Relaxin (a regulatory-peptide) enhances cryotolerance, fertility potential and plasma reproductive hormones of Nili Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during low breeding season.

This study investigated the beneficial effects of relaxin on cryotolerance of buffalo spermatozoa and reproductive hormones during low breeding season. Collected semen was diluted in five aliquots with relaxin addition (0.25 mg/mL, 0.50 mg/mL, 0.75 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL, and control). After gentle dilution (37°C), cooling (4°C, 2 h), equilibration (4°C, 4 h), and packaging (straws, polyvinyl French, 0.5 mL), frozen (cell freezer), and thawed (37°C, 30 s) for analysis. Blood samples were collected at different time intervals i.e., -60, -30 and 0 min (pre-dose) and 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min (post-dose) from a jugular vein. This study manifest that adding relaxin (1 mg/ mL) in freezing medium ameliorates sperm motility, functionality (%), and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC, µM/L) than control during low breeding season. Furthermore, we found that relaxin supplementation at 1 mg/mL significantly improves seminal plasma ATP concentrations (nmol/million) than control, 0.25 mg/mL, and 0.50 mg/mL, and fertility (control, and 0.75 mg/mL). Further, relaxin injection significantly improves plasma T, LH and IGF-1 levels (150 and 120 min vs. -60, and - 30), and FSH, KP, and GnRH concentrations (150 min vs. -60), during low breeding season. Taken together, this study revealed that relaxin ameliorates motility, functionality, and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa. Moreover, relaxin injection (1 mg/mL) improves essential reproductive hormones levels in buffalo signifying its importance in the field of reproductive physiology. Further studies are required to determine the exact mechanism of action of relaxin in enhancing semen quality, fertility and reproductive hormones.

Engineering the optical properties of nickel sulphide thin films by zinc integration for photovoltaic applications.

Thin films of binary nickel sulphide (NiS) and zinc-doped ternary nickel sulphides (Ni1-xZnxS, where x = 0-1) were effectively produced by the chemical bath deposition method, and their potential use in photovoltaics were investigated. Dopant inclusion did not change the crystal structure of NiS, according to the structural analysis of the synthesized samples. They are appropriate for solar cell applications since the morphological study verified the crack-free deposition. Optical research revealed that the deposited thin films had refractive index (n) ranges between 1.25 and 3.0, extinction coefficient (k) ranges between 0.01 and 0.13, and bandgap values between 2.25 and 2.54 eV. Overall findings indicated that doping is a useful method for modifying the composition, and therefore, the structural and morphological characteristics of NiS thin films, to enhance their optoelectronic behavior.

The Typical Patterns of Lymphomas in Northwestern Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Lymphoma is one of the leading cancers in Saudi Arabia. Because there is a paucity of data about the prevalence of lymphomas in Saudi Arabia, numerous extensive investigations are still required. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the common patterns of lymphomas in Northwestern Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a retrospective study conducted at the Histopathology Departments of King Khalid and King Salman Hospitals in Hail city, Saudi Arabia, between 2008-2020. The present study comprised 134 lymphoma patients, and all data referring to these patients, such as gender, age, lymphoma type, grade, and cancer site, were retrieved. RESULTS: The most common lymphoma type was NHL, followed by HL, constituting 32.8% and 20%, respectively. There was a clear difference between male and female patients of HL type where the male was higher than the female (24% versus 15.3%). The risk of HL associated with male gender, the relative risk (RR) CI (95% Confidence interval) = 2.0077 (0.9447 - 4.2667), p = 0.0700, z statistic = 1.812. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphoma is prevalent in the Hail region with an exceptionally everincreasing incidence of HL. Wide-ranging lymphoma varieties have been explored in the Hail region, denoting large groups of unattributable etiologic modifiable risk factors.

An Update on the Therapeutic Anticancer Potential of Ocimum sanctum L.: "Elixir of Life".

In most cases, cancer develops due to abnormal cell growth and subsequent tumour formation. Due to significant constraints with current treatments, natural compounds are being explored as potential alternatives. There are now around 30 natural compounds under clinical trials for the treatment of cancer. Tulsi, or Holy Basil, of the genus Ocimum, is one of the most widely available and cost-effective medicinal plants. In India, the tulsi plant has deep religious and medicinal significance. Tulsi essential oil contains a valuable source of bioactive compounds, such as camphor, eucalyptol, eugenol, alpha-bisabolene, beta-bisabolene, and beta-caryophyllene. These compounds are proposed to be responsible for the antimicrobial properties of the leaf extracts. The anticancer effects of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) have earned it the title of "queen of herbs" and "Elixir of Life" in Ayurvedic treatment. Tulsi leaves, which have high concentrations of eugenol, have been shown to have anticancer properties. In a various cancers, eugenol exerts its antitumour effects through a number of different mechanisms. In light of this, the current review focuses on the anticancer benefits of tulsi and its primary phytoconstituent, eugenol, as apotential therapeutic agent against a wide range of cancer types. In recent years, tulsi has gained popularity due to its anticancer properties. In ongoing clinical trials, a number of tulsi plant compounds are being evaluated for their potential anticancer effects. This article discusses anticancer, chemopreventive, and antioxidant effects of tulsi.

Ameliorative effect of herbacetin against cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Herbacetin (HBN) is a glycosylated flavonoid, which possesses numerous pharmacological properties. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is a chemotherapeutic drug that adversely affects the kidneys. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the curative potential of HBN against CYC-induced nephrotoxicity. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 48) were randomly divided into four groups: control (0.1% DMSO + food), CYC (150 mg/kg b.wt.), CYC+HBN (150 + 40 mg/kg b.wt.), and HBN (40mg/kg b.wt.). CYC treatment significantly decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GSR) while elevating the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with HBN significantly recovered the activity of CAT, SOD, GPx, and GSR while reducing the concentrations of ROS and MDA. Moreover, an increase in the level of renal functional markers, including Urea, creatinine, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and a decrease in creatinine clearance after CYC administration was recovered to control values by HBN treatment. Furthermore, HBN treatment normalized the increased levels of inflammatory markers such as nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) after CYC administration. Besides, HBN administration increased the expression of anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-2) while decreasing the apoptotic markers (Bax and Caspase-3). Furthermore, HBN decreased the activities of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes (ICDH, αKGDH, SDH, and MDH) as well as renal mitochondrial respiratory-chain complexes (I-IV) and repolarized mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Additionally, HBN administration significantly protected against renal histological damage induced by CYC. In conclusion, CYC-induced toxicity was effectively ameliorated by the HBN administration. These results indicate that HBN might be considered as a potential protective agent against nephrotoxicity. The observed protection may be due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential.

Patterns of Immunohistochemical Expression of P53, BCL2, PTEN, and HER2/neu Tumor Markers in Specific Breast Cancer Lesions.

Objective: This study aimed to associate the expression of P53, BCL2, PTEN, and HER2/neu tumor markers in specific breast cancer lesions. Methods: This study analyzed the immunohistochemical expression of P53, BCL2, PTEN, and HER2/neu tumor markers for 306 patients who presented with lesions. Tissue blocks and patients' identification data were retrieved from the department of pathology, AL Madinah Almonwarah hospital, Al Madinah, UAE. Results: Of the 306 patients, 104 had benign lesions and 202 had malignancy (including 194 females and 6 males). Most females were presented with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), followed by infiltrating ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), representing 70%, 23.2%, and 3.7%, respectively. Positive P53, BCL2, PTEN, and HER2 were identified in 20.8%, 11.9%, 91%, and 18.3%, respectively. Conclusion: : The expression of P53, BCL2, PTEN, and HER2/neu tumor markers among Saudi patients with breast cancer is relatively similar in many parts of the world.

Chemoprotective effect of vitexin against cisplatin-induced biochemical, spermatological, steroidogenic, hormonal, apoptotic and histopathological damages in the testes of Sprague-Dawley rats.

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most widely used antineoplastic drugs, which possesses the potential to treat a variety of malignancies. However, it displays numerous side effects as well. Male reproductive dysfunction is one of the most adverse side effects of CP. Vitexin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, which exhibits remarkable antioxidant properties. Present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of vitexin on CP-induced damages on testes. 48 Sprague-Dawley rats were equally distributed into 4 groups: control, cisplatin (CP), cisplatin + vitexin (CP + VIT) and vitexin (VIT). After 14 days of treatment, evaluation of biochemical, spermatogenic, steroidogenical, hormonal, apoptotic and histopathological parameters was carried out. CP damaged the biochemical profile by reducing activity of CAT, SOD, GPx and GSR, while level of MDA and ROS was increased. It also decreased sperm motility, viability, number of hypo-osmotic tail swelled spermatozoa and epididymal sperm count, besides increasing the sperm morphological anomalies. Moreover, levels of LH, FSH and plasma testosterone were reduced. CP reduced the gene expression of testicular anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2) and steroidogenic enzymes (3ß-HSD, 17ß-HSD and StAR), but upregulated the gene expressions of apoptotic markers (Bax and Caspase-3). Besides, CP led to histopathological damages in testicular tissues. However, vitexin reversed all aforementioned damages in testes. Therefore, it is concluded that vitexin could play an effective role as a therapeutic agent against CP-prompted testicular toxicity due to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and androgenic potential.

The ameliorating effects of crocetin on frozen-thawed quality, and fertility via attenuating oxidative status of bubaline spermatozoa.

Current study was conducted to appraise the cryoprotective influence of crocetin on quality, oxidative status, and fertility potential of bubaline spermatozoa. Collected semen from four bulls was diluted in five aliquots with (10 µM, 5 µM, 2 µM, 1 µM, and control [0 µM] supplementation of crocetin). After gentle dilution (37 °C), cooling (4 °C, in 2 h), equilibration (4 °C, for 4 h) and packaging of samples was done in straws (polyvinyl French, 0.5 ml), and then frozen (programmable cell freezer). This study established that crocetin supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improves CASA (Computer Assisted Sperm motion Analyzer) total motility (%), rapid velocity (%), average-path, and curved-line velocities (µm/sec, 10 µM vs. control), and progressive motility (%), straight-line velocity (µm/sec), total antioxidant capacity (TAC, µMol/l), ATP concentrations (nmol/million), and fertility potential (%) (10 µM vs. control, and 1 µM), and mitochondrial potential (%) of buffalo spermatozoa (5, and 10 µM vs. control). Crocetin supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) alleviates DNA fragmentation, seminal plasma ROS (104 RLU/20/25 million, RLU = Relative light unit) levels, and lipid peroxidation (LPO, µMol/ml) in buffalo spermatozoa (10 µM vs. control). In a nutshell, crocetin supplementation improves post-thaw quality by means of motility parameters, motion kinematics, TAC, and ATP concentrations, and fertility potential, and abolished DNA fragmentation parameters, seminal plasma ROS, and LPO concentrations of buffalo spermatozoa. The exact mechanism by which crocetin acts are not fully elucidated; however, it is probable to speculate that the reduction in ROS, and LPO recorded in this study may be related to scavenging ability of this antioxidant during cryopreservation.

Enhanced in vitro tumoricidal effects of 5-Fluorouracil, thymoquinone, and active vitamin D3 triple therapy against colon cancer cells by attenuating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

AIMS: This study measured the effects of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), calcitriol (VD3), and/or thymoquinone (TQ) single/dual/triple therapies on cell cycle progression, apoptosis, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and oxidative stress against colorectal cancer (CRC). MAIN METHODS: The HT29, SW480 and SW620 cell lines were treated with 5-FU (50 µM), VD3 (25 µM), and TQ (75 µM), alone or combined for 12 h, prior to cell cycle/apoptosis analyses. KEY FINDINGS: TQ monotherapy had greater anticancer effects to active VD3 or 5-FU, revealing higher expression of p21/p27/PTEN/BAX/Cyto-C/Casp-3 and increased levels of total glutathione, with inhibitions in CCND1/CCND3/BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR molecules, alongside higher rates of apoptosis in HT29, SW480 and SW620 cells (P < 0.005 for all markers). Additionally, all combination protocols revealed enhanced modulations of the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway, higher expression of p21/p27/PTEN/BAX/Cyto-C/Casp-3, and better anti-oxidant effects, than the monotherapies. Although TQ/5-FU and TQ/VD3 co-therapies were better relative to the VD3/5-FU regimen, the best tumoricidal effects were observed with triple therapy in the HT29 and SW480 cell lines, possibly by boosted attenuations of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR oncogenic pathway. In contrast, TQ single treatment was more effective than the triple therapy regimen in metastatic SW620 cells, suggesting that this protocol would be more useful therapeutically in late-stage CRC. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion, this study is the first to demonstrated enhanced anti-tumorigenic effects for VD3, TQ, and 5-FU triple therapy against CRC cells and could represent the best strategy for treating early stages of malignancy, whereas TQ monotherapy could be a better approach for treating metastatic forms of the disease.

Practice, Knowledge, and Awareness of the Diverse Effects of Diagnostic Radiology among Radiology Staff and Students in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic radiology has been linked to several health consequences. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the practice, knowledge, and awareness of the diverse effects of diagnostic radiology among radiology staff and students in Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: In this study, 107 participants were recruited from August to December 2020. The study included 56 radiology personnel (staff from Hail City Hospitals) and 51 radiology medical students (students from the University of Ha'il). RESULTS: To the question, "Have you ever been informed of radiation and its effects?" about 6/107 (5.6 %) answered "No," among which 5/6 (83.3 %) were the staff. In response to the question, "In your opinion, how hazardous is radiation to your body?" about 8/104 (7.7 %) indicated it as nonhazardous (3 were staff and 5 were students). To the question, "Do you believe that radiation in medical sites is harmful?" about 20/104 (19.2 %) answered, "No" (8 were staff and 12 were students). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of awareness, knowledge, and practice towards ionizing radiation protection measures among radiology medical students and radiology department staff in Northern Saudi Arabia. The paper notifies the health system advisors to include stressing guidelines regarding radiation hazards. More actions are deemed necessary for the safety of patients and radiation workers.

Evaluation of Angiogenesis by Using CD105 and CD34 in Sudanese Breast Cancer Patients.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Angiogenesis is a mechanism by which new blood vessels are developed in healing and tumour tissues, where it is necessary for regeneration growth, tumour cells survival and metastasis. This study aimed to assess the angiogenesis mechanism among Sudanese females with breast cancer using anti-CD34 and anti-CD105 markers. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Three hundred female representative Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) breast tissue blocks were included in this study. Of the 300 representative tissue blocks, 200 were breast cancer patient's tissues (confirmed cases) and 100 were normal breast tissues (controls). Their ages mean±SD, 47.3±12.9 years. <b>Results:</b> The results showed the MVD of CD34 significantly increased in malignant lesions as compared to normal breast tissues. The mean of MVD CD34 and MVD CD105 showed statistical differences among different histologic types of breast cancer. Also, a strong positive correlation was detected between the manual and automated MVD counting methods. Also, the current study revealed no significant differences were observed in mean MVD counting for both markers and menopausal status or the age groups of the study population. <b>Conclusion:</b> The MVD is a good tool for assessing prognostic markers. The CD105 marker has a high specificity to the new evolving tumour vessels and is a useful predictor for angiogenesis and breast cancer metastasis.

Patterns and grades of presentation of colon cancer in Northern Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: The primary concern related to colon cancer in Saudi Arabia is the presentation of many patients with advanced disease stages. AIM: To determine the patterns and grades of colon cancer presentation in Northern Saudi Arabia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrieved data and tissue blocks related to 50 colorectal patients from King Khalid Hospital, Hai'l province, Northern Saudi Arabia were used. The sample represented all available colorectal specimens (full coverage of cancer cases within 10 years). The retrieved data included a full histopathology report, gender, and age. All tissues were retrieved in the form of formalin-fixed paraffin wax processed blocks. The tissues were found to be obtained in the form of colonoscopy or/and biopsy. RESULTS: The diagnosed colon cancers included conventional adenocarcinoma 36 (72%), mucinous adenocarcinoma 4 (8%), carcinoma-in-situ 4 (8%), and invasive adenocarcinoma 6 (12%). Moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated stages were confirmed in 46 (92%) and 4 (8%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional adenocarcinoma is the most common presenting colon cancer at and relatively younger age. Mucinous adenocarcinoma is frequently presented in female patients of a somewhat more youthful generation. Most patients are diagnosed with moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, followed by poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The findings necessitate the urgent intervention of national policies for early detection by implementing sustainable screening programs.

A novel technique for NGT fixation: Secure, simple, and safe.

Nasogastric tubes are often vitally important in post-operative management. Usually required for short term use, they are easily taped to the nose and face. Occasionally, longer term use is needed, such as in post esophageal reconstruction, where substitution and fixation of the NGT becomes an issue. We describe a novel method of NGT fixation that can be used for prolonged periods of time with minimal risk of dislodgement and without the need for suturing. INTRODUCTION: Nasogastric tubes (NGT) are a common practice in many clinical scenarios, and an easy and available method that is often essential for the prevention of life-threatening adverse complications such as aspiration pneumonia [1]. A common challenge arises in securing the NGT in place. Here, we describe a simple method to securely anchor an NGT tube for a prolonged period without the need to suture. METHOD: Steps of tube Fixation: 1. Distance between xiphisternum and mastoid process is measured and marked [Position A, Fig. 1]. This mark will correspond to the portion of the tube in the pharynx once the NGT is inserted. 2. A silk suture is tied to the NGT at the point marking the pharynx [Position A]. The two loose ends are not cut. 3. The NGT is inserted routinely through the nose. 4. Through the mouth, the NGT (and marked suture) is visualized using a laryngoscope. 5. Using a Magill forceps, the loose ends of the suture are pulled through the mouth. 6. The two loose ends are fed through a sleeve (small size feeding tube, cut to size) as to not cause irritation to the lips or the mucosa of the mouth and palate. 7. The two ends of the suture are tied around the nasal end of the NGT [Position B, Fig. 1] This method effectively creates a mini- "A-shaped"- double loop around the nasopharynx without interrupting the patency of the NGT, securing the tube safely without risk of dislodgement [Fig. 1]. It is of note that when marking the pharyngeal level on the NGT prior to insertion, it should be done with an overestimation of the distance by about 1,2 cm as the tube will be minimally pulled out after securing it using the method we described. (Fig. 1) DISCUSSION: Commonly used method of NGT fixation includes the triangular/Butterfly taping of the NGT to the tip of the nose. This can be challenging in patients with facial burns, facial hair, or simply uncooperative patients, where prolonged restraining is not a feasible option. Stitching of the NGT to the face or cheek has also been used in practice, but this could raise many complications including bleeding, or facial scarring [2]. With the method we described above, the NGT can be safely and easily secured in place without anchoring material on the face. It also negates the need for stitching. Additionally, it can be done with readily available tools and materials, without the need for high levels of training. While possible without sedation or anesthesia, this technique is best performed at the primary operation while the patient is under general anesthesia. CONCLUSION: This method of Nasogastric Tube fixation is a safe and secure method to maintain the long-term positioning of an NGT. When using this method, we did not note any dislodgement, minimal mucosal and lip irritation, and only minimal patient discomfort. It obviates the need for suture fixation.

Pattern of orthopedic injuries among Victims of Road Traffic Accidents in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in Saudi Arabia despite preventive measures and programs. The major factors for the increase in the incidence of mortality and morbidity are due to human factors, such as over speeding, not obeying traffic laws, fatigue, and driving before the legal age. In this study, we aim to report the pattern of orthopedic injuries (OIs) from RTA in the south-western region of Saudi Arabia and to explore the healthcare outcomes of OIs. METHOD: This is a retrospective, record-based, case series study including RTA patients who were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) at a tertiary hospital in the south-western region of Saudi Arabia. The data was collected for 531 admitted RTA patients with OIs over for five years from May 2011 to May 2016. Patients who were 15 years of age or above were included in this study. The data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21. RESULTS: A total of 531 patients were included with an age range between 15 and 90 years with an average age of 29 ± 2 years. Most of the population was male constituting 91.3% of the sample while 91.9% of the sample were Saudis. About 75% of the OIs had simple fractures and complex fractures were recorded among 10.2% of the cases. About half of the cases (52%) had lower limb fractures and 32% had upper limb fractures. CONCLUSIONS: RTA and the resultant OIs, death, and permanent disabilities cause a tremendous burden on economic resources and should be of concern for local authorities. More attention and regularities should be paid to avoid life-threatening driving behaviors.

Is sputum cytology reliable for detection of atypical lung epithelial proliferative changes triggered by cigarette smoking?

BACKGROUND: In recent years, Saudi Arabia has witnessed major tobacco smoking-related disease, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, particularly among the younger population. METHODOLOGY: The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of cigarette smoke on lung epithelial cells. RESULTS: This was a cross-sectional case-control study involving 300 apparently healthy volunteers living in Ha'il, Northern Saudi Arabia. Cigarette smokers (N = 100) were used as cases, and non-smokers (N = 200) were used as controls. A sputum specimen was obtained from each participant, employing all necessary safety precautions and sample adequacy measures. RESULTS: Among 300 study subjects, cytologic atypia was identified in 14/300 (4.7%). Among the 14 cases with atypical cytologic changes, 13/14 (92.9%) were in smokers and 1/14 (7.1%) was in a non-smoker. The risk of lung cytologic atypia associated with cigarette smoking, was OR (95% CI) = 29.73 (3.82-230.87), P = 0.0001. Out of 300 study subjects, metaplasia was identified in 45/300 (15%). Among 45 cases with metaplastic changes, 26/45 (57.8%) were in the smokers and 19/45 (42.2%) were in non-smokers. The risk of lung epithelial metaplasia associated with cigarette smoking was OR (95% CI) = 3.34 (1.74-6.41), P = 0.0003. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk for developing lung epithelial atypia, lung metaplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltrate (especially chronic inflammation). Sputum cytology is a simple, non-invasive method that can be used in screening at-risk populations for early detection of lung proliferative changes associated with tobacco smoking.

Assessment of the knowledge, attitude, and practice towards sun-exposure and skin cancer in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Although there is an emergent increase in the epidemiology of skin cancer in Saudi Arabia, yet knowledge, attitude, and awareness towards skin cancer prevention measures is still poor. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes and practice towards skin cancer among the Saudi population, as well as, to evaluate the level of awareness relating to exposure to sunlight. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey involved 438 participants who were randomly selected from Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. A standard questionnaire was used to collect data regarding skin cancer. The questionnaire focused on three main aspects knowledge, attitude, and practice. The skin cancer quality of life impact tool (SCQOLIT) was employed. RESULTS: The present study included 438 participants, aged 18 to 55 years old. The response in the present study was 81.9%. Regarding the causes and effects of skin cancer, 61.2% of the respondents have prior knowledge about it. The positive attitude about skin cancer was exhibited by 68.9%, and only 31.1% showed a negative attitude towards it. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards skin cancer still under the desired level to prevent skin cancer and its related conditions in Saudi Arabia. Greater emphasis should be made through awareness campaigns and available media to raise the knowledge about implications related to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Clinicopathological Features of Patients Nominated for Head and Neck Biopsies: A One-Year Series.

Background Head and neck lesions, which are predominantly benign, were widely reported. Some of these tumors are potentially neoplastic and others are non-neoplastic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the clinicopathological features of patients nominated for head and neck biopsies. Methodology In this study, data regarding head and neck biopsies were retrieved from the Department of Pathology at King Khalid Hospital, Hai'l, Northern Saudi Arabia. Data referring to head and neck biopsies of patients who were diagnosed during the period from January 2018 to December 2018 were included. Results The initial clinical presentations were stated for 50/64 (78.1%) head and neck lesions, 12/64 (18.8%) head and neck cysts, 1/64 (1.6%) keloid, and 1/64 (1.6%) ischemia. With regard to the biopsy's site, most were taken from the nose followed by oral cavity, scalp, ear, face, and eye, constituting 19/64 (29.7%), 15/64 (23.4%), 9/64 (14.1%), 5/65 (7.8%), 4/64 (6.2%), and 3/64 (4.7%), respectively. Conclusion Head and neck benign lesions, predominantly inflammatory lesions, are common in Northern Saudi Arabia. Accurate identification of these lesions is important during histopathological diagnosis, as some have pathological features that mimic some potentially neoplastic lesions.

Screening for PIK3CA mutations among Saudi women with ovarian cancer.

The study aimed to screen for PIK3CA gene mutations among Saudi women with Ovarian Cancer. The study included 298 Saudi women with epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC). DNA sequence analysis was employed to screen for the mutations. DNA sequence analysis of a coding region of exon 9 and 20 of PIK3CA gene revealed mutations in 37/298 (12.4%) EOC patients. About 21/37(56.8%) somatic mutations were identified in exons 9, and 16/37(43.2%) in exon 20. All analysed mutations were missense mutations, the frequencies of which varied from 2.7% to 43.2%. PIK3CA mutation was found to be significantly associated with age (p = .023), grade (p = .001) and histological types (p = .032). Only 6.6% of serous carcinomas and 3.8% of endometrioid had PIK3CA mutation. The Mutated PIK3CA gene was significantly involved in the pathogenesis of EOC among Saudi women. PIK3CA gene mutation and overexpression represent important clinical implications for diagnosis, and prognosis, which can be utilised for better EOC management.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The detailed molecular and genetic phenomenon underlying the progression of these tumours is still unclear. Recently, the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer has been attributed to mutations of PIK3CA.What do the results of this study add? Mutation in the PIK3CA gene leads to altered PI3K/AKT signalling pathways responsible for the progression of the epithelial ovarian cancer.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The Mutated PIK3CA gene was significantly involved in the pathogenesis of EOC among Saudi women. PIK3CA gene mutation and overexpression represent important clinical implications for diagnosis, and prognosis, which can be utilised for better EOC management.

The Utility of Nucleolar Organizer Regions Quantitation in Early Prediction of Lung Neoplastic Transformation.

BACKGROUND:  Cancer burden can be reduced by early detection of early neoplastic changes applying suitable screening methods. This study aimed to assess the utility of nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) quantitation in early prediction of lung neoplastic transformation. METHODOLOGY: This study investigated 200 apparently healthy individuals categorized into two groups; smoking exposed individuals (N=100), and were categorized as cases, and smoking nonexposed (N=100), and were ascertained as controls. Sputum specimen was attained from each participant (paying all indispensable safety precautions and sample adequacy processes).  Results: Out of the 200 volunteers assessed in the present study, mean NORs counts of >2.00 were identified in 16/200(8%) of the study subjects. All 16/16(100%) cases were found with lung epithelial metaplasia (squamous metaplasia). Out of the 100 cases, mean NORs counts of >2.00 were identified in 16/100(16%), hence, all the controls were identified with mean NORs counts of <2.00. The risk of lung cellular proliferative changes associated with smoking exposure are odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, CI) = 39.2485 (2.3199-664.0052), p = 0.0110, z statistic = 2.543. CONCLUSION: NORs count is a simple, specific, cost-effective, and reliable method that can give a quantitative measurement for the risk of lung neoplastic transformation. For at risk-population (tobacco users), it is recommended to perform the argyrophilic NORs (AgNORs) method beside sputum cytology.

Epidemiology of cancer in Saudi Arabia thru 2010-2019: a systematic review with constrained meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is emerging as a major global health-care system challenge with a growing burden worldwide. Due to the inconsistent cancer registry system in Saudi Arabia, the epidemiology of cancer is still dispersed in the country. Consequently, this review aimed to assemble the epidemiological metrics of cancer in Saudi Arabia in light of the available published data during the period from (2010-2019). METHODS: Published literature from Saudi Arabia relating to cancer incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and other epidemiological metrics were accessed through electronic search in Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar, and public database that meet the inclusion criteria. Relevant keywords were used during the electronic search about different types of cancers in Saudi Arabia. No filters were used during the electronic searches. Data were pooled and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) were calculated. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to assess the well-determined risk factors associated with different types of cancers. RESULTS: The most common cancers in Saudi Arabia are breast, colorectal, prostate, brain, lymphoma, kidney and thyroid outnumbering respectively. Their prevalence rates and OR (95%CI) as follow: breast cancer 53% and 0.93 (0.84-1.00); colon-rectal cancer (CRC) 50.9% and 1.2 (0.81-1.77); prostate cancer 42.6% and 3.2 (0.88-31.11); brain/Central Nervous System cancer 9.6% and 2.3 (0.01-4.2); Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 9.2% and 3.02 (1.48-6.17); kidney cancer 4.6% and 2.05 (1.61-2.61), and thyroid cancer 12.9% and 6.77 (2.34-19.53). CONCLUSION: Within the diverse cancers reported from Saudi Arabia, the epidemiology of some cancers magnitude 3-fold in the latest years. This increase might be attributed to the changing in the Saudi population lifestyle (adopting western model), lack of cancer awareness, lack of screening & early detection programs, social barriers toward cancer investigations. Obesity, genetics, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, viral infection, and iodine & Vit-D deficiency represent the apparent cancer risk factors in Saudi Arabia.