{"title":"Histopathological features of gastrointestinal and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: An 11-year retrospective study from a tertiary center in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Rana Y Bokhary","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250313","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the clinicopathological features of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) over 11 years at a single tertiary institution in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In a retrospective review, data from 71 patients diagnosed with GEP-NEN, at a tertiary academic center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 2014 to December 2024, were analyzed for demographics, clinical presentation, tumor location, size, pathology, grade, and immunohistochemistry. The statistical analyses included Chi-square, Mann-Whitney-U, and Spearman's correlation tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort had a mean age of 54.9±15.1 years and comprised 62% males. Most tumors originated in the foregut (62.0%) and were unifocal (83.1%). Abdominal pain (29.6%) and weight loss (9.9%) were the most common symptoms, and 18.2% of cases were incidentally detected. Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors represented 77.5% of the cases, with grade 1 being the most prevalent (60.0%). Synaptophysin was detected in 100% of patients and chromogranin A was detected in 90.1% of patients. The tumor size was significantly positively correlated with the tumor grade (r=0.57, <i>p</i>=0.001), whereas tumor grade was not significantly associated with gender or other clinicopathological features.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors originating in the foregut were predominant in this cohort. These findings provide important regional insights into GEP-NENs and support the need for further research to enhance the diagnostic and treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"761-767"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251566/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592119","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}
Abdullah H Alhalafi, Ibrahim A Eljack, Shehab M Almalki, Ahmed S Doghish, Osama A Mohammed, Abdullah F Alhalafi, Saif M Alqahtani, Hussain S Alqahtani, Galaleldien M Abdalla, Abubakar M Jibo
{"title":"Prevalence and factors associated with functional disability in daily activities among older adults in Bisha, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Abdullah H Alhalafi, Ibrahim A Eljack, Shehab M Almalki, Ahmed S Doghish, Osama A Mohammed, Abdullah F Alhalafi, Saif M Alqahtani, Hussain S Alqahtani, Galaleldien M Abdalla, Abubakar M Jibo","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250144","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the prevalence of functional disability among older people attending primary healthcare centers in Bisha, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study used a cross-sectional design and gathered data from older adults (60 years and older) attending primary healthcare centers in Bisha. Data was collected using structured interviews based on the Katz Index of Independence in activities of daily living (ADL). Ordinal logistic regression models identified major ADL limiting variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total number of 396 respondents, with 40.7% (n=161) females. The prevalence of functional disability using the Katz ADL Index scale was 54%. Nearly half (45.5%) of the respondents fell within the independent range, 25.5% were moderately dependent, and 29% were completely dependent. Age (<i>p</i>=0.00), income (<i>p</i>=0.507), urban residence (<i>p</i>=0.003), and marital status (<i>p</i>=0.14) have positive estimated parameters adding to the log of odds in the higher category of the dependent variable (high dependence).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A significant proportion of older adults in Bisha, Saudi Arabia, experience functional limitations, highlighting the need for interventions and support services.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"806-815"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592125","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":"Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death.","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"843-844"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251498/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592127","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":"Study reveals processes important for skin cancer aggressiveness and identifies two classes of drugs that may block them.","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"842"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251543/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592128","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}
Adil I Jumani, Shaini C Mani, Ghada A Rashwan, Hadiza O Ibrahim, Jumaa S Aldhaheri, Safaa M Almohdar, Khaled M Alfakih
{"title":"The case for indexing: Echocardiographic dimensions in the Arab Gulf.","authors":"Adil I Jumani, Shaini C Mani, Ghada A Rashwan, Hadiza O Ibrahim, Jumaa S Aldhaheri, Safaa M Almohdar, Khaled M Alfakih","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250237","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate echocardiographic parameters in young Emirati males and compare them to American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging reference ranges, highlighting the need for population-specific or indexed normal ranges. Echocardiographic reference ranges for cardiac dimensions are primarily derived from Western populations, which may not be suitable for smaller-bodied populations, such as Asians.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Echocardiography was performed on 60 healthy Emirati males undergoing military recruitment from September to December 2024. Measurements included left ventricular (LV), aortic, and left atrial (LA) dimensions and volumes. Parameters were indexed to body surface area (BSA) and compared to established Western norms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Left ventricular end-diastolic (38-54 mm) and end-systolic dimensions (23-36 mm) were smaller than Western ranges which are 42-58 mm for end-diastolic and 25-40 mm for endsystolic dimensions. Aortic dimensions were also smaller, including the annulus (17-27 mm) and ascending aorta (18-30 mm). Indexed measurements resolved discrepancies, aligning with global standards. Left atrial dimensions (22-41 mm) were comparable to Western norms, while biplane LA volumes (11-30 ml/m²) and 3D volumes (11-28 ml/m²) were lower.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Significant differences exist between cardiac dimensions in Emirati males and Western reference ranges. Indexing to BSA addresses these discrepancies, emphasizing the need for indexed ranges to ensure accurate diagnoses and timely interventions, particularly in diverse populations globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"746-750"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251580/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592129","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":"WHO issues first global guideline to improve pregnancy care for women with sickle cell disease.","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"845-846"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592130","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}
Noura I Alothman, Sarah S Alarifi, Fida A Almuhawas, Ghada S Alamri, Reem M Alshehri, Norah J Alharbi, Khuloud S Alqaysi, Noura M Almtairi, Yassin Abdelsamad
{"title":"Cochlear implantation: Listening environments among pediatric recipients.","authors":"Noura I Alothman, Sarah S Alarifi, Fida A Almuhawas, Ghada S Alamri, Reem M Alshehri, Norah J Alharbi, Khuloud S Alqaysi, Noura M Almtairi, Yassin Abdelsamad","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250137","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250137","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To examine auditory environments and challenges faced by pediatric cochlear implant (CI) users in Saudi Arabia by comparing auditory settings and device usage between preschoolers and school-age children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on prelingually deafened children under 18 years of age using SONNET2/RONDO3 MED-EL CI. Children were categorized based on Saudi Arabia's primary school enrollment age. Datalogging metrics from 2020-2022 on device usage and auditory scene exposure were analyzed using R Software, with descriptive statistics and regression models exploring relationships between demographic factors and data logging metrics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 178 ears met inclusion criteria, with a median age of 5.8 years and a median implantation age of 2.0 years. Median daily CI use was 10.1 hours, with preschoolers using their devices for 7.9 hours and school-age children for 11.6 hours. Predominant auditory exposure was to \"speech-in-noise\" (49%) and \"noise\" (37%). Significant correlations were found between age, implantation age, and various datalogging metrics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Pediatric CI users in Saudi Arabia showed increased daily CI use with age, primarily in noisy environments, highlighting the need for acoustically optimized settings to support speech perception. Chronological age was a key determinant of CI usage and auditory exposure, emphasizing its role in tailoring interventions to improve outcomes for children with CI.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"797-805"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251552/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592115","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":"Can enzymes from fungi be used to extract plant components for biofuels and bioplastics?","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"841"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251594/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592113","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}
Redha A Alrumaih, Amal A Alshaik, Manal A Hasan, Layan B Almulla, Sarah I Alsamin, Jood K Alotaibi, Batool A Alattas, Lojain M Maawadh
{"title":"Prevalence and determinants of hearing loss in systemic lupus erythematosus: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Redha A Alrumaih, Amal A Alshaik, Manal A Hasan, Layan B Almulla, Sarah I Alsamin, Jood K Alotaibi, Batool A Alattas, Lojain M Maawadh","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20241075","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20241075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine the prevalence of hearing loss in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and identify predictive factors associated with its development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rheumatology Clinic of King Fahad Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, between November 2023 and March 2024، involving patients diagnosed with SLE. Demographic data, clinical presentation, laboratory results, and medication history were collected. Pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry were used to assess hearing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-three patients with SLE were included. The prevalence of hearing loss was 15%, with 87.5% of cases being sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Logistic regression analysis showed that age over 36 years (<i>p</i>=0.020), diabetes mellitus (<i>p</i>=0.039), positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) (<i>p</i>=0.039), cranial nerve disorder (<i>p</i>=0.009), pyuria (<i>p</i>=0.012), and use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) (<i>p</i>=0.007) were significantly associated with an increased risk of hearing loss.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Hearing loss, particularly SNHL, was observed in SLE patients. Factors such as older age, diabetes mellitus, cranial nerve disorders, pyuria, positive ANA test results, and HCQ use may predict hearing loss. Regular audiological assessments are essential to mitigate this risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"788-796"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251524/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592124","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}
İrem Kapicıi, Özge Erken Güngör, Kubra Yildirim, Cemilenur Atas, Ahmet Yilmaz Coban
{"title":"Impact of Z-spring appliance and clear aligner therapy on oral microorganisms in children: A clinical trial.","authors":"İrem Kapicıi, Özge Erken Güngör, Kubra Yildirim, Cemilenur Atas, Ahmet Yilmaz Coban","doi":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250264","DOIUrl":"10.15537/smj.2025.46.7.20250264","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the effect of Z-spring appliance and clear aligners, used in anterior crossbite treatment, on dental plaque colonization in children.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 2-arm randomized controlled trial included 30 patients aged 7-12 years with anterior crossbite. Participants were divided into 2 groups: clear aligner (group A, n=15) and Z-spring appliance (group B, n=15). Dental plaque samples were collected at treatment initiation and completion, inoculated onto selective media, and analyzed for colony counts (cfu/ml) of <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> (<i>S. mutans</i>), <i>Streptococcus mitis</i> (<i>S. mitis</i>), <i>Streptococcus</i> <i>salivarius</i> (<i>S. salivarius</i>), and <i>Candida albicans</i> (<i>C. albicans</i>).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In group A, <i>S. mutans</i> counts significantly increased (<i>p</i>=0.006), while <i>C. albicans</i> counts decreased (<i>p</i>=0.039). In group B, <i>S. mutans</i> counts significantly decreased (<i>p</i>=0.002). No significant changes were observed in <i>S. salivarius</i> or <i>S. mitis</i> counts in either group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Short-term clear aligner use in children increases <i>S. mutans</i> colonization, suggesting a potential risk for dental caries with prolonged treatment. Early preventive measures are crucial to mitigate this risk and ensure better oral health outcomes.<b>ClinicalTrials.gov Reg. No. ID: NCT06858033</b>.</p>","PeriodicalId":21453,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Medical Journal","volume":"46 7","pages":"825-830"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12251523/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592121","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}