Unlocking the potential of edible Ulva sp. seaweeds: Metabolomic profiling, neuroprotective mechanisms, and implications for Parkinson's disease management.

Green seaweed (Ulva sp.) is frequently used as a food component and nutraceutical agent because of its high polysaccharide and natural fiber content in Asian countries. This study investigates both metabolomic profiling of Ulva sp. and the neuroprotective efficacy of its ethanol extract and its underlying mechanisms in a rotenone-induced rat model of neurodegeneration, mimicking Parkinson's disease (PD) in humans. Metabolomic profiling of Ulva sp. extract was done using liquid chromatography high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and led to the identification of 22 compounds belonging to different chemical classes.Catenin Beta Additionally, this study demonstrated the neuroprotective properties against rotenone-induced PD, which was achieved through the suppression of elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-6 together with the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, inflammatory mediators, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinases/serine/threonine protein kinase (PI3K/AKT) pathway. Using a protein-protein interaction network, AKT1, GAPDH, TNF-α, IL-6, caspase 3, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, Catenin Beta 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, B-cell lymphoma -2, and HSP90AA1 were identified as the top 10 most significant genes. Finally, molecular docking results showed that compounds 1, 3, and 7 might possess a promising anti-parkinsonism effect by binding to active sites of selected hub genes. Therefore, it is hypothesized that the Ulva sp. extract has the potential to be further developed as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of PD.

Psychometric evaluation of the translated arabic version of the geriatrics health behavior questionnaire (GHBQ) for geriatric nurses: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The Geriatrics Health Behavior Questionnaire (GHBQ) is essential for assessing health-related behaviors among older adults populations. This study focuses on the translation, cultural adaptation, and psychometric evaluation of the Arabic version of the GHBQ to ensure its relevance and accuracy for Arabic-speaking older adults individuals. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Cairo University Educational Hospital's outpatient clinic. The GHBQ was translated and culturally adapted through a systematic process, including initial translation, back-translation, expert review, and pilot testing. The psychometric properties of the Arabic-translated GHBQ were evaluated using a sample of 200 older adults Arabic-speaking participants. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha (α) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Validity was evaluated through Content Validity Index (CVI), Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). RESULTS: The Arabic GHBQ demonstrated excellent reliability with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.74 to 0.87 across subscales and ICC values confirming reproducibility (ICC = 0.82). The CVI indicated strong content validity (average CVI = 0.91). EFA revealed a five-factor structure, explaining 72% of the variance, with all factor loadings exceeding 0.60. CFA supported the questionnaire's structure with fit indices meeting recommended criteria: χ²/df = 2.05, NFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.94, GFI = 0.90, SRMR = 0.05, AIC = 140.35, and BIC = 160.22. Criterion validity was confirmed through significant correlations with established health behavior measures (r = 0.63, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The culturally adapted Arabic version of the GHBQ is a reliable and valid tool for assessing health behaviors in the older adults population in Egypt. This instrument can aid healthcare providers in identifying and addressing health behaviors, ultimately improving the well-being of this demographic. Future research should focus on expanding the sample and comparing the GHBQ with other similar tools used in Arabic-speaking populations.

Nursing strategies for enhancing calm in older Arabs with dementia: integrating Snoezelen methods, aromatherapy, and personal items to reduce agitation.

BACKGROUND: Agitation significantly impacts Arab elders with dementia. Multisensory stimulation, such as Snoezelen, shows promise but lacks exploration in Arab contexts. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate a culturally adapted multisensory intervention-combining Snoezelen, aromatherapy, and personal items-on agitation in Arab elders with dementia. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design assessed 31 patients receiving the intervention against 31 controls. Agitation, quality of life, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were measured using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). RESULTS: The intervention group exhibited notable reductions in CMAI scores for aggression and agitation behaviors (p < 0.001) and improvements in quality of life and NPI scores for agitation/aggression and depression/dysphoria (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This culturally tailored multisensory approach effectively reduced agitation and improved well-being in Arab dementia patients. The findings advocate for further research and suggest such interventions can be beneficial in culturally diverse dementia care settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID NCT06216275.

Sodium-Glucose Transport Protein 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors and the Risk of Pancreatitis: A Case Report.

Acute pancreatitis is a condition seldom encountered with the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. They are beneficial in the treatment of various conditions and offer great promise. Despite this, they are associated with several adverse effects, necessitating vigilance and further research. This case study reports a 69-year-old male with multiple comorbidities who presented with epigastric pain radiating to the back. Laboratory tests revealed elevated AST, ALT, GGT and lipase. The patient was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis secondary to the SGLT2 inhibitor therapy regimen. Cessation of dapagliflozin resulted in a complete resolution of symptoms. There is credible evidence to suggest the presence of an association between SGLT2 inhibitors and acute pancreatitis, although extensive research is warranted to consolidate this association.

Compassion fatigue in palliative care: Exploring Its comprehensive impact on geriatric nursing well-being and care quality in end-of-life.

BACKGROUND: This study examines the experiences of geriatric nurses in palliative care. It aims to understand how these experiences influence their well-being and the quality of care. METHODS: Conducted in the Alahsa region of Saudi Arabia, the study employs qualitative methods, utilizing in-depth interviews with 12 geriatric nurses. The analysis employs a thematic approach, enriched by iterative reflections within a multidisciplinary research team. RESULTS: The analysis reveals main themes: 1) the deep emotional connections between nurses and their patients; 2) the challenges faced, including compassion fatigue, high patient mortality, and communication hurdles; 3) the impact of these challenges on the quality of care, highlighting issues like diminished empathy; 4) the coping strategies used by nurses, such as self-care practices and continuous education. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that coping strategies, including self-care and ongoing professional development, are vital for sustaining the nurses' well-being and ensuring the continued provision of high-quality care to Older Adults patients.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Geriatric-Specific Cancer Rehabilitation Programs on Patient Health Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated a specialized rehabilitation program's impact on senior cancer patients' quality of life. METHODS: one hundred and thirty patients aged ≥65 years with various cancer types undergoing/recovering from treatment were enrolled in oncology clinics in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The intervention arm (n=65) participated in a tailored geriatric cancer rehabilitation program. The control group (n=65) received standard oncology care. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) tool assessed the quality of life across physical, social, emotional, and functional domains. T-tests and multivariate regression analyses compared outcomes. RESULT: Total FACT-G scores showed a significantly higher quality of life for the geriatric cancer rehabilitation group versus standard care. Rehabilitation patients also demonstrated meaningful improvements across physical, social, and functional subscales. Rehabilitation involvement was the most predictive factor for optimized outcomes. CONCLUSION: Specialized geriatric cancer rehabilitation meaningfully improved several quality of life domains in older patients over standard care. Despite persistent barriers, rehabilitation programming optimized older cancer patients' physical and psychosocial health. Oncology and geriatrics must collaborate to ensure evidence-based rehabilitation access meets older cohorts' unique needs.

Divine resilience: Unveiling the impact of religious coping mechanisms on pain endurance in arab older adults battling chronic pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain diminishes the quality of life for many Older Adults individuals. Identifying effective coping methods to enhance pain resilience is imperative as populations age. Older Adults commonly use religious faith and spiritual practices to endure pain, yet little research has explored their impact on pain tolerance. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined relationships between positive/negative religious coping styles and pain endurance in 200 Arab elders with chronic pain. Participants completed the Brief Arab Religious Coping Scale, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, WHOQOL-BREF, and demographic/medical history questionnaires. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis demonstrated significant positive associations between positive religious reappraisal and active spiritual coping with higher self-reported pain endurance (p<.05). Negative religious coping styles lacked meaningful relationships with pain tolerance. Multiple regression confirmed the unique effects of reappraisal and spiritual practice on improving pain resilience, controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes align with perspectives highlighting multidimensional neurocognitive, emotional, and psychosocial pain relief from religious coping. Findings underscore integrating positive faith-based resources in biopsychosocial paradigms for Older Adult's pain management. Additional research should investigate causal pathways and contextual factors influencing religious coping effects on diverse Older Adult subgroups.

Overlap Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Functional Constipation and Associated Risk Factors Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional constipation (FC) are two common gastrointestinal disorders that affect many age groups in the community. A few studies were conducted to find the association between GERD and FC, but no study had been conducted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aims to find the overlap between GERD and FC and associated risk factors among the general population in the Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia between August and September 2022. GERDQ and Rome IV criteria were used to collect the data with participants' characteristics through an online questionnaire. Results: Out of 2007 respondents, 1481 filled the required criteria, among them 320 (21.6%) had GERD, and 1292 (87.2%) respondents had FC based on the listed criteria. Eighty percent of respondents with GERD had overlapping FC. Men were more likely than women to experience this significant relationship (53.1% versus 46.9%). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between GERD and FC among the general population of the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Consequently, this study could be used to improve the understanding of the overlapping between these gastrointestinal disorders and further new guidelines could be carried out to find the best treatment for these patients.

Religious, Cultural, and Sex Influences on Advance Care Directives in Patients Admitted to a Tertiary Care Center in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: Advance care directives (AD) are instructions from patients regarding the care they would prefer if they could not make medical decisions in the future. It is widely recognized that racial and ethnic as well as sex differences, particularly in the West, can influence AD. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is limited understanding of how these factors impact AD in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. We enrolled patients above the age of 18 years who were admitted to the general medical wards. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire that consisted of questions based on demographics and AD. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, including frequencies and percentages, as well as medians and interquartile ranges. RESULTS: The study involved 286 participants, with a median age of 44.0 years (IQR: 37.0 - 52.0). Roughly half of the participants were male (51.7%), and the majority identified themselves as Christians (77.3%) and of African ethnicity (78.3%). Upon further analysis, it was discovered that only 35.3% had an awareness of AD. Notably, individuals from the Hindu religion and Asian ethnicity demonstrated significantly higher knowledge of AD. Furthermore, more males reported having a living will and believed that AD are crucial for patients who could not make independent medical decisions compared to females. CONCLUSION: This study indicated a lower awareness and knowledge of AD among the participants. Hindus and Asians exhibited higher levels of awareness regarding AD. Considering the diverse religious and cultural backgrounds in our setting, there is a pressing need for strategies to increase awareness surrounding AD.

Awareness of Healthy Lifestyle Among Elderly Population During Aging in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: The research explores healthy aging among elderly individuals globally and in Saudi Arabia. Factors like health services, lifestyle, and chronic diseases affecting seniors are examined. However, there is a gap in culturally relevant research, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries. This study aims to understand elderly individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding healthy lifestyles for effective functional preservation in aging. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, specifically Al-Ahsa, from February to May 2023. The Raosoft calculator was employed to determine a sample size of at least 384 participants. The data was analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS: Regarding the associations between knowledge levels and demographics, education significantly impacts knowledge (p=0.003). Retired respondents exhibit higher knowledge (50.4%) compared to those with jobs (10.4%) (p=0.002). Smoking has a significant impact on knowledge (p=0.012). Regarding the opinions on elderly care, respondents agree on the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables (52.2%), increased protein intake (64.3%), less fat (83.5%), and regular exercise (44.3%). Supplements' necessity is disagreed upon (95.7%). Living with family is favored (67.8%), and elderly self-management is recognized (60.9%). Significant differences are seen in fruit and vegetable consumption (p=0.001), less fat usage (p=0.000), exercise habits (p=0.000), smoking (p=0.000), and using just salt in cooking (p=0.000). CONCLUSION: Study findings underscore the importance of education in influencing healthy behaviors and informed choices, with education levels significantly impacting knowledge levels. Respondents' preferences for balanced diets, exercise, and self-management reflect a positive trend toward embracing healthy aging principles. Notably, the study identifies disparities between knowledge groups in various lifestyle factors, highlighting the potential of education to drive positive changes in behaviors.

Implications of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on Glycemic Dynamics in Diabetes Mellitus: A Critical Risk Factor in Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a highly prevalent comorbidity in patients with diabetes, with rates estimated between 13% and 47% across studies. Iron deficiency anemia may potentially influence hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values, which are routinely measured to monitor long-term glycemic control in diabetes. Some evidence suggests that HbA1c may be lower in diabetics with IDA due to increased red blood cell turnover. However, current evidence elucidating the effects of IDA on HbA1c and diabetes outcomes remains inconsistent and inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IDA, HbA1c levels, and glycemic dynamics in patients with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The study sample included 143 adult patients diagnosed with diabetes, recruited from outpatient clinics in Saudi Arabia. Iron deficiency anemia was identified through serum ferritin <100 ng/mL, transferrin saturation <20%, and hematologic parameters. The HbA1c levels were measured using standardized laboratory methods. Daily glucose profiles were obtained by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in a subset of patients to assess glycemic dynamics. RESULTS: The prevalence of IDA was 39.9% among the diabetic cohort. Patients with IDA had a numerically higher mean HbA1c of 7.2% compared to 6.8% in non-anemic diabetics, suggesting a potential effect of IDA on HbA1c. Those with IDA also spent more time in hyperglycemic ranges, along with greater glucose variability based on CGM data. Iron deficiency measures, including low ferritin and high red cell distribution width (RDW), showed weak positive correlations with HbA1c levels. CONCLUSION: Iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent among Saudi diabetic patients and is potentially associated with inaccurate HbA1c values and poor short-term glycemic control. However, larger controlled studies are warranted to conclusively investigate mechanisms linking IDA to alterations in HbA1c and glycemic dynamics. Optimized screening and treatment of IDA may lead to more accurate diabetes monitoring and improved outcomes.

A harmonised dataset for modelling select underutilised crops Across EU.

Whilst simulating crop performance in different environments can help fill the knowledge gap and improve the adoption of crops that are currently neglected and underutilised in conventional agrifood systems, lack of experimental data remains a barrier to widespread modelling of these crops. To date, no attempt has been made to collate sub-species crop data that are specifically suited for modelling underutilised crops. This article describes the first attempt to develop a database for crop modelling data with a focus on European underutilised crops. Following a pilot study to identify crops with the potential across the EU, a structured dataset of detailed experimental data was developed by analysing more than 500 agronomic studies that were published across European agroclimatic zones from 1972 to 2022. The dataset contains minimum information for calibrating basic crop models for any location in the EU provided that enough experimental and environmental data are available. More specifically, the database includes crop phenology, yield, management practices, geographic and pedo-climatic details of select underutilised and neglected species. The information underwent a curation procedure to ensure its quality. The collated database will be used in CropBASE, the global knowledge base for underutilised crops.

Impacts of Integrating Family-Centered Care and Developmental Care Principles on Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Outcomes among High-Risk Neonates.

BACKGROUND: Integrating family-centered care (FCC) and developmental care (DC) principles in neonatal care settings may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for high-risk neonates. However, the combined impact of FCC and DC has been underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrated FCC and DC on neurodevelopment and length of hospital stay in high-risk neonates. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted among 200 high-risk neonates (<32 weeks gestation or <1500 g) admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Saudi Arabia. The intervention group (n = 100) received integrated FCC and DC for 6 months. The control group (n = 100) received standard care. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III. Length of stay and readmissions were extracted from medical records. RESULTS: The intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive, motor, and language scores compared to controls (p < 0.05). The intervention group had a 4.3-day reduction in the mean length of stay versus a 1.4-day reduction in controls (p = 0.02). Integrated care independently predicted higher cognitive scores (p = 0.001) and shorter stays (p = 0.006) in regression models. CONCLUSION: Integrating FCC and DC in neonatal care enhances neurodevelopmental outcomes and reduces hospitalization for high-risk neonates compared to standard care. Implementing relationship-based, developmentally supportive models is critical for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Prediction of the 10-Year Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Among Patients in Primary Health Care Centers in Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke, stand as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Our objective was to predict the 10-year risk of CVD in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in eight randomly selected primary healthcare centers using cluster sampling based on geographical location in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, specifically the Al-Ahsa region. The study aimed to assess the risk of developing CVD in the next 10 years among patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Patients visiting the healthcare centers for checkups filled out the Framingham Cardiovascular Disease (10-year risk) score questionnaire. Results Of the 665 patients enrolled, 54.4% were female. The average age of the patients was 54.2 (SD 8.48) years. The overall average Framingham Risk Score (FRS) percentage was 19.2% (SD 15.4%). In terms of 10-year CVD risk, 34.6% of the patients were at high risk, 31.6% were at moderate risk, and 33.8% were considered low-risk individuals. Factors associated with a higher risk of CVD included older age, male gender, lower educational attainment, smoking, normal BMI, stage 2 hypertension, and diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Conclusion Utilizing the FRS, it was determined that older men with lower educational levels had a higher 10-year risk of developing CVD. Furthermore, CVD risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and smoking were associated with individuals' CVD risk. Considering the ease of use and applicability of the FRS in daily clinical practice, as well as its potential to identify high-risk individuals, a more systematic implementation in general practice appears to be warranted.

Factors Influencing Individuals' Decision-Making Regarding Hematopoietic Stem Cell Donation: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital medical intervention for treating various conditions. The preferred methods, i.e., bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, have saved lives and attracted attention. Saudi Arabia, with a high sickle cell disease and leukemia incidence, faces the challenge of matching donors for HSCT. Factors like knowledge, attitudes, cultural beliefs, and access to information impact donation decisions. METHODS: In May 2023, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia, targeting the general population. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, analyzing demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and factors influencing donation intention. RESULTS: Demographic analysis showed that females, younger individuals (18-25 years), those with higher education, and healthcare workers had better knowledge. Attitudes toward donation varied: 42.4% were willing to donate, while 57.6% were not. Psychological barriers, health concerns, pain, and inadequate knowledge influenced donation reluctance. Of the participants, 3.5% were registered stem cell donors, with 58.8% expressing willingness but not registered. Donors' intent was influenced by family members' need for transplants and knowledge. A majority (56.6%) supported employer support for health programs, while 65.7% believed government funding should assist donors. CONCLUSION: HSCT is vital in treating diseases like sickle cell and leukemia in Saudi Arabia. While many recognize its importance, knowledge gaps about its specifics and donation deter potential donors. Enhanced awareness campaigns and support from employers and the government could increase donor registrations.

Knowledge Regarding Hypoglycemia and Its Management Among Patients With Insulin-Requiring Diabetes Mellitus in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia has a negative influence on patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) using insulin, and a lack of knowledge about hypoglycemia is one of the main causes of hypoglycemia. We aim to assess the level of knowledge about hypoglycemia and its management among insulin-requiring DM patients in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with insulin-requiring DM in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from November 2021 to March 2022. A questionnaire was filled out by the participants to assess their level of knowledge about hypoglycemia, which was categorized as good, fair, or poor if participants scored >7, 6-7, or <6, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 238 participants were recruited. Among participants, 55% were males, mainly in the age group of 40-65 years, and had higher education degrees. Doctors were the main source of information among participants. Most patients had no chronic illnesses other than DM or DM-related complications, although hypertension was reported in 37% of patients. The majority of participants had a good level of knowledge regarding hypoglycemia, and the main factors that increased it were getting information from doctors, social media, or a booklet or pamphlet (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION: Our participants generally had a good level of knowledge about hypoglycemia, and doctors delivering information about hypoglycemia contributed significantly to this knowledge level.

Bone Tumor Risk Stratification and Management System: A Consensus Guideline from the ACR Bone Reporting and Data System Committee.

The assessment and subsequent management of a potentially neoplastic bone lesion seen at diagnostic radiography is often complicated by diagnostic uncertainty and inconsistent management recommendations. Appropriate clinical management should be directed by risk of malignancy. Herein, the ACR-sponsored Bone Reporting and Data System (Bone-RADS) Committee, consisting of academic leaders in the fields of musculoskeletal oncology imaging and orthopedic oncology, presents the novel Bone-RADS scoring system to aid in risk assignment and provide risk-aligned management suggestions. When viewed in the proper clinical context, a newly identified bone lesion can be risk stratified as having very low, low, intermediate, or high risk of malignancy. Radiographic features predictive of risk are reviewed include margination, pattern of periosteal reaction, depth of endosteal erosion, pathological fracture, and extra-osseous soft tissue mass. Other radiographic features predictive of histopathology are also briefly discussed. To apply the Bone-RADS scoring system to a potentially neoplastic bone lesion, radiographic features predictive of risk are each given a point value. Point values are summed to yield a point total, which can be translated to a Bone-RADS score (1-4) with corresponding risk assignment (very low, low, intermediate, high). For each score, evidence-based and best practice consensus management suggestions are outlined. Examples of each Bone-RADS scores are presented, and a standardized diagnostic radiography report template is provided.

An electronic health record system implementation in a resource limited country-lessons learned.

Electronic health records have revolutionized the medical world by improving medical care, refining provider documentation, standardizing care, and minimizing sentinel events. Successful implementation of electronic health records remains a daunting task and requires careful strategic planning and buy-in from key stakeholders. Much has been published in resource-rich settings and high-income countries about implementations of electronic health records. However, little is known about the experience in resource-limited settings where challenges remain unique and distinct from other parts of the world. Our intention is to share lessons learned during implementation of a web-based electronic health record at a tertiary care center in Kenya.

Stop-bang questionnaire for screening obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among hypertensive patients in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a type of breathing problem during sleep caused by the blockage of the upper airway, which can cause cessation of airflow. There is limited research on the prevalence of OSA in hypertensive patients in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study aimed to describe the prevalence and clinical characteristics of OSA among hypertensive patients at a tertiary hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. Two hundred and fifty-one hypertensive patients were screened for OSA risk using the STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ). Patients with a SBQ score of ≥ 4 were categorized as high risk for OSA. Descriptive statistics were employed to describe both categorical and continuous variables and binary logistic regression to assess factors associated with the high risk of OSA. RESULTS: The study reported that 78.5% of the participants had high-risk OSA. The median age and body mass index (BMI) were 57.0 years (IQR: 50.0-64.0) and 28.3 kg/m2, respectively. Age, neck circumference, gender, and BMI were significantly higher in the high-risk OSA group as compared to the low-risk group. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of screening hypertensive patients for OSA using the SBQ in clinical settings, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Healthcare providers can use patient characteristics such as age, gender, neck circumference, and BMI to identify those at greater risk of developing OSA. Further research could focus on developing effective OSA prevention and treatment interventions in hypertensive patients.

Factors Affecting Hospitalization Length and in-Hospital Death Due to COVID-19 Infection in Saudi Arabia: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The emerging COVID-19 coronavirus disease has widely spread, causing a serious worldwide pandemic. Disease severity and mortality risk can be predicted using an analysis of COVID-19 clinical characteristics. Finding out what influences patients' hospitalization length and in-hospital mortality is crucial for decision-making and planning for emergencies. The goal of this study is to identify the factors that influence hospital stay length and in-hospital death due to COVID-19 infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2020 and included 630 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. Using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), a multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the variables that are linked to longer hospital stays and in-hospital deaths. Results: Most patients were male (64.3%), and most were older than 40 years (81.4%). The mean length of hospital stay (LoHS) was 10.4±11.6 days. The overall death rate among these COVID-19 cases was 14.3%. Non-survivors were older, had more comorbidities, had prolonged LoHS with increased ICU admission rates and mechanical ventilation usage, and had a more severe condition than survivors. ICU admission, low serum albumin, and elevated LDH levels were associated with longer LoHS, while ICU admission, DM, and respiratory diseases as comorbidities, total leukocytic count, and serum albumin were predictors of mortality. Conclusion: Longer LoHS due to COVID-19 infection was linked to ICU admission, low serum albumin, and elevated LDH levels, while the independent predictors of in-hospital death were ICU admission, DM, and respiratory diseases as comorbidities, total leukocytic count, and serum albumin.