Correlation Between Pre-treatment Collateral Status and Short-Term Functional Outcome in Patients With Mild to Moderate Stroke After Reperfusion Therapy in a Local Primary Stroke Center in the Southwestern Part of Saudi Arabia.

Background Stroke is a substantial cause of disability and mortality worldwide and is characterized by the sudden onset of acute neurological deficit. During acute ischemia, cerebral collateral circulations are crucial in preserving blood supply to the ischemic region. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are the primary standards of care for acute recanalization therapy. Methodology From August 2019 through December 2021, we enrolled patients treated in our local primary stroke center with anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with or without MT. Only patients diagnosed with mild to moderate anterior ischemic stroke, as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), were included in the study. The candidate patients underwent non-contrast CT scanning (NCCT) and CT angiography (CTA) at admission. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess the functional outcome of the stroke. The modified Tan scale, graded on a scale of 0-3, was used to determine the collateral status. Results This study comprised a total of 38 patients who had anterior circulation ischemic strokes. The mean age was 34. 8±13. All patients received IVT; eight patients (21.1%) underwent MT following r-tPA. In 26.3% of cases, hemorrhagic transformation (HT), both symptomatic and asymptomatic, was evident. Thirty-three participants (86.8%) had a moderate stroke, whereas five participants (13.2%) had a minor stroke. With a P-value of 0.003, a poor collateral status on the modified Tan score is substantially associated with a short, poor functional outcome. Conclusion In our study, patients with mild to moderate AIS with good collateral scores at admission had better short-term outcomes. Patients with poor collaterals tend to present with a disturbed level of consciousness more than patients with good collaterals.

Changes in foot plantar pressure in pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, the body undergoes many hormonal and anatomical changes causing several medical problems as the musculoskeletal system problems. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the plantar pressure distribution during pregnancy. SUBJECTS: Twenty two pregnant and non-pregnant females were selected from the King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. METHODS: All females were evaluated by inspection regarding their deformities of the spine, pelvis, lower extremities and feet. Pain was assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the weight and height were recorded using a calibrated weighing scale. Finally, the plantar pressure distribution was examined by a Global Postural Analysis device (GPA). RESULTS: The results revealed significant asymmetry of weight bearing in the study group (pregnant) compared to the control group (non-pregnant) (p< 0.05). In addition, there was a significant increase in pain intensity in the study group (p= 0.02). On the other hand, the results showed a non-significant difference between study and control groups regarding the three points of pressure (calcaneus, 1st metatarasal and 5th metatarsal) (p> 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant direct relationship between the month of pregnancy and increased weight bearing on the 5th metatarsal in the study group (p= 0.04). CONCLUSION: There is an effect of pregnancy on plantar pressure distribution as well as weight symmetry which should be considered when designing an antenatal program.

Insulin Sensitivity and Plasma Glucose Response to Aerobic Exercise in Pregnant Women at Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the common complications that occur during pregnancy. Early intervention is essential to prevent the development of the disease in the non-pregnant state but also helpful in preventing the occurrence of GDM. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of aerobic exercises on insulin sensitivity and fasting plasma glucose level in pregnant women with risk for gestational diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty multigravidae women between 20-24 weeks of gestation with risk for GDM were randomly selected (age range was 25-35 years), body mass index ranged from 30-35 kg/m2. Women were divided into two equal groups: intervention group (A), which followed an aerobic exercise program in the form of walking on treadmill, three times weekly until the end of 37 weeks of gestation in addition to diet control. Control group (B) which received diet control with usual care given by obstetricians and midwives. Evaluation of the women in both groups was carried out before and after treatment program through assessment of fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. RESULTS: There was a highly statistically significance decrease in fasting blood glucose level, fasting insulin level in both groups where the p value was 0.0001 favoring group (A). CONCLUSION: Moderate intensity of aerobic exercises were effective in reducing fasting blood glucose level and fasting insulin level in pregnant women with risk for gestational diabetes mellitus.

Association of physical activity and health status with intelligence quotient of high school students in Jeddah.

[Purpose] The present study investigated the relationships of physical activity and healthiness with the intelligence quotients of high school students in Jeddah. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 135 male and female students were randomly drawn from public and private secondary schools in Jeddah. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to the students that included demographic, physical activity, and health status sections. Body mass index measurement and an intelligence quotient test were carried out for all students. In addition, samples of blood were collected to estimate hemoglobin and serum iron. [Results] The highest proportions of males and females (39.1% and 51% respectively) had an intelligence quotient score of more than 75%. Moreover, the findings revealed that about 35% of the students were categorized as overweight obesity, and there was aninverse correlation between body mass index and physical activity. Students who shared physical education classes and exercising at and outside school showed a positive correlation with high IQ scores. Regarding hemoglobin and iron levels, there were significant correlations between their levels in blood and IQ. [Conclusion] The intelligence quotient of adolescent students is positively associated with physical activity and health status.