Unveiling biological activities of biosynthesized starch/silver-selenium nanocomposite using Cladosporium cladosporioides CBS 174.62.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microbial cells capability to tolerate the effect of various antimicrobial classes represent a major worldwide health concern. The flexible and multi-components nanocomposites have enhanced physicochemical characters with several improved properties. Thus, different biological activities of biosynthesized starch/silver-selenium nanocomposite (St/Ag-Se NC) were assessed. METHODOLOGY: The St/Ag-Se NC was biosynthesized using Cladosporium cladosporioides CBS 174.62 (C. cladosporioides) strain. The shape and average particle size were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), respectively. On the other hand, the St/Ag-Se NC effect on two cancer cell lines and red blood cells (RBCs) was evaluated and its hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging effect was assessed. Moreover, its effects on various microbial species in both planktonic and biofilm growth forms were examined. RESULTS: The St/Ag-Se NC was successfully biosynthesized with oval and spherical shape and a mean particle diameter of 67.87 nm as confirmed by the HR-TEM analysis. St/Ag-Se NC showed promising anticancer activity toward human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines where IC50 were 21.37 and 19.98 µg/ml, respectively. Similarly, little effect on RBCs was observed with low nanocomposite concentration. As well, the highest nanocomposite H2O2 scavenging activity (42.84%) was recorded at a concentration of 2 mg/ml. Additionally, Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) ATCC 12,228 and Candida albicans (C. albicans) ATCC 10,231 were the highly affected bacterial and fungal strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 18.75 and 50 µg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the noticeable effect of St/Ag-Se NC on microbial biofilm was concentration dependent. A high biofilm suppression percentage, 87.5% and 68.05%, were recorded with S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) when exposed to 1 mg/ml and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: The biosynthesized St/Ag-Se NC showed excellent antioxidant activity, haemocompatibility, and anti-proliferative effect at low concentrations. Also, it exhibited promising antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities.

Fat embolism: the hidden murder for trauma patients!

INTRODUCTION: fat embolism syndrome (FES) is an acute respiratory disorder that occurs when an inflammatory response causes the embolization of fat and marrow particles into the bloodstream. The exact incidence of FES is not well defined due to the difficulty of diagnosis. FES is mostly associated with isolated long bone trauma, and it is usually misdiagnosed in other trauma cases. The scope of this study was to identify and search the current literature for cases of FES in nonorthopedic trauma patients with the aim of defining the etiology, incidence, and main clinical manifestations. METHODS: we perform a literature search via the PubMed journal to find, summarize, and incorporate reports of fat embolisms in patients presenting with non-orthopedic trauma. RESULTS: the final literature search yielded 23 papers of patients presenting with fat embolism/FES due to non-orthopedic trauma. The presentation and etiology of these fat embolisms is varied and complex, differing from patient to patient. In this review, we highlight the importance of maintaining a clinical suspicion of FES within the trauma and critical care community. CONCLUSION: to help trauma surgeons and clinicians identify FES cases in trauma patients who do not present with long bone fracture, we also present the main clinical signs of FES as well as the possible treatment and prevention options.

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system: Clinicopathological features of two challenging cases.

INTRODUCTION: Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor (AT/RT) is a rare aggressive neoplasm that mainly affects the pediatric population with a peak incidence in the first two years of life and a slight male predominance, whereas presentation of this neoplasm in older ages is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: Herein, we present two cases of AT/RT. In the first case, a 9-year-old female presented with diplopia, dizziness, headache, and morning vomiting. CT Scan of the head demonstrated a heterogeneous mass in the left frontal-parietal region with vasogenic edema and midline deviation. In the second case, a 57-year-old female presented with severe generalized headache, numbness, and tingling in the right hand. MRI revealed a lobulated cystic mass in the right occipitotemporal region, with surrounding edema compressing the left lateral ventricle and causing a midline shift to the left, and enlargement of the right lateral ventricle. In both case, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed the diagnosis of Atypical teratoid/Rhabdoid tumors. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Microscopic examination demonstrated the proliferation of medium-sized to large cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, large vesicular eccentric nuclei, and conspicuous nucleoli with areas of necrosis and hemorrhage, thus confirming the diagnosis with adequate immunohistochemical staining. The first patient developed signs of recurrence and passed away six months later, whereas in the second case, the 57-year-old female received radiotherapy for 6 weeks before being put on chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Despite the challenges facing the diagnosis of this aggressive neoplasm, we managed to present our cases with detailed histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Surgical management of a thoraco-lumbar extradural cyst in a pediatric patient with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: a case report.

Introduction and importance: Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital disorder characterized by the abnormal development of blood vessels, soft tissues, bones, and the lymphatic system. The syndrome is rare, with few cases reported worldwide, especially those describing an association between KTS and spinal extradural meningeal cysts (SEMC). This report highlights a rare case of a pediatric patient with KTS who underwent successful surgical decompression of a thoraco-lumbar extradural cyst, highlighting the importance of reevaluating surgical interventions in KTS patients. Case presentation: A 15-year-old girl diagnosed with KTS 4 days postnatally, was referred to our clinic due to chronic back pain and spastic paraparesis. These symptoms were attributed to a compressive extradural thoraco-lumbar cyst. Diagnostic evaluations confirmed the presence of the cyst, leading to the decision to proceed with surgical intervention. Clinical discussion: The surgical approach involved a laminoplasty at T11-T12-L1, resulting in the total removal of the cystic lesion. The patient exhibited a complete resolution of symptoms postoperatively, with no significant complications reported during the surgery. Conclusion: With this case, the authors question the fear of surgical intervention in KTS patients, which is often avoided due to concerns of high-risk complications like excessive bleeding or poor wound healing, and hint at a possible association between KTS and extradural meningeal cysts.

Spinal intradural extramedullary cavernoma: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cavernomas are rare vascular lesions that can occur anywhere along the neuraxis. However, they are most commonly found in the cerebral hemispheres. Spinal cavernomas are more uncommon and intradural extramedullary cavernomas are the most uncommon as they constitute only 3 % of spinal cavernomas. PRESENTATION: A 36-year-old female presented to our neurosurgical clinic with a history of back pain radiating to the left side of the chest with left lower extremity paresthesia and ataxia without urinary disturbance. Neurological exam showed left-sided hypoesthesia below the T9 dermatome in addition to increased patellar and Achilles reflexes on the left side. MRI showed a homogeneous intradural extramedullary mass which was hyperintense on T1 and hypointense on T2 and it was surgically resected. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intradural extramedullary cavernoma. DISCUSSION: Intradural extramedullary cavernomas are extremely rare lesions that arise within the area located between the inner surface of the dura and the pial surface of the spinal cord. Up until 2022 only 40 cases of intradural extramedullary cavernomas were reported in the literature. MRI is the preferred imaging modality and pathology is the golden standard for diagnosis. Surgical resection showed very promising results and it is considered the golden standard for treating this condition. However, surgery should be performed urgently to give an optimal outcome. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider this condition in their differential diagnoses when faced with progressive spinal root compression symptoms, sudden onset myelopathy, or progressive subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Current interventional options for palliative care for patients with advanced-stage cholangiocarcinoma.

Primary biliary tract tumors are malignancies that originate in the liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder. These tumors often present with jaundice of unknown etiology, leading to delayed diagnosis and advanced disease. Currently, several palliative treatment options are available for primary biliary tract tumors. They include percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD), biliary stenting, and surgical interventions such as biliary diversion. Systemic therapy is also commonly used for the palliative treatment of primary biliary tract tumors. It involves the administration of chemotherapy drugs, such as gemcitabine and cisplatin, which have shown promising results in improving overall survival in patients with advanced biliary tract tumors. PTBD is another palliative treatment option for patients with unresectable or inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. Biliary stenting can also be used as a palliative treatment option to alleviate symptoms in patients with unresectable or inoperable malignant biliary obstruction. Surgical interventions, such as biliary diversion, have traditionally been used as palliative options for primary biliary tract tumors. However, biliary diversion only provides temporary relief and does not remove the tumor. Primary biliary tract tumors often present in advanced stages, making palliative treatment the primary option for improving the quality of life of patients.

Existential anxiety about artificial intelligence (AI)- is it the end of humanity era or a new chapter in the human revolution: questionnaire-based observational study.

Background: Existential anxiety can profoundly affect an individual, influencing their perceptions, behaviours, sense of well-being, academic performance, and decisions. Integrating artificial intelligence into society has elicited complex public reactions, marked by appreciation and concern, with its acceptance varying across demographics and influenced by factors such as age, gender, and prior AI experiences. This study aimed to investigate the existential anxiety about artificial intelligence (AI) in public in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The present questionnaire-based observational, analytical cross-sectional study with a structured, self-administered survey was conducted via Google Forms, using a scale to assess the existential anxiety levels induced by the recent development of AI. The study encompassed a diverse population with a sample size of 300 participants. Results: This study's findings revealed a high prevalence of existential anxieties related to the rapid advancements in AI. Key concerns included the fear of death (96% of participants), fate's unpredictability (86.3%), a sense of emptiness (79%), anxiety about meaninglessness (92.7%), guilt over potential AI-related catastrophes (87.7%), and fear of condemnation due to ethical dilemmas in AI (93%), highlighting widespread apprehensions about humanity's future in an AI-dominated era. Conclusion: The public has concerns including unpredictability, a sense of emptiness, anxiety, guilt over potential AI-related catastrophes, and fear of condemnation due to ethical dilemmas in AI, highlighting widespread apprehensions about humanity's future in an AI-dominated era. The results indicate that there is a need for a multidisciplinary strategy to address the existential anxieties in the AI era. The strategic approach must blend technological advancements with psychological, philosophical, and ethical insights, underscoring the significance of human values in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Test-Retest Reliability of Pain Sensitivity Measures in Individuals with Shoulder Pain.

Background: Central sensitization (CS) has been proposed as a possible contributor to persistent shoulder pain. Measures of sensitivity, such as quantitative sensory tests (QSTs) and sensitivity to movements evoked pain (SMEP), have been increasingly used to investigate CS in a wide range of painful conditions. However, there is a lack of data on whether QST and SMEP are reliable among individuals with shoulder pain. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the intra-rater test-retest reliability of QST and SMEP in individuals with chronic shoulder pain. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven individuals with chronic shoulder pain were enrolled in the study. The QST measures, including pressure pain threshold (PPT) and mechanical temporal summation (MTS), were tested, and SMEP was measured with a lifting task. Relative and absolute reliability were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 3,1) and standard error of the measurement (SEM), respectively. Results: The results showed that the ICC coefficients for all sensitivity measures were moderate to good, ranging from 0.63 to 0.86. The SEM% for the QST measures at all sites ranged from 21.4% to 36%, with TS at the forearm demonstrating a high SEM% (greater than 30%). The SMEP measure also showed a high SEM% (46%). Conclusion: The results showed that the sensitivity measures had moderate to good reliability among individuals with shoulder pain. Acceptable limits of accuracy of measurements were demonstrated for TS and PPT measures, while SMEP demonstrated high error, highlighting the need for further refinement of this measure among these populations.

Dundee Annual Neurosurgery Skills Event (DANSE)-Improving the Availability and Affordability of Neurosurgical Skills Workshops for Medical Students.

Background Neurosurgery can be a daunting career choice for medical students, with preparation for trainee application often being inaccessible and expensive. This article describes a student-led neurosurgical skills event supported by local neurosurgery faculty members. Such event was designed to offer a means to bridge this gap by providing an opportunity to practice neurosurgical techniques in simulation, and learn about what a career in neurosurgery involves. Methods Pre- and postskills laboratory surveys were used to ascertain the baseline confidence and knowledge of common neurosurgical techniques, as well as to what both the application to neurosurgery and the typical workload of a neurosurgeon involves. The conference offered six neurosurgical workshops as well as three lectures to provide practical and theoretical learning opportunities. The session included introduction to the candidates and faculty, identification of learning objectives, and career discussion. Postcourse feedback also was also used to assess learning outcomes. Results Eighteen students attended the event. Postskills event, students were significantly more likely to understand the principles behind all of the relevant neurosurgical skills included on the day. Additionally, students were more likely to understand what a career in neurosurgery involves, and how to approach applying for a training number. Respondents enjoyed the workshops, valued hands-on experience and interactions with consultants, found it affordable, and would recommend to their peers. Conclusions For medical students interested in a career in neurosurgery, opportunities to learn relevant techniques and skills are often expensive and difficult to come across. Here, we highlight affordable methods of simulation to result in significant student satisfaction. Additionally, providing ample opportunity to practice different neurosurgical techniques under almost 1:1 level tutoring enables significant increases in students' confidence and understanding of different neurosurgical concepts. We greatly encourage other medical student groups to develop their own hands-on simulation events to attract medical students to a surgical field often considered daunting and inaccessible, and address gaps in the medical school curriculum.

Impact of Early Nutrition Interventions on the Growth and Development of Preterm Infants: A Narrative Review.

Preterm birth remains a significant global health concern as it can lead to various health complications and long-term developmental challenges. Early nutrition intervention plays a crucial role in optimizing the growth, development, and overall health outcomes of premature infants. This review aims to summarize and analyze the existing literature regarding the effect of early nutrition interventions on premature babies. A comprehensive search was conducted through various electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on nutrition interventions specifically targeting premature infants. The review highlights the benefits of early nutrition interventions, including enteral and parenteral feeding, human milk, and the provision of specific nutrients. These interventions have been shown to enhance growth rates, promote neurodevelopmental outcomes, reduce the incidence and severity of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), reduce the risk of infection, and improve overall morbidity and mortality rates in premature babies. Overall, the findings from this review suggest that early nutrition interventions have a positive impact on the health and developmental outcomes of premature babies. However, further research is required to determine the optimal approaches, optimal timing, and long-term effects of various interventions. Collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and families is crucial in implementing evidence-based nutrition practices and supporting the growth and development of premature infants.

Digital Eye Straining: Exploring Its Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Effects on the Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: Digital eye strain (DES) has become a pervasive issue in contemporary society due to increased reliance on electronic devices. This study aims to comprehensively explore the symptoms, severity, and associated factors of DES, considering demographic, behavioral, and health-related variables. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among participants with diverse demographic backgrounds. A structured questionnaire collected data on participant characteristics, electronic device usage patterns, symptoms of DES, and its impact on various aspects of quality of life. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were employed to assess associations and significance. RESULTS: The majority of participants reported symptoms of DES, with eye dryness, headache, and eye redness being the most prevalent. Symptom severity varied, with age, daily device usage, adherence to the 20-20-20 rule, and studying with electronic devices demonstrating statistically significant associations. Participants diagnosed with eye diseases exhibited higher symptom severity. While disagreement was common regarding DES increasing stress, a substantial proportion acknowledged its impact on productivity and attention. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that there is a significant correlation between the incidence of digital eye straining and longer screen exposure time. The findings underscore the importance of age, behavior, and ocular health in understanding and addressing DES. The results contribute to the broader discourse on digital eye health and emphasize the need for targeted interventions to alleviate the impact of DES on daily life.

Cluster of Differentiation 38 Protein Significantly Adds to the Prognostic Value of Cytogenetic Risk in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Objectives: There is some controversy regarding the clinical significance of cluster of differentiation 38 (CD38) protein in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We aimed to study the prognostic value of CD38 expression in relation to the standard cytogenetic risk stratification in AML patients. Methods: In this prospective study, adult patients with AML were diagnosed based on the finding of ≥ 20% blasts in the bone marrow and the flow cytometry. The control group was selected from normal bone marrow samples examined at the same period in the lab. The CD38 expression levels were assessed by immunophenotyping the bone marrow samples of the patients prior to therapy, as well as those from the controls. Results: The subjects were N = 52 newly diagnosed adult AML patients, while n = 25 sex-and-age matched normal volunteers served as the control. The CD38 expression among AML patients ranged from 3.6% to 79.9%, significantly higher levels than in the control population (p =0.001). Positive CD38 expression was higher in AML patients with favorable cytogenetics when compared to those with intermediate and poor cytogenetics (75.0%, 57.1%, and 68.2%, respectively) (p =0.007). Median CD38 expression in AML patients was higher in the favorable cytogenetic group and lower in intermediate and poor cytogenetic groups, though lacking in significance (p =0.578). Patients with poor cytogenetic risk were associated with significantly shorter median overall survival when compared to favorable and intermediate cytogenetic risk (p =0.010). Conclusions: The expression of CD38 significantly adds to the prognostic value of cytogenetic risk stratification at diagnosis of AML patients.

Prevalence of obesity and bariatric surgery among medical students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Bariatric surgery is considered as a successful weight loss intervention in patients with high body mass index (BMI) and also in patients who are unable to lose weight in a nonsurgical way. Aim: To measure the prevalence of obesity among medical students and the association between obesity and lifestyle and obesity and the rate of bariatric surgery in obese students. Method: This is a cross sectional study which included 301 medical students in Riyadh. An online pretested and validated questionnaire was distributed among medical students. The collected data included weight, height, family background, lifestyle, and past medical and surgical history. Result: Our results demonstrated that the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and morbid obesity was 26.6%, 9.6%, and 6.3%, respectively, among medical students. Only 44.9% of them had a family history of obesity (n = 135). Upon assessment of lifestyle, we found that 58.8% of them had a good lifestyle and 41.2% had a bad lifestyle. We found that 42.5% of medical students included in this study have obesity, and 44% of students had history of obesity in their family. In the obese group, 47.6% had a bad lifestyle. There was significant relationship between obesity and lifestyle among medical students (P = 0.0004). We found that 83.1% of students never thought of undergoing bariatric surgery, 10% of them had thought of undergoing it, and 7% of the students had undergone bariatric surgery. Conclusion: the prevalence of obesity is less among medical student in comparison to other subgroups. The educational level and environmental factors play an important role in the prevalence of obesity.

The Association Between Nicotine Dependence and Mental Health in the General Population of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Background: High prevalence of mental disorders is associated with psychoactive substances, significantly contributing to morbidity, disability, and premature mortality. Worldwide, individuals who use electronic-cigarettes (EC) and have a mental health diagnosis are more likely to experience stress, depression, and drug use. This study aims to measure the prevalence of both EC use and mental health disorders namely, anxiety and depression additionally to investigate the association between EC use and mental health status among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted across Saudi Arabia from November 2022 to May 2023. The survey was divided into three sections. The first section focuses on the demographics, while the second part asked about both conventional and EC smoking and their frequency. The third section assessed mental health status using a Patient Health Questionnaire with a 9-item depression scale (PHQ-9) and a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7). Results: The study revealed 21.1% reporting EC use in the past thirty days. While 19.8% reported smoking tobacco one or more days within the last thirty days. Regarding mental health, 36.6% of individuals had minimal anxiety, while 42.4% experienced mild anxiety. Moreover, most of the participant were considered to have mild followed by minimal depression accounting for 36.7% and 31.9%, respectively. The results indicated a positive and significant correlation between perceived depression scores and nicotine dependence among EC users. Additionally, there was a strong relationship between gender and nicotine dependence, with men being more inclined than women. Conclusion: There is a correlation between nicotine use and mental health outcomes; people who use nicotine products are more likely to experience anxiety and depression.

The Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect Among the Saudi Population: A Narrative Review.

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a pressing global issue with profound implications for the well-being of children. The aim of this review is to examine the existing literature and synthesize evidence on the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward child abuse and neglect within the Saudi population. This review synthesizes the existing literature to illuminate the awareness, knowledge, and attitudes surrounding CAN within the Saudi population. Ten studies spanning the years 2019-2023 were meticulously analyzed, offering a comprehensive snapshot of CAN perceptions across various segments of society. The studies, encompassing diverse methodologies and populations, collectively underscore the commendable levels of awareness and knowledge demonstrated by healthcare professionals, including primary healthcare (PHC) physicians, nurses, and medical practitioners. Notably, several studies reveal that these professionals exhibit robust recognition of different forms of child abuse, a vital aspect in the identification and prevention of abuse cases. While positive attitudes toward CAN were prevalent among healthcare providers, barriers to reporting were highlighted. The fear of consequences and uncertainty emerged as key deterrents to reporting among medical and dental students and nurses, respectively. These findings emphasize the necessity for creating supportive environments that empower professionals to report suspected cases of abuse while addressing apprehensions. The parental perception of CAN also came into focus, revealing a disparity between the recognition of CAN as a common problem and the adequate knowledge of emotional abuse and neglect. These findings point toward a need for targeted public awareness campaigns that differentiate between disciplinary practices and abusive behaviors. In conclusion, this review offers a nuanced understanding of the Saudi population's awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward child abuse and neglect. The synthesis of findings across diverse studies informs future interventions, advocating for enhanced awareness, reporting, and prevention strategies. By empowering individuals and professionals alike, a safer environment for Saudi children can be nurtured, fostering a future free from the shadows of abuse and neglect.

An Exploration of Dietary Strategies for Hypertension Management: A Narrative Review.

This review aims to clarify the influence of various nutritional approaches in the management of hypertension. An extensive search of databases, namely, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, was performed, covering the period from January 2012 to October 2023. We used keywords, such as "hypertension," "nutrition," "nutritional management," "nutrient intake," "dietary strategies," "DASH diet," "Mediterranean diet," and related terms. Hypertension, a grave global health concern, affects more than one billion people worldwide. Lifestyle modifications, including nutritional strategies, are important in non-pharmacological interventions. Dietary patterns, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) and Mediterranean diets, which emphasize fruit and vegetable consumption, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing blood pressure. Certain nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium, have significant effects on blood pressure. The mechanisms underlying these dietary strategies include vasodilation, improvement in endothelial function, regulation of sodium balance, and mitigation of oxidative stress. However, successful implementation of these strategies can be hindered by various factors, such as adherence challenges, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural preferences. In conclusion, robust evidence supports the effectiveness of nutritional strategies in the management of hypertension. DASH and Mediterranean diets, along with an increased intake of specific nutrients, contribute to blood pressure reduction. Hence, comprehensive lifestyle modifications, with a focus on nutritional changes, are recommended as primary or complementary treatments for hypertension. Addressing the identified barriers could enhance the efficacy and use of these dietary approaches in clinical practice.

A Cross-Sectional Survey Study on the Diagnosis and Management of Critical Illness-Induced Corticosteroid Insufficiency in Saudi Arabia.

Background The presence of critical illness-induced corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) is correlated with elevated concentrations of circulating biomarkers associated with inflammation and coagulation in multiple domains. The management of adrenal insufficiency remains a topic of ongoing debate and disagreement among endocrinologists and intensivists. This study aimed to assess the extent of understanding regarding CIRCI among endocrinologists and intensivists who are actively practicing in Saudi Arabia. Methods This is an online cross-sectional survey study that was conducted between June and August 2023 to assess knowledge of CIRCI among endocrinologists and intensivists working in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire tool for this study was constructed based on a previous literature review. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to define factors that affect participants' knowledge of CIRCI. Results A total of 76 physicians were involved in this study. Around 32.9% (n= 25) of the participants described CIRCI correctly as an impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis during critical illness. Around 35.5% (n=27) of the participants identified that widespread use of corticosteroids in critically ill patients prompted the need to revisit the concept, diagnosis, and management of CIRCI, and a similar proportion of the participants (35.5%) (n=27) identified that the role of corticosteroids in the management of CIRCI in critically ill patients may be beneficial in selected cases. Around 42.1% (n=32) of the participants identified that CIRCI is specific to critically ill patients while AI can occur in any individual. Around 17.1% (n=13) of the participants confirmed that there is no task force agreement on whether corticosteroids should be used in adult patients with sepsis but without shock. The mean knowledge score of the study participants was 3.6 (sd: 2.2) out of 10, which demonstrates a weak level of knowledge of CIRCI (36.0%). Binary logistic regression analysis identified that physicians from the southern and western regions were less likely to be knowledgeable of CIRCI compared to physicians from the central region (p< 0.05). Conclusion The study revealed that the level of familiarity with CIRCI among endocrinologists and intensivists in Saudi Arabia fell short of the desired benchmark. Clinicians may opt to utilize delta cortisol levels following cosyntropin administration and random plasma cortisol levels as diagnostic measures for CIRCI, instead of relying on plasma-free cortisol or salivary cortisol levels in conjunction with plasma total cortisol. Adherence to customized treatment protocols is crucial to attain the most favorable results for patients.

Knowledge and Awareness About Risk Factors, Clinical Manifestations, and Prevention of Thyroid Disorders in the Era of COVID-19 and Their Association With Socioeconomic Status Among the General Population in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Thyroid dysfunction represents the most commonly observed endocrine illness within the population of Saudi Arabia. Thyroid cancer has been recognized as the second most commonly occurring malignant neoplasm among women in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that COVID-19 and, to a certain degree, immunization may have an impact on thyroid function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of public knowledge, awareness, and attitudes pertaining to the manifestations and risk factors of thyroid disease. Additionally, the study sought to examine the potential role of COVID-19 as a risk factor and explore preventive measures in the context of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted targeting the Saudi population living in Riyadh aged 18 years and older. A self-administered questionnaire constructed on Google Forms was distributed to the general population using an online platform. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: demographic data, risk factors for thyroid disorders, clinical manifestations, prevention, and history of thyroid disease. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of better knowledge of thyroid diseases.  Results Among the 693 participants enrolled, 57.7% were female, and 31.7% were aged between 18 and 25 years. The overall mean knowledge score was 12.2 (SD = 6.57) out of 23 points. Poor knowledge of the risk factors, clinical manifestations, and prevention was observed in 50.4% of the participants. A total of 27.6% had moderate knowledge, and 22.1% had good knowledge levels. Furthermore, only 33.9% of the participants believed that COVID-19 infection was a risk factor. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals within the age range of 36-45 years, females, and students had a significantly higher level of knowledge compared to other participants (p<0.05). Conclusion This study revealed that the general population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, lacked adequate knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding the risk factors, clinical symptoms, and prevention of thyroid problems. However, middle-aged individuals, females, and those who were enrolled as students showed a higher level of knowledge. Regarding the pathogenesis of COVID-19, it was observed that all participants had a limited understanding and a lack of awareness. Insufficient public awareness may result in misunderstandings, insufficient identification, and potential oversight of COVID-19-infected patients with thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, it is imperative that healthcare authorities intensify their efforts to broaden the dissemination of information throughout the population.

Fat embolism: the hidden murder for trauma patients! / Embolia gordurosa: a assassina oculta para pacientes com trauma!

ABSTRACT Introduction: fat embolism syndrome (FES) is an acute respiratory disorder that occurs when an inflammatory response causes the embolization of fat and marrow particles into the bloodstream. The exact incidence of FES is not well defined due to the difficulty of diagnosis. FES is mostly associated with isolated long bone trauma, and it is usually misdiagnosed in other trauma cases. The scope of this study was to identify and search the current literature for cases of FES in nonorthopedic trauma patients with the aim of defining the etiology, incidence, and main clinical manifestations. Methods: we perform a literature search via the PubMed journal to find, summarize, and incorporate reports of fat embolisms in patients presenting with non-orthopedic trauma. Results: the final literature search yielded 23 papers of patients presenting with fat embolism/FES due to non-orthopedic trauma. The presentation and etiology of these fat embolisms is varied and complex, differing from patient to patient. In this review, we highlight the importance of maintaining a clinical suspicion of FES within the trauma and critical care community. Conclusion: to help trauma surgeons and clinicians identify FES cases in trauma patients who do not present with long bone fracture, we also present the main clinical signs of FES as well as the possible treatment and prevention options.

RESUMO Introdução: a síndrome da embolia gordurosa (SEG) representa um distúrbio respiratório agudo que ocorre quando uma resposta inflamatória leva a uma embolização de partículas de gordura e medula na corrente sanguínea. A incidência exata da SEG não está bem estabelecida devido à dificuldade de diagnóstico. Tal síndrome está associada principalmente a traumas isolados de ossos longos e geralmente é diagnosticada erroneamente em outros casos de trauma. O escopo deste estudo foi de realizar uma pesquisa e identificar na literatura atual casos de SEG em pacientes com trauma de natureza não ortopédica com o objetivo de definir a etiologia, a incidência e as principais manifestações clínicas. Métodos: foi realizada uma pesquisa na literatura utilizando como base de dados o PubMed a fim de identificar os relatos e series de casos de embolias gordurosas em pacientes vítimas de traumas de natureza não ortopédica. A pesquisa final resultou em 23 artigos de pacientes que apresentaram embolia gordurosa/SEG devido a trauma não ortopédico. Resultados: a apresentação e a etiologia dessas embolias gordurosas são variadas e complexas, diferindo de paciente para paciente. Nesta revisão, destacamos a importância de manter uma suspeita clínica de SEG para pacientes vítimas de trauma que se encontrem sob cuidados intensivos. Conclusão: para ajudar os cirurgiões de trauma e os clínicos a identificar casos de SEG em pacientes com trauma que não apresentam fratura de ossos longos, foram destacados os principais sinais clínicos de SEG, bem como as possíveis opções de tratamento e prevenção.