{"title":"Does pain affect cancer survivors' use of non-opioid substances?","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"321"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918669/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alaa M Alaqeel, Mohammed A Aldammas, Enas F Alaraik, Faisal M Abanumay, Salih A Aleissi, Samar Z Nashwan, Awad H Olaish, Hamza O Dhafar, Ahmed S BaHammam
{"title":"The prevalence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Alaa M Alaqeel, Mohammed A Aldammas, Enas F Alaraik, Faisal M Abanumay, Salih A Aleissi, Samar Z Nashwan, Awad H Olaish, Hamza O Dhafar, Ahmed S BaHammam","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240851","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To address a gap in the literature on the prevalence and predictors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients undergoing bariatric surgery in Saudi Arabia, considering the region's unique cultural and dietary practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study at King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, analyzed data from morbidly obese patients referred from the bariatric surgery unit to the sleep disorders clinic. Using the Sleep Disorders Center database (September 2015 to March 2019), it examined demographic and clinical variables, with in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) employed to diagnose and assess OSA severity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study assessed 265 morbidly obese patients for OSA using PSG before bariatric surgery. Of these, 153 (57.7%) were diagnosed with OSA, with the mean apnea hypopnea index for patients with OSA being 67.8±19.6 events/hr. In terms of predictors, our study identified age, body mass index, neck circumference, male gender, smoking, snoring, ankle swelling, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus as significant factors associated with OSA. Additionally, our study found that waist measurements, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit were significant predictors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the high prevalence of OSA in bariatric surgery patients in Saudi Arabia and delineates several demographic and clinical factors associated with the condition. These findings highlight the importance of screening for OSA in this population to optimize patient outcomes and minimize postoperative complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"274-281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918664/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hashem M Al-Dujaily, Huda A Hussein, Bahaa Abdelrahim, Mohammad Shawer, Ahmad Mehyar, Baha' Aljeradat, Dima Batarseh, Sarah Khraim, Amjad Abdeen, Noor Almaani
Fatimah S Alahmari, Abdulhadi A Alhabbad, Hussain A Alshamrani, Mohammed A Almuqbil
{"title":"Effectiveness of social skills training interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Fatimah S Alahmari, Abdulhadi A Alhabbad, Hussain A Alshamrani, Mohammed A Almuqbil","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240788","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240788","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluatethe effectiveness of social skills training (SST) interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to identify relevant studies published between 2000-2023. The study was conductedin accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs, participants were children with ASD aged 3-18 years, SST interventions were delivered individually or in groups, and social skills were assessed using standardized measures. Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d, and meta-analyses were carried out using a random-effects model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall effect size for SST interventions was 0.28-0.60 (95% confidence interval: [0.23-0.41]), indicating a small to moderate effect. Social skills training interventions were effective in improving a range of social skills, including social communication, reciprocity, and joint attention.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Social skills training interventions demonstrate modest to moderate effectiveness in improving social skills in children with ASD, with outcomes varying depending on intervention type, participant characteristics, and implementation fidelity. While SST interventions offer potential benefits, they should be considered as one component of a broader, individualized treatment plan for children with ASD, rather than a standalone solution.<b>PROSPERO No. ID: CRD42024578682</b>.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"226-237"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Halima Hawesa, Mayar Alghumaiz, Renad Alghamdi, Nourah Alrabiah, Bayader Alfaifi, Hind Allam, Mahasin Gamalalddin, Haya Alshegri, Mansour Shanawani
{"title":"Impact of dietary intake on brain choline levels: A 3 Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.","authors":"Halima Hawesa, Mayar Alghumaiz, Renad Alghamdi, Nourah Alrabiah, Bayader Alfaifi, Hind Allam, Mahasin Gamalalddin, Haya Alshegri, Mansour Shanawani","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240698","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20240698","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To investigate the relationship between dietary choices and brain choline (Cho) levels using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 88 female students from the radiology department at King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, participated in this study. Brain total choline (tCho) levels were estimated using MRS single volume sequence at a 3 Tesla field, with an echo time of 30 ms, repetition time of 2000 ms, voxel size of 15x15x15 mm, and water suppression bandwidth of 50 Hz. Participants' food consumption habits were assessed using a dietary questionnaire to quantify the amount of protein in their daily servings, as protein intake affects Cho levels in the brain.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Linear regression test applied using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, and the result showed significant impact of diet protein intake on the brain tCho level (<i>p</i>=0.000).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study's findings indicated that dietary choices significantly affect the levels of tCho in the brain. This research can serve as a baseline for health education, highlighting the close connection between dietary decisions and brain Cho levels. Understanding this relationship is essential for promoting a healthy lifestyle among younger generations.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"254-260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918667/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mass polio vaccination campaign to continue in the Gaza Strip.","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918672/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Understanding artificial intelligence through the eyes of future nurses: Insights from nursing students.","authors":"Latifah Alenazi, Saad H Al-Anazi","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20241069","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.3.20241069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore nursing students' perceptions and understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to identify and address critical knowledge gaps to support effective integration into educational practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An exploratory qualitative study was carried out using semi-structured interviews with 20 nursing students from King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in October 2023. Data collection focused on their definitions, conceptualizations, and perspectives regarding AI in healthcare.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 3 key themes emerged: I)transformation, where AI represents a shift in nursing education from traditional methods to technological integration; II) power, viewing AI as a driver of knowledge creation and scientific advancement; and III) use of technology, focusing on AI applications to enhance efficiency, automate tasks, and augment human abilities across sectors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the need to integrate AI-related content into nursing curriculum, preparing students for its application in healthcare. These insights emphasize AI's role in shaping the future of nursing education and practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"238-243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918680/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650252","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What are the benefits and harms of aggressive blood pressure lowering in older adults with different characteristics?","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 3","pages":"322"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11918670/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143650261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Giant left gastric artery aneurysm with intrathoracic extension.","authors":"Ayhan Akcali, Bilal Ogan, Celal Buğra Sezen, Muzaffer Metin","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.2.20240847","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.2.20240847","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Splanchnic artery aneurysms, particularly those involving the left gastric artery, are infrequent occurrences and often lack noticeable symptoms, but their rupture involves a significant risk of mortality. We present a case involving an unruptured left gastric artery aneurysm (LGAA) that extended into the right hemithorax. This case report outlines the categorization, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic challenges associated with such aneurysms. Our findings could offer valuable insights for clinicians and radiologists when adopting a systematic approach for the early detection and management of LGAA.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 2","pages":"199-201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11822935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143399830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shatha Y Alqahtani, Shuruq M Almasoudi, Zohour A Almalki, Khalid M Badr, Saeed A Alghamdi, Fares E Alghamdi
{"title":"Cochlear implantation at King Abdallah Medical City, Makkah, Saudi Arabia: Single institution experience, a 5-years retrospective analysis.","authors":"Shatha Y Alqahtani, Shuruq M Almasoudi, Zohour A Almalki, Khalid M Badr, Saeed A Alghamdi, Fares E Alghamdi","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.2.20240770","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.2.20240770","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To review the outcomes of the cochlear implantation program at King Abdallah Medical Center (KAMC) in Makkah from its launch in 2018 to 2023, focusing on patient demographics, procedural details, and complications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on 133 patients who underwent cochlear implantation (CI) at KAMC between May 2018 and June 2023. Data collected included demographics, hearing loss types, anatomical findings from imaging, types of CI devices, procedural challenges, and complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average age of the patients was 9 years (108 months) with 56.4% males and 96.2% Saudi nationals. Most patients (50.4%) were from Makkah, and 19.5% had a family history of hearing loss. Med-El implants were used in 63.9% of cases, and 37.6% had simultaneous bilateral implants. Intraoperative complications occurred in 7 (5.3%) patients, while 11 (8.3%) patients experienced postoperative complications. Follow-up adherence was high at 94%, with 18.8% of patients using telehealth services for monitoring.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The CI program at KAMC has demonstrated to be a safe and effective approach for treating severe-to-profound hearing loss. Minor complications were observed, and follow-up adherence was strong. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing accreditation and support for the program to ensure its success in hearing rehabilitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 2","pages":"175-181"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11822939/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143399841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}