Assessment of Adolescents' Overweight and Obesity Risk Factors Among Alabnaa Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in Saudi Arabia has been progressively increasing. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of various morbidities and mortality. Identifying the factors that contribute to obesity in this age group is crucial for implementing targeted prevention measures. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for overweight and obesity among adolescents aged nine to 17 years residing in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted during the 2021-2022 academic year at Alabnaa Schools in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia. The study included overweight/obese individuals (cases, n = 125) and normal-weight individuals (controls, n = 201) who were selected based on their body mass index and classified according to the World Health Organization's reference for defining overweight and obesity in individuals aged five to 19 years. Data were collected from both groups using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The study analyzed 125 overweight/obese students and 201 normal-weight students who were matched for sex and age (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified several risk factors for overweight or obesity among adolescents. A family history of obesity was found to be associated with a 5.735 times increased likelihood of obesity (95% CI: 3.318-9.912, p < 0.001). Another significant contributing risk factor for obesity was frequent consumption of four or more meals per day (adjusted odds ratio: 3.091, 95% CI: 1.094-8.736, p = 0.033). Students who used electronic devices for more than five hours were 2.422 times more likely to exhibit obesity (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Certain factors may increase the risk of overweight or obesity in adolescents aged nine to 17 years. These factors include frequent eating, prolonged use of electronic devices, family history of obesity, and the misconception that obesity is not an illness. Tailored school health programs are needed to improve students' healthy lifestyles and eating behaviors, minimize sedentary entertainment and use of electronic devices, and engage children in physical activity.

Dietary algal-sourced zinc nanoparticles promote growth performance, intestinal integrity, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

BACKGROUND: Trace elements play a crucial role in fish nutrition, with zinc (Zn) being one of the most important elements. BIO-sourced zinc nanoparticles were synthesized using the green microalga Pediastrum boryanum (BIO-ZnNPs, 29.35 nm). 30 or 60 mg/ kg dry feed of the BIO-ZnNPs (BIO-ZnNPs30 and BIO-ZnNPs60) were mixed with the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) basal diet and fed to the fish for 8 weeks to evaluate their impact on fish growth, digestion, intestinal integrity, antioxidative status, and immunity. RESULTS: A significant enhancement was observed in all investigated parameters, except for the serum protein profile. BIO-ZnNPs at 60 mg/kg feed elevated the activities of reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), enzymatic antioxidants, but did not induce oxidative stress as reflected by no change in MDA level. Fish intestinal immunity was improved in a dose-dependent manner, in terms of improved morphometry and a higher count of acid mucin-producing goblet cells. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) was upregulated in BIO-ZnNPs30 compared to BIO-ZnNPs60 and control fish groups, while no significant expressions were noted in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), and Caspase3 genes. CONCLUSION: Overall, BIO-ZnNPs inclusion at 60 mg/kg feed showed the most advantage in different scenarios, compared to BIO-ZnNPs at 30 mg/kg feed. The positive effects on growth and intestinal health suggest that BIO-ZnNPs supplementation of aquafeeds has many benefits for farmed fish.

Arthrospira platensis nanoparticles dietary supplementation improves growth performance, steroid hormone balance, and reproductive productivity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock.

This study evaluates the impact of dietary supplementation of the blue-green alga Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003 nanoparticles (AN) on the growth performance, whole-body biochemical compositions, blood biochemistry, steroid hormonal, and fry production efficiency of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock, during the spawning season. After a 21-day preparation period to equip the females and ensure that their ovaries were filled with eggs, mating between the mature females and males took place in a 3:1 ratio during a 14-day spawning cycle. A total of 384 tilapia broodstock 288 females and 96 males with an initial body weight of 450.53±0.75, were divided into four groups; AN0: a basal diet as a control group with no supplementation of Arthrospira platensis, and the other three groups (AN2, AN4, and AN6) were diets supplemented with nanoparticles of A. platensis at levels of 2, 4, and 6 g kg─1 diet, respectively. The results found that fish-fed group AN6 showed the highest significant differences in weight gain (WG), final weight (FW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed efficiency ratio (FER). Females fed the AN6 diet showed the highest significant fat content. Compared to the AN0 group, fish fed on the supplemented diets showed significant improvement (p < 0.05) in triglyceride, glucose, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). A gradual increase in AN inclusion level resulted in a gradual increase in the concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, progesterone, and prolactin. The rates (%) of increase in fry production for females fed supplemented diets were 10.5, 18.6, and 32.2% for AN2, AN4, and AN6, respectively, compared to the control group. This work concluded that the inclusion levels of 6 g kg─1 of A. platensis nanoparticles in the diet of Nile tilapia broodstock significantly improved the growth performances, steroid hormone concentrations, and increased the fry production efficiency by 32.2%, respectively. These findings revealed that A. platensis nanoparticles resulted in a significantly enhanced female' reproductive productivity of Nile tilapia broodstock.

Insights into the photoactivatable CO releasing properties of dicarbonyl Ru(II) complex with 8-amino quinoline ligand: Experimental and theoretical studies.

Reaction between the polymeric [RuCl2(CO)2]n and the N,N-bidentate ligand, 8-amino-quinoline (Quin), in methanol, afforded the photoactivated CO releasing molecule with the formula of trans-(Cl,Cl)-[RuCl2(CO)2Quin]. In the presence of biomolecules or in solvents with varying polarity and coordinating abilities, the solvatochromic characteristics and dark stability were investigated. A new board band emerged in the visible spectrum during the illumination, and its position varies according to the type of solvent used, indicating the role of the solvent in controlling the nature of the CO-depleted species. Spectral methods were used in combination with density functional theory simulations to get insight into the local minimum structure and the electronic properties of the Ru(II) complex. The results of the myoglobin assay showed that within the first two hours of illumination, one of the two CO molecules was released. The cytotoxic properties of the Ru(II)-based complex were investigated against normal mice bone marrow stromal cells and malignant human acute monocytic leukaemia cells.

Impact of dietary administration of Arthrospira platensis free-lipid biomass on growth performance, body composition, redox status, immune responses, and some related genes of pacific whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.

The current study aimed to assess the influence of dietary inclusion of cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis NIOF17/003 as a dry material and as a free-lipid biomass (FL) on the growth performance, body composition, redox status, immune responses, and gene expression of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae. L. vannamei were fed five different supplemented diets; the first group was fed on an un-supplemented diet as a negative control group (C-N), the second group was fed on a commercial diet supplemented with 2% of A. platensis complete biomass as a positive control group (C-P20), whereas, the three remaining groups were fed on a commercial diet supplemented with graded amounts of FL at 1%, 2%, and 3% (FL10, FL20, and FL30, respectively). The obtained results indicated that the diet containing 1% FL significantly increased the growth performance, efficiency of consumed feed, and survival percentage of L. vannamei compared to both C-N and C-P20 groups. As for the carcass analysis, diets containing A. platensis or its FL at higher levels significantly increased the protein, lipid, and ash content compared to the C-N group. Moreover, the shrimp group fed on C-P20 and FL10 gave significantly stimulated higher digestive enzyme activities compared with C-N. The shrimp fed C-P20 or FL exhibited higher innate immune responses and promoted their redox status profile. Also, the shrimp fed a low FL levels significantly upregulated the expression of both the peroxiredoxin (Prx) and prophenoloxidase (PPO1) genes than those receiving C-N. The current results recommended that dietary supplementation with 1% FL is the most effective treatment in promoting the performance and immunity of whiteleg shrimp.

Metal-based carbon monoxide releasing molecules with promising cytotoxic properties.

Carbon monoxide, the "silent killer" gas, is increasingly recognised as an important signalling molecule in human physiology, which has beneficial biological properties. A particular way of achieving controlled CO administration is based on the use of biocompatible molecules that only release CO when triggered by internal or external factors. These approaches include the development of pharmacologically effective prodrugs known as CO releasing molecules (CORMs), which can supply biological systems with CO in well-regulated doses. An overview of transition metal-based CORMs with cytotoxic properties is here reported. The mechanisms at the basis of the biological activities of these molecules and their potential therapeutical applications with respect to their stability and CO releasing properties have been discussed. The activation of metal-based CORMs is determined by the type of metal and by the nature and features of the auxiliary ligands, which affect the metal core electronic density and therefore the prodrug resistance towards oxidation and CO release ability. A major role in regulating the cytotoxic properties of these CORMs is played by CO and/or CO-depleted species. However, several mysteries concerning the cytotoxicity of CORMs remain as intriguing questions for scientists.

New Innovation: Custom Titanium Zygomaticomaxillary Complex (ZMC) Plate for Facial Reconstruction.

Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures typically result from traumatic injuries, such as motor vehicle-related incidents, assaults, falls, and sports-related injuries. These fractures characteristically occur along suture lines where the zygomatic bone borders the frontal bone, maxilla, temporal bone, and sphenoid bone, resulting in a "tetrapod" fracture pattern that can be surgically fixated utilizing one, two, and three-point plate and screw fixation. However, fractures with complete loss of bone stock are less common, and standardized methods of fixation are not suitable for such complex fractures. Here, we present an interesting case of implantation of a custom-made alloplastic implant in a patient with complex ZMC fractures with loss of bone stock. A 52-year-old male sustained a traumatic gunshot wound to the face, resulting in significant destruction of bones involving the left orbital floor, left lateral orbital wall, and left zygomatic arch. Routine plating was not feasible, so a custom spanning plating system by DePuy Synthes (Synthes USA Products, LLC, West Chester, PA) was designed using the patient's CT scans. The patient recovered well with no complications. This case illustrates the successful application of patient-specific custom plates for complex ZMC fractures when standard plating methods are not suitable.

Outcomes after giant peripheral retinotomy and anterior flap retinectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments with advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy using small gauge vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the visual and anatomical outcomes for eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) undergoing giant peripheral retinotomy (GPR) using 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). METHODS: In this retrospective multi-center study, patients with RRD with either anteroposterior or circumferential retinal shortening and advanced PVR requiring more than 90-degree GPR with/without relaxing retinotomy were included. Subjects of either gender, any age group, and with complete surgical notes were included. Outcome measures of the study included anatomical success (i.e. complete retinal re-attachment) at 6 months using survival analysis, visual outcomes, and post-operative complications. RESULTS: Forty-one eyes of 41 patients (33 males) with a mean age of 44.9 ± 21.4 years were included. At 6 months follow-up, anatomical success was seen in 29 eyes (70.7%) with a cumulative re-attachment rate of 66% (95% confidence interval = 48 = 79%). All re-detachments occurred at ≤6 months with a peak at 4-6 months (n = 9). Twenty-three eyes (56%) achieved ambulatory vision (5/200) or better. Direct perfluorocarbon liquid-silicone oil exchange was performed in 20 eyes. Intra-operative complications included persistent retinal folds (2 eyes), subretinal air (1 eye), and subretinal bleed (1 eye). Eleven eyes (26.8%) developed secondary glaucoma (2 eyes required a drainage device), and hypotony of ≤6 mmHg was noted in 3 eyes (7.3%). Corneal decompensation was noted in 8 eyes (19.5%), and 3 eyes (7.3%) underwent re-surgery for re-RRD. CONCLUSION: After GPR using small gauge PPV, two-thirds achieve anatomical success, and over half have ambulatory vision, but overall post-operative complications can occur in more than half of the eyes.

Open versus minimally invasive nephroureterectomy in octogenarians: An analysis of surgical approach trends, outcomes, and survival analysis with propensity matching.

INTRODUCTION: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare disease accounting only for 5%-10% of urothelial carcinoma (UC). For localized high-risk disease, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is the standard of care. While minimally invasive (MIS) RNU has not been shown to decisively improve overall survival (OS) compared to open surgery, MIS RNU has been associated with reduced hospital length of stay (LOS), blood transfusion requirements and improved recovery, which are important considerations when treating older patients. The purpose of this study is to examine trends in surgical approach selection and outcomes of open vs. MIS RNU in patients aged ≥80 years. METHODS: Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), patients aged ≥80 years who underwent open or MIS (either robotic or laparoscopic) RNU were identified from 2010 to 2019. Demographic, patient-related, and disease-specific factors associated with either open or MIS RNU were assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was utilized to adjust for confounding variables. Survival analysis was also conducted on the IPTW adjusted cohort using Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox-proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: 5,687 patients were identified, with 1,431 (25.2%) and 4,256 (74.8%) patients undergoing open and MIS RNU respectively. The proportion of RNU performed robotically has increased from 12.5% in 2010 to 50.4% in 2019. MIS was associated with a shorter hospital LOS (4.7 days versus 5.9 days, SMD 23.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that MIS was associated with a significant reduction in 90-day mortality (OR: 0.571; 95%CI: 0.34-0.96, P = 0.033) and improved median OS (53.8 months [95%CI: 50.9-56.9] vs 42.35 months [95%CI: 38.6-46.8], P < 0.001) compared to open surgery. IPTW-adjusted survival analysis revealed improved median OS with MIS when compared to open surgery, with a survival benefit of 46.1 months (95%CI: 40.2-52.4 months) versus 37.7 months (95%CI: 32.6-46.5 months, P = 0.0034) respectively. IPTW-adjusted cox proportional hazard analysis demonstrated that MIS was significantly associated with reduced mortality (HR 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.87, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In octogenarians undergoing RNU, MIS is associated with improved median OS and 90-day mortality.

Academic Advising at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira During 2021-2022.

Background Since its inception, the Faculty of Medicine at Gezira University has recognized the critical role of academic advising in supporting student success. This commitment translates into a well-established advising system, fully integrated into the academic regulations and subject to continuous evaluation and improvement for maximum effectiveness and relevance. Regular orientation sessions ensure that both faculty and students are equipped to make the most of this valuable resource. However, medical students navigate a demanding path filled with unique challenges that require a robust advising program. While Gezira University has built a strong foundation, it is important to identify potential areas for further development and address any existing barriers that may prevent the system from reaching its full potential. This study was conducted to assess the academic advising program at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira during the academic year 2021-2022. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, self-administered questionnaires were distributed among academic advisors and a sample of students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Gezira. The advisors' questionnaire inquired about their specialty, experience in teaching and academic advising, and other variables related to advising commitment, satisfaction, and interventions that can improve the advisors' performance. The students' questionnaire inquired about their batches, sex, grade point average, orientation about academic advising, communication with the advisor, satisfaction, and challenges facing the advising process. Results The study enrolled 70 advisors and 502 students. Most advisors were satisfied (65.7%, n = 46). The challenges facing academic advisors included the non-interest of students and inadequate training (68.6%, n = 48), lack of proper settings (65.7%, n = 46), and shortage of faculty members (60%, n = 42). About 52% (n = 261) of the students showed overall satisfaction with the advising service. The most perceived challenges by students were the difficulty of coordinating meetings (71.9%, n = 361), non-interest of the advisors (46%, n = 231), lack of benefit (16.9%, n = 85), and non-orientation of the advisors about academic rules (13.7%, n = 69). Conclusions The main challenges faced by academic advisors were students' lack of interest and inadequate training, lack of appropriate settings, and lack of faculty members, while students' perceived challenges were difficulty in coordinating meetings, advisors' lack of interest, lack of benefit, and advisors' lack of orientation to academic rules. The causes underlying the advisors' and students' dissatisfaction with academic advising should be addressed to increase their satisfaction rates. The reported barriers can be overcome by implementing an advisors' training plan, reducing their workload, using technology, and orienting the students about the importance of academic advising and the benefits they can gain.

Antimicrobial properties of triazolato terpyridine Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes formed by [3+2] cycloaddition coupling reaction.

Modern classes of antimicrobials are crucial because most drugs in development today are basically antibiotic derivatives. Even though a large number of metal-based compounds have been studied as antimicrobial agents, relatively few studies have examined the antimicrobial properties of Pd(II) and Pt(II) compounds. The [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of [M(N3)L]PF6 (M = Pd(II) and Pt(II); L = 4'-(2-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2″-terpyridine) with 4,4,4-trifluoro-2-butynoic acid ethyl ester gave the corresponding triazolate complexes. The reaction products were fully characterized with a variety of analytical and spectroscopic tools including X-ray crystallographic analysis. The crystal structure of [Pd(triazolatoCF3,COOCH2CH3)L]PF6 provided cut-off evidence that the kinetically formed N1-triazolato isomer favoured the isomerization to the thermodynamically stable N2-analogue. The experimental work was complemented with computational work to get an insight into the nature of the predominant triazolate isomer. The lysozyme binding affinity of the triazolate complexes was examined by mass spectrometry. An analysis of the lysozyme Pd(II) adducts suggests a coordinative covalent mode of binding via the loss of the triazolato ligand. The free ligand and its triazolate complexes displayed selective toxicity against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans, while no cytotoxicity was observed against the normal human embryonic kidney cell line.

Palladium(II) Complexes of 4-Phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone Ligands: Insights Into Cytotoxic Properties and Mode of Cell Death.

Reactions between sodium tetrachloropalladate and 2- (or 4-) substituted 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazone ligands (HLR), with various electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents (R = OCH3, NO2, and Cl), afford square-planar complexes of the general formula [Pd(LR)2]. Ground-state geometry optimization and the vibrational analysis of cis- and trans-isomers of the complexes were carried out to get an insight into the stereochemistry of the complexes. Natural bond orbital analysis was used to analyze how the nature of the substituent affects the natural charge of the metal center, the type of hybridization, and the strength of the M-N and M-S bonds. Using spectrophotometry, the stability of the complexes, and their DNA binding abilities were assessed. The Pd(II) complexes showed moderate cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and Caco-2 cell lines, two of the assessed malignant cell lines, resulting in all known cell death types, including early apoptotic bodies and late apoptotic vacuoles as well as evident necrotic bodies.

Long-term clinical evaluation of laparoscopic management of large hiatal hernias.

BACKGROUND: Large hiatal hernias (LHH) account for 5-10% of all hiatal hernias. Surgery of LHH should be associated with low rates of postoperative complications and recurrences, to guarantee a favorable quality of life (QoL). Data on long-term results of laparoscopic repair of LHH are lacking. The objective of our study is to evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of laparoscopic LHH management in a high-volume experienced center. METHODS: Patients who had undergone elective laparoscopic repair of LHH between January 1992 and December 2008 at the Center of Minimally Invasive Surgery of the Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy were included. Preoperative and intraoperative data were collected from patients' charts. Patients were clinically evaluated at long-term postoperative follow-up to assess control of symptoms, degree of satisfaction with surgery, and QoL. RESULTS: At mean follow-up of 240 months (range 168-348), 81 patients were available for clinical evaluation. Severe heartburn was reported by six patients (7.4%), while severe post-prandial epigastric pain by three (3.7%). Recurrent coughing episodes were described by six patients (7.4%), while occasional mild episodes of transient dysphagia by 13 (16%). No gas bloat detected. Proton Pump Inhibitors were taken by 22 patients (27.2%) to control symptoms. The Modified Italian Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (MI-GERD-HRQL) score decreased significantly from 40 to 7 (P<0.0001) postoperatively. Satisfaction was achieved in 76 patients (93.8%) with an average satisfaction index of 8.6 (IQR 8-10). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic LHH repair is effective when performed in a specialized center, with long-lasting significant improvements of symptoms and QoL.

Contemporary Trends of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate Utilization in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Database (2011-2020).

Introduction: The most recent American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines advocated laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) as a size-independent surgical option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Despite its endorsement by AUA and the growing body of evidence supporting its safety and efficacy, the utilization of LEP remains limited in the United States. This study aimed to evaluate the utilization trends and perioperative outcomes of LEP compared with other surgical procedures used for BPH management. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2011 to 2020. Patients undergoing prostatectomy for BPH were identified using specific current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Baseline demographic data, preoperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess predictors of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) utilization and postoperative complications. Results: Out of 8,415,549 patients, 95,144 underwent prostatectomy for BPH. Procedures included HoLEP 5305 cases, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 57,803 cases, repeated TURP (re-TURP) 5549 cases, photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) 23,739 cases, and simple prostatectomy 2748 cases. HoLEP utilization showed a gradual increase, from 4.8% in 2015 to 7.6% in 2020. Multivariable regression revealed that HoLEP selection significantly increased from 2016 to 2020 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.251, p < 0.001), and there was less likelihood of HoLEP selection for African American patients (OR: 0.752, p < 0.001). HoLEP had significantly lower complication rates, including urinary tract infections, blood transfusions, 30-day readmission, and reoperation. Conclusion: Despite underutilization, the adoption of HoLEP has slightly increased since 2015, rising from 4.8% in 2015 to 7.6% in 2020. The underutilization could be attributed to a lack of availability and the steep learning curve.

Role of the auxiliary ligand in determining the genotoxicity and mode of cell death of thiosemicarbazone Pd(II) complexes.

A series of Pd(II) complexes of the general formula [PdX(NNS)] (X = Cl, Br, I, NCS and phenyl-tetrazole-thiolato; NNS = 2-quinolinecarboxyaldehyde-N4-phenylthiosemicarbazone) was tested against four malignant cell lines for their antiproliferative properties and the outcomes were compared to those seen in normal mouse splenocytes. Various auxiliary ligands were substituted in order to investigate the impact of the character of the ligand on the cytotoxicity of this class of Pd(II) complexes. The iodo complex was the most cytotoxic compound towards the Caco-2 cell line in this study. The improved apoptosis and necrosis cell modes were in accordance with the fragmentation results of DNA, which revealed increased fragmentation terminals, especially in isothiocyanate and tetrazole-thiolato complexes. After 24 hours, at half the IC50 of each complex, the complex-treated cells exhibited considerable genotoxicity when compared to the corresponding non-treated control especially in the case of isothiocyanate and tetrazole-thiolato complexes.

Review on the Applications of Selected Metal-Based Complexes on Infectious Diseases.

Fatalities caused by infectious diseases (i.e., diseases caused by parasite, bacteria, and viruses) have become reinstated as a major public health threat globally. Factors such as antimicrobial resistance and viral complications are the key contributors to the death numbers. As a result, new compounds with structural diversity classes are critical for controlling the virulence of pathogens that are multi-drug resistant. Derivatization of bio-active organic molecules with organometallic synthons is a promising strategy for modifying the inherent and enhanced properties of biomolecules. Due to their redox chemistry, bioactivity, and structural diversity, organometallic moieties make excellent candidates for lead structures in drug development. Furthermore, organometallic compounds open an array of potential in therapy that existing organic molecules lack, i.e., their ability to fulfill drug availability and resolve the frequent succumbing of organic molecules to drug resistance. Additionally, metal complexes have the potential towards metal-specific modes of action, preventing bacteria from developing resistance mechanisms. This review's main contribution is to provide a thorough account of the biological efficacy (in vitro and in vitro) of metal-based complexes against infectious diseases. This resource can also be utilized in conjunction with corresponding journals on metal-based complexes investigated against infectious diseases.

Interruptions in bladder cancer care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

BACKGROUND: Academic and community urology centers participating in a pragmatic clinical trial in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer completed monthly surveys assessing restrictions in aspects of bladder cancer care due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Our objective was to describe pandemic-related restrictions on bladder cancer care. METHODS: We invited 32 sites participating in a multicenter pragmatic bladder cancer trial to complete monthly surveys distributed through REDCap beginning in May 2020. These surveys queried sites on whether they were experiencing restrictions in the use of elective surgery, transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT), radical cystectomy, office cystoscopy, and intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) availability. Responses were collated with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of 32 eligible sites, 21 sites had at least a 50% monthly response rate over the study period and were included in the analysis. Elective surgery was paused at 76% of sites in May 2020, 48% of sites in January 2021, and 52% of sites in January 2022. Over those same periods, coinciding with COVID-19 incidence waves, TURBT was restricted at 10%, 14%, and 14% of sites, respectively, radical cystectomy was restricted at 10%, 14%, and 19% of sites, respectively, and cystoscopy was restricted at 33%, 0%, and 10% of sites, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Bladder cancer care was minimally restricted compared with more pronounced restrictions seen in general elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Does Indoxyl Sulfate Have a Role in Uremic Pruritus? A Laboratory and Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND: Pruritus is a common complaint in patients with end-stage renal disease. Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a tryptophan end metabolite extremely renal excreted. Activated charcoal can interfere with IS intestinal absorption. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the serum level of IS and the effect of activated charcoal on uremic pruritus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 135 participants were divided into 2 main groups. In total, 45 normal and healthy individuals as a control group and 90 patients on regular hemodialysis; 45 of these patients had uremic pruritus and the other 45 were not complaining of uremic pruritus. Serum IS was measured. Activated charcoal was used by patients with uremic pruritus. The severity of pruritus and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were assessed. RESULTS: The serum IS was significantly elevated in uremic patients than in control subjects (P < .001) and significantly elevated in uremic patients without pruritus (P < .001). Furthermore, there were positive significant correlations between the serum IS and both severity of pruritus (P < .001) and DLQI (P < .001). After activated charcoal usage, there was a significant decrease in IS level with the improvement of pruritus and quality of life of patients. CONCLUSIONS: IS may play a role in uremic pruritus. Activated charcoal could be considered a treatment for uremic pruritus.

Comparison of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Control at Home Healthcare and Hospital Clinic Care at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital (2021-2022): A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Home healthcare represents a great necessity for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Although there are numerous studies on geriatric diabetic patients, there are few studies on diabetic home care versus hospital care. AIM: This study aimed to compare the effect of home healthcare services to hospital care for controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital. The home healthcare group included 128 participants who received frequent follow-up visits at home. The hospital care group included 128 participants from the primary care clinic. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was used to measure glycemic control. Logistic regression analysis was done to detect factors related to achieving glycemic control. RESULTS: Home healthcare care had a greater impact on the reduction of baseline glycosylated hemoglobin levels (p=0.0053). The target glycosylated hemoglobin was achieved by patients who received home healthcare (p=0.020). Using the multivariate regression analysis, home healthcare, married patients, those who can do full daily life activities without assistance, and those who were treated with only insulin had significant correlations to meet the target glycosylated hemoglobin level (odds ratio: 0.814, 0.541, 0.448, and 0.144; 95% confidence intervals: 0.72-0.94, 0.30-0.99, 0.31-0.65, and 0.08-0.25, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Home care strategy for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus provides better glycemic control compared to hospital care. Home care, marriage, doing full daily activities, and insulin treatment are important factors affecting glycemic control.