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3.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 103(36): e39308, 2024 Sep 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39252316

ABSTRACT

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type-9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors have recently used in the management of different cardiac complications. Several clinical trials demonstrated their effectiveness in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, the effectiveness of these medications in patients with heart diseases is still controversial. To review and summarize the clinical trials pertaining to the use and effectiveness of PCSK-9 inhibitors in heart diseases and to discuss the pharmacotherapy of these agents. A review was conducted of all clinical trials with PCSK-9 inhibitors for heart diseases registered at ClinicalTrials.gov since inception up to and including January 19th, 2024. These trials were retrieved. Data from these trials were extracted manually, categorized and analyzed. The number of identified clinical trials was 25,371. After screening and excluding irrelevant studies, 12 studies met the search criteria. The majority of these studies were conducted in the US. The total number of patients in these studies was 27,700. Alirocumab and Evolocumab were the most frequently used PCSK-9 inhibitors. This review identified only a few clinical trials on PCSK-9 inhibitors in heart disease patients. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct more randomized controlled clinical trials on PCSK-9 inhibitors in this patient population.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Heart Diseases , PCSK9 Inhibitors , Humans , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Heart Diseases/drug therapy , Anticholesteremic Agents/therapeutic use , Hypercholesterolemia/drug therapy , Proprotein Convertase 9
4.
Ther Clin Risk Manag ; 20: 567-575, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39253030

ABSTRACT

Background: Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for acne but can cause side effects such as changes in blood lipids and liver enzymes. Laboratory monitoring is essential during treatment, but there is variation in monitoring practices. Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between isotretinoin therapy and its effects on complete blood count in Saudi Arabia to improve patient outcomes. Methods: The study was a retrospective cohort study conducted at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between January 2016 and December 2020. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 515 patients were randomly selected for the study. The data was analyzed using SPSS, and descriptive statistics and paired samples t-tests were employed to analyze the data. Results: In this study, 515 patients were enrolled. Of these participants, 76.7% (n=395) were females and 23.3% (n=120) were males. The mean age of the study participants was 23.98±7.4 years and ranged between 16 and 65 years. The mean dose of Isotretinoin administered was 27.65±9.6 mg/day, with a range of 10-60 mg/day. The mean BMI of the study participants was 24.3±4.1 kg/m2, ranging from 14.3 to 44.8 kg/m2. Regarding the effect of Isotretinoin on laboratory measures, significant statistical differences were found in hemoglobin measurements (t=-3.379, p=0.001), platelets (t=-3.169, p=0.002), neutrophils (%) (t=3.107, p=0.002), total cholesterol (t=-13.017, p=0.000), AST (t=-6.353, p=0.000), ALT (t=-4.352, p=0.000), HDL (t=2.446, p=0.015), and LDL (t=-12.943, p=0.000). However, there were no significant statistical differences in the measurements of WBC, neutrophils (count), or triglycerides. In the Chi-square analysis and Fisher's Exact test to identify the interaction between BMI, dose, and gender on abnormal lab results, significant interaction was found between participants' BMI and abnormal HDL measurements (p=0.006). Furthermore, there were significant interactions between Isotretinoin dose (either less than 30 mg/day or 30 mg/day or more) and abnormal neutrophil count (p=0.04), abnormal HDL measurements (p=0.010), and abnormal triglycerides measurements (p=0.020). Moreover, a statistically significant interaction was found between participants' gender and abnormal hemoglobin measurements (p=0.006), abnormal total cholesterol (p=0.016), abnormal AST measurements (p=0.001), abnormal ALT measurements (p=0.000), abnormal HDL measurements (p=0.000), and abnormal triglycerides measurements (p=0.007). Conclusion: In conclusion, the study found that isotretinoin therapy has significant effects on several laboratory measures, including hemoglobin, platelets, neutrophils, total cholesterol, AST, ALT, HDL, and LDL. The study also revealed significant interactions between BMI, dose, gender, and abnormal lab results.

5.
Front Public Health ; 12: 1371359, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39145170

ABSTRACT

The metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype represents a complex and distinctive trait, the trends and characteristics of which remain unknown in the Saudi Arabian adult population. The present study aims to fill that gap. A combined total of 10,220 Saudi adults from 2 independent cohorts [2008-2019, N = 7,896 (2,903 males and 4,993 females), and 2021-2023, N = 2,324 (830 males and 1,494 females)] aged 19-70 years old was screened, of whom 9,631 (3,428 males and 6,203 females) were included. Anthropometric data were measured, and fasting blood samples were collected to assess glucose, lipids, adipocytokines and inflammatory markers using routine methods and commercially available assays. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. Screening for MHO was done using the empiric definition proposed by Zembic and colleagues and the by the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATPIII). Of the 3,949 (41.0%) participants with obesity, 33.4% (95% confidence interval, CI, 32-35) were considered MHO using the empiric definition, and 32.8% (95% CI, 31-34) using NCEP-ATPIII. The overall age and gender adjusted prevalence of MHO in the Saudi adult population was 31.6% (95% CI, 30-33) and 30.1% (29-31) by the two definitions, respectively. Females had a higher age-adjusted prevalence of MHO than males (OR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.1-1.4, p = 0.009) as per the ATPIII criteria. MHO prevalence substantially increased over time from 2008 to 2023 (p < 0.001) for both definitions. Circulating leptin levels and insulin resistance were significantly higher in the MUO group than the MHO group independent of the definition used, suggesting the presence of a more severe form of leptin resistance in the MUO group which may explain the worse cardiometabolic profile as compared to the MHO group. In summary, the study highlights the first time the characteristics and trends of the MHO phenotype among Saudi Arabian adults. The pluripotent effects of leptin and its resistance may be central to MHO's progression, or lack thereof, to the MUO phenotype, and this needs further investigation.


Subject(s)
Arabs , Body Mass Index , Obesity, Metabolically Benign , Phenotype , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Saudi Arabia/epidemiology , Arabs/statistics & numerical data , Obesity, Metabolically Benign/epidemiology , Aged , Young Adult , Prevalence
6.
Evid Based Dent ; 2024 Aug 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39160283

ABSTRACT

DESIGN: A systematic appraisal without statistical aggregation. DATA SOURCES: The researchers utilized Ovid (Medline), Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. They performed a comprehensive literature search, which concluded in July 2023. References of selected studies and systematic reviews were examined for additional relevant articles. STUDY SELECTION: The review included studies (randomized controlled trials [RCTs], systematic reviews [SRs], narrative reviews, retrospective studies, cross-sectional studies, case series, case reports) discussing the cost-effectiveness of preserving teeth versus replacing them with implants in patients with severe periodontal disease. Non-English publications, letters, conference abstracts, and brief reports were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts using a systematic review screening tool, resolving conflicts with a third reviewer. The extracted data included study design, patient demographics, treatment details, economic models, costs, and clinical implications. Quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, with scores converted to percentages. RESULTS: A total of 633 studies were identified for periodontal treatment, with 9 included after screening, while 114 studies were identified for dental implants, of which 3 were included after screening. The included studies were published between 2008 and 2018, predominantly from Germany, and mainly comprised retrospective designs, along with some prospective and model-based analyses. Follow-up periods ranged from 36 months to 33 years. Treatment costs were found to increase with disease severity, with surgical treatments being more expensive than nonsurgical ones, and supportive periodontal treatment (SPT) representing the highest cost share in periodontal treatment. Maintaining implants proved more costly than maintaining teeth, especially in cases of peri-implantitis. For chronic periodontitis, total treatment costs per tooth were €222 ± €98 over 18.7 years, and for aggressive periodontitis, €267 ± €148 over 16.9 years. Regular SPT cost €806 per tooth per year over 28.7 years, with significant cost variations across studies. A 2013 study found that maintaining implants was five times costlier than maintaining teeth, particularly if peri-implantitis developed. A 2018 study indicated that implant-supported crowns (ISCs) were the most expensive therapy. Only one study directly compared costs within the same patient, finding periodontal treatment to be more cost-effective than implants. Costs also increased with irregular SPT, aggressive periodontitis, and specialist treatments compared to regular SPT, chronic periodontitis, and treatments by general dental practitioners. The quality of included studies scored between 45% and 84.6%, indicating moderate to high quality, with methodological issues including unclear strategies for handling confounding factors and incomplete follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Implants are effective for replacing missing teeth but are associated with higher long-term costs and complications. Maintaining periodontally compromised teeth is generally more cost-effective, therefore, maintenance costs and potential complications should be carefully considered in treatment planning. There is a need for studies comparing the long-term cost-effectiveness of saving teeth compared to replacing them with implants, considering several variables for informed clinical decision-making.

8.
Front Nutr ; 11: 1370677, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39114118

ABSTRACT

Kale (Brassica oleracea species) is considered a functional food whose macronutrient and phytochemical contents are considered beneficial and widely considered as a superfood. In the present 6-week cross-over trial with a 2-week washout period, we compared the beneficial effects of freeze-dried kale over peas among Arab women with obesity. A total of 124 Saudi women with obesity were allocated to receive either freeze-dried kale (n = 62) or freeze-dried peas (n = 62) given in the form of 3-gram sachets thrice daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period and a cross-over of 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, glucose, lipids and markers of gut barrier function were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Participants who took kale supplementation first resulted in significant weight reduction (p = 0.02) which was not observed among those who took peas first. Participants receiving pea supplementation first experienced a significant decline in Hba1c (p = 0.005) and CD14 (p = 0.03), but C-peptide increased (p = 0.05). Crossover analysis revealed significant carryover effects in most variables with non-significant combined treatment effects. Among the variables with no carryover effect with significant combined treatment effect include HbA1c which was in favor of the pea group (p = 0.005) and C-peptide which was modestly in favor of the kale group (p = 0.05). While both freeze dried kale and pea supplementation appear beneficial, supplementation of freeze-dried pea appears to be more effective in terms of acute glycemic control than kale. The study suggests that common but less-hyped vegetables such as pea maybe equally, if not more beneficial than the more expensive promoted superfoods such as kale. Longer clinical trials using a parallel design instead of cross-over are recommended to strengthen present findings.

9.
Heliyon ; 10(15): e35643, 2024 Aug 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39170536

ABSTRACT

High valence multi transition metal hydroxides are greatly enriched with OER redox active sites due to strong synergy of heteroatomic nuclei. The efficiency of these redox active sites could be efficiently improved by coupling with highly conductive substrate. The advanced three-dimensional (3D) architecture and hydrophilic terminal functionalities of MXene (MX) considerably enhance the maximum utilization rate of anchored redox active sites by triggering the direct growth of these at MX substrate. Here-in, the freeze-dried 3D network of crumpled Vanadium-Carbide (V2C) MX sheets regulates the crystallization of in-situ grown NiFeCr multi transition metal hydroxides on MX scaffold through co-precipitation process. The XPS results suggest a synergistic chemical interaction of 3D MX scaffold with NiFeCr that modifies the electronic structure of the composite ensuring reduced charge transfer resistance. Besides, as found in FESEM morphological investigation, the well-dispersed NiFeCr multi-transition metal hydroxides are immobilized on open pores like structure of V2C-MX facilitate thoroughly accessible active sites. As a result, the NiFeCr@3D V2C-MX composite has shown an excellent electrocatalytic activity with an overpotential of 410 mV at a current density of 200 mA cm-2, Tafel slope of 100 mV dec in 1M KOH. Besides, the significant interaction between metallic centers and MXene support prevent detachment or agglomeration of active centers providing maximum interaction with the electrolytic ions, quick ionic OH- transportation, speedy and stable electron transfer channels thus ensure the long-term stability of NV-5MX during 53 h continuous operation of OER. Furthermore, we have utilized a more accurate value of half-cell standard reduction potential of the Hg/HgO electrode in the Nernst equation to represent all test voltages and to determine the overpotential values. In essence, this study features a facile approach for the confined growth of multi transition metal hydroxides in the presence of morphologically unique 3D crumpled V2C MXene architectures. Consequently, the increased OER reaction kinetics and improved stability of the synthesized composites are potentially due to synergistic interplay between well dispersed active sites and the conductive substrate.

10.
J Cell Sci ; 137(17)2024 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39166297

ABSTRACT

Proper connection between the sperm head and tail is critical for sperm motility and fertilization. Head-tail linkage is mediated by the head-tail coupling apparatus (HTCA), which secures the axoneme (tail) to the nucleus (head). However, the molecular architecture of the HTCA is poorly understood. Here, we use Drosophila to investigate formation and remodeling of the HTCA throughout spermiogenesis by visualizing key components of this complex. Using structured illumination microscopy, we demonstrate that key HTCA proteins Spag4 and Yuri form a 'centriole cap' that surrounds the centriole (or basal body) as it invaginates into the surface of the nucleus. As development progresses, the centriole is laterally displaced to the side of the nucleus while the HTCA expands under the nucleus, forming what we term the 'nuclear shelf'. We next show that the proximal centriole-like (PCL) structure is positioned under the nuclear shelf, functioning as a crucial stabilizer of centriole-nucleus attachment. Together, our data indicate that the HTCA is a complex, multi-point attachment site that simultaneously engages the PCL, the centriole and the nucleus to ensure proper head-tail connection during late-stage spermiogenesis.


Subject(s)
Cell Nucleus , Centrioles , Drosophila Proteins , Spermatogenesis , Spermatozoa , Centrioles/metabolism , Centrioles/ultrastructure , Male , Animals , Cell Nucleus/metabolism , Cell Nucleus/ultrastructure , Drosophila Proteins/metabolism , Drosophila Proteins/genetics , Spermatogenesis/physiology , Spermatozoa/metabolism , Spermatozoa/ultrastructure , Drosophila melanogaster/metabolism , Sperm Tail/metabolism , Sperm Tail/ultrastructure , Sperm Head/ultrastructure , Sperm Head/metabolism , Axoneme/metabolism , Axoneme/ultrastructure
11.
J Family Community Med ; 31(3): 257-264, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39176013

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Research has showed a link between patients with methamphetamine dependence and the risk of impulsiveness, aggression, and the risk of suicide. But, this link has not been studied in patients abusing methamphetamine, and it is unknown how impulsiveness, aggression, and the risk of suicide affect them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 130 adult patients diagnosed with the disorder of the use of amphetamine, methamphetamine, cannabinoids, alcohol, other substances, and polysubstance admitted in the Addiction Department for Mental Health. Participants were interviewed for detailed psychiatric history using a structured questionnaire comprising of structured clinical interview for diagnosis I, Arabic version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS), Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation for the evaluation of suicidal ideation and behavior, and the Aggression and Hostility scale for adolescents and youth. SPSS was used for data analysis; Initial analysis included descriptive statistics: frequencies and percentages for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables. Chi-square test/Fisher's exact test assessed for association between categorical variables, whereas one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)/ Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare continuous variables. RESULTS: Patients who used methamphetamine either alone (23%) or with polysubstance (42.6%) were associated with higher suicidal risk than patients who did use other substances than methamphetamine (36.1%). A comparison of the three groups on impulsivity, showed significant difference regarding total scores, motor preservation, and non-planning self-control. No significant differences found between three groups on the aggression scores. CONCLUSIONS: There was a higher rate of impulsivity and suicidal risk in patients with methamphetamine dependence in comparison to dependence on other substances, while there was no difference with regard to aggression between patients with methamphetamine dependence and those dependent on other substances. This finding raises the issue of methamphetamine use disorder as a new substance of dependence.

12.
Nutrients ; 16(16)2024 Aug 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39203883

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a complex disease with increasing global incidence and prevalence. Although dairy consumption has been linked to various chronic diseases, its relationship with IBD remains uncertain. Additionally, there is a lack of data on this topic from Arab countries. This study aimed to investigate the association between dairy consumption and IBD through a case-control study among Arab populations, followed by a meta-analysis of available studies. METHOD: First, we used data from 158 UC patients, 244 CD patients, and 395 controls attending a polyclinic in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. All participants were aged ≥ 18 years. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of UC and CD for individuals who reported the highest versus the lowest frequencies of dairy consumption. Next, we conducted a meta-analysis, combining our results with those from other eligible studies after searching several databases. We used the I2 statistics to examine statistical heterogeneity across studies and the regression test for funnel plot asymmetry to assess publication bias. RESULTS: The case-control study showed a negative association between frequent dairy consumption and UC (OR (95% CI) = 0.64 (0.41, 1.00)) but not CD (OR (95% CI) = 0.97 (0.65, 1.45)). In the meta-analysis, the highest frequencies of dairy consumption were negatively associated with both UC and CD: ORs (95% CIs) = 0.82 (0.68, 0.98) and 0.72 (0.59, 0.87), respectively. A moderate heterogeneity across studies was noticed in the UC meta-analysis (I2 = 59.58%) and the CD meta-analysis (I2 = 41.16%). No publication bias was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Frequent dairy consumption could protect against the development of UC and CD, suggesting potential dietary recommendations in the context of IBD prevention.


Subject(s)
Arabs , Colitis, Ulcerative , Crohn Disease , Dairy Products , Diet , Humans , Dairy Products/statistics & numerical data , Case-Control Studies , Adult , Female , Male , Saudi Arabia/epidemiology , Arabs/statistics & numerical data , Colitis, Ulcerative/epidemiology , Crohn Disease/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Diet/statistics & numerical data , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Odds Ratio , Young Adult
16.
Med Sci Monit ; 30: e944682, 2024 Jul 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39021065

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND We used the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire to evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables and oral health-related quality of life in 241 wearers of removable partial or complete dentures attending a single center in Yemen. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 241 partial dentures (PD) and complete dentures (CD) wearers were enrolled from the Department of Prosthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University, and the University of Science and Technology. Data were collected before the commencement of denture wearing and after 3-6 months of denture use. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information and denture type, and another for the OHIP to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health impact profile scale comprises 7 subscales, each evaluating different aspects of oral health and functionality. Descriptive statistics were calculated for participants. Independent t tests were performed to compare different patient groups, focusing on PD and CD wearers. Paired-sample t tests were used to examine changes within patient groups before and after removable denture use. RESULTS Among all participants, 67.6% were male, wearers of CDs were 74.6% male, PDs were 58.3%, and was consistent for CD (71.0%) and PD (72.8%) wearers. The wearing prostheses significantly impacted the OHRQoL of patients using both PDs and CDs (P<0.01). Among CD wearers, 4 of these subscales (3-6) were statistically significant, but the handicaps subscale showed evident reductions in physical pain after treatment among PD wearers. CONCLUSIONS Wearing dentures positively affects the OHRQoL of patients, influencing various aspects of their health, including functional, physical, psychological, and social well-being.


Subject(s)
Oral Health , Quality of Life , Humans , Quality of Life/psychology , Male , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Middle Aged , Yemen , Surveys and Questionnaires , Aged , Denture, Partial, Removable/psychology , Denture, Complete/psychology , Adult , Dentures/psychology
17.
Int J Biol Macromol ; 275(Pt 1): 133513, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38955292

ABSTRACT

This research uses a novel TiO2@CSC.Alg composite sponge was created by encasing TiO2 nanoparticles in the natural polymers alginate and chitosan, resulting in a nanocomposite that is both ecologically friendly and biocompatible. Using the generated nanocomposite as a new environmentally friendly adsorbent, As(V) heavy metal ions were effectively removed from aqueous media. The following techniques were used to analyse the physicochemical properties of the obtained materials: pHZPC, FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM, and XPS. Utilizing nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, the TiO2@CSC.Alg composite sponge's textural properties were identified. This revealed a BET surface area of 168.42 m2/g and a total pore volume of 1.18 cc/g, indicating its porous nature and potential for high adsorption capacity. Examine the effects of temperature, pH, dose, and beginning concentration on adsorption. The adsorption characteristics were determined based on equilibrium and adsorption kinetics measurements. The adsorption process was both pseudo-second-order (PSOE) and Langmuir isothermally fit. Chemisorption was the adsorption method since the adsorption energy was 25.45 kJ·mol-1. An endothermic and spontaneous adsorption process was indicated by more metal being absorbed as the temperature increased. The optimal conditions for adsorption were optimized via Box-Behnken design software to be pH of 5 in the solution, a dosage of 0.02 g of the TiO2@CSC.Alg composite sponge per 25 mL, and an arsenate (As(V)) solution the adsorption capacity was 202.27 mg/g are ideal for efficient adsorption. These parameters are critical in achieving the maximum adsorption capacity of the composite sponge for arsenate, which could be beneficial for water purification applications. Utilizing Design-Expert software's response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design (BBD), the adsorption process was optimized with the fewest planned tests. After six successive cycles of adsorption and desorption, the adsorbent stability was confirmed by the adsorbent reusability test without any noticeable decrease in removal efficacy. Additionally, it displayed good efficiency, the same XRD and XPS data before and after reuse, and no change in chemical composition.


Subject(s)
Alginates , Chitosan , Nanocomposites , Titanium , Water Pollutants, Chemical , Water Purification , Titanium/chemistry , Chitosan/chemistry , Nanocomposites/chemistry , Adsorption , Alginates/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/chemistry , Water Pollutants, Chemical/isolation & purification , Kinetics , Water Purification/methods , Hydrogen-Ion Concentration , Water/chemistry , Arsenic/chemistry , Arsenic/isolation & purification , Temperature , Ions/chemistry
18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38946632

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic digestive disease that affects people in different communities at different rates. Because of the absence of a validated Arabic tool to assess GERD symptoms, this study aimed to validate and culturally adapt the GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) tool to Arabic speakers. METHODS: Patients referred for pH testing with symptoms suggestive of GERD were recruited. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to April 2023 by administering the Arabic GERD questionnaire (Ar-GerdQ) tool on two different occasions and comparing it with the short-form leeds dyspepsia questionnaire and the Reflux Symptom Index to establish reliability and construct validity. RESULTS: A total of 52 participants were included in the study. The results of the internal consistency analysis of the Ar-GerdQ indicate that the test has good reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.75-0.91). Significant positive correlations with the short form leeds dyspepsia questionnaire (r = 0.59, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.29-0.78) and the reflux symptom index (r = 0.47, P = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.13-0.71) were demonstrated. Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient value was 0.60 (P < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.28-0.77), indicating a substantial level of agreement between the measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the Ar-GerdQ is useful for assessing reflux disease symptoms among Arabic speakers. Effective utilization of Ar-GerdQ will reduce unnecessary endoscopic requests in primary care settings.

19.
Healthcare (Basel) ; 12(13)2024 Jun 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38998816

ABSTRACT

As a result of the increasing global incidence of obesity and related diseases, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of obesity and its correlation with eating disorder (ED) screening among medical students to develop effective prevention strategies and provide better outcomes for these students. We conducted a quantitative analytical cross-sectional study at the College of Medicine at King Saud University between November 2023 and February 2024. A stratified random sampling technique was utilized, enrolling a net number of 415 participants. Participants were asked several questions, including demographic information, weight, height, and past medical history, and were given a validated screening tool for EDs. Participants' mean age was 21.4 ± 1.67 years, and 17.6% were considered obese. The prevalence of positive screening for EDs was 27.7%; it was more common in females (p = 0.013) and those who earned more than 1000 SAR per month (p = 0.011). Female students also exhibited almost twice the odds of having EDs than males (AOR = 1.957; 95% CI = 1.218-3.146; p = 0.006). Furthermore, non-obese students showed decreased odds of having EDs compared with obese students by at least 48% (AOR = 0.517; 95% CI = 0.287-0.929; p = 0.027). Our study revealed a concerning prevalence of ED symptoms and obesity among medical students, suggesting profound implications. Therefore, multicenter studies are needed to assess the generalizability of the results and apply the findings to targeted national campaigns and interventions tailored specifically to medical students.

20.
Biomedicines ; 12(7)2024 Jul 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39062151

ABSTRACT

Micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency, are linked to different cognitive impairments and sensory functions. However, whether circulating iron levels affect self-assessed multiple intelligence (MI) scores in adolescents remains uninvestigated. This study aimed to investigate associations between serum iron levels and self-assessed MI scores in adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Recruiting 434 Saudi adolescents (174 boys and 260 girls, aged 12-17), we administered the McKenzie questionnaire to assess MI across nine categories. Anthropometrics and fasting blood samples were collected to measure circulating iron and transferrin levels. Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) levels were calculated. Notably, girls exhibited significantly higher MI scores in the interactive domain than boys (age and BMI-adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-1.73, p = 0.01). No significant correlations were observed between serum iron and MI. However, normal TSAT levels (TSAT > 20%) corresponded with higher age and BMI-adjusted odds of MI scores in the musical (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.1-2.2, p = 0.006), linguistic (1.57, 1.1-2.3, p = 0.016), kinesthetic (1.48, 1.1-2.1, p = 0.024), spatial (1.45, 1.1-2.1, p = 0.03), and existential (1.56, 1.1-2.1, p = 0.01) categories compared to ones with lower TSAT levels (TSAT ≤ 20%), only in boys. In conclusion, serum iron levels may not directly influence MI domains in adolescents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; however, lower TSAT levels, indicative of iron-deficiency anemia, may influence MI, only in boys, indicating a possible relationship between iron metabolism and cognitive functions.

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