Measures of health-related quality of life in PCOS women: a cross sectional study from Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-gynecologic disorder affecting women of childbearing age. It has a wide range of clinical manifestations, including menstrual irregularity, infertility, hirsutism, acne, and obesity. Studies have confirmed that PCOS can significantly reduce a patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The pathophysiology of PCOS is poorly understood, but it is believed to be caused by the interaction of several factors. Moreover, there is a lack of information about HRQoL among PCOS women in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to assess the HRQoL of PCOS patients by using the Arabic Version of the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Health-Related Quality of life Questionnaire (AR-PCOSQ) in Riyadh city. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 281 women in Riyadh city using the translated questionnaire (AR-PCOSQ) to explore PCOS quality of life among Saudi females. The eligibility criteria were Saudi female who had been diagnosed with PCOS, living in Riyadh city, aged 18 and above, and willing to participate. The sample size was estimated using the 10-events-per variable rule for prediction models (REF). Informed consent was taken from all participants and a Google Form was used to create the survey and collect data. RESULTS: The higher score represents poor QOL. However, the analysis revealed that higher scores of the weight-related QOL had the greatest impact on patients' quality of life in older age groups, including women aged 26 to 35 (beta = 0.143, 95% CI, 0.023 to 0.304, p-value = 0.046) and women aged > 35 (beta = 0.229, 95% CI, 0.039 to 0.428, p = 0.011). Other domains of QOL, such as emotions, body hair, infertility, and menstrual problems, were not significantly predicted by any of the women's demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The findings revealed that PCOS-related conditions such as weight problems, menstrual irregularity, and infertility were associated with a reduction in quality of life.

Immunomodulatory and anti-cancer potential of cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) bud extract and its phytogenic silver nanoparticles.

Clove plant (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the Myrtaceae family. It's a common flavor in food and the traditional medicine. The study's objective was to ascertain whether the clove bud aqueous extract (CAE) and CAE + nanosilver have any biological effects on immune cells and HT-29 colon cancer cell line. Nanosilver was produced through green synthesis approach using CAE. Produced nanosilver was characterized via electron microscope (scanning, SEM) and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. CAE and CAE + nanosilver were examined for their active biomolecules using FTIR analysis, p53 contents using real-time PCR, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest power on HT-29 cancer cell line via flow cytometerty and immunomodulatory potential utilizing MTT assay. Results cleared that a spherical nanosilver with a diameter range of 53 nm was formed by CAE. There were several active biomolecules in CAE and CAE + nanosilver. CAE and CAE + nanosilver increased the p53 protein expression and apoptotic cell number in HT-29 colon cancer cells. CAE and CAE + nanosilver could arrest HT-29 cells at the phase G2/M. CAE and CAE + nanosilver stimulated quiescent and PHA-pre-treated splenic cells at higher concentrations, and CAE suppressed quiescent splenic cell when diluted. In conclusion, the safe edible Syzygium aromaticum plant can be utilized to make anti-tumor agent, essentially for colon tumor. As Syzygium aromaticum plant could stimulate immune cells, it can be used as immune-stimulatory agent that can help fight tumor and tumor development.

Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among residents of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study.

 OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aim to estimate the prevalence of adult ADHD among Saudi adults, determine its demographic correlates, the impact of the disorder on school/work, social life, and productivity, and describe its association with other psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 993 adult participants was carried out utilizing a validated online questionnaire that was given to the Saudi population between January 2022 and March 2022. Socio-demographic information, the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) are among the data gathered from the questionnaire. RESULTS: Participants' median age group was 21-30 years (48.4%), with 77.8% being females. The prevalence of participants who were positive for ADHD symptoms was 46.6%. In univariate analysis, age group, marital status, depression, anxiety, Sheehan scale domains, day lost, and unproductive days were all significant risk factors for ADHD. In a multivariate regression analysis, anxiety, depression, symptoms that disrupted work/school work, family life/home responsibilities, and days unproductive remained statistically significant and determined as the significant independent predictors of positive ADHD. CONCLUSIONS: Morbidity of adult ADHD symptoms appreciably existed among younger adults of Saudi Arabia, mostly students with no favorable genders. Adult ADHD symptoms were found to affect the quality of social life and work/schoolwork performance as they decreased the productivity rate and increased the absenteeism rate. Moreover, symptoms of depression and anxiety were in a profound correlation with Adult ADHD symptoms.

Comparison of bacterial colonization on absorbable non-coated suture with Triclosan- or Chlorhexidine-coated sutures: a randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: The oral cavity is a colossal reservoir for the bacteria. The healing of tissues is compromised after flap surgery, particularly in the presence of sutures, as they can act as repositories for bacteria, ultimately leading to surgical site infections. Hence, antibacterial-coated sutures have been considered as an alternative to reduce the risk of these infections and further improve the wound healing of the tissues after flap surgery. Since minimal information is available on the effect of antibacterial-coated sutures on periodontal tissues, this study aims to clinically and microbiologically assess the antibacterial efficacy of Triclosan (TCS) and Chlorhexidine-coated sutures (CCS) on periodontal tissues compared to non-coated sutures (NCS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 75 subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis were included in the study and randomly allocated to one of the three groups, (TCS, CCS, and NCS groups) equally. Suture removal was performed on postoperative day 8, and parameters such as wound healing and post-operative pain were evaluated. The retrieved suture samples were subjected to microbiological analysis and the bacteria were identified quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis of the wound healing index and post-operative pain for all the groups showed a significant improvement (p<0.01), from day 8 to day 30. Intergroup analysis of the wound healing index revealed significant wound healing (p<0.05) on day 15 and day 30. For post-operative pain, intergroup analyses showed significantly low pain scores (p<0.01) for the TCS group. Microbiologic analysis of aerobic colony counts in both anterior and posterior regions revealed significantly (p<0.01) least colony counts in TCS and highest colony counts in NCS groups, respectively. Although anaerobic colony counts were not statistically significant, relatively fewer colony counts were identified in the TCS group. Whereas, relatively higher anaerobic colony counts were seen in the CCS group in the anterior region and in the NCS group in the posterior region. Qualitative assessment revealed higher amounts of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus species in all the three groups (TCS, CCS, and NCS groups). CONCLUSIONS: Antibacterial-coated sutures, particularly Triclosan-coated sutures, are effective in reducing bacterial accumulation compared to non-coated sutures. Therefore, these sutures can be effectively utilized in periodontal flap surgery.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of MXene Quantum Dots.

Quantum dots (QDs) with ultrahigh surface-to-volume ratio, abundant edge active sites, forceful quantum confinement and other remarkable physio-chemical properties, have garnered considerable research interest. MXene QDs, as an emerging member of them, have also attracted wide attention in the last six years, and shown great achievements in many fields. This critical review systematically summarizes the various methods for synthesizing MXene QDs. The characteristics and corresponding applications of various MXene QDs are also presented. The advantages and disadvantages of various synthetic methods, and the limitations of corresponding MXene QDs are compared and highlighted. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of synthesizing MXene QDs are proposed. We hope this review will enlighten researchers to the fabrication of more advancing and promising MXene-based QDs with proprietary properties in diverse applications.

The efficacy of aerobic training on the pulmonary functions of hemophilic A patients: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the efficacy of a program of aerobic exercise on pulmonary functions in adult males with hemophilia A (HA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: 40 patients with HA who met the eligibility criteria (40 HA; age range: 20-39 years) were invited to participate in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, 20 per each. Participants in the study group (A) underwent selected physical therapy program, along with aerobic training sessions on a cycle ergometer (50-60% heart rate reserve, moderate intensity), while the control group (B) underwent a selected physical therapy program only. The pulmonary functions (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, PIF, and MVV) were measured before and after treatment program. RESULTS: There were noteworthy statistical differences between pre- and post-measurements in the study group in all measured variables (p < 0.05). There were also significant statistical differences between the study and control groups in all measured variables post treatment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that hemophilic A patients' pulmonary functions have improved significantly following aerobic exercise training. As a result, aerobic exercise can be used in addition to medical treatment for hemophilic A patients.

The global approach to rehabilitation following an osteoporotic fragility fracture: A review of the rehabilitation working group of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) committee of scientific advisors.

PURPOSE: To conduct a review of the current state of the evidence for rehabilitation strategies post-fragility fracture. METHODS: Narrative review conducted by the Rehabilitation Working Group of the International Osteoporosis Foundation Committee of Scientific Advisors characterizing the range of rehabilitation modalities instrumental for the management of fragility fractures. RESULTS: Multi-modal exercise post-fragility fracture to the spine and hip is strongly recommended to reduce pain, improve physical function, and improve quality of life. Outpatient physiotherapy post-hip fracture has a stronger evidence base than outpatient physiotherapy post-vertebral fracture. Appropriate nutritional care after fragility fracture provides a large range of improvement in morbidity and mortality. Education increases understanding of osteoporosis which in turn increases utilization of other rehabilitation services. Education may improve other health outcomes such as pain and increase a patient's ability for self-advocacy. CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation interventions are inter-reliant, and research investigating the interaction of exercise, nutrition, and other multi-modal therapies may increase the relevance of rehabilitation research to clinical care.

Normative reference values for the timed up-and-go test in Indian children aged four to 11 years old and their correlation with demographic characteristics: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The timed up-and-go test (TUGT) is a quick, reliable, and valid assessment tool for evaluating functional mobility or dynamic balance. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to establish the normative values for TUGT in children aged 4 to 11 years old in Surat, India. METHODS: A total of 420 children (210 boys and 210 girls) were included. Subjects were divided into seven age groups. In each age group, 60 (30 males and 30 females) subjects were included. Subjects were randomly recruited from primary schools and underwent three trials of the TUGT. Then, the mean of the three TUGT trials was calculated for each participant. RESULTS: We formulated normative reference values for each of the seven age groups. The mean and standard deviation of the TUGT score across the total population was 6.00 ± 1.15 seconds. TUGT scores were compared between age groups and genders. Between boys and girls, we found no significant differences. Among the age groups, however, we found significant differences, with a P value of less than 0.001. Thus, only age showed a moderate negative correlation with TUGT score. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides normative reference values for the TUGT among Indian children aged four to 11 years old. We found that no differences existed between the TUGT results according to genders. Conversely, age had a moderate negative correlation: a comparison of TUGT scores among the ages revealed significant differences between the age groups.

Normative reference values for functional, lateral, and oblique direction reach tests in Saudi children aged six to 15 years old and psychometric properties of the oblique direction reach test.

AIMS: To establish normative values for functional, lateral, and Oblique Direction Reach Tests (ODRT) and to assess the validity and reliability of the ODRT in Saudi children of age 6-15 years. METHODS: Three hundred Saudi children of age 6-15 years children were recruited by using snowball sampling. Children were measured for distance reached in forward, lateral, and oblique direction on a graph paper, which was mounted on a wall/cardboard. RESULTS: The Mean ± SD for forward, lateral and oblique direction reach was 25.63 ± 6.95, 18.91 ± 5.66, 22.08 ± 5.98 cm respectively. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient values of intra and inter-rater reliability of ODRT shown to be 0.94 and 0.91, respectively. Concurrent validity of ODRT with forward and lateral reach test is 0.87 and 0.84, respectively. CONCLUSION: : We established the normal values for functional, lateral, and ODRT in 6-15 years of Saudi children. We found that ODRT is a valid and reliable for measuring limits of stability in oblique direction.

Effects of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disc is one of the most prevalent causes of low back pain and traction is one of the most common physical therapy treatments offered to affected patients. Advancements in traction equipment are needed to ensure their effectiveness in clinical situations. AIMS: The objective of the study was to find out the effect of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction on pain and functional disability in individuals with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Original article and Experimental design. Twenty-five participants (age range: 34-67 years) diagnosed with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse were included in this study. Patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction was given as three sessions per week for the duration of one month. All participants completed a 10-cm visual analog pain scale and pain pressure threshold to assess pain and the Oswestry disability index to assess the functional disability. RESULTS: On pre to post interventions, a significant change in mean values were found for visual analog scale pain score, pain pressure threshold, and Oswestry disability index (P < 0.001). The pain intensity was reduced from 8.5 to 3.2, pain pressure threshold increased from 0.7 to 1.6 kg/cm2, and functional disability was reduced from 53.5% to 31.3%. CONCLUSION: Twelve sessions of patient-specific three-dimensional lumbar traction promoted a reduction in pain and improvement in functional disability among subjects with lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse.

Repeat cytoreductive surgery with or without intraperitoneal chemotherapy for recurrent epithelial appendiceal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: With recurrence rates after primary cytoreductive surgery (CRS) in excess of 50 per cent, repeat CRS is being performed increasingly, but survival outcomes have not been reported widely. This study examined the outcomes following repeat CRS for appendiceal cancer with peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM), and evaluated its feasibility and safety. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients who had surgery between 1996 and 2018 were analysed. Patients who underwent a single CRS procedure with or without heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were compared with those who had multiple procedures with or without HIPEC. Perioperative morbidity and survival outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Some 462 patients were reviewed, 102 of whom had repeat procedures. For high-grade tumours, patients who had a single CRS procedure had significantly reduced overall survival (OS) compared with those who had repeat CRS (55·6 versus 90·7 months respectively; P = 0·016). For low-grade tumours, there was no difference in OS (P = 0·153). When patients who had a single procedure were compared with those who had multiple procedures, there was no significant difference in major morbidity (P = 0·441) or in-hospital mortality (P = 0·080). For multiple procedures, no differences were found in major morbidity (P = 0·262) or in-hospital mortality (P = 0·502) when the first procedure was compared with the second. For low-grade cancers, the peritoneal carcinomatosis index was a significant prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·11, 95 per cent c.i. 1·05 to 1·17; P < 0·001), whereas for high-grade cancers repeat CRS (HR 0·57, 0·33 to 0·95; P = 0·033), complete cytoreduction score (HR 1·55, 1·01 to 2·40; P = 0·046) and presence of signet ring cells (HR 2·77, 1·78 to 4·30; P < 0·001) were all significant indicators of long-term survival. CONCLUSION: In selected patients presenting with PSM from epithelial appendiceal neoplasms, repeat CRS performed in high-volume centres could provide survival benefits.

ANTECEDENTES: En países de bajos y medianos ingresos (low- and middle-income countries, LMIC) hay que desarrollar estrategias de futuro para incrementar la disponibilidad de equipos quirúrgicos, adquisición, capacitación, uso, mantenimiento y complicaciones relacionadas con las unidades electroquirúrgicas (electrosurgical unit, ESU) y los equipos de laparoscopia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una encuesta entre los cirujanos que asistieron a la reunión anual del Colegio de Cirujanos de África Oriental, Central y Meridional (College Of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa, COSECSA) en diciembre de 2017 y a la reunión anual de la Sociedad Quirúrgica de Kenia (Surgical Society of Kenya, SSK) en marzo de 2018. Se encuestaron también a los técnicos de equipos biomédicos (Biomedical Equipment Technicians, BMET) y se recopilaron los registros de mantenimiento en Kenia entre febrero y marzo de 2018. RESULTADOS: Participaron 80 sujetos, 59 cirujanos de 11 países africanos y 21 BMET de Kenia. Se recopilaron 36 registros de mantenimiento. Todos los cirujanos de COSECSA y SSK disponían de ESU, pero menos de la mitad (49%) disponían de equipos de laparoscopia. Como principales problemas se detectaron la reutilización de accesorios desechables en las ESU y las dificultades para disponer de CO2. Más de las tres cuartas partes (78%) de los cirujanos contaban con equipos de mantenimiento para las ESU, pero solo el 59% disponía de mantenimiento para los equipos de laparoscopia en su centro. CONCLUSIÓN: A pesar de la disponibilidad de equipos quirúrgicos, en estos LMIC se detectaron serias dificultades en su mantenimiento, hecho que limita la implementación de la cirugía abierta y laparoscópica.

Molecular detection of Candidatus Anaplasma camelii in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Asir Province, Saudi Arabia.

Knowledge of molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in camels in Saudi Arabia is very limited; few molecular epidemiological studies have been under taken. This study was to detect Anaplasma spp. and Piroplasma spp. in camels from Asir Province, Saudi Arabia. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from camels in Asir Province and investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that targeted 18S rRNA and 23S rRNA to detect the DNA of Piroplasma spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively. The positive samples for 23S rRNA were assayed again by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA. All the blood samples were free from Piroplasma spp. infection. Three camels (2%) were found to be positive for Anaplasma infection through use of PCR that targeted the 23S rRNA gene. There were no significant differences between ages or sexes in the camels that tested positive for Anaplasma. All positive Anaplasma infections were recorded in camels that were infested by ticks. Two Anaplasma sequences for the16S rRNA gene were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MN882724 and MN882725. They recorded 99.16% and 99.34% similarities (respectively) with KF843825.1 (Candidatus Anaplasma camelii reported in Unizah, Saudi Arabia). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the two sequences recorded in this study were close to each other; both were located in one cluster with Candidatus Anaplasma camelii isolates that were recorded before in the adjacent areas of Unizah in Saudi Arabia and Iran. In conclusion: two new Anaplasma genotypes close to Candidatus Anaplasma camelii were found in camels in Asir Province, Saudi Arabia for the first time. The camels in this province were found to be free of Piroplasma infection.

Molecular detection of Candidatus Anaplasma camelii in camels (Camelus dromedarius) from Asir Province, Saudi Arabia

@#Knowledge of molecular identification of tick-borne pathogens in camels in Saudi Arabia is very limited; few molecular epidemiological studies have been under taken. This study was to detect Anaplasma spp. and Piroplasma spp. in camels from Asir Province, Saudi Arabia. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from camels in Asir Province and investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that targeted 18S rRNA and 23S rRNA to detect the DNA of Piroplasma spp. and Anaplasma spp., respectively. The positive samples for 23S rRNA were assayed again by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA. All the blood samples were free from Piroplasma spp. infection. Three camels (2%) were found to be positive for Anaplasma infection through use of PCR that targeted the 23S rRNA gene. There were no significant differences between ages or sexes in the camels that tested positive for Anaplasma. All positive Anaplasma infections were recorded in camels that were infested by ticks. Two Anaplasma sequences for the16S rRNA gene were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MN882724 and MN882725. They recorded 99.16% and 99.34% similarities (respectively) with KF843825.1 (Candidatus Anaplasma camelii reported in Unizah, Saudi Arabia). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the two sequences recorded in this study were close to each other; both were located in one cluster with Candidatus Anaplasma camelii isolates that were recorded before in the adjacent areas of Unizah in Saudi Arabia and Iran. In conclusion: two new Anaplasma genotypes close to Candidatus Anaplasma camelii were found in camels in Asir Province, Saudi Arabia for the first time. The camels in this province were found to be free of Piroplasma infection.