Role of Delocalization, Asymmetric Distribution of π-Electrons and Elongated Conjugation System for Enhancement of NLO Response of Open Form of Spiropyran-Based Thermochromes.

Switchable nonlinear optical (NLO) materials have widespread applications in electronics and optoelectronics. Thermo-switches generate many times higher NLO responses as compared to photo-switches. Herein, we have investigated the geometric, electronic, and nonlinear optical properties of spiropyranes thermochromes via DFT methods. The stabilities of close and open isomers of selected spiropyranes are investigated through relative energies. Electronic properties are studied through frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) analysis. The lower HOMO-LUMO energy gap and lower excitation energy are observed for open isomers of spiropyranes, which imparts the large first hyperpolarizability value. The delocalization of π-electrons, asymmetric distribution and elongated conjugation system are dominant factors for high hyperpolarizability values of open isomers. For deep understanding, we also analyzed the frequency-dependent hyperpolarizability and refractive index of considered thermochromes. The NLO response increased significantly with increasing frequency. Among all those compounds, the highest refractive index value is observed for the open isomer of the spiropyran 1 (1.99 × 10-17 cm2/W). Molecular absorption analysis confirmed the electronic excitation in the open isomers compared to closed isomers. The results show that reversible thermochromic compounds act as excellent NLO molecular switches and can be used to design advanced electronics.

Correlating Orbital Composition and Activity of LaMnxNi1-xO3 Nanostructures toward Oxygen Electrocatalysis.

The atomistic rationalization of the activity of transition metal oxides toward oxygen electrocatalysis is one of the most complex challenges in the field of electrochemical energy conversion. Transition metal oxides exhibit a wide range of structural and electronic properties, which are acutely dependent on composition and crystal structure. So far, identifying one or several properties of transition metal oxides as descriptors for oxygen electrocatalysis remains elusive. In this work, we performed a detailed experimental and computational study of LaMnxNi1-xO3 perovskite nanostructures, establishing an unprecedented correlation between electrocatalytic activity and orbital composition. The composition and structure of the single-phase rhombohedral oxide nanostructures are characterized by a variety of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. Systematic electrochemical analysis of pseudocapacitive responses in the potential region relevant to oxygen electrocatalysis shows the evolution of Mn and Ni d-orbitals as a function of the perovskite composition. We rationalize these observations on the basis of electronic structure calculations employing DFT with HSE06 hybrid functional. Our analysis clearly shows a linear correlation between the OER kinetics and the integrated density of states (DOS) associated with Ni and Mn 3d states in the energy range relevant to operational conditions. In contrast, the ORR kinetics exhibits a second-order reaction with respect to the electron density in Mn and Ni 3d states. For the first time, our study identifies the relevant DOS dominating both reactions and the importance of understanding orbital occupancy under operational conditions.

Evaluation of a new series of pyrazole derivatives as a potent epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitory activity: QSAR modeling using quantum-chemical descriptors.

Pyrazole derivatives correspond to a family of heterocycle molecules with important pharmacological and physiological applications. At present, we perform a density functional theory (DFT) calculations and a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) evaluation on a series of 1-(4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl) ethan-1-one and 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothioamide derivatives as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitory activity. We thus propose a virtual screening protocol based on a machine-learning study. This theoretical model relates the studied compounds' biological activity to their calculated physicochemical descriptors. Moreover, the linear regression function is used to validate the model via the evaluation of Q2ext and Q2cv parameters for external and internal validations, respectively. Our QSAR model shows a good correlation between observed activities IC50 and predicted ones. Our model allows us to mitigate time-consuming problems and waste chemical and biological products in the preclinical phases.

An Analysis of the Temperature Change in Warmed Intravenous Fluids During Administration in Cold Environments.

This nonhuman simulation study was conducted to determine the decrease in temperature that occurred to 1-L bags of normal saline in a cold environment. The bags were warmed to 39°C and administered through intravenous (IV) tubing at a set flow rate while in a cold environment. The goal was to determine if there was a significant decrease in fluid temperature from the bag to the catheter site. Three trials were completed at temperatures of 0°C, -7°C, -12°C, and 22°C (control). Each bag of normal saline was warmed to 39°C using the SoftSack IV Fluid Warmer (Smithworks Med Inc, Lindale, TX). Fluid was collected and temperatures recorded at 5-minute intervals. The results showed a statistically significant (P = .003) change in temperature between the IV bag and the administration site. The most rapid change occurred within the first 5 minutes. The temperature change was more significant with colder ambient temperatures, with an average of a 28.7°C difference at -7°C and -12°C after 30 minutes. It appears that the most significant heat loss occurs through the IV tubing itself. Therefore, it may be beneficial to insulate the tubing on a trauma patient receiving warmed IV fluids in a cold environment to help prevent hypothermia.

Co-inheritance of novel ATRX gene mutation and globin (α & ß) gene mutations in transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia patients.

α-Thalassemia X-linked mental retardation syndrome is a rare inherited intellectual disability disorder due to mutations in the ATRX gene. In our previous study of the prevalence of ß-thalassemia mutations in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, we confirmed the widespread coinheritance of α-thalassemia mutation. Some of these subjects have a family history of mental retardation, the cause of which is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the presence or absence of mutations in the ATRX gene in these patients. Three exons of the ATRX gene and their flanking regions were directly sequenced. Only four female transfusion dependent ß-thalassemia patients were found to be carriers of a novel mutation in the ATRX gene. Two of the ATRX gene mutations, c.623delA and c.848T>C were present in patients homozygous for IVS I-5(G→C) and homozygous for Cd39(C → T) ß-thalassemia mutation, respectively. While the other two that were located in the intronic region (flanking regions), were present in patients homozygous for Cd39(C → T) ß-thalassemia mutation. The two subjects with the mutations in the coding region had family members with mental retardation, which suggests that the novel frame shift mutation and the missense mutation at coding region of ATRX gene are involved in ATRX syndrome.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Chronic Viral Hepatitis: The Interlink.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has now affected nearly one-third of the global population and has become the number one cause of chronic liver disease in the world because of the obesity pandemic. Chronic hepatitis resulting from hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain significant challenges to liver health even in the 21st century. The co-existence of MAFLD and chronic viral hepatitis can markedly alter the disease course of individual diseases and can complicate the management of each of these disorders. A thorough understanding of the pathobiological interactions between MAFLD and these two chronic viral infections is crucial for appropriately managing these patients. In this comprehensive clinical review, we discuss the various mechanisms of chronic viral hepatitis-mediated metabolic dysfunction and the impact of MAFLD on the progression of liver disease.

Activating Mn Sites by Ni Replacement in α-MnO2.

Transition metal oxides are characterized by an acute structure and composition dependent electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution (OER) and oxygen reduction (ORR) reactions. For instance, Mn containing oxides are among the most active ORR catalysts, while Ni based compounds tend to show high activity toward the OER in alkaline solutions. In this study, we show that incorporation of Ni into α-MnO2, by adding Ni precursor into the Mn-containing hydrothermal solution, can generate distinctive sites with different electronic configurations and contrasting electrocatalytic activity. The structure and composition of the Ni modified hollandite α-MnO2 phase were investigated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM-EDX), inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our analysis suggests that Mn replacement by Ni into the α-MnO2 lattice (site A) occurs up to approximately 5% of the total Mn content, while further increasing Ni content promotes the nucleation of separate Ni phases (site B). XAS and XRD show that the introduction of sites A and B have a negligible effect on the overall Mn oxidation state and bonding characteristics, while very subtle changes in the XPS spectra appear to suggest changes in the electronic configuration upon Ni incorporation into the α-MnO2 lattice. On the other hand, changes in the electronic structure promoted by site A have a significant impact in the pseudocapacitive responses obtained by cyclic voltammetry in KOH solution at pH 13, revealing the appearance of Mn 3d orbitals at the energy (potential) range relevant to the ORR. The evolution of Mn 3d upon Ni replacement significantly increases the catalytic activity of α-MnO2 toward the ORR. Interestingly, the formation of segregated Ni phases (site B) leads to a decrease in the ORR activity while increasing the OER rate.

Comparative efficacy of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A real-world experience.

BACKGROUND: Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are a class of drugs with modest antidiabetic efficacy, weight loss effect, and cardiovascular benefits as proven by multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs). However, real-world data on the comparative efficacy and safety of individual SGLT-2i medications is sparse. AIM: To study the comparative efficacy and safety of SGLT-2i using real-world clinical data. METHODS: We evaluated the comparative efficacy data of 3 SGLT-2i drugs (dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin) used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data on the reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body weight, blood pressure (BP), urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), and adverse effects were recorded retrospectively. RESULTS: Data from 467 patients with a median age of 64 (14.8) years, 294 (62.96%) males and 375 (80.5%) Caucasians were analysed. Median diabetes duration was 16.0 (9.0) years, and the duration of SGLT-2i use was 3.6 (2.1) years. SGLT-2i molecules used were dapagliflozin 10 mg (n = 227; 48.6%), canagliflozin 300 mg (n = 160; 34.3%), and empagliflozin 25 mg (n = 80; 17.1). Baseline median (interquartile range) HbA1c in mmol/mol were: dapagliflozin - 78.0 (25.3), canagliflozin - 80.0 (25.5), and empagliflozin - 75.0 (23.5) respectively. The respective median HbA1c reduction at 12 months and the latest review (just prior to the study) were: 66.5 (22.8) & 69.0 (24.0), 67.0 (16.3) & 66.0 (28.0), and 67.0 (22.5) & 66.5 (25.8) respectively (P < 0.001 for all comparisons from baseline). Significant improvements in body weight (in kilograms) from baseline to study end were noticed with dapagliflozin - 101 (29.5) to 92.2 (25.6), and canagliflozin 100 (28.3) to 95.3 (27.5) only. Significant reductions in median systolic and diastolic BP, from 144 (21) mmHg to 139 (23) mmHg; (P = 0.015), and from 82 (16) mmHg to 78 (19) mmHg; (P < 0.001) respectively were also observed. A significant reduction of microalbuminuria was observed with canagliflozin only [ACR 14.6 (42.6) at baseline to 8.9 (23.7) at the study end; P = 0.043]. Adverse effects of SGLT-2i were as follows: genital thrush and urinary infection - 20 (8.8%) & 17 (7.5%) with dapagliflozin; 9 (5.6%) & 5 (3.13%) with canagliflozin; and 4 (5%) & 4 (5%) with empagliflozin. Diabetic ketoacidosis was observed in 4 (1.8%) with dapagliflozin and 1 (0.63%) with canagliflozin. CONCLUSION: Treatment of patients with SGLT-2i is associated with statistically significant reductions in HbA1c, body weight, and better than those reported in RCTs, with low side effect profiles. A review of large-scale real-world data is needed to inform better clinical practice decision making.

The association between a rotator cuff tendon tear and a tear of the long head of the biceps tendon: Chart review study.

Rotator cuff (RC) and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) tears are common shoulder problems presented to the orthopedic clinic. The aim of this study was to assess the association between RC and LHBT tears among a Saudi population sample. A total of 243 patients who were diagnosed with shoulder pain due to RC or LHBT tear between 2016 and 2018 using a magnetic resonance imaging scan were included in this study. Females comprised 66% of the sample, and 59% (n = 143) of the shoulders were on the right side. The mean age of the patients was 58 ± 11 years, ranging from 23 to 88 years. A significant association was detected between the LHBT and RC tears (P < 0.001). Out of 26 cases showing RC and LHBT tears, 81% had a full thickness tear, whereas 19% had a partial tear. The LHBT tears were presented significantly in 48% of cases with at least two completely torn RC compared to 10% in cases with one completely torn RC (P < 0.001). The LHBT tear was significantly observed in shoulders with RC tears including the tendons of subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus, but not the teres minor (P < 0.001). Both types of tears were presented significantly in senior patients aged more than 65 years compared to younger patients (P < 0.01). Thus, the LHBT should be assessed carefully in shoulders with more than one RC tear or in chronic cases.

Correlating Molecular Precursor Interactions with Device Performance in Solution-Processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 Thin-Film Solar Cells.

Research efforts aimed at improving the crystal quality of solution-processed Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) absorbers have largely employed delicate pre- and postprocessing strategies, such as multistep selenization, heat treatment in mixed chalcogen atmospheres, and multinary extrinsic doping that are often complex and difficult to reproduce. On the other hand, understanding and tuning chemical interactions in precursor inks prior to the thin-film deposition have received significantly less attention. Herein, we show for the first time how the complexation of metallic and chalcogen precursors in solution have a stark influence on the crystallization and optoelectronic quality of CZTSSe absorbers. By varying thiourea to metal cation ratios (TU/M) in dimethylformamide (DMF) and isopropyl alcohol (IPA)-based inks, we observed the formation of nanoscale metal-organic complexes and submicron size aggregates which play a key role in the morphology of the precursor layers obtained by spin-coating and drying steps. We also identify the primary cations in the complexation and assembling processes in solution. The morphology of the precursor film, in turn, has an important effect on grain growth and film absorber structure after the reactive annealing in the presence of Se. Finally, we establish a link between metal complexes in precursor solutions and device performance, with power conversion efficiency increasing from approximately 2 to 8% depending on the TU/M and Cu/(Zn + Sn) ratios.

Endocrine Hypertension: The Urgent Need for Greater Global Awareness.

Hypertension affects about 1.28 billion adults globally, and significantly increases the risk of chronic morbidity and mortality among sufferers. About 15% of these individuals have secondary hypertension, the majority of whom have dysfunction of one or more endocrine systems as the cause of hypertension. Although adrenal disorders are often identified as the cause of endocrine hypertension, extra-adrenal disease and pituitary disorders also can cause the disease. Timely diagnosis is of paramount importance, because of the potential for a surgical cure or optimal disease control with pharmacotherapy to prevent hypertensive complications. Even with its relatively high prevalence compared with many other chronic illnesses, the diagnosis of endocrine hypertension is often delayed or never made because of poor awareness about the disease among physicians. This review attempts to provide an overview of the disease, with some practical aspects of diagnosis and management of a few of the important disorders causing endocrine hypertension.

Identification and Characterization of Preventable Adverse Drug Events in Family Medicine Clinics from Central Saudi Arabia.

Background: Medication errors can result in adverse drug events (ADEs) and cause considerable patient harm. Limited data are available from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East regarding the prevalence of preventable adverse drug events (pADEs) in primary care settings. Objectives: To estimate the period prevalence of pADEs and assess the medication error severity in primary care setting in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This retrospective study is a continuation of a previous study where 117 of 2000 adult patients managed at the Family Medicine clinics of King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were identified to have had least one medication error in the past 15 months. The electronic health records of these 117 patients were analyzed for a 3-month post-medication error period to explore the presence of pADE. Medication errors were categorized according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention index (NCC MERP) and the occurrence of pADE was assessed using the NCC MERP scheme. Results: Of the included 117 patients, 9 (7.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.79-12.59]) experienced pADE (Category E), while 108 (92.3% [95% CI: 87.97-98.35]) did not (Category C). All patients who experienced pADE were using over-the-counter medications and were on polypharmacy. Outcomes 2a and 2b (asthma and ß-blocker) accounted for two and four cases, respectively, while Outcomes 6 (warfarin and international normalized ratio), 7 (lithium and lithium level), 16 (new oral anti-coagulant or warfarin and antiplatelet), and 17 (acetylsalicylic acid [aspirin] and antiplatelet) each accounted for one case. Conclusions: This study provides the period prevalence of patients with pADEs from Family Medicine clinics at a major tertiary hospital of Saudi Arabia, and highlights the need for a multicenter study of clinically important medication errors at the prescribing and monitoring stages for the development of quality improvement programs.

Nonlinear Optical Properties and Phototunable Absorption of a Substituted Dihydroazulene-Vinylheptafulvene Pair of Photochromes.

Quantum calculations were used to study UV-vis absorption properties and nonlinear optical characteristics of a variety of substituted dihydroazulene (DHA)/vinylheptafulvene (VHF) photoswitches. The absorption properties are substantially based on the position and nature of the substituent. In general, electron-donating groups cause red shifts compared to the parent compound. Any electron-withdrawing group, on the other hand, would generate a blue shift. Furthermore, the steric effect at some positions is accountable for the loss of planarity and, as a response, a decrease in electronic conjugation within the molecule, which in most cases result in blue shifts in maximum absorption. The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of substitution at the seven-membered ring of the DHA/VHF system on the absorption spectra and nonlinear optical characteristics of dihydroazulene photoswitches. UV-vis spectra and hyperpolarizability are determined since a prospective photoswitch should have a minimum overlap of absorption spectra from both isomers. Furthermore, the differential in hyperpolarizability between DHA and VHF is critical for practical applications.

How Ready are Pediatricians and Family Physicians in Saudi Arabia to Perform Clinical Screening of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip?

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most common hip pathologies in pediatric age group and late diagnosis remains a major concern in Saudi Arabia. Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the ability of Saudi Arabian pediatricians and family physicians to conduct clinical screening for (DDH) by estimating their clinical knowledge and skills and analyzing the gaps therein to determine whether there is potential to launch a national screening protocol for DDH in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a multicenter cross-sectional study from three major regions in Saudi Arabia (Central, Eastern and Western provinces). The assessed aspects are risk factors, age of screening, incidence in Saudi Arabia, physical signs and diagnostic markers, and treatment, along with their 'clinical knowledge and skills' score. Results: Half of the participants were pediatricians, while the rest were family physicians. More than a third of the participants were considered to have adequate knowledge, ie, above the mean score. Dimensions with the most significant knowledge gaps included the incidence of DDH in Saudi Arabia, adverse effects of swaddling, and the management of a high-risk infants presenting with a negative physical examination. Additionally, there were relatively low rates of awareness regarding positive risk factors as well as a generally poor ability to identify physical signs. Clinical knowledge and skill levels were significantly lower among family physicians. Conclusion: Pediatricians and family physicians in Saudi Arabia still need further training to improve their clinical skills for DDH screening. The proper administration of training programs could eventually enable the gradual implementation of a national systematic screening program.

Rational Design, Stabilities and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Non-Conventional Transition Metalides; New Entry into Nonlinear Optical Materials.

Electronic and nonlinear optical properties of endohedral metallofullerenes are presented. The endohedral metallofullerenes contain transition metal encapsulated in inorganic fullerenes X12Y12 (X = B, Al & Y = N, P). The endohedral metallofullerenes (endo-TM@X12Y12) possess quite interesting geometric and electronic properties, which are the function of the nature of the atom and the size of fullerene. NBO charge and frontier molecular orbital analyses reveal that the transition metal encapsulated Al12N12 fullerenes (endo-TM@Al12N12) are true metalides when the transition metals are Ni, Cu and Zn. Endo-Cr@Al12N12 and endo-Co@Al12N12 are at the borderline between metalides and electrides with predominantly electride characteristics. The other members of the series are excess electron systems, which offer interesting electronic and nonlinear optical properties. The diversity of nature possessed by endo-TM@Al12N12 is not prevalent for other fullerenes. Endo-TM@Al12P12 are true metalides when the transition metals are (Cr-Zn). HOMO-LUMO gaps (EH-L) are reduced significantly for these endohedral metallofullerenes, with a maximum percent decrease in EH-L of up to 70%. Many complexes show odd-even oscillating behavior for EH-L and dipole moments. Odd electron species contain large dipole moments and small EH-L, whereas even electron systems have the opposite behavior. Despite the decrease in EH-L, these systems show high kinetic and thermodynamic stabilities. The encapsulation of transition metals is a highly exergonic process. These endo-TM@X12Y12 possess remarkable nonlinear optical response in which the first hyperpolarizability reaches up to 2.79 × 105 au for endo-V@Al12N12. This study helps in the comparative analysis of the potential nonlinear optical responses of electrides, metalides and other excess electron systems. In general, the potential nonlinear optical response of electrides is higher than metalides but lower than those of simple excess electron compounds. The higher non-linear optical response and interesting electronic characteristics of endo-TM@Al12N12 complexes may be promising contenders for potential NLO applications.

Development of a Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction Model: A Preliminary Retrospective Cohort Study of a Patient Sample in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has an alarmingly high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its associated risk factors. To effectively assess CVD risk, it is essential to develop tailored models for diverse regions and ethnicities using local population variables. No CVD risk prediction model has been locally developed. This study aims to develop the first 10-year CVD risk prediction model for Saudi adults aged 18 to 75 years. The electronic health records of Saudi male and female patients aged 18 to 75 years, who were seen in primary care settings between 2002 and 2019, were reviewed retrospectively via the Integrated Clinical Information System (ICIS) database (from January 2002 to February 2019). The Cox regression model was used to identify the risk factors and develop the CVD risk prediction model. Overall, 451 patients were included in this study, with a mean follow-up of 12.05 years. Thirty-five (7.7%) patients developed a CVD event. The following risk factors were included: fasting blood sugar (FBS) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), heart failure, antihyperlipidemic therapy, antithrombotic therapy, and antihypertension therapy. The Bayesian information criterion (BIC) score was 314.4. This is the first prediction model developed in Saudi Arabia and the second in any Arab country after the Omani study. We assume that our CVD predication model will have the potential to be used widely after the validation study.

Enhanced nonlinear optical response of alkalides based on stacked Janus all-cis-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexafluorocyclohexane.

Significant efforts are continuously exerted by the scientific community to explore new strategies to design materials with high nonlinear optical responses. An effective approach is to design alkalides based on Janus molecules. Herein, we present a new approach to remarkably boost the NLO response of alkalides by stacking the Janus molecules. Alkalides based on stacked Janus molecule, M-n-M' (where n = 2 & 3 while M and M' are Li/Na/K) are studied for structural, energetic, electrical, and nonlinear optical properties. The thermodynamic stability of the designed complexes is confirmed by the energetic stabilities, which range between -14.07 and -28.77 kcal/mol. The alkalide character of alkali metals-doped complexes is confirmed by the NBO charge transfer and HOMO(s) densities. The HOMO densities are located on the doped alkali metal atoms, indicating their alkalide character. The absorptions in UV-Vis and near IR region confirm the deep ultraviolet transparency of the designed complexes. The maximum first static and dynamic hyperpolarizabilities of 5.13 × 107 and 6.6 × 106 au (at 1339 nm) confirm their high NLO response, especially for K-2-M' complexes. The NLO response of alkalides based on stacked Janus molecules is 1-2 orders of magnitude higher than the alkalide based on Janus monomer. The high values of dc-Kerr and electric field-induced response e.g., max ∼107 and 108 au, respectively have been obtained. These findings suggest that our designed complexes envision a new insight into the rational design of stable high NLO performance materials.

Cancer Stigma Among 800 Saudi Citizens: A Cross-Sectional Study and Literature Review.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer-related stigmatization is a noteworthy phenomenon, yet it has not received sufficient attention in public health studies. Despite recent advancements in treatment and improvements in survival, the burden of stigma remains a challenging concern for individuals diagnosed with cancer. AIM: This study aims to assess the presence of cancer stigma in the Saudi Arabian population by using the Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Data collection was facilitated through a self-administered online questionnaire, incorporating socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, and regional residence and employing the CASS instrument to gauge the prevalent attitudes and stigmas related to cancer. RESULTS: Out of the 874 participants, a majority of 87.1% were female, with 60.2% aged between 20 and 39 years. Notably, 59% reported having a close friend or family member diagnosed with cancer. The average CASS score stood at 1.59 (SD 0.39) on a 5-point scale, with an overwhelming 97.1% registering scores under 2.5, suggesting a generally low stigma perception. In dissecting the CASS components, 'severity' recorded the highest mean score (mean: 2.23), followed by 'awkwardness' (mean: 1.86) and 'financial discrimination' (mean: 1.71). 'avoidance' registered the lowest mean score at 1.11. Notably, a trend of increasing stigma was observed with advancing age, and male respondents indicated a marginally higher propensity towards stigmatizing attitudes. CONCLUSION: In Saudi Arabia, cancer-related stigma is generally low. However, 'severity' is the most prominent stigma aspect, with 'avoidance' being the least. Older individuals and males exhibit slightly higher stigmatizing attitudes. These insights highlight the need for targeted public health efforts to address remaining stigmatization, especially based on age and gender.

Awareness of the Link Between the Consumption of Ultra-Processed Food and Colorectal Cancer Risk in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Cancer is a group of diseases with uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers. Increased intake of animal-source foods, sedentary lifestyle, decreased physical activity, and increased prevalence of excess body weight are independently associated with CRC risk. Additional risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and consumption of red or processed meat. Ultra-processed food (UPF) is made utilizing multiple components and a number of procedures. Soft drinks and salty or sugary snacks typically contain a lot of added sugar, fats, and processed carbohydrates, which negatively affect the balance of the gut bacteria, nutrients, and bioactive substances that are necessary for the prevention of CRC. The aim of this study is to assess the awareness of the general population in Saudi Arabia toward the relationship between UPF and CRC. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between June and December, 2022. Result The study involved 802 participants, of which 84% consumed UPF and 71% were aware of the link between UPF and CRC. Only 18.3% were familiar with the particular type of UPF and only 29.4% knew how to prepare them. The prevalence of participants who were aware of the link between UPF and CRC was significantly more among the older age groups, people living in the Eastern Region, and those who knew how to manufacture UPF, while the prevalence of awareness was significantly less among those who regularly consumed UPF. Conclusion The study showed that a significant portion of subjects regularly ate UPF, and only a few were aware of its link to CRC. This highlights the need for greater awareness of the fundamentals of UPF and its impact on health. Governmental organizations should develop a strategy to raise public awareness of excessive UPF use.