bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between Tumour Characteristics and Ophthalmic Symptoms in Saudi Arabian Patients with Intracranial Tumours: A Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Aleid Abdulsalam Mohammed , Alharbi Meshari Ayed , Albahrani Zahra Saleem , AlQarni Ghaida Ali , Alonazi Raghad Harran , Aljumaiah Rawabi Abdulraoof , Shuiel Hadeel Khalid Bin , Alawad Fatema Hani , Almalki Sami Fadhel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Intracranial tumours, abnormal growths within the brain or adjacent structures, exert a substantial influence on various bodily functions, including ophthalmic manifestations. This study seeks to assess the impact of intracranial tumours on ophthalmic manifestations within the Eastern Province population, thereby positioning our research within the broader context of intracranial tumours and their associated clinical implications.

Methods:
This research adopted an observational cross-sectional approach, and targeted patients were diagnosed with intracranial tumours residing in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive survey was distributed through multiple channels, encompassing both hospital and clinic settings, as well as online platforms, to maximise participant engagement.

Results:
Among the 811 patients diagnosed with intracranial tumours who completed the survey, a substantial proportion (76.8%) reported experiencing ophthalmic manifestations following their diagnosis. Predominant manifestations included eye pain (29.7%), blurred vision (15.7%) and double vision (16.4%). Tumour size was a key determinant of symptom severity, with participants harbouring larger tumours reporting notably higher mean severity scores (4.71 ± 0.905) in comparison to medium-sized (4.02 ± 1.016) and small tumours (2.51 ± 1.24). The frontal lobe emerged as the most common tumour location (44.4%), followed by the temporal lobe (28.6%).

Conclusion:
Our findings underscore the critical influence of tumour size and location on the nature and severity of ophthalmic manifestations in patients with intracranial tumours. Specifically, larger tumours and those located in the frontal lobe are associated with more pronounced ophthalmic symptoms. These insights emphasise the necessity for individualised management approaches to address ophthalmic complications in individuals with intracranial tumours, with due consideration to both tumour size and location.
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and its Effects on Post-operative Recovery in Bariatric Surgery Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Polysomnography-enhanced Study
Authors: Alshamoosi Mohammed Salman , Aljohani Raniya , Alsaedi Nouf , Almutairi Aljuri , Alamoudi Shefa Abdullah , Albinsaad Loai Saleh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Obesity, a growing public health issue, is closely linked to various co-morbid conditions, notably obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA, characterised by repeated airway obstructions during sleep, significantly impacts quality of life and poses serious health risks. This issue is particularly acute among bariatric surgery candidates, where OSA prevalence is high. Bariatric surgery, an effective treatment for morbid obesity, has shown improvements in obesity-related co-morbidities, including OSA. This study aims to explore the relationship between obesity, OSA and bariatric surgery, addressing a critical gap in medical understanding and advancing knowledge in patient care for this challenging condition.

Methods:
The study employed a cohort design to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery on OSA severity and symptoms in obese patients, focusing on identifying factors that influence the persistence or resolution of OSA post-surgery. It involved evaluating the impact of bariatric surgery on OSA severity through standardised sleep study parameters and clinical outcomes, identifying pre-operative factors predictive of OSA outcomes and assessing the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on OSA and related co-morbidities over a 12-month follow-up period.

Results:
The study found significant associations between bariatric surgery and improvements in OSA severity. However, the persistence of moderate-to-severe OSA postoperatively in some patients highlighted a complex interplay between obesity, bariatric surgery and OSA. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of this relationship and aid in developing more effective treatment plans and post-operative management strategies for patients with OSA undergoing bariatric surgery.

Conclusion:
This research fills a vital gap in the understanding of the interplay between obesity, OSA and the effects of bariatric surgery. Its findings are crucial for clinical practice, leading to improved screening, management and treatment strategies for OSA in the context of bariatric surgery. The study not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds the promise of enhancing patient care and outcomes in a population where OSA is prevalent and challenging.
Assessing Patient Preferences and Decision-making Factors in Elective Neurosurgical Procedures: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Aleid Abdulsalam M. , Alshuqayfi Khalid M. , Alshehri Shahad , Almajnooni Maqbel , Mohammed Almorgl Z. , Aljohani Raghad A. , Aljabr Abdulmajeed A. , Almalki Sami F. , Aldanyowi Saud N. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Neurosurgery, which requires a substantial amount of education and encompasses a broad spectrum of forms and competencies, helps treat various illnesses, including spinal disorders and tumours. Due to technology and inherent risk factors, which are inherent in the speciality, patients remain hospitalised for long periods and comprehensive education. Understanding that due to the often high risk entailed in a neurosurgical procedure, the process of decision-making is most often very difficult. The objectives of the present research are to assess patients’ attitudes and estimable criteria for elective neurosurgical procedures as a field essential for enhancing patient satisfaction and general care.

Methods:
A self-administered questionnaire was designed incorporating questions in a broad range of formats that could be completed by patients who had undergone elective neurosurgical operations. Examples of the factors of choices include costs, expectations after surgery, as well as expectations during the hospital stay. As such, this approach enables the study to establish the multiple factors that may help explain patient satisfaction and decision-making with elective neurosurgery.

Results:
Nineteen (19%) patients were from Level 1, 395 (40%) from Level 2 and 406 (41%) from Level 3; 1757 neurosurgical patients completed the questionnaire. In general, the patients’ satisfaction rate with their experience during elective neurosurgical procedures was mostly categorised as “neutral” (n = 666). The 371 patients indicated that they were not well informed about the risks and benefits of elective neurosurgical procedures and on the other hand, 1386 patients responded that they were informed well about the risks and benefits. Elective neurosurgical preferences and decision-making were significantly influenced by gender (P < 0.001), employment status (P < 0.001), education (P < 0.001) and geographic location (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The present study contributes to the existing knowledge of patient decision-making in elective neurosurgical interventions. It is important to note these because they are driving forces that help healthcare practitioners modify or orient their various approaches in a bid to increase patient satisfaction and improve the quality of care. From the study, it is concluded that there is a potential for improving neurosurgical practice to better address patient preferences and expectations for their.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Comparing the Effects of Endovascular and Open Repair Techniques on Renal Outcomes
Authors: Alghareeb Rahaf , Alhejaili Janna , Almutleeg Zainab , Aljaziri Ahmad , Alotaibi Bader Abdullah , Aldomyati Suad , Alqahtany Leen , Al-Qurashi Renad , Hakme Elie , Albinsaad Loai Saleh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
The comparison between endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open repair techniques in addressing mortality rates for renal dysfunction is pivotal in clinical decision-making.

Objective:
Our meta-analysis synthesised data from multiple studies to assess the relative risk (RR) of mortality associated with each technique.

Materials and Methods:
The calculated RR for EVAR compared to open repair was 0.1916, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.0342 to 1.0743. Although the P = 0.0603 suggested a trend towards significance, it did not reach conventional levels. Heterogeneity analysis revealed minimal variability across studies, with τ2, I
2 and H statistics indicating no observed heterogeneity.

Results:
For open repair, both common effect and random effects models yielded a proportion of events of 0.0368 (or 3.68%), with a 95% CI from 0.0221 to 0.0607. No significant heterogeneity was detected among studies, with consistent findings across different statistical approaches. In contrast, the effect of EVAR on mortality demonstrated a proportion of events of 0.0080 (or 0.8%), with a 95% CI from 0.0020–0.0314. Heterogeneity analysis indicated negligible variability among studies, reinforcing the reliability of our findings.

Conclusions:
Overall, our meta-analysis underscores the importance of assessing mortality outcomes in renal artery aneurysms and comparing the efficacy of EVAR versus open repair techniques. While our results suggest a potential benefit associated with EVAR, further research, particularly randomised controlled trials, is warranted to provide more definitive evidence. In addition, efforts to standardise reporting and address potential biases in future studies will enhance the reliability and generalisability of findings in this critical area of vascular medicine.
Assessment of Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life after Laser-assisted in situ Keratomileusis Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Alzimami Lama Zaid , Alsayer Norah , Alharbi Amal , Alghamdi Kholoud , Alghamdi Hani , Akeely Omar , Almutairi Mohammed , Alatawi Abrar , Alsulami Rola , Alessa Mohammed Yousef 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery corrects refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, leading to improvement in visual clarity. Beyond the restoration of visual acuity, LASIK surgery aims to improve patient’s QoL by enhancing their overall satisfaction with vision correction. This meta-analysis aims to assess patient satisfaction and QoL after LASIK.

Methods:
The literature search was conducted to include LASIK surgery. Using Review Manager version 5.4 software, we conducted the meta-analysis of the included studies by pooling the mean difference of the continuous variables, the number and a total of dichotomous variables. We conducted a sensitivity analysis to detect the source of heterogeneity.

Results:
The overall satisfaction rate using non-validated questionnaires was 93.86%, whereas the overall dissatisfaction rate was 6.14%. The overall satisfaction rate for articles using validated questionnaires was 52.03% and the overall dissatisfaction rate was 2.6%. The improvement rate in the quality of vision was 92.6%. The glare and clarity of vision were non-significant between LASIK groups and the control group SMD of − 0.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.79–0.27, P = 0.33) and SMD of − 0.35 (95% CI: −0.75–−0.04, P = 0.08), respectively. In hyperopic patients, the overall improvement of the quality of vision was 96% and in the myopic patients was 92.6%.

Conclusion:
These findings underscore the significant positive impact of LASIK surgery on patient satisfaction and QoL, particularly in myopic patients, with improvements observed over time and variations based on assessment methods.
Influence of Early Childhood Education Programmes on Child Development Metrics: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Almalki Shahad Nawaf , Alhujaili Rafa Mohammed , Althubyani Shatha Ali , Alahmadi Weam Talal , Mustafa Sara Adel , Asiri Abdulrahman Abdullah , Alahmadi Raneem Obaidallah , Felemban Mayar Saud , Alsogaihi Jood Mohammad , Alshehri Sarah Ali , Alawad Fatema , Alkhars Ola Ahmad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Early childhood experiences have a significant influence on children’s cognitive, social, emotional and physical development, making them crucial for their overall development. It has been suggested that early childhood education (ECE) is an essential intervention to improve certain developmental parameters. Although research on the advantages of ECE on social and cognitive domains is already available, more research is needed to determine how ECE affects certain developmental outcomes such as motor function, linguistic ability, emotional reactivity, cognitive function and body mass index (BMI) Z-scores. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the impact of ECE on various child development outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed an exhaustive search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assess the effectiveness of ECE on child development outcomes. Six RCTs were ultimately included in our analysis. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted meticulously, with the ROB2 tool utilised to ascertain the risk of bias in the studies.

Results:
Our meta-analysis integrated data from 1595 participants across the included studies. The results revealed a significant improvement in motor function, with a pooled mean difference (MD) of 1.47 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29–2.65, P = 0.01), and language ability, with a pooled MD of 1.27 (95% CI: 0.03–2.52, P = 0.04). Emotional reactivity also showed significant enhancement, with a pooled MD of 0.19 (95% CI: 0.06–0.32, P = 0.004). Cognitive function improvements were significant, with a pooled MD of 2.58 (95% CI: 1.0–4.16, P = 0.001). However, changes in BMI Z-scores were not statistically significant, with a pooled MD of − 0.01 (95% CI: −0.19–0.17, P = 0.91).

Conclusion:
The systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that ECE significantly benefits motor function, language ability, emotional reactivity and cognitive function in children, with no discernible impact on BMI Z-scores. These findings confirm the value of ECE in supporting early developmental milestones, underscoring the need for integrating high-quality ECE programmes into early childhood policy and practice.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of oral isotretinoin in the treatment of cutaneous warts
Authors: Bosamiya Sanjay Sureshchandra , Bansi Virani , Pooja Patel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Context:
Cutaneous warts caused by human papillomavirus are benign proliferative lesions that occur at any age in human lives. Many modalities of therapy have been used with variable success, but possess therapeutic challenges.

Aims:
The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-dose oral isotretinoin in the treatment of cutaneous warts.

Settings and Design:
The study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Surat, Gujarat, India, from July 2021 to October 2022; with a single group cohort.

Materials and Methods:
After obtaining clearance and approval from the institutional ethics committee, 63 were enrolled in the study and treated with 0.5 mg/kg of oral isotretinoin as monotherapy for a maximum period of 3 months and if the lesions were resolved before 3 months we stopped oral isotretinoin. Patients were assessed every 30 days for a reduction in, the number of warts, and also for adverse effects of oral isotretinoin.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Statistical analysis was done using the STATA version 14.2.

Results:
Out of a total of 63 patients, 11 (17.46%) were female, and 52 (82.54%) were male. By the end of 3 months, 29 (46.03%) patients had 100% improvement, 17 (26.98%) patients had a good response, 9 (14.29%) patients had a partial response, and 8 (12.70%) patients had no response at all. The most common side effect observed was xerosis followed by cheilitis and dryness of mouth.

Conclusions:
Oral isotretinoin is one of the effective therapeutic modalities in cutaneous warts, especially in multiple warts and certain anatomical sites, where difficult to excise surgically.
Short-Term Outcome Comparison of Arthroscopic Chondroplasty and Microfracture for Treatment of Small and Medium-Sized Osteochondral Defects of the Ankle
Authors: Yuro Matthew , Acevedo Jorge , Harris Thomas , Carreira Dominic S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
To compare short-term outcomes of patients diagnosed with small and medium-sized osteochondral ankle defects who were treated with chondroplasty and microfracture.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective multicentre ankle and foot arthroscopy registry was queried for patients from December 2017 to December 2022 who were diagnosed with a small or medium-sized osteochondral ankle defect and treated with an arthroscopic chondroplasty or microfracture. Demographic and intraoperative variables were collected. Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Sports Subscale (FAAM-S), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), VR-12 Mental, VR-12 Physical and Foot Function Index (FFI) PROMs were completed by patients preoperatively and at a minimum of one year postoperatively. Data were compared between patients who were treated with chondroplasty and those treated with microfracture. The differences in continuous variables were assessed via paired-sample t-tests. χ
2 analysis was performed on all categorical variables.

Results:
Thirteen patients were treated with chondroplasty, and 22 patients were treated with microfracture. There were no demographic differences between groups (P = 0.30, P = 0.68, P = 0.18). Microfracture patients had significantly deeper chondral defects than chondroplasty patients (P = 0.002), and their lesions had significantly higher International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grades (P = 0.003). There were no differences in length, width or location of defect between groups (P = 0.50, P = 0.73, P = 0.12). Both cohorts saw significant improvement in FAAM-S, VAS, VR-12 Physical and FFI PROMs at a minimum of one year postoperatively (P = 0.00004, P = 0.008, P = 0.010, P = 0.0007; P < 0.00001, P = 0.0001, P = 0.00007, P = 0.0001). There were no differences in any PROM score between groups preoperatively or postoperatively (P = 0.93, P = 0.96, P = 0.57, P = 0.61, P = 0.12; P = 0.79, P = 0.52, P = 0.26, P = 0.46, P = 0.83).

Conclusion:
There were no significant outcome differences in patients treated with chondroplasty and microfracture for small to medium-sized chondral ankle defects. Patients in both groups saw significant improvements in PROMs at a minimum of one year postoperatively. In small and medium-sized chondral lesions, microfracture may be recommended over chondroplasty for lesions with greater depth or ICRS grade. Level of Evidence: III, retrospective cohort study.
Subtrochanteric Femoral Derotation Osteotomy for Correcting Idiopathic Excessive Femoral Anteversion with Intoeing Gait: A Case Report
Authors: Bhattacharjee Aniruddha , Kumar Sanjay , Chandra Mainak , Barman Saptarshi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Intoeing gait is a prevalent pediatric condition characterized by an inward rotation of the feet during ambulation. Primary causes include metatarsus adductus, internal tibial torsion and increased femoral anteversion. Hereby, we describe a case of subtrochanteric femoral derotation osteotomy in idiopathic excessive femoral anteversion. We present a case of 10-year-old child who had a complaint of hip pain. The main concerns of his parents were inward rotation of foot and frequent falls while walking. Upon clinical examination, he had negative foot progression angle with intoeing gait, decreased external rotation, and increased internal rotation of hip: Craigs test demonstrated increased femoral anteversion. On radiographs, no hip pathology was found. Upon CT scan, femoral anteversion of right side was found 40° and 42° on the left side. He was prescribed vigorous physiotherapy and gait training. But even after 6 months, his symptoms failed to improve. He was then considered for proximal femoral derotation osteotomy. Post-operatively, his intoeing got corrected with improvement of external rotation and foot progression angle. At 1 year follow-up, his hip pain and frequent falls stand corrected. Excessive femoral anteversion is a frequent cause of intoeing gait in children and can also present with unexplained hip, thigh and knee pain. Subtrochanteric femoral derotational corrective osteotomy can certainly be a procedure of choice in carefully selected cases, and it also comes with a very favorable outcome.
Low-fat versus Low-carbohydrate Diet
Authors: Alsharif Dalal J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The global obesity rate has risen significantly, prompting research into the optimal dietary strategies for weight loss, particularly in relation to macronutrient composition. Despite numerous studies, the most effective macronutrient balance for weight reduction remains under debate. The objective of this article is to compare the impacts of a low-carbohydrate diet and a low-fat diet on weight loss and cardiovascular health. A comprehensive literature review was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Studies included randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews to provide a broad analysis of the evidence on a low-carbohydrate versus a low-fat diet. Short-term weight loss was significantly higher with a low-carbohydrate diet compared to an unrestricted low-fat diet. However, when matched for calorie intake, no significant difference in weight was observed between the two diets, suggesting that total calorie intake may be more influential than macronutrient composition. Notably, a low-carbohydrate diet induced a greater decrease in triglyceride levels and an increase in both high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to a low-fat diet.
Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Brandt-Daroff Exercises in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: A Study Protocol
Authors: Bagri Meenakshi , Joshi Shabnam 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most frequent cause of peripheral vertigo that constitutes more than half of all occurrences of vestibular disorders.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to find out the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) along with vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) on dizziness, anxiety, and various cardiovascular parameters.

Methods:
The present study will be a parallel-group single-blinded randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation. The participants will be randomized into three groups: Group A (VRT group), Group B (tDCS group), and Group C (tDCS + VRT group). The outcome variables will be the Dizziness Handicap Inventory Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale, and cardiovascular parameters. The outcome variables will be assessed at the baseline, at week 4, and a follow-up at week 6.

Results:
The result will be presented in the form of mean, standard deviation, median, and P value.

Conclusions:
The application of cerebellar tDCS along with Brandt-Daroff exercises can be seen as a potent approach to improve the symptoms of BPPV.