Interest in Rhinoplasty and Awareness of Postoperative Complications Among Female High School Students in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective There has been a significant increase in rhinoplasty procedures in Saudi Arabia recently. Cultural factors, societal pressure, and a desire for beauty and self-improvement contribute to the growing interest in cosmetic procedures among the Saudi population. However, limited research has been conducted specifically focusing on the interest in rhinoplasty and the awareness of postoperative complications among female high school students. This study aimed to investigate the interest in rhinoplasty and awareness of postoperative complications among female high school students in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among female high school students through January and February 2024 using a validated questionnaire comprising sociodemographic characteristics, attitudes toward rhinoplasty, and the females' familiarity with the postoperative complications of rhinoplasty. Results The study was conducted among 737 female high school students. About half of the females (N = 376, 51%) were 18 years old, and the other half were under 18 years old (N = 361, 49%). Out of the total females, only 19 (2.6%) underwent cosmetic surgery, with 6 (60%) opting for rhinoplasty. The study found that 152 (20.6%) females were interested in rhinoplasty, and about a quarter of them (N = 99, 13.4%) did not feel happy about their noses. The most common rhinoplasty complications reported by the respondents were a mismatch of the new nose with the rest of the face (N = 471, 63.9%), headache (N = 459, 62.3%), breathing disorders (N = 458, 62.1%), dissatisfaction with the new nose (N = 437, 59.3%), and nose blockage (N = 427, 57.9%). It was found that interest in rhinoplasty was significantly more common among participants having relatives or friends who underwent rhinoplasty than others (N = 51, 25.8% vs. N = 85, 17.2%, respectively; P = 0.010). Moreover, it was revealed that interest in rhinoplasty was significantly more common among participants who were not happy with their nose (N = 78, 78.8%) than those who were happy with their nose (N = 41, 8.3%) and those who did not care (N = 33, 22.9%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions The study revealed that a significant percentage of participants expressed interest in rhinoplasty, indicating a desire for nose reshaping. Counseling services should be available to support students in developing positive body image and self-acceptance. Furthermore, it is important to establish guidelines for media and advertising to guarantee accurate information from surgeons and psychiatrists, ensuring that the public receives balanced and reliable information.

Barriers and Facilitators of Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine: An Empirical Study With Physicians in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a novel technology that has been widely acknowledged for its potential to improve the processes' efficiency across industries. However, its barriers and facilitators in healthcare are not completely understood due to its novel nature. STUDY PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to explore the intricate landscape of AI use in family medicine, aiming to uncover the factors that either hinder or enable its successful adoption. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design is adopted in this study. The questionnaire included 10 factors (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, behavioral intention, trust, perceived privacy risk, personal innovativeness, ethical concerns, and facilitators) affecting the acceptance of AI. A total of 157 family physicians participated in the online survey. RESULTS: Effort expectancy (µ = 3.85) and facilitating conditions (µ = 3.77) were identified to be strong influence factors. Access to data (µ = 4.33), increased computing power (µ = 3.92), and telemedicine (µ = 3.78) were identified as major facilitators; regulatory support (µ = 2.29) and interoperability standards (µ = 2.71) were identified as barriers along with privacy and ethical concerns. Younger individuals tend to have more positive attitudes and expectations toward AI-enabled assistants compared to older participants (p < .05). Perceived privacy risk is negatively correlated with all factors. CONCLUSION: Although there are various barriers and concerns regarding the use of AI in healthcare, the preference for AI use in healthcare, especially family medicine, is increasing.

Assessment of Thyroid Dysfunction Among Pregnant Women With Pre-Existing Diabetes Mellitus or Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Objective This study investigates the prevalence and risk of thyroid disturbances in pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a tertiary hospital setting in Riyadh, SA. This research's findings may help identify potential risk factors associated with thyroid disturbances during pregnancy and facilitate early diagnosis for at-risk pregnant women. Subjects and methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an endocrinology clinic between October 2018 and December 2021 to evaluate the electronic records of pregnant women with DM or GDM who had documented normal thyroid function before pregnancy. Results Three hundred ninety-six files that met the selection criteria were deeply investigated and analyzed. The analysis showed that 378 (95.5%) patients were of Saudi nationality, and the mean age in years ± SD for the selected patients was 34.23 ± 5.468. The prevalence of obesity was 63.7%, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 32.78 ± 6.78 kg/m2. The patients in this study were categorized into three groups based on their type of DM: 57 were diagnosed with type 1 DM (14.4%), 120 with type 2 DM (30.3%), and 219 with GDM (55.3%). The study identified 43 patients (10.85%) with subclinical hypothyroidism and 74 (18.69%) with hypothyroidism. Among the remaining patients, thyroid function was within the normal range for 264 (66.67%). The study also identified eight patients (2.02%) with subclinical hyperthyroidism and seven (1.77%) with hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was reported at 33.4%, with most of the dysfunction observed in the GDM group (20.7%). By comparison, the type 1 DM and type 2 DM groups presented a lower prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, accounting for only 4.1% and 8.6%, respectively. Conclusions Hypothyroidism, both clinical and subclinical, is more prevalent among patients with GDM than individuals with type 1 and type 2 DM. Research suggests a greater risk of developing hypothyroidism in patients with an increased BMI and among those older during pregnancy.

Effects of Regular Exercise and Intermittent Fasting on Neurotransmitters, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Cortex of Ovariectomized Rats.

A collection of metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases linked to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation frequently affect postmenopausal women or estrogen deprivation. Recent research has focused on alternative therapies that can enhance these women's quality of life. This study set out to investigate the effects of physical exercise (EX) and intermittent fasting (IF) on oxidants/antioxidants, inflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitters, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cortex of rats. Additionally, it sought to assess the response to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the brains of rats following ovariectomy (OVX) and the potential mechanisms of these interventions. Fifty female rats were divided into one of the following groups 30 days after bilateral OVX: Control, OVX, OVX + EX, OVX + IF, and OVX + EX + IF groups. The rats in the Control and OVX groups continued their normal activities and had unrestricted access to food and water, but the rats in the OVX + EX and OVX + EX + IF groups had a 4-week treadmill training program, and the rats in the OXV + IF and OVX + EX + IF groups fasted for 13 h each day. The rats were killed, the cerebral cortex was taken, tissue homogenates were created, and various parameters were estimated using these homogenates. The results show that ovariectomized rats had decreased levels of neurotransmitters (DA, NE, and SE), acetylcholinesterase, brain GSH (glutathione), SOD (superoxide dismutase), catalase, GPx (glutathione peroxidase), and TAC (total antioxidant capacity), as well as elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators (TNF-α, IL-1ß, Cox-2). While ovariectomy-induced declines in neurotransmitters, enzymatic and nonenzymatic molecules, neuroinflammation, and oxidative brain damage were considerably mitigated and prevented by treadmill exercise and intermittent fasting, BDNF was significantly increased. These results suggest that ovariectomy can impair rat neuronal function and regular treadmill exercise and intermittent fasting seem to protect against ovariectomy-induced neuronal impairment through the inhibition of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and increased BDNF levels in the brain cortex. However, combining regular exercise and intermittent fasting did not provide additional benefits compared to either treatment alone.

Description of the Quality of Life of Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah.

Objective Stroke is a serious medical condition that causes long-term morbidity and disability. There are two types of stroke, i.e., ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) accounts for 5% of all stroke cases worldwide. Stroke survivors may experience cognitive dysfunction in many forms. Evidence regarding the quality of life (QoL) of patients post-SAH in the Middle East is limited. Therefore, this study aims to describe the quality of life in patients with SAH at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 2021 to October 2021. Methods We included patients who were diagnosed with SAH ≤ 10 years prior at our hospital and were admitted within 72 hours of the ictus. Patients were included using non-probability convenience sampling without randomization. We collected the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), World Federation of Neurosurgeons (WFNS), and Modified Glasgow Outcome Scale (MGOS) scores. Results We included 48 patients (mean age: 49.78 ± 19.44 years, male proportion: 62.5%). More than 50% of the participants had comorbidities. The mean baseline GCS, WFNS, and MGOS scores at admission were 12.62 ± 3.56, 2.19 ± 1.54, and 3.58 ± 1.67, respectively. Women had significantly higher MGOS scores than men (p ≤ 0.05). Death was significantly associated with low MGOS scores (p ≤ 0.05). Age showed a non-significant negative correlation with the MGOS score (r = - 0.17, p-value = 0.24). Finally, the MGOS score was significantly correlated with the baseline GCS and WFNS scores at admission (r = 0.68 and r = - 0.67, respectively). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that a low MGOS score, which indicates more comorbidities, greatly affects the quality of life of patients with SAH. Moreover, the baseline GCS score was the best prognostic predictor for patients with SAH.

Neural Tube Defects from Antenatal Diagnosis to Discharge - a Tertiary Academic Centre Experience.

Background: Bleeding Worldwide, approximately 300,000 infants are born annually with neural tube defects (NTDs), which carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of the study was to describe the experience with NTD patients born at a tertiary academic center. Methods: A retrospective record review of all neonates with NTD admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit over six years. Results: Out of the 39 patients identified, 32 (82.1%) were diagnosed antenatally. Most NTD cases were of the myelomeningocele 26 (66.7%) type. The most common site of the myelomeningocele was lumbar, and the thoracolumbar site had the worst prognosis. Conclusion: Early detection of the disease allows better planning of delivery and treatment decisions. Nevertheless, understanding the magnitude of the problem necessitates adopting public health prevention strategies for better outcomes.

Prevalence and classification of accessory navicular bone: a medical record review.

BACKGROUND: The accessory navicular bone (ANB) is one of the most common accessory bones in the foot. Certain pathologies, such as posterior tibial tendon insufficiency are associated with ANB, and should be differentiated from midfoot and hindfoot fractures such as navicular tuberosity avulsion fractures. There are few studies addressing the prevalence and types of ANB in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES: Determine the prevalence and morphological variations of ANB and its relation with age and sex in patients visiting foot and ankle clinics. DESIGN: Medical record review SETTING: Orthopedic foot and ankle clinic at a university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The presence of ANB was retrospectively analyzed in radiographs from patients who presented to the orthopedic foot and ankle at our university hospital from February 2010 to December 2020. The patients were stratified according to sex, age, and diagnosis. For each ANB, recorded information included site, size, classification, subtypes, and symptomatology. Purposive sampling was used to select the patients for the study (non-probability sampling). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of ANB in patients attending a foot and ankle clinic. SAMPLE SIZE: 117 patients and 194 feet. RESULTS: ANB was analyzed in 1006 radiographs from 503 patients. ANB was detected in 117 (23.3%) patients and 194 (19.3%) feet Prevalence was significantly higher in females (67.5%) than in males (32.5%) (Z=5.359, P<.001). The ages ranged from 19 to 86 years, with a mean age of 48.26 (14.5) years. The most common site was bilateral (77 patients, 65.8 %). Type I was the most common type, with a prevalence of 42.1%. There were no significant differences in types in relation to sex, but all types and subtypes differed significantly from each other. CONCLUSION: ANB was common among patients presenting to the foot and ankle clinic, with an overall prevalence of 23.3%. It should be considered among the differential diagnosis in chronic foot pain, and should be differentiated from midfoot and hindfoot fractures. Further studies with a larger, randomized sample are needed, for more accuracy and to confirm the reported results. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective chart review, non-probability sampling, and use of plain radiographs. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Diabetic ketoacidosis in Saudi Arabia: factors precipitating initial admission and readmission.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), primarily type 1 DM. To our knowledge, only one study explored DKA readmission rates in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES: Identify and analyze precipitating factors for DKA admission and readmission. DESIGN: Medical record review. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified all patients aged 15 years and older admitted with DKA from 2018 to 2020. Descriptive factors and uni-and multivariate analyses are presented for associations with initial admission and readmission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relationships between precipitating factors and initial admission and readmission. SAMPLE SIZE: 176 patients. RESULTS: Most of the patients had type 1 DM (n=157). The median (interquartile percentiles) for duration of DM was 6.0 (1.0-12.0) years. The mean (SD) HbA1C (%) was 11.8 (2.6). The factors that precipitated DKA were most commonly treatment nonadherence (55.1%), followed by infections (31.8%) and nonadherence to diet (25.6%). The most common symptoms were nausea and vomiting (87.5%), followed by abdominal pain (72.7%). During the study period, 32.4% of the sample were read-mitted with DKA. The median (interquartile range) duration between the first and second admission was 12 (4-25) weeks. In the multivariate analysis, increased odds of readmission for DKA were associated with type 1 DM and medication nonadherence (P=.038, P=.013, respectively). The severity of the initial DKA and the control of DM were not associated with the readmission rate. CONCLUSION: Treatment nonadherence is the leading precipitating factor of DKA in our region. Patient education and counseling play a major role in addressing this preventable complication and its medical and financial burden. We advocate more efforts dedicated toward patient education and logistic support. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective-single center. CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None.

Hospital pharmacists' awareness and perspective toward the management of COVID-19 pandemic in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: This study investigates the hospital pharmacists' awareness of important facts about the COVID-19 disease and their source of information, as well as their perception. Methods: This cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted from November 2020 to March 2021 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The questionnaire was developed via electronic platform and invitations were sent to pharmacists working in private and government hospitals. A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with awareness of COVID-19. Results: A total of 272 pharmacists submitted their responses via weblink. Many pharmacists (n=228, 84%) followed the latest COVID-19 updates on treatment and updated their information mainly through World Health Organization documents (n=151, 56%). Pharmacists working in secondary and tertiary hospitals were relatively five-times times (AOR = 4.59; 95% CI: 1.69-12.8; p-value = 0.003) and three-times (AOR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.35-6.72; p-value = 0.008) more aware of COVID-19 than those working in primary hospitals. Pharmacists with prior adequate knowledge regarding epidemics and pandemics were two-times more likely to have a good awareness of COVID-19 compared to those who had received none (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.09-4.35; p-value = 0.030). Conclusions: Half of the pharmacists believed that they received required education in the past about epidemics and pandemics, and many follow the recent COVID-19 updates on medicines predominantly from the WHO followed by the government awareness campaigns. Many pharmacists believed they have a key role in the management of epidemics/pandemics via their hospital pharmacy. However, this study identified certain awareness gaps regarding COVID-19, highlighting areas of improvement.

Comparative Analysis of the Heavy Metals Content in Selected Colored Cosmetic Products at Saudi Market.

Heavy metal impurities in cosmetics are common due to their natural abundance. However, they should be kept to a minimum wherever technically feasible. Although human external contact with a substance rarely results in a significant systemic exposure, local exposure to cosmetics may pose a risk of heavy metal contamination. In this study, we sought to investigate the heavy metal concentration present in various cosmetic products from different brands and qualities that are available in the Saudi Market, also to analyze and compare the determined values relative to the reported permissible levels according to international standards. In this study, we have selected several facial cosmetics from the Saudi market and classified their quality into three main classifications based on their price. This was followed by an analysis and reporting of heavy metal content using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer. We found that three metals were below the permissible limits (Pb, As, and Cd) for cosmetics according to the Saudi Food and Drug Administration and Canadian Standards, besides (Cr) which was also below the limit of the United States Food and Drug Administration. The level of (Ni) exceeded the recommended range in the three-class classifications. On contrary, Pb, Cr, As, and Cd have all exceeded the acceptable levels based on European standards. Further assessment and careful selection of heavy metals content in cosmetics are urgently needed, as there are fluctuations in values between different international standards which might pose a potential harmful effect to human health from the daily use of cosmetics containing heavy metals impurities.