based on research conducted with individuals of European ancestry. Whether these results can be generalized to people of other ancestry groups warrants investigation. METHODS: We will determine the differences in allele frequencies in sweet-related genetic variants and their effects on sweet liking in 426 adults of either African or East Asian ancestry, who have the highest and lowest average added sugars intake, respectively, among ancestry groups in the U.S. We will collect information on participants' sweet-liking phenotype, added sugars intake (sweetness exposure), anthropometric measures, place-of-birth, and for immigrants, duration of time living in the U.S. and age when immigrated. Ancestry-specific polygenic scores of sweet liking will be computed based on the effect sizes of the sweet-related genetic variants on the sweet-liking phenotype for each ancestry group. The predictive validity of the polygenic scores will be tested using individuals of African and East Asian ancestry from the UK Biobank. We will also compare sweet liking between U.S.-born individuals and immigrants within each ancestry group to test whether differences in environmental sweetness exposure during childhood affect sweet liking in adulthood. DISCUSSION: Expanding genetic research on taste to individuals from ancestry groups traditionally underrepresented in such research is consistent with equity goals in sensory and nutrition science. Findings from this study will help in the development of a more personalized nutrition approach for diverse populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This protocol has been preregistered with the Center for Open Science (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WPR9E).
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Asiático , Negro ou Afro-Americano , Preferências Alimentares , Paladar , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto Jovem , Frequência do Gene , Polimorfismo de Nucleotídeo Único , Paladar/genética , Paladar/fisiologia , Estados Unidos , Asiático/genética , Negro ou Afro-Americano/genética , Projetos de PesquisaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pulpotomy procedures aiming to preserve and regenerate the dentin-pulp complex have recently increased exponentially due to developments in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering in primary and permanent teeth. Although the number of studies in this domain has increased, there is still scarcity of evidence in the current literature. OBJECTIVES: (1) Report the methods of outcome assessment of pulpotomy clinical trials in both primary and permanent teeth; (2) Identify the various bioactive agents and biodegradable scaffolds used in pulpotomy clinical trials in both primary and permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review of the literature was performed, including a search of primary studies on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest and Clinicaltrials.gov. A search for controlled trials or randomized controlled trials published between 2012 and 2023 involving primary or permanent teeth receiving partial or full pulpotomy procedures using bioactive/regenerative capping materials was performed. RESULTS: 127 studies out of 1038 articles fulfilled all the inclusion criteria and were included in the current scoping review. More than 90% of the studies assessed clinical and radiographic outcomes. Histological, microbiological, or inflammatory outcomes were measured in only 9.4% of all included studies. Majority of the studies (67.7%) involved primary teeth. 119 studies used non-degradable bioactive cements, while biodegradable scaffolds were used by 32 studies, natural derivates and plant extracts studies were used in only 7 studies. Between 2012 (4 studies) and 2023 (11 studies), there was a general increase in the number of articles published. India, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran were found to have the highest total number of articles published (28, 28,16 and 10 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Pulpotomy studies in both primary and permanent teeth relied mainly on subjective clinical and radiographic outcome assessment methods and seldom analyzed pulpal inflammatory status objectively. The use of biodegradable scaffolds for pulpotomy treatments has been increasing with an apparent global distribution of most of these studies in low- to middle-income countries. However, the development of a set of predictable outcome measures as well as long-term evidence from well conducted clinical trials for novel pulpotomy dressing materials are still required.
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Materiais Biocompatíveis , Pulpotomia , Dente Decíduo , Humanos , Pulpotomia/métodos , Materiais Biocompatíveis/uso terapêutico , Dentição Permanente , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Agentes de Capeamento da Polpa Dentária e Pulpectomia/uso terapêutico , Alicerces TeciduaisRESUMO
Historically, a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and related deaths in women as compared with men of the same age has been attributed to female sex hormones, particularly estrogen and its receptors. Autologous bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) clinical trials for cardiac cell therapy overwhelmingly included male patients. However, meta-analysis data from these trials suggest a better functional outcome in postmenopausal women as compared with aged-matched men. Mechanisms governing sex-specific cardiac reparative activity in BMSCs, with and without the influence of sex hormones, remain unexplored. To discover these mechanisms, Male (M), female (F), and ovariectomized female (OVX) mice-derived EPCs were subjected to a series of molecular and epigenetic analyses followed by in vivo functional assessments of cardiac repair. F-EPCs and OVX EPCs show a lower inflammatory profile and promote enhanced cardiac reparative activity after intra-cardiac injections in a male mouse model of myocardial infarction (MI). Epigenetic sequencing revealed a marked difference in the occupancy of the gene repressive H3K9me3 mark, particularly at transcription start sites of key angiogenic and proinflammatory genes in M-EPCs compared with F-EPCs and OVX-EPCs. Our study unveiled that functional sex differences in EPCs are, in part, mediated by differential epigenetic regulation of the proinflammatory and anti-angiogenic gene CCL3, orchestrated by the control of H3K9me3 by histone methyltransferase, G9a/Ehmt2. Our research highlights the importance of considering the sex of donor cells for progenitor-based tissue repair.
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INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic, with its consequential lifestyle changes, is anticipated to contribute to increased anxiety levels, particularly among university students who already contend with significant academic stress. We aim to assess the prevalence of anxiety among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following the COVID-19 lockdown period. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among students enrolled in UAE universities. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to gather demographic data, assess anxiety levels using the generalized anxiety disorder-7 scale, explore potential factors associated with heightened anxiety, investigate the impact of increased anxiety on academic performance, and identify coping mechanisms employed post-lockdown. RESULTS: Of the 369 participating students, anxiety levels were minimal in 87 (23.6%), mild in 163 (44.2%), and moderate to severe in 119 (32.2%) subjects. Moreover, increased anxiety levels were significantly correlated with poor/fair sleep quality (p=0.002). Importantly, students with moderate to severe anxiety levels exhibited poorer performance in exams and assignments (p=0.001) and encountered difficulties in maintaining focus on studies (p<0.001). The predominant coping mechanisms employed by students included self-distraction, prayer, and maintaining a positive attitude. CONCLUSION: The majority of students in our study experienced mild to severe levels of anxiety following the COVID-19 lockdown period. We hope that our findings will prompt university and government officials to implement effective screening and preventive strategies to adequately support university students in future public health crises.
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Asthma is a prevalent chronic disease that affects a significant number of individuals worldwide. Proper diagnosis and assessment of asthma patients are crucial before determining the appropriate inhaler for them. Many asthmatic patients self-medicate with over-the-counter (OTC) inhaled and orally taken bronchodilators, leading to overuse and serious adverse effects. This study aims to identify the extent of OTC bronchodilator usage in the Al-Medina Al-Monawwara region. and urge health authorities to address the issue and prevent potential side effects arising from the overuse of bronchodilators. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among individuals with asthma residing in the Al-Medina Al-Monawwara region of Saudi Arabia. The study encompassed multiple hospitals. It was carried out between September 2021 and February 2023, utilizing a convenience sampling method. A total of 419 participants were included in the study; the majority of them, 362 (86.4%), reported being prescribed asthma inhalers at least once in their lives, while 57 (13.6%) always used asthma inhalers without a prescription. However, most of our participants reported having a prescription for their short-acting bronchodilators, with 46.3% always obtaining them with a prescription and the remaining obtaining them over the counter. The current study indicates that the use of OTC Bronchodilators increases the risk of significant ER visits; this observation is quite concerning as the increasing use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) might indicate less asthma control and more SABA overuse; further research is needed to address the issue of short-acting bronchodilators overuse.