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Objectives: Influenza vaccination is important for healthcare workers in order to prevent both the illness itself and transmission to patients. Previous studies in Saudi Arabia have revealed low influenza vaccine coverage among healthcare workers due to misconceptions. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza vaccination among healthcare workers during 2021, addressing the current data gap. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 1273 healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to participants via email. Results: Most participants had an appropriate extent of knowledge, with 37.1% having a high level and 26.6% having a moderate level. Positive attitudes toward the influenza vaccine were observed in 41.2% of participants, and 80.2% demonstrated good vaccine practices. However, the vaccine coverage was 50.8% in the past 12 months. Factors associated with vaccine uptake included previous vaccination, workplace availability, awareness of guidelines, engagement in training programs, type of workplace settings, and having positive attitudes toward the vaccine. The most common reason for not getting vaccinated was the perception of being at low risk, making vaccination unnecessary. Conclusions: Participants exhibited positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding influenza vaccination. However, the observed vaccine uptake rate fell below the recommended coverage rate, indicating the presence of a knowledge-behavior gap. Targeted interventions are recommended to improve vaccination uptake among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract The proliferation of fake news on social media platforms has become a significant concern, influencing public opinion, political decisions, and societal trust. While much research has focused on the technological and algorithmic factors behind the spread of misinformation, less attention has been given to the psychological drivers that contribute to the creation and dissemination of fake news. Cognitive biases, emotional appeals, and social identity motivations are believed to play a crucial role in shaping user behaviour on social media, yet there is limited systematic understanding of how these psychological factors intersect with online information sharing. Existing studies tend to focus on individual aspects of fake news consumption, such as susceptibility to misinformation or partisan biases, leaving a gap in understanding the broader psychological mechanisms behind both the creation and dissemination of fake news. This systematic review aims to fill this gap by synthesizing current research on the psychological factors that influence social media users’ involvement in dissemination and creation of fake news. Twenty-three studies were identified from 2014 to 2024 following the PRISMA guidelines. We have identified five themes through critical review and synthesis of the literature which are personal factors, ignorance, social factors, biological process, and cognitive process. These themes help to explain the psychological factors contributing to the creation and dissemination of fake news among social media users. Based on the findings, it is evident that diverse psychological factors influence the dissemination and creation of fake news, which must be studied to design better strategies to minimize this issue.

This review aimed to assess the usefulness of various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for the quantification of neonatal white matter myelination. The Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify studies following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement using quantitative MRI techniques to examine samples collected from neonates to quantify myelin. Twelve studies were ultimately included. The results demonstrated that in validation studies, relaxometry is the most frequently explored approach (83.33%), followed by magnetization transfer imaging (8.33%) and a new automatic segmentation technique (8.33%). Synthetic MRI is recommended for quantifying myelin in neonates because of several advantages that outweigh a few negligible limitations.

Introduction: Deprescribing serves as a pivotal measure to mitigate the drug-related problem due to polypharmacy. This study aimed to map the factors influencing healthcare providers’ deprescribing decision using the Behaviour Change Wheel framework and develop an innovative conceptual model to support deprescribing practice.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey targeting doctors and pharmacists was conducted to assess the influence of various factors on healthcare providers’ comfort in recommending deprescribing. The conceptual model was formulated, based on the existing deprescribing framework and the Behaviour Change Wheel. The model’s robustness was scrutinised through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), and model-fitting indices were employed to obtain the best-fit model.Results: A total of 736 responses were analysed with the final best-fit model consisting of 24 items in 5 constructs (R2: 0.163; SRMR: 0.064; rho_c: 0.750–0.862; AVE: 0.509–0.627) and three independent factors. Based on the results, we proposed that deprescribing could be promoted through strategies aimed at enhancing healthcare providers internal capabilities such as knowledge levels, when patients’ condition deteriorated and previous experiences with adverse events of drugs. Organisational support in providing such educational opportunities is important, with the empowerment of patient and healthcare providers through policy enhancements, guideline development, and effective communication.Conclusion: The deprescribing behaviours of healthcare professionals are influenced by an intricate interplay of patient, prescriber, and system factors. Enhancing deprescribing practices necessitates a comprehensive strategy that encompasses providers and patients’ education, the development of structured deprescribing guidelines, the implementation of deprescribing support tools, and the enhancement of communication between healthcare providers.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of Amide Proton Transfer (APT) imaging in predicting the histopathological characteristics of cervical cancer. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, covering studies until December 27, 2023. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15 and Review Manager 5.4 software. Key metrics analyzed included pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic curves. The analysis focused on differentiating cervical cancer types, squamous carcinoma differentiation, and lymph node involvement. Meta-regression was employed to investigate heterogeneity. Results: Thirteen studies involving 868 patients were included in the meta-analysis. For differentiating adenocarcinoma from squamous carcinoma, the pooled sensitivity was 0.82 (95%CI: 0.71–0.90), specificity was 0.65 (95%CI: 0.48–0.79), and DOR was 9 (95%CI: 1.6–3.5). When distinguishing poorly differentiated from moderately/well-differentiated squamous carcinoma, the sensitivity was 0.74 (95%CI: 0.66–0.81), specificity was 0.83 (95%CI: 0.75–0.89), and DOR was 14 (95%CI: 8–23). For identifying lymph node involvement, the sensitivity was 0.87 (95%CI: 0.78–0.92), specificity was 0.66 (95%CI: 0.59–0.73), and DOR was 13 (95%CI: 7–26). No publication bias was detected. Conclusions: APT imaging demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing between cervical cancer types, grading squamous carcinoma, and detecting lymph node involvement. It can be considered a reliable technique for predicting the pathological features of cervical cancer in clinical practice.

Abstract Introduction Although COVID-19 has entered the endemic phase, individuals infected with COVID-19 are required to adhere to home quarantine measures. By exploring the public’s knowledge and attitude towards recommended home quarantine measures, their readiness in containing potential COVID-19 outbreak can be determined. This study aimed to assess the public knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions and their association with history of COVID-19 infections. Methods This was a web-based cross-sectional study conducted among the public in Malaysia between August to October 2022. All Malaysian adults over 18 years of age were included. Knowledge on home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs were measured using “True,” “False,” or “I’m not sure”, while attitude towards home quarantine instructions was measured using a five-point Likert Scale. The questionnaire was initially constructed in English and then translated into the national language, Bahasa Malaysia. Face and content validation were performed. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was found to be satisfactory. Results 1,036 respondents were analyzed, comprised mostly of females (743, 71.6%) with a history of COVID-19 (673, 64.9%). In the knowledge domain, more than 80% of the respondents answered 9 out of 11 home quarantine instructions statements correctly. 457 (44.1%) were unaware or unsure about the minimum distance of the infected individual’s bed from the rest of the occupants in a shared bedroom. The respondents reported relatively weaker knowledge in identifying uncommon warning signs of COVID-19 deterioration, including anuria (162, 44.5%), ingestion problems (191, 52.5%), and immobility (195, 53.6%). In the attitude domain, more than 90% of respondents answered correctly in 8 out of 9 questions. Respondents with a previous history of COVID-19 infections had better knowledge than COVID-19 infection-naïve individuals towards both home quarantine instructions and COVID-19 warning signs. Conclusion Most respondents had good knowledge and attitude towards home quarantine instructions, with those previously infected with COVID-19 showing greater awareness of uncommon warning signs. However, there was a notable lack of awareness regarding physical distancing within shared rooms, appropriate disinfectant use and mobility limitation within the household. This study highlights the knowledge gaps to be improved in future educational campaigns.

Digitization across the healthcare industry has witnessed the advent of emerging Cognitive Computing (CC) healthcare technologies that improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, predict illnesses, automate routine healthcare tasks, and refine processes and care beyond human capabilities. Increased adoption of this technology can be attributed to its ability of processing enormous amounts of data promptly in addressing specific queries and producing customized intelligent recommendations. While CC's transformative technologies offer profound benefits to the healthcare industry, it also carries an unpredictable burden of risk and mistakes with damaging consequences to patients. At this juncture, CC's legal place in healthcare is largely undefined as the applicable liability framework is ambiguous. CC fits into the traditional liability rules in a piecemeal manner; however a single theory of recovery sufficiently addressing the potential liability questions arising from a computer system capable of practicing medicine and possessing the ability of parsing through enormous data for better patient outcomes is absent. The present research therefore sets out to chart the analysis of cases involving emerging medical technologies comparable to CC, in hope of examining ways in which the traditional theories of liability is projected to develop in adapting to this novel contrivance. A doctrinal and case study methods formed an integrated qualitative approach adopted by this research in opting the deployment of emerging medical technologies akin to CC and the bearing it has on the imposition of liability in the United States. CC's potential contributions to healthcare are revolutionary, however its legal repercussions are just as alarming and therefore demands for more discussion in addressing the concerns.

Lead (Pb) is the most dangerous xenobiotic causing variety of negative impacts on human and animal health.The current study intended to investigate the effect of different doses of Pb on biochemical and histological abnormalities in the kidney and liver of quail and the beneficial effects of vitamin C. A total of 72 male quail, aged 12 days were allotted in four groups with four replications. Control group (T0) received normal diet, group T1 and T2 received Pb at a dose of 70 mg and 700 mg/kg body weight (bw) respectively for 21 days, while T3 had 700 mg Pb /kg bw for 10 days followed by only vitamin C supplementation at a dose of 70 mg/kg bw without any Pb for next 10 days. After end of treatment, blood serum was collected, and the kidney and liver were taken for a histoarchitecture study. Significant (p [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2024; 7(1.000): 157-166]

Abstract Reliable sex identification in Varanus salvator traditionally relied on invasive methods like genetic analysis or dissection, as less invasive techniques such as hemipenes inversion are unreliable. Given the ecological importance of this species and skewed sex ratios in disturbed habitats, a dataset that allows ecologists or zoologists to study the sex determination of the lizard is crucial. We present a new dataset containing morphometric measurements of V. salvator individuals from the skin trade, with sex confirmed by dissection post- measurement. The dataset consists of a mixture of primary and secondary data such as weight, skull size, tail length, condition etc. and can be used in modelling studies for ecological and conservation research to monitor the sex ratio of this species. Validity was demonstrated by training and testing six machine learning models. This dataset has the potential to streamline sex determination, offering a non-invasive alternative to complement existing methods in V. salvator research, mitigating the need for invasive procedures.

This study addresses a research gap by introducing fractional order derivatives into the SIR model for tracking COVID-19 in Malaysia. The Caputo sense fractional derivative and the Adams Bashforth Moulton method are employed to analyse the COVID-19 behavior and stability. By manipulating fractional order derivative values, this study investigates their impact on key SIR parameters, observing that lower values accelerate the attainment of asymptotic behavior in populations. The stability analysis reveals two equilibrium points: an unstable disease-free equilibrium and a stable endemic equilibrium within the system. This pioneering exploration of fractional order derivatives in the context of Malaysia's COVID-19 modeling contributes valuable insights, enhancing our understanding the behavior of the disease.

This study examined the determinants of the long-term performance of 351 initial public offerings (IPOs) launched in Malaysia over the 2002–2010 period. This paper used a panel regression analysis framework based on the ordinary least squares (OLS) technique to examine the potential determinants of IPOs’ long-term performance. The findings revealed that the volatility of aftermarket returns, the dummy ACE market and concentration ownership significantly influence the long-term performance of Malaysian IPOs. This paper offers important implications specifically for investors as the findings can help them understand more about public companies’ long-term performance and how to better predict their performance.

This study aims to provide insight into the publication trends of microcredit programmes from 2000 to 2021. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1,241 scholarly works related to microcredit programmes as recorded in the Scopus database in September 2022. Specifically, this paper will analyse the evolution of microcredit programmes research by examining (a) document and source types, (b) year of publications and languages, (c) types of sources and subject area, (d) keyword analysis, (e) geographical distribution and citation analysis as well as (f) citation clustering analysis. The results of the bibliometric study provide important information on publications’ current and future trends in the field of microcredit programmes. Based on the data, the number of publications on microcredit programme research has fluctuated over 21 years since 2000. The results, also, present the United States as the largest contributor to microcredit programmes research, followed by India. Meanwhile, the Journal of World Development published the most publications related to research on microcredit programmes. The implications of this study indicate the evolving nature of microcredit programme research and the need for continuous exploration and analysis in this field. Understanding publication trends, identifying leading contributors, and to considering additional databases for research can contribute to the development of current and future studies on microcredit programmes.

Purpose: To report a case of oculocardiac reflex following penetrating orbital injury with entrapment of extraocular muscle secondary to a retained orbital foreign body. Observation: A 19-year-old man with no known comorbidities presented with a foreign object in his right orbit following a motor vehicle accident. Visual acuity was 20/20 bilaterally with positive relative afferent pupillary defect for the right eye. A motorcycle brake lever was embedded in the right inferotemporal conjunctival fornix, missing his globe. He was bradycardic in the emergency department, with a pulse rate ranging between 45 and 48 beats per minute. An urgent computed tomography scan of the orbit confirmed the penetrating injury with a linear hyperdense foreign body extending from the right inferior orbit into the right maxillary sinus. This foreign body was seen abutting the right lateral rectus and the globe inferiorly. Fractures involving the inferior and medial wall of the right orbit were seen with the inferior rectus, and orbital fat herniated into the maxillary sinus.The patient underwent urgent orbit exploration with foreign body removal and orbital floor repair under general anesthesia. Immediately after removing the foreign body, his pulse rate returned to normal, within 72–80 beats per minute. Six months postoperatively, visual acuity was 20/20 for both eyes. Although he had persistent diplopia on upgaze, he refused any other interventions. Conclusion and importance: Prompt detection of the oculocardiac reflex and removal of the inciting stimulus is vital to prevent any life-threatening events.

We report a case of acalvaria diagnosed prenatally via ultrasound and MRI. Acalvaria is a rare, fatal congenital condition characterized by the absence of flat bones of the cranial vault, dura mater, and its associated muscles with an intact central nervous system. A 41-year-old gravida 5, para 2 + 2A, presented to us at 26 weeks gestation age (GA) with ultrasound findings of a fragile and hypomineralized skull in the fetus. The patient was not keen on whole-axon sequencing. Fetus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed large cutaneous/skull nonvisualization of the fetus skull, possibly acrania without anencephaly. She delivered via cesarean section at 37 weeks because of two previous cesarean sections. A female infant weighing 2650 g was born with an intact sac to minimize excessive external pressure to the brain tissue. A diagnosis of acalvaria with bilateral lateral cleft lip and palate was made postdelivery. The infant was managed conservatively per multidisciplinary discussion and expired 3 weeks later.

Salah H Elsafi,1 Reem H Al-Dossari,1 Ruaa A Al-shaqi,1 Wateen E Fakirah,1 Rawan F Al-Dossari,1 Omniyyah J Al-sharif,1 Rawan M Maawadh,1 Lenah D Al Musallam,1 Abeer Alaohali,2 Abdulelah M Abu Hassan,3 Othman A Alfahad,4 Yaser A Al Naam,1 Eidan M Al Zahrani5 1Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 2Dental and Oral Health Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 3Faculty of Medicine, University of Almaarefa, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Biomedical Technology, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 5College Deanship, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Salah H Elsafi, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 33048, Dhahran, 31932, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966138405448, Email salahelsafi@hotmail.comObjective: The objectives of this study are to identify the prevalence and the factors behind overweight and obesity among the healthcare profession’s students.Methods: A well-structured and validated questionnaire was distributed to a heterogeneous purposive sample of the healthcare profession’s students in Saudi Arabia.Results: About 21.0% and 15.5% were overweight and obese, respectively. The average knowledge score was 70.6% and increased with age and among obese participants. The average attitude score was 74.8% with no variation within age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. The average practice score was only 36.7%. There was a significant variation of the practice within the different age groups (P = 0.021). There was a significant association between the participant’s knowledge and attitude, and practice.Conclusion: The average practice score was poor. Despite their good knowledge and positive attitude, the students are exposed to heavy junk food marketing, which encourages overconsumption by instilling positive emotional associations with the junk food. They are mostly physically inactive, anxious and sleep deprived, which can lead to poor eating habits. For this group, various strategies and motivators will likely be needed.Keywords: obesity prevention, awareness, practice, healthcare students, Saudi Arabia

Abstract The psychoanaleptic medication atomoxetine (ATX) is prescribed to cure attention-deficit hyperactivity syndrome. ATX works by selective prevention of norepinephrine reuptake. It acts by raising the brain’s natural level of norepinephrine, which is necessary for behavior regulation. In this study, a sensitive and practical experimental method was employed to analyze the presence of ATX. The approach utilized a green chemistry-compatible technique, known as a one-pot experiment. The main principle behind this method was the use of molecular-size-dependant resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) phenomenon, which occurred due to the interaction between the dual complex of Cilefa Pink B and ATX. When ATX medication and Cilefa Pink B were combined in an acidic environment, they formed an association complex, leading to an amplification of the RRS signal. This amplification directly correlated with the concentration of ATX, specifically within the range of 40-1250 ng/mL. The RRS signal was monitored at a wavelength of 352 nm. The sensitivity of the method was demonstrated by the determination of the limit of detection (LOD) at 12.9 ng/mL and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) at 39.2 ng/mL. The variables of the method were thoroughly investigated and optimized. To ensure the reliability of the method, it was validated according to the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to analyze ATX in its prescribed dosage form. The achievement of using the established resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) technology to analyze the target drug in plasma and ensure content uniformity was a remarkable feat.

Objectives: This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of four zinc salts namely zinc chloride, zinc sulfate, zinc citrate and zinc acetate against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus). Methods: Antibacterial susceptibility assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were undertaken to evaluate the inhibitory activities of different zinc salts against the tested bacteria. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphological changes of bacterial cells following exposure to zinc salts. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the inhibitory effect of the different zinc salts. Results: All zinc salts tested against S. mutans and S. sobrinus had a statistically and significantly smaller inhibition zone when compared to chlorhexidine, (P 0.05). Zinc chloride, zinc sulfate and zinc acetate demonstrated higher MIC and MBC values against S. mutans compared to S. sobrinus. However, zinc citrate revealed the highest MIC and MBC values of 1 mg/mL and > 8 mg/mL for S. sobrinus and > 8 mg/mL for S. mutans, respectively. Conclusion: Different zinc salts have displayed inhibitory growth effects against the common oral bacteria at very low concentrations except for zinc citrate which showed no inhibitory effect against these bacteria in vitro.

Abstract Substance use among school students is a public health concern. Exam-related anxiety is one of the main motives for drug use. This research aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of psychostimulant and antidepressants use and misuse among medical and health sciences students at two large representative medical schools in West Bank Palestine. The results of a cross-sectional study, that surveyed 984 Palestinian medical and health sciences students revealed how educational experiences and newfound independence affect substance use behaviors among Palestinian medical and health sciences students. In total, 7.7% of the students reported using illicit drugs. Hallucinogens were the most commonly used drugs (2.9%), followed by central nervous system (CNS) stimulants (2.4%) and CNS depressants (1.4%), while 4.4% were using nonprescribed antidepressants, with Fluoxetine being the most used. Most drug users (72.4%) started using before they enrolled in university, and 39.5% did not realize the potential harm of these drugs. Medical students tend to use these substances less frequently than their non-medical peers. The study indicated that exam-related stress was a crucial factor in the prevalence of drug use and misuse. Peer pressure, academic, psychological, and family pressures were other primary reasons behind drug use. The study’s results indicated that the misuse of antidepressant medications and other licit and illicit substances is highly prevalent among Palestinian medical and non-medical students. The results also underscore the importance of raising awareness about drug use and providing students with accurate information about the safe use of these substances.

Mine waste management is becoming a growing global environmental concern for mining industries all over the world. Due to the abundance of ore waste from mining industries, this study aimed to observe the possibility of using ore waste to remove phosphorus from a solution. Although phosphorus is one of the essential elements for plant life, excessive phosphorus in water becomes one of the environmental issues, e.g., eutrophication. This study analysed the prediction contour of removal efficiency with the mass of adsorbent needed under different initial concentrations of solution. The batch experiment used an aqueous solution of 5 mg/L using potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) at different masses of adsorbent (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g). The highest removal efficiency for phosphorus using 10 g of adsorbent is 54.3%. The data verified that the pseudo-second-order model (0.9976) fitted well. The adsorption between ore waste adsorbent and phosphorus was chemical sorption, whereas the analysis of isotherm models fitted the Freundlich model, with the occurrence of multilayer adsorption on the adsorption surface. The ability of ore waste to remove phosphorus was successful. This approach is one of the alternatives to enhance tertiary wastewater treatment technologies. HIGHLIGHTS This study investigates the potential of phosphate removal onto ore waste adsorbent from the Johor mine site.; The batch experiment used an aqueous solution of 5 mg/L using potassium dihydrogen phosphate at different masses of adsorbent (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g).; The experimental data verified using kinetic and isotherm modelling studies supported with the physiochemical properties.;