bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valporic Acid-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Adikwu Elias , Liverpool Ebiladei 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The use of valproic acid (VPA) as therapy for epileptic and other neuropsychiatric disorders may cause hepatotoxicity. Selenium (Se), a component of selenoproteins, which performs important enzymic functions, may protect biomolecules from damage. This study assessed the protective effect of Se against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.

Methods:
Thirty-two adult Wistar rats of both sexes (160 ± 20 g) were divided into four groups of n = 8. Groups 1 (Control), 2, and 3 were orally administered with normal saline (0.2 mL), Se (0.1 mg/kg/day), and VPA (200 mg/kg/day) for 30 days, respectively. Group 4 was orally administered with Se (0.1 mg/kg/day) and VPA (200 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. After treatment, the rats were weighed and anesthetized. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum biochemical parameters. Liver samples were weighed and assessed for biochemical markers and histology.

Results:
Body weight was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased, whereas liver weight was significantly (P < 0.01) increased in VPA administered rats. VPA caused significant (P < 0.001) increases in serum and liver aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, conjugated bilirubin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and malondialdehyde levels when compared to control. VPA produced significant (P < 0.001) decreases in liver glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels when compared to control. Hepatocyte necrosis and fatty change were observed in VPA- administered rats. Se supplementation significantly (P < 0.01) reversed VPA-induced hepatotoxicity.

Conclusion:
Se seems effective against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity.
Glycemic Control among Patients with Diabetes and Comorbid Depression in Gulf Countries
Authors: Alsaad Saad Mohammad , Binmoammar Turki A. , Hassounah Sondus , Mokdad Ali H. , Rawaf Salman 
Published: September 2024

Background:
People with diabetes suffering from depression are at greater risk of suffering from an episode of diabetic burnout which can have adverse outcomes on their health.

Objectives:
The primary objective is to review the relationship between depression and glycemic control among patients with diabetes in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Methods:
MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, and GLOBAL HEALTH databases were systematically searched without language restriction to identify relevant studies that examined the relationship between glycemic control and depression among patients with diabetes in (GCC) countries. Reference lists and Google Scholar were also searched for additional studies. Research was conducted by two reviewers independently and disagreements were resolved by discussion.

Results:
Our search revealed nine studies were published between 2004 and 2018 and a total of 2199 subjects with diabetes. Majority of the participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Out of the 9 articles included in the synthesis, only five of them have reported a significant association between depression and glycemic control; on the other hand, four articles showed nonsignificant association. The prevalence rates of depression among diabetic patients ranged from 12.5% to 61.8%.

Conclusion:
Depression was associated with poorly controlled HbA1c. However, this association was not significant across all studies. Considering the high rates of DM in these countries, better quality studies are needed to assess the depression comorbidity and its impact on glycemic control for better cost-effective treatments and to inform practice.
Epidemiology of Malaria in Kot Kashmir and Serai Gambila (District Lakki Marwat), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ashraf 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives:
Malaria is one of the serious infections worldwide and is a global major health concern. The preset study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria in Kot Kashmir (during 2017–2018) and Serai Gambila (in 2015) in the District Lakki Marwat.

Methods:
The retrospective study was conducted by collecting the data recorded in the official registers and data were consolidated into different age groups and months.

Results:
Overall Plasmodium vivax accounted for >98% and Plasmodium falciparum <2% of malaria and males showed 56.5% of malaria. August showed the highest prevalence of 20% cases, while February revealed the lowest prevalence of 2.1% cases. Overall males showed higher rates of malaria than females in all the months and all the age groups except equal rates for the month of February in the age group <5 years and May in the age group of 31–45 years, while the age group of 5–14 years showed the highest prevalence of 242 (41.4%) cases, and the age group of 46–60 years demonstrated the lowest prevalence of 24 (4.1%) cases, and patients of ≤30 years contributed to 85.5% of malaria. Age groups of ≤14 years contributed to 78.2% of malaria in Kot Kashmir, while, age groups of 5–30 years demonstrated 75.7% of malaria in Serai Gambila.

Conclusions:
Overall malaria, as well as vivax malaria in males, steadily increased from April to August followed gradually decreased from the age group of 15–30 years to age group >60 years.
Effectiveness of Mobilization and Postural Correction in the Treatment of Cervicogenic Headache: Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rani Monika , Kaur Jaspreet , Bansal Arpit , Malik Manoj 
Published: September 2024

Context:
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache that impairs a patient’s life quality and work productivity. Pharmacological management has been found to show short-term symptomatic relief with adverse effects.

Objective:
The objective is to evaluate the effect of spinal mobilization (SM), postural correction exercises (PC), and neural mobilization (NM), in the treatment of CGH.

Methods:
This study has a 1:1 allocation ratio and is a single-blind randomized controlled trial with concealed allocation conducted at the university physiotherapy department. According to the sample size calculation, we aim to recruit 140 participants. The participants are randomized into 4 groups: The SM group, the PC group, the NM group, and the control group. Headache impact test-6 is the primary end measure and the secondary end measures are neck disability index and headache diary for headache-related parameters (headache frequency, headache intensity, and headache duration). All outcomes measured will be evaluated at week 0 (baseline), after week 4 (postintervention), and after week 8 (follow-up).

Statistical Analysis Used:
Based on the normality of data, parametric/nonparametric tests will be applied.

Results:
The result will be presented in the form of a 95% confidence interval and P value.

Conclusions:
This is the first comprehensive randomized controlled trial evaluating the individual impact of three various physiotherapy approaches and comparing these techniques to know the best treatment options available for CGH.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Undergraduate Medical Teaching
Authors: Al-Mazidi Sarah H. 
Published: September 2024

Objectives:
To evaluate the tools used during online education and examination of undergraduate medical students from students and medical instructors' experience and means to improve students' and instructors' online education experience in future.

Materials and Methods:
Two surveys were deployed online through social media (WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Twitter) to medical students and instructors from all medical colleges in Saudi Arabia. The surveys include demographic data, tools used in the education process during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, tools used in students' examination, and both groups' opinions about these tools. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to analyze the items included in the survey. Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages.

Results:
Responses from medical colleges in Saudi Arabia were collected and analyzed with a response rate of 72.2%. Data from 518 students and medical instructors showed that online education transformation had a positive feedback from both students and instructors for theoretical sessions teaching with limitations in the practical and clinical sessions.

Conclusion:
Online education in medical schools is new in Saudi Arabia. This mandatory shift to online teaching made us aware of the importance of restructuring and implementing the medical curriculum to support virtual education, especially in practical and clinical sessions learning.
Saudi Population Perception about Medical Internists, 2020
Authors: Abdullah Dokhaikh Fahad Ali , Alzubaidi Mohammad Ali , Saleh Alghamdi Abdullah Hameed , Alghamdi Abdulaziz Ayedh , Alghamdi Thamer Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Background:
As a specialty, internal medicine's historical and philosophical roots lie in the German medical tradition of the second half of the 19th century. However, what uniquely defines the specialty of internal medicine is certainly not fully captured in its name.

Objective:
To assess the knowledge of Saudi population regarding the scope of internal medicine speciality, 2020.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study that utilized an online questionnaire for data collection. All those who consent and can fill the Arabic online form were eligible to participate in the study. The only exclusion criteria were health-care workers and non-Arabic speakers. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS, version 26.0).

Results:
A total of 1692 responses were analyzed, of which 60.7% were females and (76.8%) had university education. The majority (77.5%) see that the term is clear. Of the total sample, only (35.8%) answered correctly when asked about the role of internal medicine doctor. When asked if the term (internal medicine) is clear, educational level and region were significantly associated (P = 0.004, 0.03), respectively.

Conclusion:
The Arabic contrast of the term (internal medicine) may not describe the true meaning or the job of internal medicine doctors as approximately only one third (35.8%) knew the role of medical internists. A variety of factors other than the Arabic synonymous of the term (internal medicine) can influence the understanding of the public to what is internal medicine.
Epidemiological Profiles and Clinical Outcomes of Non-COVID-19 Patients during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alsofayan Yousef M. , Alwakeel Trad S. , Alnasser Hebah A. , Alnowaiser Mosaed M. , Alskait Ghada A. , Alotaibi Reema S. , Bashaikh Hanin A. , Almuzaini Yasir S. , Aburas Alhanouf S. , Nofal Abdullah R. , Khan Anas A. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to storm internationally. Various essential services in the health systems have failed to meet the standardized health needs for those non-COVID-19 patients. In this single academic center study, we describe the epidemiological profiles and clinical outcomes on non-COVID-19 patients during COVID-19 pandemic to guide decision-makers in maintaining essential health services and building a structured recovery plan by the end of this pandemic.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective cross-sectional single academic center study included 718 non-COVID-19 patients in King Saud University Medical City between March and June 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment, and disposition data were extracted from the Hospital Electronic Records, Electronic System for Integrated Health Information database.

Results:
The highest age group was 26–35 years, representing 28.6% (n = 205), and 56% (n = 402) were females. The most common comorbidity was hypertension by 25.5% (n = 183), and the main route of admission was through Emergency Medicine Department, 76.7% (n = 551), and 87% (n = 624) of the admissions were to wards, 13% (n = 92) were to Intensive Care Unit, and 7% (n = 51) were deceased. Based on International Classification of Diseases, Revision 10 classifications, 33.6% (n = 241) had diseases of the respiratory system, 14.5% (n = 104) were obstetrics, and 10.4% (n = 75) were cardiac cases.

Conclusion:
In this single-center study, maintaining essential health-care services is critical during COVID-19 pandemics. Attention should be addressed to extreme ages and to those with pulmonary, obstetric, and cardiac diseases. Mapping decisions taken to curb COVID-19 is critical to structure a solid recovery plan.
Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) 2019 Pandemic on Clinical Practice, Training, and the Well-being of Dermatology Residents
Authors: AlTuwaijri Rawan , AlHammad Ghadah , Alotaibi Hend M , Ahamed Shaik Shaffi , Alharithy Ru'aa 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic imposed a huge strain on the healthcare system. The role of physical distancing as one of the precautions to limit the viral transmission ultimately led to many restrictions on the dermatology department's workflow with a ripple effect on training and medical education. In this study, we aim to measure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on dermatology trainees using an online questionnaire. We believe that the result of this research will help to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical training and the trainees' well-being.

Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study carried out between July and November 2020. The target population of our study included all dermatology residents under the training of The Saudi Board of Dermatology in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was formed through Google Forms which included 37 questions in English, arranged in four sections. These sections include: the basic demographic characteristics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents' training, the effect of the transformation into a virtual learning environment, and afinally, the residents' well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:
A total of 31 responses were collected from dermatology residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Of all the residents, more than half (56.7%) indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on their residency training and progress. All the resident respondents reported that their programs had converted to using remote platforms to continue educational activities during the pandemic. A large number of dermatology residents (40%) enrolled in the study were found to be suffering from severe anxiety.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on the training of dermatology residents. Mostly, as a result of the very limited exposure of one-on-one patient contact, many clinical hours of training have been lost. Therefore, measures and real solutions should be taken to overcome this loss of clinical training hours experienced by dermatology residents.
Evaluation of an Antifungal Property of Curcuma caesia a Traditional Herb against Candida Species: An In vitro Study
Authors: Dineja Raman , Savithri S. , Rajkumar Krishnan , Bose Divya , Vasanthi V. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Candidiasis is a common mucocutaneous fungal infection mainly caused by Candida albicans. Infection can occur in moist areas especially in skin folds, genital cuticle, and also in oral mucosa. Oropharyngeal candidiasis will cause white plaques on oral mucosa. Nowadays resistance is developing for all diseases. In that way when there is any resistance to regular antifungal drugs, natural herbs will be an excellent option to overcome the situation.

Aim:
Antifungal property with minimal inhibitory concentration of Curcuma caesia (Kali haldi, black turmeric) is evaluated against C. albicans and also to find the zone of inhibition for C. caesia against C. albicans and Candida glabrata.

Materials and Methods:
Alcoholic extract of C. caesia was prepared. Zone of inhibition for C. albicans and C. glabrata was performed by well-diffusion method and antifungal property with minimum inhibitory concentration for C. caesia against C. albicans was done by Agar dilution method.

Results:
Zone of inhibition is present at about 21 mm against C. albicans and C. glabrata, Minimum inhibitory concentration is also found at 1 mg of C. caesia alcoholic extract. The results are statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

C. caesia can be used as an antifungal agent when traditional antifungal treatment is not working or in any cases of antifungal resistance.
Willingness of Saudi Health-care Students to Volunteer during Disasters
Authors: Al Assaf Wajdan Ibrahim , Al Khoudairy Reema Sultan , Al Awad Sara Saleem , Alqahtani Jawza Mana , AlAhmari Razan Ahmed , Al Harbi Mariam Hamad , Al Shehri Reham Saleh 
Published: September 2024

Objectives:
This study aims to measure health-care students' willingness to volunteer in disaster situations during the Hajj season. In addition, it provides an assessment of the barriers that may prevent them from volunteering, as well as their perceptions of the required skills to be able to volunteer and be a part of response teams.

Materials and Methods:
This multicenter study, using a convenience sample including 774 students from health colleges in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was conducted between September 2019 and April 2020. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 21. The variables were expressed in percentages as appropriate. A Chi-squared test was used to determine the association between qualitative variables.

Results:
This study indicates that 95% of health-care students were willing to volunteer during disasters, especially in wound care, patient follow-up, and triage. Their lack of knowledge and skills was one of the obstacles that affected their willingness to volunteer (55.9%). Of the participants, 79.6% would volunteer during the Hajj season, but family agreement, long distance, and fear of cross-infections were the most significant barriers preventing them from volunteering. Students agreed that cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid skills should be acquired to render assistance.

Conclusions:
The willingness to volunteer during disasters is high among health-care students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, even though enormous barriers are preventing them from doing so.
Assessment of salivary and gingival crevicular fluids IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 levels in healthy subjects and patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Majeed Zeyad N. , Jassim Sura D. , Kamil Zainab H. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Biomarkers present in the oral fluid (saliva and GCF) have been studied thoroughly in order to be used as adjuncts to the diagnosis of periodontal disease. In periodontal diseases, inflammatory mediators, including IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17, may promote the degeneration of periodontal tissues.

Aim:
The aim of the present study was to quantify IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 levels in the saliva and GCF for patients with generalized periodontitis and compare it with healthy subjects. Furthermore, identifying the most reliable biofluids (saliva and GCF) that can be utilized for biomarkers detection in periodontitis patients.

Methods and Material:
In this study, GCF and saliva samples were collected from 40 patients with generalized periodontitis and 20 healthy subjects. Enzyme-linked immune absorbent assay (ELISA) was used in the measurement of interleukin levels.

Results and Conclusions:
The mean levels of IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 either in saliva or GCF were higher in periodontitis patients than in healthy subjects. These results suggest that the levels of IL6, IL-8, IL-12, and IL-17 in GCF or saliva may be relevant in the pathophysiology of periodontitis, and the measurement of these cytokines may be beneficial in the identification of patients with periodontitis. Furthermore, some biomarkers for periodontal disease are detected better in saliva, while others are best detected in GCF.
To evaluate the role of lactate dehydrogenase as biomarker in the progression of potentially malignant disorders in smokers and gutkha chewers
Authors: Mediconda Shivaratna , Abidullah Mohammed , Velidandla Surekha 
Published: September 2024

Aim:
To evaluate the role of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a biomarker in the progression of potentially malignant disorders in smokers and gutkha chewers.

Material and Methods:
The total of 70 individuals having the habit of chewing gutkha and smoking were selected for the study and divided into four groups. Group 1: 20 individuals having the habit of smoking, Group 2: 20 individuals having the habit of chewing gutkha, Group 3: 20 individuals having the habit of smoking and gutkha chewing, and Group 4: 10 healthy individuals.

Results:
In the present study showed that unstimulated whole saliva from group 1, group 2, and group 3 individuals, there was a significant decrease in isoenzymes LDH-1 and LDH-2 and there was no effect on LDH-3 isoenzyme. In the present study, there is a significant increase in salivary isoenzyme LDH-4. The result indicated that there is an effect of carcinogen (tobacco)–enhanced activity on salivary LDH. The present study showed 70 volunteers reported a statistical significant correlation among the groups. The individuals with habit of smoking and gutkha chewing showed P value <.001 with a significant increase in the isoenzyme LDH-4. A significant increase in the buccal micronuclei of exfoliated cells in the oral mucosal cells of smokers and gutkha chewers. This shows a positive relationship between LDH isoenzymes and the individuals with the smoking and chewing of tobacco.

Conclusion:
There was a significant correlation between the levels of salivary LDH isoenzymes and cytomorphometric analysis of oral epithelium in smokers and gutkha chewers.
Evaluation of plasma fibrinogen degradation products, D-dimer, and mast cells in oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Sharma Ipsita , Wanjari Sangeeta , Parwani Rajkumar , Tekade Satyajit , Azad Antriksh , Azad Anurag 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), a premalignant condition, demands early diagnosis and treatment for an improved prognosis of the patients. Being a chronic inflammatory disease, various markers of inflammation can be used to predict the prognosis of the disease. The present study was undertaken to assess the plasma levels of fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs), D-dimer, and mast cell density (MCD) in patients with OSF.

Materials and Methods:
Forty histopathologically confirmed cases of OSF and 10 age- and sex-matched individuals were included in the study. Two ml of venous blood was obtained from all the study participants and was evaluated for the levels of FDPs, d-dimer, and mast cell densities.

Results:
Comparison of mean plasma levels of FDPs and D-dimer showed a statistically significant increase with the increase in the grades of OSF. Also, a significant association was evident between the plasma FDPs and D-dimer levels. The values of mean mast cell densities from grade I to grade IV OSF were 191.1/mm2, 258.5/mm2, 182.4/mm2, and 165.7/mm2, respectively, and were significantly higher than the value in NOM i.e., 86.5/mm2. There was a statistically significant increase in the values of mast cell densities from grade I to grade II OSF, with grade II OSF showing the highest mast cell densities among all the grades, and the values decreased toward grades III and IV OSF, with grade IV showing the least mast cell densities.

Conclusion:
Excessive areca nut chewing may stimulate collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, enhancing fibrosis, and in turn, raising the plasma fibrinogen levels and thereby the FDPs and d-dimers associated with the advancement of the grade of OSF.