What factors during elective rotations influence undergraduates to pursue plastic surgery as a career?

Background@#Plastic surgery is considered one of the most competitive specialties globally. In Saudi Arabia, it was established in 2001 in the central province (Riyadh) and then expanded in 2009 to include more eastern and western provinces. Previous research has identified several factors that impact pursuing a career in plastic surgery. @*Methods@#This cross-sectional study was conducted through a five-page, five-section questionnaire distributed among senior medical students and interns using online platforms between August 2021 and January 2022. The overall number of questions was 25, which tackled different aspects, including sociodemographic characteristics (i.e., age and gender); the duration of the elective rotation; supervisor during the elective; encouraging, discouraging, and influencing factors; and the rating of participants’ desire to become a plastic surgeon. @*Results@#After elective training, the most common factor that influenced medical students to choose a plastic surgery career was exposure to a variety of cases (favorable to agree: 80.4%), followed by involvement in clinical activities (i.e., rounding, clinics, and case presentations) (favorable to agree: 70.6%). On the contrary, the most common factor discouraging students from choosing a plastic surgery career after elective training was plastic surgery being a competitive specialty for matching (favorable to agree: 62.7%), followed by the intense workload (favorable to agree: 56.9%). @*Conclusions@#Medical students were more likely than medical interns to explore a career in plastic surgery. Exposure to a variety of cases, inspiring mentors, and a decent amount of time spent in the operating room were the most influential factors.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validation, and Arabic Translation of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7)

Abstract Introduction The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Patient Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) scale is used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to determine the severity of the eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). There is currently no validated Arabic version of the ETDQ-7. Objectives The aim of the present study is to test the validity and the reliability of a translated Arabic version of the ETDQ-7. Methods A multicenter prospective validation study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ETDQ-7 was adapted and translated into Arabic using a standard validation methodology. Fifty-one patients diagnosed with Eustachian tube dysfunction and 45 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. The known-groups method was used in the validity analysis. The test-retest method, item-total score correlation, and internal consistency analysis were used for the reliability analyses. Result The overall internal consistency of the Arabic ETDQ items was measured using Cronbach α (Cronbach α = 0.803). The average and total ETDQ scores were significantly higher in the ETD group (17.6) than in the control group (9.87) (p < 0.001). The results indicate a good to excellent correlation (> 0.7). The area under the curve for the total ETDQ score was 88.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80.3-96.8%) Conclusion The Arabic version of the ETDQ-7 scale is a valid instrument for evaluating ETD. It can also be used as an important tool for diagnosis, patient follow-up, and treatment management.

Frequency of Rh and K antigens in blood donors in Riyadh

ABSTRACT Objectives: Investigate the prevalence of Rh and the K antigens and their phenotypes in the red blood cells of blood donors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective study. The five principal Rh antigens (D, C, c, E, e) and the Kell antigen from the Kell blood group were tested in 4,675 random samples collected from four blood bank centers in Riyadh. Data were collected for seven weeks (from January 4, 2019 to February 28, 2019). Antigens were tested using the TANGO Optimo system. Results: We found that approximately 86% of the donors had the D antigen, 66% had C, 78% had c, 26% had E, 97% had e and 14% had K. The most common Rh phenotypes were R1r (31%) and R1R1 (22%). Conclusion: The differences in the results between the study population and other populations, such as Caucasian, Indian and African populations indicate the importance of establishing a population-specific database.

Tuberculous Aortic Aneurysm - A Review

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tuberculous aortic aneurysm (TBAA) is an exceedingly rare but severe manifestation of tuberculosis, with a high risk of sudden rupture of the aorta in absence of medical or surgical intervention. This review aimed to provide a detailed understanding of TBAA, including its associated complications, affected population, treatment measures, and outcomes. Methods: Case studies and relevant research articles were analyzed to understand the recent advances in medical scientific knowledge on TBAA. Recent clinical case reports on TBAA were searched from the year 2010 to 2020. Results: Case reports indicated a higher prevalence of TBAA in the male population. The most affected age group was 15 to 79 years. The most common treatment for TBAA included surgery followed by antituberculous medication. The case reports discussed in this review reflected open surgery, endovascular repair, coil embolization, laparotomy, aortic valve and root replacement as some of the surgical procedures used depending on the complication and type of aneurysm. The treatment outcome was considered effective in most cases. Conclusion: Postoperative chemotherapy and medications reduce the risk of severity. Early diagnosis of TBAA is imperative, followed by surgical resection and postoperative antituberculous medication with careful follow-up to prevent relapse.

Momento de la cirugía en pacientes iraquíes con Contagio de COVID-19 / Timing of surgery in Iraqi patients with COVID-19 infection

Los pacientes con infección perioperatoria por COVID-19 tienen un alto riesgo de muerte y complicaciones posoperatorias. En la actualidad, la infección por COVID-19 en Irak representó 1.696.390 casos con 19.087 muertes. Un estudio nacional, único y observacional que incluyó pacientes con infección por COVID-19 que se sometieron a cualquier tipo de cirugía en el Hospital General de Abu-Graib, Bagdad, Irak, durante el período del 19 de marzo de 2020 al 30 de abril de 2021. Tiempo desde el diagnóstico de la infección por COVID-19 El día de la cirugía se recogió como factor categórico dividido en: (a) 0-3 semanas; (b) 4­6 semanas; (c) >6 semanas. Edad; sexo; estado físico de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiólogos (ASA); comorbilidades cardíacas; comorbilidades respiratorias; indicación de cirugía; grado de cirugía; y se documentaron los tipos quirúrgicos. Se incluyeron un total de 378 pacientes con una edad media de 47,89±16,03 años. Las mujeres eran más que los hombres (65,87% > 34,13%). Aproximadamente, el 76,72% de los pacientes pertenecían a ASA I-II, mientras que el 23,28% eran ASA III-IV. Alrededor del 19,05% de los pacientes sufría de comorbilidades cardíacas. 266/378 de los pacientes se quejaron de comorbilidades respiratorias. Cirugía indicada en 35,45% condiciones benignas, 27,5% obstetricia, 7,65% cirugía oncológica y 29,4% operaciones traumáticas. Operaciones mayores documentadas en 205/378 pacientes. Las intervenciones quirúrgicas de urgencia realizadas en (176, 46,56%), mientras que los casos electivos fueron 202/378 (53,44%). En total, en el momento de la operación, 80 (21,16 %) pacientes tenían un diagnóstico preoperatorio de COVID-19. El tiempo desde el diagnóstico de COVID-19 hasta la cirugía fue de 0 a 3 semanas en 98 pacientes (25,93 %), de 4 a 6 semanas en 115 pacientes (30,42 %) y >6 semanas en 165 pacientes (43,65 %). La tasa de mortalidad postoperatoria global fue del 9,52% (36/378). Con respecto a la complicación cardiaca de la O.P., no hubo asociación significativa en relación al momento previo a la cirugía (p=0,08). Sin embargo, la complicación cardíaca global fue del 16,4%. En general, el 44,97 % (170/378) de los pacientes desarrollaron una complicación pulmonar por O.P. durante el período de seguimiento. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer estudio que proporciona datos sólidos sobre el momento óptimo para la cirugía después de la infección por COVID-19 en Irak. El momento óptimo de la cirugía después de la infección por COVID-19 fue de más de 6 semanas. Descubrimos que los riesgos de morbilidad y mortalidad por O.P. son mayores si los pacientes son operados dentro de las 6 semanas posteriores al diagnóstico de infección por COVID-19.

Patients with perioperative COVID-19 infection are at high risk of death and complications postoperatively. Nowadays, COVID-19 infection in Iraq accounted 1,696,390 cases with 19,087 deaths. A national, single, and observational study that included patients with COVID-19 infection undergoing any type of surgery in Abu-Graib General Hospital, Baghdad Iraq during period from 19 March 2020 to 30 April 2021. Time from the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection to day of surgery was collected as a categorical factor divided into: (a) 0­3 wks; (b) 4­6 wks; (c) >6 wks. Age; sex; American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status; cardiac comorbidities; respiratory comorbidities; indication for surgery; surgery grade; and surgical types were documented. A total of 378 patient were included with mean age was 47.89±16.03 years. Females were more than males (65.87% > 34.13%). Approximately, 76.72% of patients belonged within ASA I-II, whereas 23.28% were ASA III-IV. About 19.05% of patients suffered from cardiac comorbidities. 266/378 of patients complained from respiratory comorbidities. Surgery indicated in 35.45% benign conditions, 27.5% obstetrics, 7.65% oncological surgery, and 29.4% traumatic operations. Major operations documented in 205/378 patients. Emergencies surgical intervention done in (176, 46.56%), whereas elective cases were 202/378 (53.44%). In total at operation timing, 80(21.16%) patients had a preoperative COVID-19 diagnosis. The time from COVID-19 diagnosis to surgery was 0­3 weeks in 98 patients (25.93%), 4­6 weeks in 115 patients (30.42%), and >6 weeks in 165 patients (43.65%). The overall postoperative mortality rate was 9.52% (36/378). In regard to P. O. cardiac complication, there was no significant association in relation to timing before surgery (p=0.08). However, the overall cardiac complication was 16.4%. Overall, 44.97% (170/378) of patients developed a P. O. pulmonary complication within period of follow-up. To our knowledge this is the first study to provide strong data regarding the optimal timing for surgery following COVID-19 infection in Iraq. The optimal timing of surgery after COVID-19 infection was more than 6 wks. We found that risks of P. O. morbidity and mortality are greatest if patients are operated within 6 wks of diagnosis of COVID-19 infection

Comparative Assessment of Burnout Syndrome in Medical and Dental Senior Undergraduate Students

ABSTRACT Background: Burnout is observed when there is chronic exposure to work-related stress. This is commonly seen in physicians and undergraduate medical students. Thus, the study assessed and compared the severity of burnout among medical and dental senior undergraduate students in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Materials and method: 517 medical and dental senior undergraduate students were evaluated using a well-designed and formulated questionnaire. Different levels of burnout were evaluated with the related scores of burnout categories. Data collected was evaluated using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 772 medical and dental senior undergraduate students were included in the study, out of which 517 responded to the questionnaire, with a response rate of t 67%. Demographic parameters like age, gender, marital status, and the course were assessed. The mean scores of Personal Accomplishment (PA), Emotional Exhaustion (EE), and Depersonalization (DP) for all study subjects were recorded, showing an insignificant difference (p-value > 0.05) between both the groups in all the three categories. Considering Personal Accomplishment, the lowest mean values were observed with subjects aged 23 years old, female participants, and unmarried students, with insignificant correlation, observed statistically. Conclusion: Moderate to high levels of burnout with no significant difference was observed between medical and dental students in all three burnout categories.

Loss of RAR-α and RXR-α and enhanced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced liver injury in mice is tissue factor dependent

Tissue factor (TF) activates the coagulation system and has an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Our previous study stated that retinoid receptors (RAR-α and RXR-α) are released as a lipid droplet in monocrotaline/ lipopolysaccharide-induced idiosyncratic liver toxicity in mice. Herein, the interdependence between the release of retinoid receptors RAR-α and RXR-α and TF in Nacetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced mice liver toxicity, is investigated. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level, platelet and white blood cells (WBCs) counts, protein expression of fibrin, TF, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3 in liver tissues are analyzed. In addition, histopathological evaluation and survival study are also performed. The results indicate that using of TF-antisense (TF-AS) deoxyoligonucleotide (ODN) injection (6 mg/kg), to block TF protein synthesis, significantly restores the elevated level of ALT and WBCs and corrects thrombocytopenia in mice injected with APAP. TF-AS prevents the peri-central overexpression of liver TF, fibrin, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3. The release of RXR-α and RAR-α droplets, in APAP treated sections, is inhibited upon treatment with TF-AS. In conclusion, the above findings designate that the released RXR-α and RAR-α in APAP liver toxicity is TF dependent. Additionally, the enhancement of cyclin D1 to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis can be prevented by blocking of TF protein synthesis.

Loss of RAR-α and RXR-α and enhanced caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in N-acetyl-p-aminophenol-induced liver injury in mice is tissue factor dependent

Tissue factor (TF) activates the coagulation system and has an important role in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Our previous study stated that retinoid receptors (RAR-α and RXR-α) are released as a lipid droplet in monocrotaline/ lipopolysaccharide-induced idiosyncratic liver toxicity in mice. Herein, the interdependence between the release of retinoid receptors RAR-α and RXR-α and TF in Nacetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP)-induced mice liver toxicity, is investigated. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) level, platelet and white blood cells (WBCs) counts, protein expression of fibrin, TF, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3 in liver tissues are analyzed. In addition, histopathological evaluation and survival study are also performed. The results indicate that using of TF-antisense (TF-AS) deoxyoligonucleotide (ODN) injection (6 mg/kg), to block TF protein synthesis, significantly restores the elevated level of ALT and WBCs and corrects thrombocytopenia in mice injected with APAP. TF-AS prevents the peri-central overexpression of liver TF, fibrin, cyclin D1 and cleaved caspase-3. The release of RXR-α and RAR-α droplets, in APAP treated sections, is inhibited upon treatment with TF-AS. In conclusion, the above findings designate that the released RXR-α and RAR-α in APAP liver toxicity is TF dependent. Additionally, the enhancement of cyclin D1 to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis can be prevented by blocking of TF protein synthesis.

Stroke-associated comorbidities in Saudi Arabia

Background: Stroke is a significant health problem worldwide. There is a limited literature regarding stroke inSaudi Arabia. The aim of this work was to estimate the stroke associated comorbidities in Saudi Arabia.Methodology: In this study, data regarding stroke was collected from the King Khalid Hospital-cardiac Centre,Hail Region, Saudi Arabia. In the present study, about 1187 (92%) of the patients had ischemic stroke and 103(8%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Hypertension was detected in 43.3% of the patients (39.8% were males and 48.2%were females). Diabetes was identified in 42.8% of the patients (40% were males and 47% were females).Dyslipidemia was noticed in 14.7% of the patients (14.5% were males and 15% were females). Conclusion: Thereis fluctuation in the incidence rates in stroke in Hail region. The most prevalent stroke type was ischemic typewith the men more affected than females. Hypertension, Diabetes, and dyslipidemia were the most comorbidconditions associated with stroke in Hail region.

Prevalence and Risk Indicators of Dentine Hypersensitivity among Adults Living in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To explore the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity and associated risk indicators among Saudi adults in Riyadh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed to assess the presence of dentine hypersensitivity in 547 adults who attended the College of Dentistry’s clinics. The assessment tools were questionnaires and clinical dental examinations. Questionnaires included sections of sociodemographic, behavioral, dietary and medical condition variables. Dentine hypersensitivity was examined by passing dental explorers on all teeth surfaces in addition to the application of a blast of cold air from three-in-one syringe. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, t-tests, One-Way Analysis of variance and correlation coefficient tests. Results: Dentine hypersensitivity was observed in 759 teeth among 182 participants yielding tooth prevalence and person’s prevalence of 4.8% and 33.27% respectively. The mean number of teeth with dentine hypersensitivity was 1.39 teeth per person. Dentine hypersensitivity was not significantly related to gender, marital status, or occupation. Also, dentine hypersensitivity was not related to smoking, brushing, flossing, and sewak uses. Drinking soda and coffee, and eating citrus fruits, pickles and seeds were not significantly correlated to dentine hypersensitivity. No associations of dentine hypersensitivity with diabetes, anorexia or Bulimia Nervosa were found. The mean number of teeth with dentine hypersensitivity was higher among those who use of desensitizing toothpaste and those with GERD. Conclusion: Dentine hypersensitivity was present in 4.8 teeth and in 33.3 persons. No significant associations between demographic, behavioral, and medical conditions variable were observed with dentine hypersensitivity except for desensitizing agents users and those suffering GERD condition.

Knowledge, Attitude and Barriers using Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Assessment Calculator in Management of Dyslipidemia among Primary Health Care Providers

Objectives: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimator is a recently developed online calculator tool for primary prevention. Family physicians, as first-line soldiers, have close contact with local community patients making preventive care management an integral part of their routine work. Therefore, we would like to assess primary health care providers’ knowledge, attitude and barriers for using ASCVD risk estimator in a family health care facility. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, single-center study which took place at a tertiary health care facility between December 2018 and January 2019. An English-paper-based self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all primary health care physicians (n=172). Results: Most of the participants were using a different type of cardiovascular risk score calculator 128 (97.7%). Among these scores, ASCVD risk assessment calculator was the highest frequently used calculator 67 (51.1%) and Framingham risk score 43 (32.8%). Study participant preferred to use mobile application 102 (77.9%) as a technical method of risk score calculation. ASCVD knowledge was significantly related to participants’ clinical attitude (r=0.3, p-value=0.003) however, they have moderate knowledge about ASCVD risk calculator (61.7%), and only 37.3% have a positive attitude towards it. Conclusion: Health promotion implementation needs using powerful primary prevention of cardiovascular risk calculators. Therefore, enhancing family physician knowledge and eliminate obstacles will gradually improve their attitude towards disease prediction and prevention.

Endovascular repair of a penetrating axillary artery injury

Abstract We report a 16-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot injury on his upper left side of the chest that resulted in an injury to the left axillary artery and was treated with endovascular repair. An endovascular repair has been increasingly accepted for the management of hemorrhage in critically ill trauma patients; using covered endovascular stents provides an alternative modality for both controlling hemorrhage and preserving flow.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of physicians towards oral anti-coagulants in Taif city, Saudi Arabia

Background: Thromboembolism is a common phenomenon of major significance. Oral anticoagulants have been used for decades, however, they were associated with many complications and different monitoring techniques. Therefore, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with better efficacy, lower adverse events, superior pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile were developed. Unfortunately, many of the physicians are still hesitant to prescribe these agents.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Taif city on 61 physicians from King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital and King Faisal Hospital in Taif. A questionnaire was given to participants to answer questions related to knowledge, attitude, and practice of prescription of KA and NOACs, indications of prescription, reasons for non-use, follow up methods adopted, follow up frequency, common adverse events encountered, awareness of new guidelines of NOACs, and providing patients with health education about their medications.Results: Only 69% of participants used NOACs on regular basis, whilst 100% used warfarin. Half of those who didn't prescribe NOACs attributed this to the non-availability of an antidote and fear of toxicity. Twenty-five% considered the NOACs new medications with inadequate clinical trials that make them trustable., and 17% did not prescribe them because of their non-availability at the hospital pharmacy. Only 66% used NOACs in treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Regarding knowledge, 71% of participants were aware of the new guidelines of NOACs, and 69% of institutions provided educational programs about these new agents. Major life-threatening bleeding was reported in 47.3% and 10.8% of patients on warfarin and NOACs, respectively.Conclusions: Physicians at Taif city in Saudi Arabia had a fairly good knowledge of NOACs. They prescribed them frequently and they were aware with the new guidelines and proper follow-up methods. However, more educational activities are recommended to encourage the rest of physician to use these agents and to correct their defective information about safety issues, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of NOACs, and adverse events

relation between diabetes type II and anemia

Background: Anemia is defined as a decrease in the hemoglobin concentration of blood, which accordingly decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells such that they are unable to meet the body's physiological requirements. Numerous reports have specified that anemia customarily occurs in patients with diabetes with renal insufficiency whereas limited studies have described the occurrence of anemia in people with diabetes prior to indication of renal impairment. Other studies have similarly recognized anemia as a risk factor for the need for renal replacement treatment in diabetes. Understanding the pathogenesis of anemia allied with diabetes can lead to the development of interventions to optimize results in these patients

Purpose: The purpose of this study was consequently to determine the pervasiveness of anemia among patients with type 2 diabetes

Materials and Methods: A total of 50 [25 with type 2 diabetes and 25 controls] participants were enlisted for the current study. Participants' blood samples were analyzed for fasting blood glucose, full blood count and renal function tests among others. The pervasiveness of anemia was then determined statistically

Results: A high incidence of anemia was perceived in the cases. Of the patients with diabetes, 85% had a hemoglobin concentration that was significantly less [males 10.88 +/- 1.78 and females 10.32 +/- 1.52] compared to that of controls [males 14.16 +/- 1.82 and females 12.49 +/- 1.11]. A significantly increased fasting blood glucose, urea, sodium, potassium, and calcium ions were observed in the cases [8.02 +/- 1.28, 5.21 +/- 2.01, 141.08 +/- 7.01, 4.84 +/- 0.49 and 1.51 +/- 0.28 respectively] as compared to the controls [4.57 +/- 0.52, 3.61 +/- 2.09, 134.86 +/- 6.75, 4.38 +/- 0.61 and 1.31 +/- 0.31 respectively]. Finally, a significant association between hemoglobin concentration and fasting blood glucose was also observed in the cases

Conclusions: The findings suggest that a high incidence of anemia is likely to occur in patients with poorly controlled diabetes and in patients with diabetes and renal insufficiency

Carbon dioxide role in GI endoscopy

Background: Sufficient distension of the GI lumen is needed for safe advancement of endoscopes and for careful visualization of the mucosa. Carbon dioxide [CO2] has been proposed as an alternative to room air for insufflation

Aim of the Study: To assess the merits and demerits of the use CO2 insufflation for endoscopy in terms of safety and efficacy

Methods: Electronic and manual searches were combined to search RCTs [Randomized controlled trials]. After methodological quality assessment and data extraction, the efficacy and safety of CO2 insufflation were systematically assessed

Results: Ten RCTs met the eligibility criteria and included in the present study; six of which on colonoscopy, two on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography [ERCP] and two on double-balloon enteroscopy [DBE]. Postprocedural pain was assessed. Overall, pain was lower in the CO2 insufflation group compared with the air group. Two RCTs found decreased flatus in the CO2 group compared with the air group, and 3 RCTs showed there was decreased bowel distention on abdominal radiography in the CO2 group compared with the air group. Moreover, CO2 insufflation revealed no consistent advantages in the RCTs of DBE, yet it was still indicated safe as air insufflation in stomach/ oesophagus endoscopic submucosal dissection. PCO2 level showed no significant variation during these procedures

Conclusion: CO2 insufflation is proven to be associated with decreased postprocedural pain, flatus, and bowel distention. CO2 insufflation also appears to be safe in patients without severe underlying pulmonary disease

Pharmacological validation of the folkloric uses of Cyperus rotundus L. in different ailments: An in vivo and in vitro research

In vivo and in vitro research study was conducted on Cyperus rotundus to evaluate the sound mechanistic background in the treatment of gastrointestinal, bronchial and vascular disorders as well as in pain, emesis, pyrexia and bacterial infections. Results showed that crude extract of Cyperus rotundus [Cr.Cr] exhibited the dose-dependent spasmolytic effect in rabbit jejunum by inhibiting the spontaneous and K+ [80 mM]-induced contractions. Pretreatment of tissue with Cr. Cr caused the rightward shift of calcium concentration response curves, similar to verapamil. Cr. Cr also caused the relaxation of K+ [80 mM]- and carbachol [1 microM]-induced contractions of trachea preparations, similar to that of verapamil. Moreover, Cr. Cr also relaxed the contraction induced by the K+ [80 mM] and phenylephrine [1 microM] of aorta preparations. Data show that C. rotundus possess the spasmolytic, bronchodilator and vasodilator activities possibly through calcium channels blockade; validating its folkloric use in diarrhea, dyspepsia, bronchitis, asthma and hypertension in addition to antibacterial, antiemetic, antipyretic and analgesic activities

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of the sulfonamide based schiff base and its transition metal [II] complexes

A Schiff base 3 has been synthesized by equimolar reaction [condensation] of sulfonamide i.e. sulfamethoxypyridazine 1 and substituted aromatic aldehyde i.e. 2-Hydroxy-1-Napthalene aldehyde 2. The synthesized Schiff base 3 and its Metal [II] complexes were characterized by its physical, analytical [CHN analysis] and spectral [UV and IR] analysis. The Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterial strains were used for antibacterial activity of Sulfamethoxypyridazine 1, its Schiff base 3 and its transition metal [II] complexes 4-8. All of them showed varied levels of activity

prevalence of asthma and its related risk factors among the children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: The prevalence of asthma has increased considerably in the last few years. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of asthma and its related risk factors among children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Methods: A cross sectional prospective study was carried out. Pretested well-designed questionnaires were distributed during the period from May to October 2016

Results: Parents of 1700 children out of 4000 have completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 42.5%, 1082 [63.6%] of them were male. Asthma prevalence among girls [14.4%] was higher than boys [12.4%], but this difference was insignificant. Asthma prevalence was significantly higher among Saudi participants [14.4%] compared to non- Saudi [5.9%]. Nature of residency, the presence of a plant or presence of pets at home had no significant effect on asthma prevalence. A smoking of family member and a history of asthma in the family had an important association on asthma prevalence rate. The highest prevalence of asthma [29.7%] was among the younger children [<3 years]. Symptoms of asthma enhanced during exercise. The positive association between asthma and both cough and breathlessness was noted. Asthma had no effect on schools absenteeism, visiting or admission to hospitals. Body mass index had no effect on the prevalence of asthma

Conclusion: The asthma prevalence rate among children was 13.1%, whereas, smoking and a history of asthma in the family increased this rate. Further studies are recommended to investigate asthma prevalence based on clinical and laboratory diagnosis to explore the link between asthma and obesity

correlation between vitamin D and polycystic ovary syndrome

Background: A deficiency of Vitamin D not only causes poor bone mineralization but also has been implicated in many other chronic diseases. Recent studies have suggested a relevance of vitamin D to reproductive physiology. Moreover, recent evidence is establishing to support the hypothesis that vitamin D status may contribute to the development of metabolic disturbances in PCOS

Aim of the study: To investigate the relationship between Vitamin D level and polymorphisms related to metabolic disturbances particularly Insulin resistance in women with PCOS

Methods: A review of the scientific literature [PubMed Search 1960 to 2017] Pubmed, Embase and CENTRAL were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that investigated The Correlation between Depression and Folate Deficiency as the primary outcome. Identification of papers and data extraction were performed by two independent researchers. We searched for relevant trials in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE [from 1960], Embase [from 1960], and ongoing trial databases; all searches current to October 2017

Results: Eight studies were included enrolling 1225 women; 779 patients with depression and 446 control subjects. Univariate regression analyses of the weighted means indicated a significant correlation between vitamin D and IR predictability in both PCOS and control women. However, the significance was neutralized after factoring BMI in PCOS women

Conclusion: There is a growing body of evidence suggesting an inverse association between vitamin D status and metabolic disturbances in PCOS in the current literature yet heterogeneity of the conducted studies made it difficult to come out with a solid conclusion. Nevertheless, normalization of vitamin D levels is recommended generally and especially for PCOS patients

Risk factors of coronary heart disease among medical students in Almaarefa colleges, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Nowadays, cardiovascular diseases [CVDs] represent an escalating worldwide public health problem. Providing consistent data on the magnitude and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases [CVDs] among young population will help in controlling the risks and avoiding their consequences

Objective: The objective was to estimate the prevalence of risk factors of coronary heart disease [CHD] among medical students during their clinical clerkship [4th-6th years]

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done during the educational year 2016-2017 at Almaarefa Colleges. Ethical standards were follow and a multistage stratified random sample method was used for selection of 214 medical students. Data was collected through an interviewing questionnaire, measurements and laboratory investigations. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were done by SPSS version 21. Coronary heart disease [CHD] risk percent in thirty years was calculated using Framingham algorithm for each student, then the risk among all students was determined

Results: The commonest risk factors of coronary heart disease [CHDs] were daily intake of high fat diet [73.4%], physical inactivity [57.9%], overweight/or obesity [31.2%] and daily consumption of fast food [13.1%]. Hypercholesterolemia [17.2%] and hypertension [9.3%] were also prevalent risk factors. Smoking prevalence was low [2.8%]. Males had significantly higher mean scores for most of coronary heart disease [CHD] risk factors compared to females [p < 0.05]. Systolic Blood Pressure was higher among males [119.47 +/- 11.17] compared to females [112.26 +/- 9.06]. A highly statistical significant difference was present [Students test = 4.74, p < 0.001]. Framingham Risk Score revealed that coronary heart disease [CHD] risk percent in thirty years among all students was 10.7%, 2.3% and 0.5% for mild, moderate and severe risk, respectively

Conclusion: An alarmingly high prevalence of coronary heart disease [CHD] risk factors was prevailed among medical students, especially among males. However, a low prevalence of smoking may indicate the success of "Smoke-free Campus" program. Screening risk factors of coronary heart disease [CHD] among medical students and implementation of intervention programs are recommended. Programs to raise awareness about coronary heart disease [CHD] risk factors, encourage young adult students to adopt a healthy dietary behavior and promote physical exercise should be initiated