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Perceptions of healthcare providers on artificial intelligence integration into dermatology clinical practice; a crosssectional study in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Objective: The study aimed to understand the perceptions of healthcare providers in the dermatology field in Saudi Arabia about using artificial intelligence (AI) and to know their attitudes, and expectations toward AI applications in the dermatology field. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, and the participants were selected through convenience sampling from different areas of Saudi Arabia randomly. A self-administered online questionnaire was used to conduct the study. Results: Dermatologists in Saudi Arabia showed a positive attitude toward AI in dermatology. In general, gender and nationality did not affect their attitudes about AI (p-value> 0.05). It was worthy that the majority of participants (75.5%) were already aware of AI, indicating a certain level of familiarity within the healthcare community. Furthermore, a significant percentage of participants (72.9%) believed that AI technology could potentially reduce errors in clinical practice and decrease the differences in judgments between medical professionals. Conclusion: A positive attitude was shown by Saudi Arabian healthcare providers toward using AI in dermatology. Additionally, dermatologists were aware of the potential of AI in detecting skin diseases by using histopathological and dermoscopy imaging.

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Diagnostic yield and accuracy of nipple discharge cytology as a screening tool for detection of breast cancer

Background: Nipple discharge (ND) is one of the most common symptoms encountered by patients with breast disease and can be caused by benign or malignant conditions. ND cytology is a simple non-invasive method to help determine the pathology behind the discharge. This study looks into the diagnostic value and accuracy of ND cytology. Methods: A retrospective study was performed at a single healthcare center, by evaluating the ND cytology samples and comparing their results with corresponding histopathologic samples from January 2014 to December 2019. Additional data for comparison included ND color, appearance, and discharge laterality. Results: A total of 499 samples of ND cytology were found, and 98 of these samples had a corresponding histopathologic sample. The overall diagnostic yield was found to be 7.4%, with 462 negative ND cytology samples. The diagnostic yield is highest with bloody discharge (29.8%) and in patients presenting with a unilateral ND (10.8%). Through comparison with corresponding histopathologic samples, the sensitivity of ND cytology in the study is 44.4%, specificity 86.5%, positive predictive value 25%, and negative predictive value 83.9%. Conclusion: ND cytology is a simple and useful tool for assessing the underlying pathology. Due to the low number of histological samples relating to the cytological samples, larger data would benefit further research. As there are many controversies about ND cytology value, it should be in complement with other investigations to have a better judgment.

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Efficacy and safety of ibuprofen in postoperative pain management among children; systematic review

Postoperative pain management is a critical aspect of care in pediatric patients undergoing surgical procedures. Ibuprofen has been examined as a treatment for mild to moderate pain in the postoperative management of children. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ibuprofen in managing postoperative pain among children. A literature review was conducted using PubMed from 2013 to 2023. Keywords \"ibuprofen,\" \"efficacy,\" \"safety,\" and \"postoperative\" were used for the research process. All relevant articles evaluating the efficacy and safety of ibuprofen in managing postoperative pain among children (under 18 years old) were included. The search identified 42 papers through PubMed databases. Only five studies met the objective of the systematic review. The included studies were a pooled analysis study (n=534), a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (n=30), a retrospective study (n=1065), and a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=161). Moreover, the total number of patients was 1,850, aged 1 to 19 years. Ibuprofen (oral or intravenous) and acetaminophen were the interventions examined in the included studies. The findings from the included studies suggested that ibuprofen is an effective analgesic option for children undergoing various surgical procedures. The reviewed studies consistently reported a favorable safety profile for ibuprofen in pediatric patients, with minimal incidence of adverse events. Further research with more studies is needed to expand the understanding of optimal pain management strategies in pediatric surgery and explore the comparative effectiveness of different analgesic interventions.

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Assessment of public awareness about Semaglutide (Ozempic) use, safety, and adverse drug reaction in Saudi Arabia

Background: Obesity is a growing epidemic in Saudi Arabia, and Semaglutide has emerged as a promising pharmacotherapeutic option for weight management in obese patients. This study aims to assess public knowledge about Ozempic (semaglutide) use, safety, and adverse drug reactions in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey to collect data among the adult population in Saudi Arabia. Statistical tests of significance, including the chi-squared test and Spearman\'s rho correlation test, were employed to examine differences between groups and assess correlations between variables. Results: Of the 739 participants, 50.7% were females, and most participants had a bachelor's degree level of education. Study respondents reported that they had heard of Ozempic, but only 244 (58%) knew its indication (Type 2 DM). The analysis showed that good knowledge was observed among the 31–40 and 18–30 age groups compared to other age groups (p = 0.020); no other sociodemographic variables showed a significant association with the knowledge level (p > 0.05).The questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample with a minimum of 385 participants among the Saudi population, with a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5%, through online platforms. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Conclusion: Semaglutide is a valuable medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, under appropriate circumstances, for weight loss management. The study showed that the majority of the participants used it for weight loss management, and their awareness regarding its indications, contraindications, and adverse effects was not adequate.

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Perceptions and understanding of sleeve gastrectomy's effects on metabolism, diabetes, and hypertension

Background: Sleeve gastrectomy (SG), a leading bariatric surgery procedure, has surpassed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and adjustable gastric banding in popularity due to its effectiveness in weight loss and managing related morbidities. This study aimed to assess the awareness within the Taif City population in Saudi Arabia regarding the metabolic effects of SG and the resultant alterations in diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done targetting the Makkah region's Taif city population in Saudi Arabia using a simple random sampling technique. Surveys were administered at various locations including shopping malls, picnic areas, and Taif University. Data analysis was performed utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22. Results: A total of 760 participants were included in the evaluation, with the majority (42.5%) falling within the 18-29 age group. The participant demographic profile revealed a predominance of males (59.7%), mostly Saudi nationals (97.1%), with 76.7% having attained a university education and 56.7% being married. The mean height and body mass index (BMI) of participants were 164.00 ± 9.23 cm and 26.31 ± 5.33 kg/m², respectively. Significantly, age, gender, nationality, education level, and marital status were found to be associated with the level of community awareness regarding the metabolic impact of SG and its effects on DM and HTN (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed variable levels of awareness among participants regarding the specific metabolic effects of SG. While a notable proportion demonstrated awareness, a considerable segment remained uninformed.

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Awareness toward monkeypox virus among the public in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to conduct initial research on Monkeypox virus (MPXV) knowledge, attitudes, practices, and related sociodemographic characteristics within the general population of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Saudi Arabia from August 15 to September 15, 2022. An online self-reported questionnaire was distributed via various social media platforms using Google Forms. The survey consisted of 31 questions divided into four parts including demographic information, knowledge of Monkeypox disease, preventive measures, and participants' attitudes toward the global health crisis. Results: A survey of 456 participants found that the majority were women (81.4%), unmarried (81.6%), and aged 18-29 years (80.3%). Most resided in the Western area, held a college degree, and were unemployed. The findings revealed concerning behaviors related to social gatherings but also encouraged to prevention of the spread of the MPXV. Participants demonstrated a good understanding of Monkeypox transmission, symptoms, and high-risk groups while emphasizing early treatment and the importance of hand hygiene. Conclusion: Further education and outreach are necessary to address areas of lacking knowledge about the MPXV, despite satisfactory public understanding in Saudi Arabia. Insights from other countries highlighted the global awareness disparities.

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Assessment of burn first aid knowledge among the general population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Burn injuries are a prevalent public health concern globally, necessitating effective first-aid practices for optimal outcomes. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of adults in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, regarding first aid for burns, recognizing the importance of understanding current awareness levels and identifying potential areas for targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed, the study included 388 adults aged 18 and above in Riyadh, utilizing non-probability convenience sampling. A structured questionnaire, developed in Arabic and English, covered demographics, burn causes knowledge and first-aid practices. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests, were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: This study involved 388 participants and found that the majority (59.3%) were aged 18-29, with 38.1% male and 61.9% female. Furthermore, 81.2% had a university education. Participants showed a strong awareness (89.8%) of hot water as a leading cause of burns, with 93.0% correctly identifying the kitchen as a likely place for burns. Positive practices, like not touching blisters from first-degree burns, were observed in 76.6% of participants. However, misconceptions, such as using ice directly on burned areas (29.9%), were also prevalent. In addition, 33.6% relied on peers, colleagues, or family members for knowledge acquisition. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of targeted educational interventions to address knowledge gaps and correct misconceptions related to burn first aid. Emphasizing evidence-based practices, particularly in scenarios where misconceptions exist, can contribute to improved community response to burn injuries. Collaboration with healthcare professionals, leveraging digital platforms, and incorporating community influencers in educational campaigns are recommended strategies.

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Diagnosis and treatment of hepatorenal syndrome; a systematic review

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe form of functional renal failure associated with reduced renal blood flow, predominantly affecting patients with ascites and cirrhosis, showcasing normal kidney histology. This complication of advanced liver disease is marked by a grim prognosis, with survival typically spanning weeks or months. Diagnosis hinges on a blend of clinical and laboratory criteria, given the absence of definitive biomarkers. This systematic study sought to formulate guidelines for HRS diagnosis and treatment. Data, drawn from PubMed/Medline, Scopus databases, and Embase, encompassed English-language articles from 2010 to 2023, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Among 457 studies, seven met eligibility criteria, employing surveys and national database analyses as prevalent methods. Current care standards involved albumin and terlipressin treatment, with continuous intravenous terlipressin administration proving equally effective and better-tolerated than boluses. Despite its 40-50% success rate, predictors included serum bilirubin and creatinine levels, blood pressure, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome presence. Liver transplant stands as the sole curative avenue, while alternative therapies like dopamine, noradrenaline, renal and liver replacement therapy, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt are under evaluation. Ongoing research into advanced remedies is imperative, given current treatment limitations. Considerations such as antibiotic prophylaxis in severe cirrhosis with low protein ascitic fluid levels and volume expansion with albumin during spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and high-volume paracentesis further underscore the multifaceted approach required in managing HRS. This study advocates for continuous exploration of innovative therapies and emphasizes the pivotal role of liver transplant consideration for eligible patients.

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