Facies development and sedimentology of the Middle Miocene carbonates of the Raghama Formation, northeastern Saudi Arabia

Ragahama Formation comprises a siliciclastic continental deposits followed by marine carbonates, representing prograding alluvial fans from adjacent high hinterlands seaward into lagoons and fringing reef environments. The present work aimed to document the facies development and sedimentology of the Raghama carbonates exposed along the eastern coastal plain of the Red Sea, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Four stratigraphic sections were measured and sampled(D1–D4) and thin sections and major and trace element analyses were prepared and applied for petrographic and geochemical approaches. The carbonates were subdivided into three successive fore-reef, reef-core, and back-reef depositional facies. Sandy stromatolitic boundstone, microbial laminites, dolomitic ooidal grainstone, bioclastic coralline algal wackestone, sandy bioclastic wackestone, and coral boundstones were the reported microfacies types. Petrographic analysis reveals that the studied carbonates were affected by dissolution, dolomitization, and aggrading recrystallization, which affects both the original micrite matrix and grains or acts as fracture and veinlet filling leading to widespread vuggy and moldic porosity. No evidence of physical compaction, suggesting rapid lithification and recrystallization during early diagenesis and prior to substantial burial and intensive flushing by meteoric waters. Most of the original microstructure of corals were leached and destructed. This is indicated by the higher depletion in Sr and Ca levels and increase in Mg,Na, Fe, and Mn levels, especially in section D1, in comparison with the worldwide carbonates.

Single nucleotide polymorphism within chromosome 8q24 is associated with prostate cancer development in Saudi Arabia

Objective: Genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are important risk factors for the development of prostate cancer (PCa). Preliminary studies have suggested that the incidence of PCa in Saudi males is low but is probably familial or genetically related.Methods: To identify any possible association of SNP with PCa development in Saudi patients, we investigated a group of SNPs in Saudi PCa patients (n=85) and compared the outcomes to healthy normal controls (n=115) and nodular hyperplasia patients (n=120). DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded formalin fixed tissue or whole blood from both patients’ groups and healthy control group. A total of thirteen SNPs were genotyped using TaqMan® minor groove binder polymerase chain reaction assay.Results: The rs16901979A, s629242T and rs1447295A alleles were found at significantly higher frequency in PCa patients than controls (p< 0.05). The rs16901979 CA genotype was found at significantly greater frequency in PCa patients than in healthy controls (43% vs. 14%, odds ratio=4.6, p=0.0001) and benign hyperplasia group (43% vs. 25%, odds ratio=2.2, p=0.009).Conclusion: Our study has highlighted the association of rs16901979 SNP with PCa in Saudi males. Such findings have important implications in the PCa diagnosis and in screening unaffected family members of Saudi patients.

Universal newborn hearing screening program in Saudi Arabia: Current insight

Newborn hearing screening(NHS) programs are essential to identify hearing loss early in life and to improve outcomes in children. In Saudi Arabia, the national NHS program has been operational since 2016;however, few studies have evaluated its status, and none have covered all provinces across the country. This cross-sectional retrospective study provides an overview of the program's status across all provinces, focusing on screening coverage rates, referral/fail rates, and follow-up procedures. In 2021, 199,034 newborns were screened, with a coverage rate of 92.6% and an overall referral/fail rate of 1.87%. These performance measures provide a foundation for future progress and improvements. This study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability.

Mental health status among COVID-19 patients survivors of critical illness in Saudi Arabia:A 6-month follow-up questionnaire study

BACKGROUND Psychological assessment after intensive care unit(ICU)discharge is increasingly used to assess patients'cognitive and psychological well-being.However,few studies have examined those who recovered from coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).There is a paucity of data from the Middle East assessing the post-ICU discharge mental health status of patients who had COVID-19.AIM To evaluate anxiety and depression among patients who had severe COVID-19.METHODS This is a prospective single-center follow-up questionnaire-based study of adults who were admitted to the ICU or under ICU consultation for>24 h for COVID-19.Eligible patients were contacted via telephone.The patient’s anxiety and depression six months after ICU discharge were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).The primary outcome was the mean HADS score.The secondary outcomes were risk factors of anxiety and/or depression.RESULTS Patients who were admitted to the ICU because of COVID-19 were screened(n=518).Of these,48 completed the questionnaires.The mean age was 56.3±17.2 years.Thirty patients(62.5%)were male.The main comorbidities were endocrine(n=24,50%)and cardiovascular(n=21,43.8%)diseases.The mean overall HADS score for anxiety and depression at 6 months post-ICU discharge was 11.4(SD±8.5).A HADS score of>7 for anxiety and depression was detected in 15 patients(30%)and 18 patients(36%),respectively.Results from the multivariable ordered logistic regression demonstrated that vasopressor use was associated with the development of anxiety and depression[odds ratio(OR)39.06,95% confidence interval:1.309-1165.8;P<0.05].CONCLUSION Six months after ICU discharge,30% of patients who had COVID-19 demonstrated a HADS score that confirmed anxiety and depression.To compare the psychological status of patients following an ICU admission(with vs without COVID-19),further studies are warranted.

Exploring the Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Depression among Sickle Cell Anemia Patients in Saudi Arabia’s Jazan Region

Sickle Cell Anemia(SCA)is a prevalent genetic condition in Saudi Arabia,particularly in the Jazan region.The study’s purpose was to assess the prevalence of de-pression among individuals with SCA in this area and to identify the factors associated with this condition.The study involved 391 adult participants,all patients in the hematology center of Prince Mohammed bin Nasser Hospital(PMNH).Data was collected through an anonymous interview questionnaire–the Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9)–between March–May 2022.The questionnaire covered socio-demographic information and variables related to the participant’s SCA history,such as pain levels,frequency of pain,hospitalization duration,and frequency of blood transfusions.These variables underwent Chi-square and One-way ANOVA testing,followed by multivariate regression.The study found a 42%prevalence of depression among the SCA patients.Factors significantly linked with heightened depression levels included being widowed or divorced,experiencing frequent and severe pain,and longer duration of hospital stays.An educational level of at least a bachelor’s degree was also a significant factor.The study reveals a high prevalence of depression among SCA patients in the Jazan region.It underscores the need for policymakers to educate both physicians and patients about the importance of mental health in SCA management.The study also highlights the need for more research into the specific causes and effects of depressive symptoms in SCA patients to inform the creation of effective management plans.

Cytotoxicity, Toxicity and Anticancer Activity of Manuka Honey, Saudi’s Honey and Peganum harmala Plant against Cancer Cells

Cancer occurs when the body’s cells grow beyond the usual control. Normal body cells multiply in a controlled manner and undergo apoptosis when the body no longer needs them. Different types of cancers exist, and the common ones include breast, cervical, prostate, lung, colon, and skin cancers. Several factors have been associated with cancers, and these factors include poor dieting, exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation, weak immune system, and genetics. Cancer presents an enormous health threat in the modern world and thus the need to identify an effective treatment. The conventional treatments used in the management of cancer include chemotherapy and physiotherapy. These forms of cancer treatments usually have enormous side effects on the subjects. In this respect, an alternative form of treatment would be effective in managing cancer patients. A substantial number of natural products have been observed to be effective in the management of cancer. These natural products include plants and other natural substances such as honey. This study focuses on the efficiency of natural products in the treatment of cancer. Also, the anticancer effects of Peganum harmala, Manuka honey, and Saudi honey will be analyzed. Bee honey and Peganum harmala have been traditionally used in the treatment of cancer. The extracts from Peganum harmala plant have also been shown to exhibit divers’ antitumor effects similar to the mode of action of a vast number of anticancer agents. These established hypotheses thus give the rationale for this study. In this experiment, extracts were obtained from Peganum harmala leaves and exposed to cervical, lung, and prostate cancer cells. Similarly, solutions of Manuka honey and Saudi honey were exposed to the cervical, lung, and prostate cancer cells. The experiment duration was 24 hours, which obtained results were recorded and analyzed. Peganum harmala extracts inhibit cancer cell growth at different and achievable concentrations. Manuka honey highly inhibits the growth of HeLa cancer cells while Saudi honey highly inhibits the growth of A549 cells. Peganum harmala can form an effective treatment for managing several types of cancers. Manuka Honey can be applied as an effective treatment for managing cervical cancer while Saudi honey can form an effective treatment for managing lung cancers.

Use of Topical Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM) in Diabetic Septic Foot Disease in Makkah Region, Western of Saudi Arabia, an Exploratory Study

Diabetes is a chronic condition that is significantly impacted daily by environment. At least one in five Saudis, suffer from diabetes. “Diabetes is a pandemic of unprecedented magnitude spiraling out of control” (Boulton). Saudi Arabia ranks the second highest in the Middle East, and is the seventh in the world for the prevalence of diabetes (WHO). Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been found to be related to high mortality, morbidity accompanied by poor general health and lower quality of life. Current Saudi diabetes patients’ behaviors, practices, and beliefs regarding foot health problems such as ulcers, are not well investigated. Diabetic patients frequently utilize natural remedies and Herbs for self-medication as a part of complementary and alternative Medicine. Aim of study: To explore the widespread use of the alternative remedies in the local communities of the Western Saudi Arabia, the drives behind using and to focus on the potential adverse effects following their usage. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 386 diabetic patients with feet problems in Makkah Region, West of Saudi Arabia during the period April - June 2023. Results: Out of the 531 participants, only 386 participants reported diabetic foot disorder (DFD). Most of the participant were above 65 years of age group (24.61 %). Male (52.08%) more than female (47.92%) in the research group. All of the participants had diabetic foot disorders at least once. The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) use among them was 67.88%, as solitary or in combination with hospital medicines. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Acquaintances advice (59.54%) was the most reason for using the alternative medicine. 60.30% of Diabetic foot patient complained of adverse effects during CAM remedies use. Conclusion: Consumption of CAM remedies among diabetic patients for Diabetic Foot Disorder (DFD) is common. Honey headed the list followed by myrrh and black seeds. Additional wide-scale research is required to establish their actual efficacy, safety and potential adverse out-comes and to generalize the outcomes.

Gut microbiota predicts the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis in Saudi children

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory condition with a worldwide distribution.Although the etiology of this disease is still unknown,the understanding of the role of the microbiota is becoming increasingly strong.AIM To investigate the predictive power of the gut microbiota for the diagnosis of UC in a cohort of newly diagnosed treatment-naïve Saudi children with UC.METHODS The study population included 20 children with a confirmed diagnosis of UC and 20 healthy controls.Microbial DNA was extracted and sequenced,and shotgun metagenomic analysis was performed for bacteria and bacteriophages.Biostatistics and bioinformatics demonstrated significant dysbiosis in the form of reduced alpha diversity,beta diversity,and significant difference of abundance of taxa between children with UC and control groups.The receiver operating characteristic curve,a probability curve,was used to determine the difference between the UC and control groups.The area under the curve(AUC)represents the degree of separability between the UC group and the control group.The AUC was calculated for all identified bacterial species and for bacterial species identified by the random forest classification algorithm as important potential biomarkers of UC.A similar method of AUC calculation for all bacteriophages and important species was used.RESULTS The median age and range were 14(0.5-21)and 12.9(6.8-16.3)years for children with UC and controls,respectively,and 40%and 35%were male for children with UC and controls,respectively.The AUC for all identified bacterial species was 89.5%.However,when using the bacterial species identified as important by random forest classification algorithm analysis, the accuracy increased to 97.6%. Similarly, the AUC for all theidentified bacteriophages was 87.4%, but this value increased to 94.5% when the important bacteriophagebiomarkers were used.CONCLUSIONThe very high to excellent AUCs of fecal bacterial and viral species suggest the potential use of noninvasivemicrobiota-based tests for the diagnosis of unusual cases of UC in children. In addition, the identification ofimportant bacteria and bacteriophages whose abundance is reduced in children with UC suggests the potential ofpreventive and adjuvant microbial therapy for UC.

Actual Practical Attitude and Knowledge of Dental Implants among Senior Dental Students and General Dentists Graduated from Some Saudi and Non-Saudi Dental Schools

Objective: To assess the actual practical attitude and knowledge of dental implants among senior dental students and general dentists graduated from some Saudi and Non-Saudi dental schools. Methods: A total of 300 senior dental students and general dentists participated in the study. Hard copies of the self-designed, multiple-choice questionnaires were distributed to all participants. The questionnaire consisted of 31 questions in five parts. Data were collected and analyzed using Chi-square test and t-test, where p Results: There is a statistically significant relationship between the participants’ answers, and their dental schools. Participants’ general knowledge, training, and teaching of dental implants, as well as information about restorations retained for the dental implants, were higher among participants from Saudi dental schools than participants from non-Saudi dental schools, while the information about dental implants was higher among participants from non-Saudi dental schools than participants from Saudi dental schools. Conclusion: We conclude that the actual practical attitude and knowledge of dental implants among participants in the current study was insufficient. Therefore, dental implant education in the undergraduate curricula of dental schools surveyed should be updated to include teaching, laboratory training, and preclinical and clinical training.

Investigating How Parental Perceptions of Cybersecurity Influence Children’s Safety in the Cyber World: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia

This paper explores the convergence of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with the increasing dependence on the Internet for educational purposes. It sheds light on the potential cybersecurity risks and how parental perception impacts children’s willingness to adapt cybersecurity features. By instilling the significance of cybersecurity awareness in early stages, society can provide children with the necessary skills to navigate the digital realm responsibly. As we progress, ongoing research and collaborative endeavors will be pivotal in formulating effective strategies to shield the digital generation from the potential pitfalls of the virtual realm. Regular Internet usage is essential for various purposes such as communication, education, and leisure. The cohorts of Generation Z and Alpha were born during a period of exponential Internet growth, leading them to heavily engage with the Internet. Consequently, they are equally vulnerable to cybersecurity threats just like adults. Addressing potential security risks for today’s youth becomes the responsibility of parents as the primary line of defense. This research focuses on raising awareness about the imperative of ensuring children’s safety in the online sphere, particularly by their parents. The study is conducted within the specific context of Saudi Arabia, aiming to examine how Saudi parents’ perception of cybersecurity influences their children’s cyber safety. The study identifies critical factors, including attitudes towards cybersecurity, awareness of cybersecurity, and prevailing social norms regarding cybersecurity. These factors contribute to the development of parents’ intention to prioritize cybersecurity, which consequently affects their children’s behaviors in the digital realm. Utilizing a quantitative approach based on a questionnaire, the study employs a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework to analyze the collected data. The study’s findings underscore that parents’ intent towards cybersecurity plays a significant role in shaping their children’s behavior concerning cyber safety.

Burnout during pandemic COVID-19 in Saudi and non-Saudi nurses in King Abdulaziz hospital,Makkah

Background:COVID-19 put the global health system in a disastrous situation.Nursing plays a vital role in healthcare services.The ratio of burnout increased during this period.In the context of Saudi Arabia,nurses’whether these are Saudi or non-Saudi the burnout due to emotional exhaustion,depersonalization,and personal accomplishment,the situation of burnout could be there.It is,therefore,important to understand the phenomenon of nurse burnout and the factors that contribute to it.This study aims to understand burnout among nurses and the factors that affect nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods:The design of this study was quantitative cross-sectional and correlational.This study population included 255 nurses working in the King Abdulaziz hospital,Makkah,in 2021.Self-administered questionnaire(google forms)was distributed through email and WhatsApp.Statistical analysis system version 9.4 for data analysis and reporting.Result:Most of the nurse participants were in the age range 31-40,were females and were Saudi nationals.A Chi-square analysis showed a significant burnout level on the sub-scale of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment,while a partial burnout level was observed on the sub-scale of depersonalization.The level of burnout was higher and more significant among Saudi nurses compared to non-Saudi nationals.The impact of demographic variables on burnout showed that nationality,level of education,and duty type were the most influential and significant variables in burnout among Saudi and non-Saudi nurses.Conclusion:The findings indicated that nurses’burnout is higher during COVID-19 and is closely related to their working hours.In addition,when nurses are more nervous and depressed,a higher level of burnout will be witnessed.Since depression and frustration are influenced by working hours,attention should be given to this factor,focusing on interventions to alleviate the causes that lead to nurses’burnout.

Adolescents’perceived stress of COVID-19 and self-compassion in Saudi Arabia:A cross-sectional study

Objectives Worldwide,the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health challenges for adolescent populations.The current study aims to examine the levels of perceived stress of COVID-19 and self-compassion and their relationship among adolescents in Saudi Arabia.Methods This study employed a cross-sectional online survey of adolescents from secondary schools in Asir,Saudi Arabia.Instruments that we distributed online included the modified Perceived Stress Scale(PSS-10)and the Self-Compassion Scale(SCS),in addition to demographic and health-related questions.A total of 500 adolescents completed the survey.Results Adolescents in the study reported an average moderate perceived stress level of 18.6(SD=6.67)and an average moderate self-compassion level of 3.22(SD=0.53).A significant correlation is also found between the two variables(r=−0.460,P<0.001).This negative correlation indicates that lower levels of perceived stress are significantly correlated with higher levels of self-compassion.Conclusion The study results show that the perceived stress of COVID-19 is inversely correlated with self-compassion in Saudi adolescents.Further research is needed to explore how to enhance adolescents’self-compassion.School nurses’role should be given full play in this area.

Perspectives and clinical practices of optometrists in Saudi Arabia concerning myopia in children

AIM:To investigate the practice patterns of optometrists in Saudi Arabia regarding myopia management.METHODS:An internet-based survey was distributed to all practicing optometrists in Saudi Arabia(n=1886).The survey contained questions related to 1)demographics,2)knowledge about myopia and its associated complications,3)current clinical care,4)type and frequency of myopia treatment prescribed,and 5)potential barriers limiting treatment adoption.RESULTS:The completed surveys were collected from 171 optometrists(9.06%response rate,60%male).Knowledge regarding myopia-associated complications was prevalent but somewhat inaccurate among the respondents.Cycloplegic refraction at initial visit was used by 59%of the respondents.The cover test was the most reported binocular vision test(83%),and 38%of optometrists did not perform any ocular biometrics.Twothirds prescribed single-vision spectacles for children with myopia.Increased time spent outdoors was selected by 80%of the practitioners who prescribed myopia control treatment as the primary approach.Insufficient support and lack of clinical experience in providing myopia treatment were reported as the most important factors limiting the adoption of myopia management strategies.CONCLUSION:The current optometric practices in Saudi Arabia require further investigation.Optometrists appear to be somewhat aware of myopia and the associated risks.However,most evidence-based myopia treatments are not being locally adopted,primarily because of lack of support,lack of experience,and limited availability.

Gut microbiota predicts the diagnosis of celiac disease in Saudi children

BACKGROUND Celiac disease(CeD)is a multisystem immune-mediated multifactorial condition strongly associated with the intestinal microbiota.AIM To evaluate the predictive power of the gut microbiota in the diagnosis of CeD and to search for important taxa that may help to distinguish CeD patients from controls.METHODS Microbial DNA from bacteria,viruses,and fungi,was isolated from mucosal and fecal samples of 40 children with CeD and 39 controls.All samples were sequenced using the HiSeq platform,the data were analyzed,and abundance and diversities were assessed.For this analysis,the predictive power of the microbiota was evaluated by calculating the area under the curve(AUC)using data for the entire microbiome.The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the significance of the difference between AUCs.The Boruta logarithm,a wrapper built around the random forest classification algorithm,was used to identify important bacterial biomarkers for CeD.RESULTS In fecal samples,AUCs for bacterial,viral,and fungal microbiota were 52%,58%,and 67.7%respectively,suggesting weak performance in predicting CeD.However,the combination of fecal bacteria and viruses showed a higher AUC of 81.8%,indicating stronger predictive power in the diagnosis of CeD.In mucosal samples,AUCs for bacterial,viral,and fungal microbiota were 81.2%,58.6%,and 35%,respectively,indicating that mucosal bacteria alone had the highest predictive power.Two bacteria,Bacteroides intestinalis and Burkholderiales bacterium 1-1-47,in fecal samples and one virus,Human_endogenous_retrovirus_K,in mucosal samples are predicted to be“important”biomarkers,differentiating celiac from nonceliac disease groups.Bacteroides intestinalis is known to degrade complex arabinoxylans and xylan which have a protective role in the intestinal mucosa.Similarly,several Burkholderiales species have been reported to produce peptidases that hydrolyze gluten peptides,with the potential to reduce the gluten content of food.Finally,a role for Human_endogenous_retrovirus_K in immune-mediated disease such as CeD has been reported.CONCLUSION The excellent predictive power of the combination of the fecal bacterial and viral microbiota with mucosal bacteria alone indicates a potential role in the diagnosis of difficult cases of CeD.Bacteroides intestinalis and Burkholderiales bacterium 1-1-47,which were found to be deficient in CeD,have a potential protective role in the development of prophylactic modalities.Further studies on the role of the microbiota in general and Human_endogenous_retrovirus_K in particular are needed.

Glaucoma among Saudi Arabian population:a scoping review

Despite its high risk of leading to permanent visual dysfunction,glaucoma remains underdiagnosed in primary care settings.About 11%of glaucoma patients in Saudi Arabia end up with bilateral blindness.This scoping review investigates and presents results on the glaucoma profile,including its prevalence,knowledge,attitude,and practice of Saudi Arabians towards the disease.An online search using four databases through online software(www.rayyan.ai)was performed to extract the relevant articles.Out of 76 records,21 articles were eligible for the analysis.All included studies were published between the years 2014 and 2022.Most studies were in Riyadh city,followed by Jeddah.All participants(n=11388)were adults>18 years old,and male participants were generally higher than females.The findings showed poor knowledge of glaucoma among the general population,while the knowledge among glaucoma patients was acceptable.The attitude was positive,while the compliance and practice were fair.More educational programs about glaucoma,its risk to the eyes,and the overall quality of life are highly recommended.

Choroidal thickness measurements in young Saudi adult population: a cross-sectional study

AIM:To determine the choroidal thickness(CT)in young healthy Saudi adults using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT)with an automated CT segmentation software.METHODS:Fifty-eight young adults(total of 116 eyes),39 males and 19 females participated in this study between the ages of 18 and 38y(mean 22.65±3.9y).All participants underwent ophthalmic screening examination,including the SD-OCT for measurements of CT in each quadrant egmented into five eccentric regions starting from the foveal region up to 4.5 mm towards the periphery.RESULTS:The choroid was thickest in the foveal region(central 1 mm,300±60μm)and began to progressively thinner beyond the parafovea(1.5–2.5 mm,284±67μm)towards the peripheral region(3.5–4.5 mm from the fovea,254±83μm).The superior choroid showed the thickest profile(309±57μm),while the nasal choroid exhibited the thinnest(229±76μm).The rate of the thinning with increasing eccentricity was more predominant in the nasal choroid,which thinned from the foveal region(294±58μm)to the peripheral region(158±55μm).The superior and inferior choroid did not show a statistically significant thinning with eccentricity(all P>0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the CT between gender,age,and laterality of the eyes(all P>0.05).A significant association of myopia with thinner subfoveal choroid was observed(Pearson’s,r=0.37),and regression analysis showed that a 10.3μm choroidal thinning for each diopter increase of myopia.CONCLUSION:CT profile depends on eccentric and the quadrant.The CT profile across the measured area in the young Saudi adult population is comparable to other previous reports.Refractive error is critical for CT evaluation.

Measuring the Level of Knowledge and Awareness about Scoliosis in Saudi Arabia

Background: Scoliosis is a serious condition occurring in 1% to 4% of the population. This study was conducted and designed to educate society about scoliosis and measure the knowledge and awareness about it. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on members of the Saudi Society who have consented to participate in this research between the 8th of January and 5th of February 2023. Results: A total of 427 people agreed to participate in the study. The highest percentage of the participants was female 69.1%. About 41% participants out of 427 were in the age group 18-25 years. Most of the participants were from the Middle Region. (71.9%) of participants were unfamiliar with scoliosis, while (72.1%) had no prior knowledge of the condition. Conclusion: This study indicates insufficient awareness and knowledge about scoliosis in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, further studies are needed to raise awareness about scoliosis and help people to learn more about this condition.

Measuring the Awareness of Thalassemia in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Thalassemia disorder is a genetic disease that causes the blood to have less hemoglobin than normal, the main requirement to control thalassemia’s propagation is to educate the entire society. Methodology: A descriptive survey was taken to evaluate the awareness of thalassemia among Saudi Arabia’s society, with a sample size of 384. Results: The results were written in frequencies, and it shows that most of the participants were unaware and lacking information on thalassemia syndrome. Discussion: The results of this study provide valuable insights into the awareness of thalassemia in Saudi Arabia and highlight the need to raise awareness of this disease. Conclusion: This study is not comprehensive because the survey was not disrupted evenly, but it can give us an overview of the awareness of thalassemia in Saudi Arabia, and it shows that most of the participants were unaware and lacked information on thalassemia.

Effect of Mindful Meditation, Physical Activity, and Diet to Reduce the Risk to Develop or Reduce Severity of Cardiovascular Diseases in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Background: Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the leading chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia (SA) that cause disability and death. CVD predisposition risk varies according to age, gender, education, socioeconomic factors, and place of residency. In addition, CVD risk factors include physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, saturated fatty acid high diet, smoking, and stress. Aim: This is a systematic review study that aims to determine the effect of mindful mediation, physical activity, and diet on CVD in SA. Materials and Methods: This is a systematic electronic search method in Google scholar, PubMed, and Medline. Papers collected are papers that have been published since 2015. The search uses the following keywords: (Cardiovascular disease OR physical activity OR Physical inactivity OR meditation OR diet) AND Saudi Arabia. Data were extracted from each study through a narrative summary of each study. Results: Forty papers collected from 2015 to 2022 were included in the narrative study. Physical activity, diet, and mindful meditation are among the factors that can reduce the risk of development of CVD or severity of disease in patients with a CVD. Conclusion: This systematic review emphasized risk factors like physical inactivity, poor diet, and low level of awareness among Saudis and CVD Saudi patients. The findings show the role of physical activity, mindful meditation, and diet in reducing the onset or severity of cardiovascular disease.

Safety of Empagliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia: A Post-Authorisation Safety Study

Background: Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor is used as a monotherapy or in combination for lowering the elevated blood glucose level in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is often associated with certain adverse reactions (urinary tract infection (UTI), diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA), and genital infections). Thus, the Saudi Food and Drug Administration requested a post-authorisation safety study to monitor the safety of empagliflozin during the defined observation period. Methodology: The local, comparator, non-interventional, regulatory post-marketing study using “new user” design was conducted in patients with T2DM, treated with empagliflozin (10 or 25 mg) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (NCT03764631). Study was conducted from 2018 to 2020, wherein each patient was followed up for 12 months after the index period. Incidence and occurrence of DKA, severe UTIs, volume depletion and dehydration were observed along with metformin, insulin and treatment complexity status and adverse events in the index and Ramadan period. All data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 1502 patients enrolled (empagliflozin [n = 751] and DPP-4 inhibitors [n = 751]), 0.1% patients (n = 1) in each group and Conclusion: Empagliflozin was well tolerated over a period of 12 months, with no safety concerns and a favourable benefit/risk ratio.