Serum Vitamin D and Vaspin Levels Among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and Their Association with Risk Factors.

Purpose: The current study investigated and compared serum levels of vitamin D (VD) and vaspin in AMI patients and healthy subjects and correlated these biomarkers with other biochemical risk factors for AMI. Patients and Methods: The research was carried out at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) in Jeddah. Blood samples and additional information were gathered from 110 admitted AMI patients in the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU) (ages 40-65 years) and 50 adult, healthy volunteers whose BMI and age were similar to those of the patients. Results: AMI patients had significantly lower vaspin (p < 0.001) and VD levels (p < 0.001) than the control group. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were shown to be significantly different between AMI patients and controls. Among the AMI patients, 15 (13.6%) had deficient serum VD levels (≤20 ng/mL), 60 (54.5%) had insufficient levels (>20 - <30 ng/mL), and 35 (31.8%) had sufficient levels (≥30 ng/mL). In healthy subjects, VD levels were deficient in 4(8%), insufficient in 13 (26%), and sufficient in 33 (66%). VD insufficiency was more prevalent in AMI patients compared to the healthy group (54.5% vs 26%; p < 0.001). In AMI patients, serum vaspin was found to be related to age and HbA1c in the control group. VD did not show a significant correlation with any variable in AMI patients and healthy subjects. Serum vaspin (p = 0.89) and VD levels (p = 0.29) did not differ significantly between female and male control groups. Conclusion: Compared to the healthy group, AMI patients showed significantly lower vaspin and VD levels. Additionally, AMI patients had a higher prevalence of VD deficiency and insufficiency, suggesting its possible role in the occurrence of AMI.

Consanguineous marriages, premarital screening, and genetic testing: a survey among Saudi university students.

Background: Marriage among cousins or close relatives, i.e., consanguinity, is prevalent in many parts of the world, especially the Muslim world. Across civilizations, cultural norms, religious beliefs, and economic factors affect consanguineous marriages (CMs); however, such marriages have social, genetic, and health repercussions. The present study investigated the university students' attitudes regarding CMs and factors influencing their attitudes at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted at KAU Jeddah in 2023. The questionnaire was distributed via electronic media (Emails, Facebook Messenger & WhatsApp). The convenience sampling technique was used to select participants, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data on SPSS-26. Results: A total of 1707 university students were part of the study (females, 1,198, 70.2%; males, 509, 29.8%). Almost half of the participants, 819 (48.0%), had parents with CMs. Most of the participants, 1,391 (81.5%), had CMs in the family. Half of the participants disagreed that parents consider marriage stable due to high compatibility and the same social relationship before and after marriage. About one-third of respondents said parents believe family marriage transmits cultural values and continuity and keeps wealth in the family. More than three-fourths of the participants stated that if marriage is arranged with first cousins, they will opt for genetic analysis (82.5%) and premarital counseling (85.2%). The personal attitudes of females (p < 0.001), undergraduate (p = 0.02), and health sciences students (p = 0.02) were more positive than their counterparts. Males (OR = 0.41; p < 0.001) and non-health sciences students (OR = 0.68; p = 0.01) were less likely to have significant positive attitudes than their counterparts. Among participants who had CM parents, males (OR = 0.397; p < 0.001) and non-health sciences students (OR = 0.60; p = 0.01) and urban residents (OR = 0.59; p = 0.01) had significantly lower odds of having a positive attitude than their counterparts. Conclusion: The practice of CMs is still prevalent in Saudi culture, with almost half of the participants having CM parents and the majority reporting these marriages in their families. Personal attitudes toward CMs were extremely positive. Most students prefer genetic testing and premarital counseling if marrying first cousins. Gender, faculty, parental income, and educational background influenced participants' attitudes.

Association Between Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Adverse Effects and Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

Introduction The epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) triggered the contagion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which killed many individuals globally. The Pfizer BioNTech vaccine was the first messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based vaccine that boosted immunity against various adverse reactions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of Pfizer vaccine side effects among participants with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This multicenter study was cross-sectional and was performed using a non-probability consecutive sampling technique. The study duration was six months, from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. A total of 750 participants who received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine were included in the study. Demographic details such as gender, age, comorbidities, preceding COVID-19 infection, and the occurrence of any local and systemic side effects of the first and second doses of vaccine were recorded. The association between local and general side effects and the presence of DM was assessed using the chi-square test. Results Of the 750 participants included in the study, 289 (77.1%) were males with diabetes mellitus (DM), and 217 (57.9%) were non-diabetic participants; however, 86 (22.9%) females had DM, and 158 (42.1%) were non-diabetic; their mean ages were 48.23 ± 16.22 and 37.56 ± 12.15 years, respectively. The most commonly occurring side effects after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine were: injection site burning in 251 (66.9%) diabetic and 254 (67.7%) non-diabetic participants. Likewise, the frequency of side effects of the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine showed that the most commonly reported side effects were: muscle pain, found in 240 (64.0%) diabetic patients and 194 (51.7%) non-diabetics, with a statistically significant association (p =0.001). Conclusion This study concluded that participants with DM had local and general adverse effects considerably more frequently than those without DM. The most frequently observed adverse effects in both diabetic and non-diabetic participants were injection site burning, rashes, muscle pain, and fever after receiving both doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Moreover, most of the side effects were minor.

Language Barriers in Understanding Healthcare Information: Arabic-Speaking Students' Comprehension of Diabetic Questionnaires in Arabic and English Languages.

Background Typically, disease-related information is available in English on the internet, and the bulk of medical research journals are likewise published in English. Therefore, in non-English-speaking countries, many people find it challenging to put that knowledge into practice. This study compared Arabic-speaking students' performance on a diabetic questionnaire presented in Arabic with their performance on the same questionnaire in English. Methodology The cross-sectional study was carried out at the King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah. Identical questionnaires in Arabic and English assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) on diabetes mellitus (DM) were filled out by Arabic-speaking students. The English version was distributed to the same students four weeks after the Arabic version. A total of 507 students filled out the Arabic questionnaire, and four weeks later, they filled out the English version. Results Students' scores were significantly higher in the knowledge and attitudes domains (P < 0.001), with no significant difference observed in the practice domain on the Arabic language questionnaire compared to English. A gender-wise comparison showed that females had significantly higher knowledge scores in the Arabic and practice domains in the English questionnaires. According to the regression analysis, students were predicted to have good knowledge scores on the Arabic language questionnaire than on the English version (odds ratio [OR] = 4.537, P < 0.001). Similarly, students on the Arabic language questionnaire showed higher scores for positive attitudes (OR = 2.703, P < 0.001), and adequate preventative behavior (OR = 1.592, P < 0.001) than on the English version. Furthermore, being female is linked to having good knowledge scores (OR = 1.724, P < 0.001). Conclusions Results indicated that students' good knowledge, positive attitude, and adequate practice scores were associated with the Arabic language questionnaire than the English version. Our participants' KAP scores derived from an English language questionnaire were not up to the mark. There is a need to modify the school curriculum to increase students' English comprehension and command so they can perform better in professional courses.

Evaluating patient safety research performance in Arab world countries: Changing trends and reflections.

Background and Objective: Patient safety is a major concern in health care. Research is an important tool to minimize preventable errors. Research performance and trends evaluation need to be identified for future guidance. Our objective was to evaluate the research performance in Arab World countries related to patient safety so that real picture is available to all stake holders for future application. Methods: This was a descriptive exploratory study carried at King Abdulaziz University Jeddah, using Bibliometric analyses on Web of Science extracted data, exploring the research publications related to Patient Safety from the Arab World in last two decades (2001-2020). Digital resources were used. Data collected was further explored to see the trends. Results: Only 2% of total worldwide publications on Patient Safety were from Arab World. A positive trend, however, has emerged since 2015. Out of 5940 documents identified, only 383 had single authorship. Egypt and Saudi Arab were the major contributors. Other countries had less or even zero publications. Researchers are coordinating with others in Western countries to enhance the research productivity. Cairo University with 734 publications had most affiliations. Publications on safety culture and medication safety were frequent. Hospital Acquired Infections and error reporting had limited research. Conclusion: Researches on patient safety in the Arab World are not sufficient. Countries other than Egypt and Saudi Arabia also need to contribute more frequently. Critical problems, like Hospital Acquired Infections, should have regular research from all countries to assist those treating patients and those making health related policies.

Quality of life, stress, anxiety and depression and associated factors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Western region Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the quality of life (QoL), depression, anxiety, and stress, along with associated factors among individuals with diabetes in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This survey was conducted at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress related to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) was conducted using the DASS-21 questionnaire, while diabetes-related QoL was evaluated using the revised version of the diabetes QoL questionnaire (RV-DQoL13). Data were analyzed using SPSS-26. Results: A total of 251 subjects were included in the study (165 [65.7%] males and 86 [34.3%] females, mean age 50.1 ± 14.5 years). The individuals with DM had a mean value of QoL of 29.16 ± 9.23, with 46.9% having poor QoL. Furthermore, in dimensions of QoL, almost half of the individuals reported high worry about the disease (49.6%), followed by a high diabetes impact (46.6%) and low life satisfaction (42.9%). The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 49.4, 71.7, and 49.8%, respectively. A significant correlation was found between depression, anxiety, and stress and DASS-21 scores with QoL (p < 0.001). The regression analysis indicated an association of distinct factors with QoL like age above 41 years (p = 0.004), being married (p < 0.001), being divorced (p = 0.04), higher education (p = 0.007), regular medicine intake (p = 0.01), regular exercise (p = 0.03), lipid profile (p = 0.01), HbA1c (p < 0.001), and DASS-21 scores (p < 0.001). Poor QoL score (TQoL score > 27) was significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress (p < 0.001). The participants with higher monthly income, shorter disease duration, regular medicine use, and altered lipid profile, and older subjects had a lower chance of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: Approximately half of individuals with T2DM experienced poor QoL, while the prevalence rates for depression, anxiety, and stress were 49.4, 71.7, and 49.8%, respectively. Scores in the domains of impact, worry, and satisfaction were below optimal levels. Several factors were linked to QoL and depression, anxiety, and stress, and an association was observed between DASS-21 scores and QoL.

Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Productivity on Vitamin D and Bone Metabolism (2001-2020): Learn from the Past to Plan Future.

Vitamin D has long been known for preserving bone and non-skeletal health. Despite its magnitude of impact, scarce literature has explored the evolution of the relevant published literature. This study aimed at evaluating the trends and performance of Vitamin D and bone metabolism-related publications (2001−2020). All pertinent English language 16,887 articles were searched and extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) database and "R-Bibliometrix" was used for comprehensive analysis. Around 60,149 authors contributed from 114 countries, showing the USA on top with >1/4th of all articles, followed by Japan, China, and the United Kingdom. For authors, Cooper C, Dawson-Hughes B, and Holick MF were found to have written the most articles, citations and highest h-index, respectively. Corresponding authors from the top 20 countries collectively were responsible for around 84% of the articles. Among 2735 sources, Osteoporosis International (632), Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (569), and Bone (448) were foremost. Most prominent sources showed recent declining contributions. The increasing trend of publications with a higher spike from 2008 to 2014, followed by a gradual increase till 2017, was observed. Leading countries, affiliations, and authors showed collaborative publications and were mostly from developed countries with limited contributions, particularly from low- and middle-income countries.

Psychosocial, cultural, and academic challenges to Saudi Arabian students in Australia.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the perceptions of Saudi Arabian medical disciplines students undergoing training in various institutes of Australia regarding psychosocial, cultural, and academic challenges. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was from March 15 to June 15, 2019. Data were collected by an online questionnaire. It consisted of questions regarding demographic, psychosocial, cultural, and academic challenges. Two hundred nineteen students studying in Australia responded to our questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the total 219 students, 13(6.0%) were undergraduate, 167(76%) were postgraduate, and 39(18%) were Ph.D. students. For most students (171[79.2%]), Australia was the country of choice for studying. Most of them were satisfied with their academic performance and adjustment to the Australian way of living. Most of the students (180[82.2%]) showed satisfaction over the availability of fair chances of their religious practices in Australia. Few of them faced difficulties coping with the Australian climate (25[11.4%]), homesickness (59[26.9%]), and food and dietary sources (44[20.1%]). Students were overall satisfied with the student advisory system (156[71.2%]), university assessments (147[67.2%]), and available research facilities (170[77.6%]). Among participants, 77 (35.1%), 119(54.3%), and 23(10.5%) students indicated that they wished to stay in Australia only until completion of their studies, temporarily and permanently, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that Saudi students in Australia had strong psychosocial well-being, cultural integration, and academic success. Most of them were satisfied and adjusted well to Australian culture.

Development and Validation of an Arabic Version of the Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10) among Saudi Drug Abusers.

The Drug Abuse Screening Test-10 (DAST-10) is a valid and reliable screening tool for drug use-related problems, however there is no Arabic version. To our knowledge, this is the first study to develop and validate an Arabic DAST-10 version. Saudi young adults participated in the study as two groups; drug users (n=360) recruited from Alamal Complex for Mental Health, Jeddah, and drug non-users (n=100). Three measures were used: (1) Demographic and drug use description questionnaire, (2) Arabic DAST-10 version, and (3) Urine analysis for drug use. The developed Arabic DAST-10 version demonstrated adequate internal consistency. High correlations were shown between its scores and the two standard measures (urine analysis and self-reporting question) indicating good criterion validity. Sensitivity and specificity values were between 91.5 - 99.7% and 57 - 92.5% with different DAST-10 cutoff values. An optimal performance at a cutoff score of 3 or more was most likely to significantly identify drug users. Discriminant analysis showed that more than 90% of cases were correctly classified. Distribution of participants in categories of DAST-10 scores according to degree of problems was reasonable. It is concluded that the developed Arabic DAST-10 version is a reliable and valid screening tool for drug use-related problems in Arabic speakers.

Eid-al-Fitr festivity and Ramadan fasting attitude among individuals with diabetes from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the attitude of Saudi and Pakistani individuals with diabetes regarding Eid-al-Fitr festivities, exploring diabetes care during the month of Ramadan and these individuals' dietary patterns on Eid day. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) and Karachi (Pakistan). PARTICIPANTS: Of the total 405 subjects, 204 individuals with diabetes from Saudi Arabia (SA) and 201 from Pakistan (Pak) were enrolled. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: This survey-based study was carried out in SA and Pak after Eid-al-Fitr 2020. An online questionnaire was circulated via various social media platforms. The data analyses were performed using SPSS V.26. RESULTS: There were 80 subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 325 subjects with type 2 DM. Among our study subjects, 73 were on insulin, 260 were on oral antidiabetics (OADs) and 72 were taking both OADs and insulin. Two-thirds of the participants, 276 (68%) visited their physicians before Ramadan. Many participants (175, 43.2%) broke their fast a day or more because of diabetes. Many participants consumed sugary food on Eid day. The use of chocolates, sugary foods and fresh juices on Eid-al-Fitr was higher in Saudi subjects than in Pakistani ones (p<0.001). Saudi subjects with diabetes adhered more strictly to medications during Ramadan than Pakistani subjects (p=0.01). Saudi participants were more compliant with monitoring DM during Eid-al-Fitr compared with Pakistani subjects. Many participants in both groups felt stressed or depressed and stated that their Eid celebrations were restrictive because of their DM conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Most Saudi and Pakistani participants enjoyed Eid celebrations by abstaining from dietary restrictions. The sugar consumption attitude during Eid day was not up to the mark. Many subjects broke their fasts for a day or more because of diabetes. Saudis were more vigilant in monitoring DM than Pakistanis during Eid-al-Fitr. Individuals with diabetes should consult their physicians before Ramadan for checkups and counselling.

Correlation of Serum Vaspin, Omentin-1, and adiponectin with metabolic phenotypes in Type-2 diabetes mellitus patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate adipocytokines' (vaspin, omentin-1, and adiponectin) correlation with metabolic phenotypes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. METHODS: This case-control research was done at the Diabetic Clinic in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), from November 2018 to March 2019. Seventy-five T2DM patients and 75 gender, age, and BMI-matched healthy subjects were recruited for this research. RESULTS: In DM patients, the concentrations of serum vaspin and omentin-1 were substantially lower (p<0.001) than in the control group. A significant positive relationship between vaspin concentration and DBP (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), and waist circumference (p<0.001) was found in patients and control subjects, while FPG (p<0.016), serum insulin (p<0.001), HOMA-IR (p<0.001), TC (p<0.001), TG (p<0.001), and LDLc (p<0.001) were significantly interrelated among patients. Serum concentrations of omentin-1 and ADN were significantly negatively correlated with serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and TG among the DM group. Serum vaspin and ADN levels were significantly higher in the cases and control groups with BMI>25, and no gender-wise variance was observed in adipocytokines levels. Binary logistic regression analysis showed a significantly negative predictive relationship of vaspin and omentin-1 with DM. CONCLUSION: The DM group displayed substantially lower serum vaspin and omentin-1 levels. However, there was no consistent relationship observed between these adipocytokines and metabolic phenotypes.

Diabetes and COVID-19.

Several factors are linked with a higher risk of mortality from Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), including male gender, increased age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer. Hyperglycemic COVID-19 patients have severe clinical problems, increased ICU admittance, machine-driven ventilation, and a substantial rise in inflammatory markers. Among all patients, those with diabetes or hyperglycemia have a two- to four-fold increase in mortality and severity of COVID-19 than those without diabetes. The primary cause of mortality in COVID-19 patients with diabetes is compromised immune response to viral infections. Increased blood sugar level probably affects intracellular degradation of bacteria, neutrophil chemotaxis, and phagocytosis, thus improving viral binding affinity and entry and decreasing virus clearance. In addition, it has significant effects on the proteins by inducing glycosylation and altering the composition of complements, and glycosylation renders cells susceptible to viral inflammation and damage. The treatment of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes requires an integrated team approach to minimize the risk of medical complications and mortality. Moreover, physicians should adopt proactive strategies to care for persons with comorbidities. This strategy would help reduce the frequency of complications and mortality among patients and load on the healthcare system.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Diabetes Mellitus Among University Students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetes mellitus (DM) among university students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in 2018. All participants were the registered students at the foundation year in the branch of KAU, Rabigh. A questionnaire was developed that had questions related to knowledge, attitudes, and practices. RESULTS: A total of 1428 participants (770 [53.9%] females and 658 [46.1%] males) were included in the study. Surprisingly, there were 315 (22.1%) students who had been diagnosed with hypertension or told by the healthcare professional that he/she has increased blood pressure, and 223 (15.6%) had high blood sugar. There were 785 (55%) participants who had one or more DM relative. Among our students, only 186 (13%) had good knowledge scores, while 569 (39.8%) and 673 (47.1%) had moderate and poor knowledge scores, respectively. Interestingly, 1190 (83.3%) participants had positive attitudes, while 238 (16.7%) had negative attitudes. More than half of the participants, 844 (59.1%), were practicing adequately for preventing DM. It was observed that females had significantly better general knowledge about DM, its risk factors, signs and symptoms, control and management, complications, and total knowledge scores. Our results showed that the female gender was associated with good knowledge and positive attitude and relatives diagnosed with DM were associated with good knowledge score. The participants who had DM relative and hypertension were more likely to have good attitudes and practices, respectively, in preventing DM. CONCLUSION: Our students' knowledge score was not up to the mark. Interestingly, participants had positive attitudes and practicing adequately for preventing DM. The female gender was associated with good knowledge scores and positive attitudes.

Predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of Saudi population.

This study intends to explore the predictors of misconceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of the Saudi population and we also assessed their approaches toward its overall impact. This online cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). Participants were approached via social media (SM), and 2006 participants (953 [47.5%] females and 1053 [52.5%] males) were included in this study. SM was the leading source of information for 43.9% of the study participants. Most of the participants had various misconceptions such as "females are more vulnerable to develop this infection, rinsing the nose with saline and sipping water every 15 minutes protects against Coronavirus, flu and pneumonia vaccines protect against this virus." About one-third of participants (31.7%) had self-reported disturbed social, mental, and psychological wellbeing due to the pandemic. Many participants became more religious during this pandemic. Two-thirds of the study participants (68.1%) had good knowledge scores. Attitudes were highly positive in 93.1%, and practice scores were adequate in 97.7% of the participants. Participants' educational status was a predictor of high knowledge scores. Male gender and divorced status were predictors of low practice scores, and aged 51-61 years, private-sector jobs, and student status were predictors of high practice scores. Being Saudi was a predictor of a positive attitude, while the male gender and divorced status were predictors of a negative attitude. Higher education was a predictor of good concepts, while the older age and businessmen were predictors of misconceptions. Overall, our study participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices, but several myths were also prevalent. Being a PhD and a Saudi national predicted high knowledge scores and positive attitudes, respectively. A higher education level was a predictor of good concepts, and students, private-sector jobs, and aged 51-61 years were predictors of high practice scores. Study participants had good understanding of the effects of this pandemic.

Scientometric Evaluation of Research Productivity on Diabetes from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the Last Two Decades (2000-2019).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data was extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) platform and later bibliometric analysis performed using the "R-Bibliometrix" package. A wide range of indicators was explored to measure the quantity and quality of the publications related to diabetes from KSA. RESULTS: Saudi Arabia was 28th in rank with 2600 documents (0.83% of global share). Articles were the main document type (76%). The total number of authors was 9715 from 104 countries. Three authors showed >50 publications and >100 total citations while 2 authors showed an H-index of ≥20. The USA, UK, and Egypt were other leading contributive countries in terms of corresponding authors and total citations per country. King Saud University was the major contributing affiliation followed by King Abdulaziz University. Among 865 sources, Saudi Medical Journal was the leading and consistent source over the years. Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, and Type 2 Diabetes were the most frequently used keywords. CONCLUSION: This study provides a macroscopic overview of diabetes-related research output from KSA. Overall, similar identifications and trends of top authors were observed in terms of productivity, impact, international collaborations, and organizational affiliations. Generally, an increasing productivity trend was observed with the majority published in the last 5 to 10 years. Study findings can benefit relevant stakeholders to better understand the trends and performance of diabetes-related regional research.

Association of Serum Omentin-1, Chemerin, and Leptin with Acute Myocardial Infarction and its Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of serum omentin-1, chemerin, and leptin with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and its risk factors among individuals admitted with AMI to the coronary care unit (CCU). METHODS: The current case-control study was conducted at the CCU of King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), in 2016-2018. A total of 122 AMI patients admitted to CCU, and 52 BMI and age-matched healthy subjects, between 30 and 65 years of age, were included. RESULTS: Chemerin and omentin-1 are independent predictors of the incidence of MI. Furthermore, serum omentin-1 was significantly lowered while chemerin and hsCRP levels were found to be significantly raised among the individuals with AMI compared to the healthy subjects, and no notable change was found in the serum leptin level. Serum omentin-1, chemerin, and leptin were significantly correlated with weight, BMI, waist circumference in patients, and control subjects. Binary logistic regression analysis displayed that the occurrence of MI is positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), TC, TG, LDL-C, hsCRP, and chemerin and in a negative manner with HDL-C, and omentin. The chemerin and omentin-1 were also linked with the MI in multiple logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The present results indicated that the serum omentin levels were significantly lowered while chemerin and hsCRP levels were found to be markedly raised among patients. No change was found in serum leptin levels. Serum chemerin and omentin-1 levels were independently associated with the MI. It appears that these parameters may be used to assess the risk spectrum of CAD.

Persistence of Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Positivity in COVID-19 Recovered Patients: A Call for Revised Hospital Discharge Criteria.

In the world scenario, the advent of COVID-19 has halted every aspect of life. It influenced every field of life, including the economy, and revealed the inadequacies in all nations' healthcare systems, from the most developed to the underdeveloped countries. There is a debate about the timing of antibodies production and detection during the disease. What is the significance of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) in symptom resolving period? In the present manuscript, we have evaluated these points.

Blended Learning: The impact of blackboard formative assessment on the final marks and students' perception of its effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of Blackboard (Bb) formative assessment on the final score in the endocrine module and determine the medical students' perception of the impact and effectiveness of Bb. METHODS: This exploratory case study was carried out at the King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). Blackboard was used in the course management and formative assessment of third-year medical students and three years of data was collected (2016, 2017, 2019). In the last week of the module before the final exam, a formative assessment test that comprised of 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) was posted on Bb each year. All the students filled a questionnaire regarding their perception about the impact and effectiveness of Bb. RESULTS: Overall, summative exam scores were significantly higher than the scores in formative assessment (p <0.001). A substantial positive correlation was observed between students' marks in the online (Bb) MCQ exam and their final exam marks (p <0.001). Regarding the features of Bb, most often used by the students' were course resources uploaded on the Bb, assignments, online quizzes, and others. Majority of the students were satisfied with the use of Bb in this module. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the students liked this blended learning (BL) method and conceded the impact and effectiveness of Bb. The formative online assessment on Bb improved the students' performance in the final exam and a positive correlation was noted between students' marks in online (Bb) exams with their final exam marks.

Association of Dyslipidemia and Comorbidities with Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Analysis.

PURPOSE: To find out the association of dyslipidemia and comorbidities with risk factors among type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and twenty-five T2DM patients were enrolled from the electronic record of the KAUH. The patients' existing comorbidities and dyslipidemia correlation with demographic, clinical, and available laboratory data were sought. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS-23. RESULTS: Of the total 325 T2DM patients with a mean age of 60.13±10.5 years [males 95 (29.23%) and females 230 (70.77%)] were included from the electronic record. Poor glycemic control was observed in 222 (68.31%) subjects (HbA1c > 7%), and 154 (47.39%) subjects had DM for more than ten years. Among our study subjects, 103 (31.69%) were hypertensive (HTN), 112 (34.46%) had ischemic heart disease (IHD), 45 (13.85%) were obese, 8(2.46%) had a stroke and 269 (82.77%) had dyslipidemia. Of the total 269 dyslipidemic patients,168 (62.45%) were on hypolipidemic treatment. On comparison of study variables according to dyslipidemia versus normal lipid levels, the lipid profile, including HDLc, LDLc, TC, and TG, revealed a highly significant difference (p-value <0.001) whereas many variables were not significantly different. HBA1c, FBG, and RBG were significantly higher in dyslipidemic subjects. Logistic regression analysis of risk factors and comorbidities in our patients revealed that age 60-69 years and 70-79 years had a significant association with comorbidities. Similarly, logistic regression analysis of risk factors and dyslipidemia in our patients revealed no statistically significant association. CONCLUSION: Our results observed that the comorbidities were associated with increasing age and common comorbidities were HTN, IHD, dyslipidemia. Our study has highlighted the current trends in T2DM symptomatology and comorbidities. Efficient management and control by early screening and developing healthy lifestyles in our patients can be very helpful in the prevention of all these highly morbid complications of this preventable disease.

Relationship Between Smoking Habit and Sperm Parameters Among Patients Attending an Infertility Clinic.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate stress markers, oxidative stress (OS), reproductive hormones and sperm parameters in male smokers and non-smokers and observe the impact of oxidative stress markers and smoking on sperm count, motility and morphology in a selected population of Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2018 at Aga Khan University (AKU), in Karachi, Pakistan. The subjects were recruited from the Sindh Institute of Reproductive Medicine (SIRM), Karachi based on defined inclusion criteria. The subjects were categorized into fertile and infertile based on cut off values of sperm parameters as recommended by the WHO i.e., sperm count/ejaculate of 39 × 106/ml, sperm motility 40% and normal morphology 4%. Two hundred eleven fertile and 165 infertile male subjects were included in the study. Serum cortisol, adrenaline, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were analyzed by ELISA kits. Data was analyzed on SPSS-22. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and body fat were similar among smokers and non-smokers. Age was significantly lower, while mean BMI and body fat were significantly higher among infertile smokers vs. fertile smokers (p-value < 0.05). The testosterone levels were significantly reduced among smokers as compared to non- smokers (p-value < 0.05). The median cortisol levels were increased as well as GPX, and steroid hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were significantly reduced among smokers as compared to non-smokers. Additionally, the same findings with a significant difference have also been observed among infertile smokers as compared to fertile smokers (p-value < 0.05). This study has shown that the semen parameters (total count, motility, and morphology) are decreased in infertile smokers as compared to infertile non-smokers. Furthermore, the multivariate analysis showed that smoking causes a significant decrease in sperm count and morphology but it did not have any significant effect on motility. CONCLUSION: Smoking has a significant effect on fertility, specifically sperm count and normal morphology of sperm. This might be due to OS produced by smoking, which has devastating effects on semen parameters, thus reducing male fertility. Infertility specialist should counsel their patients about the ill effects of smoking on their fertility status and should advise maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including normal weight and avoiding smoking, to prevent future health problems. Hence smokers should quit smoking for their next generation.