Association of VDR gene variant rs2228570-FokI with gestational diabetes mellitus susceptibility in Arab women.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been linked with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants have been associated with diabetes mellitus susceptibility and related complications. This study assessed the association between VDR gene polymorphism (rs2228570) and GDM risk among pregnant Arab women. A total of 368 pregnant Saudi women who were screened for GDM at 24-28 weeks of gestation and genotyped for the VDR gene variant (rs2228570) were included in this cross-sectional study. Circulatory insulin levels, fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and vitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured. There were 108 women with GDM and 260 women without GDM. The genotype frequency of women with GDM was CC 60.2 %, CT 33.3 %, TT 6.9 %, and CT + TT 39.8 %; for non-GDM women, were CC 61.1 %, CT 31.5 %, TT 6.9 %, and CT + TT 38.4 %. No association was found between the VDR gene variant (rs2228570-FokI) and GDM susceptibility after adjustment for covariates. Serum 25(OH)D had a significant inverse association with FBG (r = -0.49, p = 0.01) and HbA1c (r = -0.45, p = 0.03) among carriers of the TT-genotype. Furthermore, a significant inverse correlation was observed between serum 25(OH)D and HOMA-ß (r = -0.20, p = 0.035) in individuals with the T-allele. Among pregnant Saudi women, glycemic indices appear to be influenced by vitamin D, suggesting a possible role it may play in mitigating the metabolic changes associated with GDM, particularly among individuals with specific genetic backgrounds. In our study population, rs2228570-FokI did not appear to be a significant contributor to GDM risk.

Immunohistochemical study of mixing mineral trioxide aggregate with hyaluronic acid as a pulp-capping agent in dog teeth.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on the mineralization rate of the reparative dentin when it is used as a mixing medium with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Materials and Methods: Direct pulp capping (DPC) was performed on 90 teeth from 10 dogs that had been experimentally exposed. The exposed pulps were divided into three groups according to the mixing medium with MTA: Group I: MTA + distilled water (control group), Group II: MTA + hybrid cooperative complex HA (HCC-HA), Group III: MTA + high molecular weight HA (HMW-HA). After pulp capping, all cavities were restored with final restoration. The dogs were divided randomly into five groups (two dogs each) according to the evaluation periods (7, 14, 21, 30, and 60) days. At the end of the study, the dogs were euthanized, and the sampled teeth were processed for immunohistochemical investigation. Results: Both types of HA (HCC-HA, HMW-HA) showed an increase in the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at a higher rate than using distilled water with MTA. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, HA proved to be an effective additive to MTA for DPC.

Impact of Breathing Control Training Program on sonographic quantification of abdominal vasculature.

OBJECTIVES: To compare vascular scanning parameters (vessel diameter, peak systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and resistive index) and scanning time before and after breathing control training program for selected abdominal vessels. METHODS: This study was pre and post quasi-experimental. The researchers designed a breathing training program that gives participants instructions through a video describing breathing maneuvers. Data were collected at the ultrasound laboratory/College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from January 2023 to November 2023. About 49 volunteers at the university participated in the study. Scanning was performed two times for the right renal artery, upper abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and superior mesenteric artery. Scanning time was measured before and after the program as well. A paired sample t-test was used to compare the parameters means and time before and after the program. RESULTS: The program had a significant effect on the following parameters: right renal artery peak systolic velocity (p=0.042), upper abdominal aortic peak systolic velocity, and resistive index (p=0.014, p=0.014 respectively), superior mesenteric artery and inferior vena cava diameters (p=0.010 and p=0.020). The scanning time was reduced significantly (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The breathing training program saves time and improves ultrasound measurement quality. Hospitals and health centers should consider the importance of breathing control training programs before abdominal scanning.

Key Performance Indicators: A Framework for Allied Healthcare Educational Institutions.

Background: Performance evaluation in the allied healthcare education sector is complex, making it essential for policymakers and managers to approach it comprehensively and thoughtfully to understand their performance. Hence, the development and monitoring of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in this domain must be considered one of the key priorities for the policymakers in AHIs. Aim: This study aims to develop a framework for the AHIs to extract and profile the indicators, measure, and report the results appropriately. Methods: The authors adopted a general review of the literature approach to study the primary goals of the institutional KPI framework, emphasizing the need for benchmarking while implementing KPIs and how to track performance using a KPI dashboard. Results: The study provides the scope, relevant KPI categories, and a list of KPIs for evaluating the effectiveness of allied healthcare programs. The study findings also emphasized the need for benchmarking the KPIs and establishing a KPI dashboard while measuring and monitoring performance. Conclusion: KPIs are considered an invaluable tool that contributes immensely to the performance monitoring process of AHIs, irrespective of the specialties. This helps to identify and guide AHIs for developing KPIs and the associated minimum data set to measure organizational performance and monitor the quality of teaching and learning. In addition, the KPI framework reported in this study is a tool to assist performance monitoring that can subsequently contribute to the overall quality of AHIs.

The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma as an Adjunct to Bone Grafting in Alveolar Ridge Preservation Following Tooth Extraction.

Background: Tooth extraction often results in bone loss in the alveolar ridge, which can complicate subsequent dental implant placement. Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) techniques, such as bone grafting, aim to mitigate this bone loss. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as an adjunct to bone grafting in ARP to enhance bone regeneration. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients requiring tooth extraction and ARP were included in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A received bone grafting alone, while Group B received bone grafting with PRP. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed at baseline and 6-month postsurgery. Bone density and height were measured using arbitrary values. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, Group B demonstrated a statistically significant increase in bone density (P < 0.05) and bone height (P < 0.05) compared to Group A. The arbitrary values for bone density in Group B increased by 15% and bone height increased by 10% compared to baseline measurements. Group A showed minimal improvement. Conclusion: The incorporation of PRP as an adjunct to bone grafting in ARP following tooth extraction significantly enhances bone density and height, suggesting its efficacy in preserving the alveolar ridge.

Assessing the Impact of Smoking Cessation Interventions on Periodontal Health and Gingival Inflammation in Smokers with Periodontitis.

Background: Smoking is a well-established risk factor for periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral cavity. While smoking cessation has been linked to improved overall health, its specific impact on periodontal health and gingival inflammation in individuals with periodontitis remains less explored. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 200 smokers diagnosed with periodontitis. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A received comprehensive smoking cessation interventions, including counseling and pharmacotherapy, while group B continued smoking without intervention. Periodontal health was assessed through clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), at baseline and 6 months post intervention. Gingival inflammation was evaluated using the Gingival Index (GI). Results: After 6 months, group A exhibited a significant reduction in mean PD (from 4.5 mm to 3.2 mm) and CAL (from 5.0 mm to 3.5 mm) compared to group B. Conversely, group B showed no significant change in these parameters. The GI score significantly decreased in group A (from 2.8 to 1.2) but remained unchanged in group B. Furthermore, group A demonstrated a higher rate of smoking cessation (72%) compared to group B (14%). Conclusion: Smoking cessation interventions play a crucial role in improving periodontal health and reducing gingival inflammation in smokers with periodontitis. The observed reductions in PD, CAL, and gingival inflammation highlight the potential benefits of smoking cessation on oral health outcomes in this high-risk population.

Comparing the Long-term Success Rates of Immediate Implant Placement vs. Delayed Implant Placement in Patients with Periodontally Compromised Teeth.

Background: This study aims to compare the long-term success rates of immediate implant placement and delayed implant placement in patients with periodontally compromised teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 patients presenting with periodontally compromised teeth requiring extraction and subsequent implant placement were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timing of implant placement: Group A (immediate implant placement) and Group B (delayed implant placement). Implants were placed according to standard protocols. Patient records were reviewed for implant survival, peri-implant bone loss, and prosthetic complications. Data were statistically analyzed using appropriate tests. Results: The mean follow-up period was 5 years. In Group A, the implant survival rate was 90%, while in Group B, it was 83%. The mean peri-implant bone loss was 1.5 mm in Group A and 2.2 mm in Group B. Prosthetic complications were observed in three cases in Group A and five cases in Group B. The differences in implant survival and bone loss between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Both immediate implant placement and delayed implant placement demonstrated comparable long-term success rates in patients with periodontally compromised teeth.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Clinical Outcomes.

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of clinical conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and associated structures. Management approaches for TMDs vary and include both surgical and non-surgical interventions. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of 150 patients diagnosed with TMDs were reviewed. Patients were categorized into two groups: surgical intervention and non-surgical intervention. The surgical group underwent various surgical procedures, including arthroscopy, arthroplasty, and joint replacement, while the non-surgical group received conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, and occlusal splints. Pain levels, TMJ function, quality of life (QoL), and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and post-treatment (6 months and 1 year). Results: At the 6-month follow-up, both groups experienced a significant reduction in pain scores (surgical group: 6.3 ± 1.2 to 2.4 ± 0.9, non-surgical group: 6.1 ± 1.1 to 3.2 ± 1.0). TMJ function improved in both groups (surgical group: 2.5 ± 0.8 to 4.8 ± 0.6, non-surgical group: 2.6 ± 0.7 to 4.2 ± 0.9). QoL scores increased (surgical group: 35.2 ± 4.6 to 50.3 ± 5.1, non-surgical group: 35.5 ± 4.2 to 45.7 ± 4.8), and patient satisfaction rates were high (surgical group: 92%, non-surgical group: 87%) at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: Both surgical and non-surgical management approaches demonstrated significant improvements in pain relief, TMJ function, QoL, and patient satisfaction for individuals with TMDs.

Effectiveness of Early Intervention with Palatal Expansion Versus Late Orthodontic Treatment for Correcting Maxillary Crowding.

Background: Maxillary crowding is a common orthodontic issue that can impact a patient's oral health and overall well-being. The timing of orthodontic treatment plays a crucial role in achieving optimal results. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who received early intervention with palatal expansion (Group A) and 30 patients who underwent late orthodontic treatment (Group B) were included in this study. The age range for Group A was 8-10 years, while Group B had an age range of 16-18 years. Pretreatment and posttreatment records, including dental models and cephalometric radiographs, were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the respective treatments. Results: In Group A, the mean duration of treatment was 12 months, and the maxillary crowding was corrected by an average of 4.5 mm. In Group B, the mean treatment duration was 24 months, and maxillary crowding was corrected by an average of 3.2 mm. The early intervention group (Group A) exhibited a statistically significant reduction in treatment duration and greater correction of maxillary crowding compared to the late orthodontic treatment group (Group B) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Early intervention with palatal expansion is an effective approach for correcting maxillary crowding, leading to shorter treatment duration and greater improvement compared to late orthodontic treatment.

Comparing the Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Two Different Surgical Approaches for Treating Infrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis Patients.

Background: Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent oral health issue, affecting a substantial portion of the population. Infrabony defects, characterized by bone loss around teeth, are a hallmark of this condition and require surgical intervention to prevent further damage and tooth loss. Two commonly used surgical approaches are open flap debridement (OFD) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 60 patients with chronic periodontitis and infrabony defects. Patients were randomly assigned to either the OFD or GTR group. Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at baseline and at 6-month and 12-month follow-up appointments. Radiographic assessments were conducted using periapical radiographs. The primary outcome measures were changes in PD and CAL, while secondary outcomes included radiographic evidence of bone regeneration. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the OFD group demonstrated an average reduction in PD of 2.4 mm (SD = 0.8) and an increase in CAL of 1.6 mm (SD = 0.5). In contrast, the GTR group showed a reduction in PD of 2.1 mm (SD = 0.7) and an increase in CAL of 1.9 mm (SD = 0.6). These differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Radiographic analysis indicated a mean bone fill of 1.2 mm (SD = 0.4) in the OFD group and 1.4 mm (SD = 0.3) in the GTR group at 12 months, with no significant difference observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, both OFD and GTR approaches demonstrated comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes in the treatment of infrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

The Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Periodontal Health and Inflammation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Background: The interaction between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease underscores the importance of exploring dietary interventions that could mitigate inflammation and improve periodontal health in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 100 patients with type 2 diabetes who were equally divided into two groups: Group A (low-carbohydrate diet) and Group B (control group). Patients in Group A followed a low-carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks, while Group B maintained their regular dietary habits. Periodontal health was assessed using clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and inflammation was measured by analyzing levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests. Results: After 12 weeks, Group A exhibited significant improvements in periodontal health compared to Group B. The mean PD reduction was 0.5 mm in Group A and 0.1 mm in Group B, with a corresponding mean CAL gain of 0.3 mm in Group A and no significant change in Group B. Inflammatory markers also showed favorable outcomes in Group A, with a decrease of 1.2 mg/L in CRP levels and 20% reduction in IL-6 levels. In contrast, Group B demonstrated minimal changes in inflammatory markers. The differences in PD, CAL, CRP, and IL-6 levels between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The adoption of a low-carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks demonstrated significant improvements in periodontal health and reduction of inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Tympanostomy Tube Insertion Versus Myringotomy or Observation in Managing Otitis Media With Effusion Following Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: An Updated Review.

Head and neck cancers, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), are relatively common in Saudi Arabia. Radiotherapy is a standard treatment for NPC, but it can lead to side effects, including post-radiation otitis media with effusion (OME). Managing post-radiotherapy OME remains a topic of debate, with various interventions proposed. This study aims to review the efficacy of different methods to manage post-radiotherapy OME in NPC. This includes tympanostomy tube insertion, frequent myringotomies, and observation. A systematic review was carried out for articles published between 1975 and 2023 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Excluded from the analysis were articles that involved patients undergoing surgical treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer, studies that focused on patients with other head and neck cancers who developed OME after radiotherapy, research investigating the effectiveness of surgical procedures unrelated to tympanostomy tube insertion, studies written in non-English language, and case reports, reviews, or conference letters. A total of 450 studies were screened, of which six studies were included in the review, yielding 328 patients. The mean age ranged between 46 and 52 years. Follow-up varied from six months to 11 years. The intervention in all studies was tympanostomy tube insertion, and the controls were myringotomy, observation, or tympanic membrane fenestration with cauterization. The use of recurrent myringotomies for the treatment of OME in patients with NP post-radiotherapy is associated with improved chances for the resolution of effusion and decreased risk of complications when compared to tympanostomy tube insertion. Hence, we recommend following a step-wise approach when dealing with this group of patients, offering grommets for patients with persistent effusion or those who cannot tolerate frequent procedures.

Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Functional Outcomes in Orthognathic Surgery.

Background: Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure performed to correct severe jaw misalignments that can affect a patient's facial aesthetics and functional occlusion. While the primary goal of orthognathic surgery is to improve functional outcomes and facial appearance, it is essential to assess patient satisfaction as a crucial aspect of overall treatment success. Materials and Methods: Patient selection: We conducted a prospective study involving 50 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of severe jaw misalignment, as determined by clinical and radiographic assessments. The surgical procedures performed included maxillary advancement, mandibular setback, or a combination of both, depending on the patient's specific diagnosis. Preoperative orthodontic treatment was provided to align the teeth and prepare the patient for surgery. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at postoperative intervals of 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Results: Patient satisfaction scores and functional outcomes were as follows: aesthetics of facial profile (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.6, chewing function (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.4, speech function (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.3, and overall satisfaction with surgical outcome (1-year post-op): mean score = 4.5. Objective assessments revealed a significant improvement in occlusion and facial aesthetics. The mean reduction in overjet was 4.8 mm, and the mean reduction in overbite was 3.2 mm. Additionally, the mean postoperative ANB angle improved by 3.7°, indicating a better facial balance. Conclusion: Orthognathic surgery in our cohort of 50 patients resulted in high levels of patient satisfaction with both functional outcomes and facial aesthetics. Objective measurements also indicated significant improvements in occlusion and facial balance.

Case of Lemierre's Syndrome Presenting With Neuro-Ophthalmologic Complications That Worsened After Stopping Corticosteroids.

Lemierre's syndrome (LS) is a rare disorder that manifests as septic internal jugular thrombophlebitis following a recent oropharyngeal infection. This article details a unique case of LS, where the patient presented to the emergency room with complaints of vomiting, headache, diplopia, and left eye pain. Due to a history of sore throat, headache, neck pain, fever, and nausea five days prior to admission, the patient was initially treated with amoxicillin/clavulanate for suspected tonsillitis. A positive meningeal sign and elevated temperature were observed during the clinical examination. Lumbar puncture (LP) was deferred based on imaging indicating potential increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Nevertheless, the patient received vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and dexamethasone as an initial course of treatment for presumed bacterial meningitis. Significant improvement was observed within the first four days of admission, with no subsequent episodes of fever, nausea, or headache. However, upon discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy, the patient experienced severe headaches and frequent vomiting. An urgent brain CT scan confirmed the extension of the left internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombosis to the ipsilateral sigmoid sinuses. Metronidazole and anticoagulant medication were initiated upon LS diagnosis. There is a paucity of discussions on corticosteroid use in LS, with no definitive statistics in the current literature. This case underscores the importance of recognizing and effectively managing interconnected clinical manifestations.

Synthesis of eco-friendly layered double hydroxide and nanoemulsion for jasmine and peppermint oils and their larvicidal activities against Culex pipiens Linnaeus.

Mosquito-borne diseases represent a growing health challenge over time. Numerous potential phytochemicals are target-specific, biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The larvicidal activity of essential oils, a jasmine blend consisting of Jasmine oil and Azores jasmine (AJ) (Jasminum sambac and Jasminum azoricum) and peppermint (PP) Mentha arvensis and their nanoformulations against 2nd and 4th instar larvae of Culex pipiens, was evaluated after subjecting to different concentrations (62.5, 125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 ppm). Two forms of phase-different nanodelivery systems of layered double hydroxide LDH and oil/water nanoemulsions were formulated. The synthesized nanoemulsions showed particle sizes of 199 and 333 nm for AJ-NE and PP-NE, with a polydispersity index of 0.249 and 0.198, respectively. Chemical and physiochemical analysis of TEM, SEM, XRD, zeta potential, drug loading capacity, and drug release measurements were done to confirm the synthesis and loading efficiencies of essential oils' active ingredients. At high concentrations of AJ and PP nanoemulsions (2000 ppm), O/W nanoemulsions showed higher larval mortality than both LDH conjugates and crude oils. The mortality rate reached 100% for 2nd and 4th instar larvae. The relative toxicities revealed that PP nanoemulsion (MA-NE) was the most effective larvicide, followed by AJ nanoemulsion (AJ-NE). There was a significant increase in defensive enzymes, phenoloxidase, and α and ß-esterase enzymes in the treated groups. After treatment of L4 with AJ, AJ-NE, PP, and PP-NE, the levels of phenoloxidase were 545.67, 731.00, 700.00, and 799.67 u/mg, respectively, compared with control 669.67 u/mg. The activity levels of α-esterase were 9.71, 10.32, 8.91, and 10.55 mg α-naphthol/min/mg protein, respectively. It could be concluded that the AJ-NE and PP-NE nanoformulations have promising larvicidal activity and could act as safe and effective alternatives to chemical insecticides.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Importance: The association between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and quality of life (QoL) has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective: To investigate the association between DR and both vision-related QoL (VRQoL) and general health-related QoL (HRQoL). Data Sources: MEDLINE, EBSCO, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from their inception to April 2022. Study Selection: Studies included adults with DR and a measure of QoL. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Two assumption-free meta-analyses were conducted. Analysis 1 included studies with participants without DR as the referent group to which QoL scores of participants with DR, grouped according to DR severity, were compared. Analysis 2 included all studies with participants with DR and a measure of QoL. QoL scores were pooled within categories of DR severity, and comparisons were made between these categories. Main Outcome and Measures: QoL measured using HRQoL and VRQoL scales. Results: A total of 93 articles were included: 79 in the meta-analyses and 14 in the narrative results. VRQoL was recorded in 54 studies, HRQoL in 26, and both in 13 studies. The most commonly used scales were the National Eye Institute 25-item Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) (n = 49) for VRQoL and the Short Form (SF) Health Survey (n = 18) for HRQoL. Thirty-five studies reported VFQ-25 composite scores. Analysis 1 consisted of 8 studies including 1138 participants with DR and 347 participants without DR. Compared with participants without DR, the composite VFQ-25 score was 3.8 (95% CI, 1.0-6.7) points lower in those with non-vision-threatening DR (NVTDR), 12.5 (95% CI, 8.5-16.5) lower in those with any DR, and 25.1 (95% CI, 22.8-27.2) lower in VTDR (P < .001 for trend). Analysis 2 consisted of 35 studies including 6351 participants with DR. The pooled mean VFQ-25 composite score was 91.8 (95% CI, 91.0-92.7) for participants with NVTDR, 77.6 (95% CI, 76.9-78.3) for any DR, and 73.2 (95% CI, 72.6-73.7) for VTDR (P < .001 for trend). HRQoL scores had weak or no associations with NVTDR and strong associations with VTDR. Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that VRQoL declined with the presence and severity of DR. Interventions to reduce progression of DR at both early and more advanced stages could improve VRQoL.

The prevalence of sedentary behavior among university students in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: A considerable body of research has demonstrated that reducing sitting time benefits health. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence of sedentary behavior (SB) and its patterns. METHODS: A total of 6975 university students (49.1% female) were chosen randomly to participate in a face-to-face interview. The original English version of the sedentary behavior questionnaire (SBQ) was previously translated into Arabic. Then, the validated Arabic version of the SBQ was used to assess SB. The Arabic SBQ included 9 types of SB (watching television, playing computer/video games, sitting while listening to music, sitting and talking on the phone, doing paperwork or office work, sitting and reading, playing a musical instrument, doing arts and crafts, and sitting and driving/riding in a car, bus or train) on weekdays and weekends. RESULTS: SBQ indicated that the total time of SB was considerably high (478.75 ± 256.60 and 535.86 ± 316.53 (min/day) during weekdays and weekends, respectively). On average, participants spent the most time during the day doing office/paperwork (item number 4) during weekdays (112.47 ± 111.11 min/day) and weekends (122.05 ± 113.49 min/day), followed by sitting time in transportation (item number 9) during weekdays (78.95 ± 83.25 min/day) and weekends (92.84 ± 100.19 min/day). The average total sitting time of the SBQ was 495.09 ± 247.38 (min/day) and 58.4% of the participants reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day). Independent t-test showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between males and females in all types of SB except with doing office/paperwork (item number 4). The results also showed that male students have a longer daily sitting time (521.73 ± 236.53 min/day) than females (467.38 ± 255.28 min/day). Finally, 64.1% of the males reported a high amount of sitting time (≥ 7 hours/day) compared to females (52.3%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the total mean length of SB in minutes per day for male and female university students was considerably high. About 58% of the population appeared to spend ≥7 h/day sedentary. Male university students are likelier to sit longer than female students. Our findings also indicated that SB and physical activity interventions are needed to raise awareness of the importance of adopting an active lifestyle and reducing sitting time.

Healthcare Professional's Knowledge of the Systemic ABCDE Approach: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and aim Assessing the knowledge of healthcare professionals regarding the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure (ABCDE) approach is crucial since it prioritizes the initial assessment and treatment of patients who are critically ill, regardless of the underlying cause or their age. Since adherence requires knowledge, this study aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of the ABCDE approach among healthcare professionals. Methods This cross-sectional study among healthcare professionals was performed from April to August 2023 in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. The study included healthcare professionals employed in departments exposed to patients with critical illnesses and excluded those from other specialties and individuals from outside Taif City. Data was collected via Google Forms using a previously validated questionnaire designed to assess the ABCDE approach knowledge among healthcare professionals. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS, version 26. Results The study included 242 healthcare professionals with a mean (SD) age of 35.77 (9.93) years. About half of the participants were female (52.5%) nurses (50.8%) and had been working in intensive care units (ICU) and neonate intensive care units (NICU) (41.4%). The mean (SD) of the participants' working experience was 9.28 (8.295) years. The overall mean test score was 52.94 % (SD 16.27). The mean knowledge score among males was significantly higher than females (56.37% vs. 49.85%, respectively) (p-value= 0.001). The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among medical specialists and residents (63.308% and 55.67%) than among nurses (46.34%) (p-value <0.001). Attending an advanced trauma life support course and theoretical lecture significantly impacted the total knowledge score among the participants (p-values= 0.001 and <0.001, respectively). The total knowledge significantly increased with age (r: 0.265, p-value <0.001). Years of experience correlated with total knowledge score; with increasing years of experience, the total knowledge was significantly increased (r: 0.248, p-value <0.001). Conclusion The ABCDE approach is a valuable tool for the initial examination and treatment of patients in acute medical and surgical emergencies. The findings indicate that there is a need for further awareness programs and training on the ABCDE approach, as the total knowledge score among healthcare professionals was found to be suboptimal. Further research is needed to assess the association between knowledge level and clinical performance in different healthcare settings within Saudi Arabia.

Reactivity and Stability of (Hetero)Benzylic Alkenes via the Wittig Olefination Reaction.

Wittig olefination at hetero-benzylic positions for electron-deficient and electron-rich heterocycles has been studied. The electronic effects of some commonly used protective groups associated with the N-heterocycles were also investigated for alkenes obtained in the context of the widely employed Wittig olefination reaction. It was observed that hetero-benzylic positions of the pyridine, thiophene and furan derivatives were stable after Wittig olefination. Similarly, electron-withdrawing groups (EWGs) attached to N-heterocycles (indole and pyrrole derivatives) directly enhanced the stability of the benzylic position during and after Wittig olefination, resulting in the formation of stable alkenes. Conversely, electron-donating group (EDG)-associated N-heterocycles boosted the reactivity of benzylic alkene, leading to lower yields or decomposition of the olefination products.

Sex-Specific Cut-Offs of Seven Adiposity Indicators and Their Performance in Predicting Metabolic Syndrome in Arab Adults.

This study aimed to assess several indicators of adiposity and their effectiveness in predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) and identify their cut-off values among general Saudi adults. Consequently, 833 participants (49% male and 51% female) aged 42.2 ± 11.9 years (408 MetS and 425 as controls) were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. Information on demographics, anthropometrics and biochemical results was retrieved from a registry. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program's (NCEP III) criteria. Overall, the lipid accumulation product (LAP) and waist-TG index (WTI) had the highest discriminatory ability for MetS (area under the curve (AUC): 0.857 and 0.831), respectively, followed by the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and dysfunctional adiposity index (DAI) (AUC: 0.819 and 0.804), respectively. Based on gender, the LAP and WTI were the best indicators for discriminating MetS and presented the highest Youden index values, with cut-off values of 49.8 (sensitivity 68.5%, specificity 82.4%), and 8.7 (sensitivity 70.7%, specificity 81.9%), respectively, in females and 46.2 (sensitivity 85.6%, specificity 76.3%) and 8.9 (sensitivity 73.9%, specificity 84.8%), respectively, in males. The LAP and WTI performed well in both genders with a superior ability to identify MetS in males and could be used to predict MetS in Saudi adults.