Perspectives, practices, and challenges of online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational survey

The result of the movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic was an impromptu and abrupt switch from in-person to online teaching. Most focus has been on the perception and experience of students during the process. The aim of this international survey is to assess staffs' perspectives and challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cross-sectional research using a validated online survey was carried out in seven countries (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, India, the United Kingdom, and Egypt) between the months of December 2021 and August 2022, to explore the status of online teaching among faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Variables and response are presented as percentages while logistic regression was used to assess the factors that predict levels of satisfaction and the challenges associated with online instruction. A total of 721 response were received from mainly male (53%) staffs. Most respondents are from Brazil (59%), hold a Doctorate degree (70%) and have over 10 years of working experience (62%). Although, 67% and 79% have relevant tools and received training for online teaching respectively, 44% report that online teaching required more preparation time than face-to-face. Although 41% of respondents were uncertain about the outcome of online teaching, 49% were satisfied with the process. Also, poor internet bandwidth (51%), inability to track students' engagement (18%) and Lack of technical skills (11.5%) were the three main observed limitations. Having little or no prior experience of online teaching before the COVID-19 pandemic [OR, 1.58 (95% CI, 1.35–1.85)], and not supporting the move to online teaching mode [OR, 0.56 (95% CI,0.48–0.64)] were two main factors independently linked with dissatisfaction with online teaching. While staffs who support the move to online teaching were twice likely to report no barriers [OR, 2.15 (95% CI, 1.61–2.86)]. Although, relevant tools and training were provided to support the move to online teaching during COVID-19 lockdown, barriers such as poor internet bandwidth, inability to track students’ engagement and lack of technical skills were main limitations observed internationally by teaching staffs. Addressing these barriers should be the focus of higher education institution in preparation for future disruptions to traditional teaching modes

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases. Method: A cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer. Results: Majority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Public awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms

Comparison of total endoscopic thyroidectomy with conventional open thyroidectomy for treatment of papillary thyroid cancer

BackgroundRecent advance of endoscopic techniques has allowed surgeons to perform thyroidectomy via an incision placement at hidden places which lead to better cosmetic acceptability compared with conventional open thyroidectomy.AimsThis study was conducted to summarize the current evidence that compare open thyroidectomy with endoscopic ‎thyroidectomy in treatment of papillary thyroid cancer‎.‎Methods An electronic literature review, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and EBSCO that examining randomized trials of endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET), conventional open thyroidectomy (COT), and management of papillary thyroid carcinoma was carried out.Results The review included 8 randomized studies that compare total endoscopic thyroidectomy versus conventional open thyroidectomy in treatment of papillary thyroid cancer. The findings showed endoscopic thyroidectomy had statically significant cosmetic appearance, less amount of blood loss and occurrence of transient hypocalcaemia than conventional open thyroidectomy in form of cosmetic outcome, amount lower blood loss.ConclusionThe current review showed that, ET has a better cosmetic outcome and lower blood loss compared with COT. While COT was associated with significantly low operation time, hospital stay, drainage time, amount of drainage fluid and transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy

Oral semaglutide adequate glycaemia control with safe cardiovascular ‎profile

BackgroundType 2 diabetes is a chronic and progressive disease that ‎associated with series complication such as major adverse ‎cardiovascular events. Adequate glycaemic control proven ‎to reduce this risk. Orally administered semaglutide ‎promising medication in managing patient with type 2 ‎diabetes.‎AimsTo assess the cardiovascular safety and efficacy of semaglutide, a recently approved glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) for type 2 diabetes.Methods Pub Med, ‎Google Scholar, and EBSCO ‎ databases were ‎systematically search for relevant articles. The terms‎ diabetes‎, Glucagon-like peptide, semaglutide‎ were used. Out of hundred twenty-two records, only ‎four fulfilled ‎the inclusion criteria.Results Four placebo-controlled studies with oral semaglutide ‎were included. Single study concern about the cardiovascular safety of oral semaglutide ‎and showed that, ‎compared with placebo, semaglutide ‎ was not associated ‎with increased in the cardiovascular events. On the other ‎hand, the remaining trials shown that, semaglutide ‎ can ‎effectively control the blood glucose as evident by ‎reduction in HA1c.ConclusionOral semaglutide can effectively and safely lower blood glucose without increase in the major adverse ‎cardiovascular events‎‎ (MACE).

Effect of Staining Drinks on the Color Stability of Grit Blasted and Non-Grit Blasted Monolithic Zirconia: An In Vitro Study

The present study aimed to compare the color stability of different types of zirconia with and without grit blasting (GB) after they were immersed in staining drinks. Two hundred and forty zirconia samples (N = 240) belonging equally to three different types of zirconia (Cercon® xt multilayer, xt extra translucent, and ht high translucent) were used in this study. Forty samples from each zirconia group were roughened with GB, while the other forty remained non-GB (NGB). Eight GB and NGB zirconia samples from each sub-group were immersed in artificial saliva, coffee, protein shake, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and a soft drink. Besides chlorhexidine mouthwash (immersion time: 14 days), the samples were immersed in the liquids for 28 days. A spectrophotometer was utilized to observe the color differences (∆E) at baseline (T0), 7 days post-immersion (T1), 14 days post-immersion (T2), 21 days post-immersion (T3), and 28 days post-immersion (T4). For the multilayer zirconia, the greatest ∆E (8.45 for GB and 5.97 for NGB samples) was observed after immersion in coffee at T4. For the extra translucent zirconia, the greatest ∆E (9.10 for GB and 6.81 for NGB samples) was also observed after immersion into the coffee at T4. For the high translucent zirconia, the greatest ∆E (4.53 for GB and 3.62 for NGB samples) was observed after immersion into the coffee at T4 and T3. Protein shake and soft drink immersion also significantly discolored some zirconia samples. Overall, GB zirconia samples presented with greater ∆E values than their NGB counterparts. It can be concluded that coffee immersion of zirconia samples caused a more significant discoloration (increased ∆E values) than any other liquid. Future clinical studies should be carried out to corroborate the current study’s findings

Effect of Staining Drinks on the Color Stability of Grit Blasted and Non-Grit Blasted Monolithic Zirconia: An In Vitro Study

The present study aimed to compare the color stability of different types of zirconia with and without grit blasting (GB) after they were immersed in staining drinks. Two hundred and forty zirconia samples (N = 240) belonging equally to three different types of zirconia (Cercon® xt multilayer, xt extra translucent, and ht high translucent) were used in this study. Forty samples from each zirconia group were roughened with GB, while the other forty remained non-GB (NGB). Eight GB and NGB zirconia samples from each sub-group were immersed in artificial saliva, coffee, protein shake, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and a soft drink. Besides chlorhexidine mouthwash (immersion time: 14 days), the samples were immersed in the liquids for 28 days. A spectrophotometer was utilized to observe the color differences (∆E) at baseline (T0), 7 days post-immersion (T1), 14 days post-immersion (T2), 21 days post-immersion (T3), and 28 days post-immersion (T4). For the multilayer zirconia, the greatest ∆E (8.45 for GB and 5.97 for NGB samples) was observed after immersion in coffee at T4. For the extra translucent zirconia, the greatest ∆E (9.10 for GB and 6.81 for NGB samples) was also observed after immersion into the coffee at T4. For the high translucent zirconia, the greatest ∆E (4.53 for GB and 3.62 for NGB samples) was observed after immersion into the coffee at T4 and T3. Protein shake and soft drink immersion also significantly discolored some zirconia samples. Overall, GB zirconia samples presented with greater ∆E values than their NGB counterparts. It can be concluded that coffee immersion of zirconia samples caused a more significant discoloration (increased ∆E values) than any other liquid. Future clinical studies should be carried out to corroborate the current study’s findings

Prevalence of Nomophobia and Its Association with Academic Performance Among Physiotherapy Students in Saudi Arabia: A Cross- Sectional Survey

BACKGROUND: Nomophobia is common among students in many healthcare disciplines, and its association with academic performance has been explore before. However, there is no available data on its prevalence and association with academic performance among undergraduate physiotherapy (PT) students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Between 22 December 2022 and 30 January 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by dissemination using an online platform (Survey Monkey). RESULTS: In total, 806 PT students, with males accounting for 494 (61%), responded to the survey. The prevalence of nomophobia among PT students was 98.4% (793). The mean (±SD) of the total NMP-Q items scores was 49 (± 17), indicating a mild level of nomophobia. Female PT students had significantly higher nomophobia scores than the males (47 (39– 65); 44 (38– 52); (p < 0.001)). Non-smokers had significant higher nomophobia scores than smokers (46 (38– 61); 44 (38– 49); (p = 0.004)). Regarding grade point averages (GPA), the students with a GPA of less than 3.49 had the highest nomophobia score (51 (43– 74); p < 0.001)). Concerning the stage of their studies, bridging students had the highest nomophobia score (51 (34– 76); p = 0.023)). Regarding academic warnings, those who reported no academic warnings had the highest nomophobia score (46 (42– 50); p = 0.023)). Finally, regarding study hours, the students who spent ≥ five hours studying per week had the highest nomophobia score (54 (42– 68); p < 0.001)). CONCLUSION: Nomophobia is common among PT students, with the majority experiencing a mild level. Being female, non-smoker, and having a higher academic performance were risk factors associated with higher nomophobia levels

Physicians&rsquo; Perceptions of and Barriers to Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation for Heart Failure Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) serves as a core component of the management strategy for patients with heart failure (HF). CR is administered by multidisciplinary healthcare providers, but their perceptions toward delivering CR to HF patients, and the factors and barriers that might influence referral, have not been studied. This study aims to assess physicians&rsquo; perceptions toward delivering CR programs to HF patients and identify factors and barriers that might influence their referral decisions. Methods: Between 15 February and 5 June 2022, a cross-sectional online survey with ten multiple-choice items was distributed to all general and cardiac physicians in Saudi Arabia. The characteristics of the respondents were described using descriptive statistics. Percentages and frequencies were used to report categorical variables. The statistical significance of the difference between categorical variables was determined using the chi-square (2) test. Logistic regression was used to identify referral factors. Results: Overall, 513 physicians (general physicians (78%) and cardiac doctors (22%)) completed the online survey, of which 65.0% (n = 332) were male. Of the general physicians, 236 (59%) had referred patients with HF to CR. Sixty-six (58%) of the cardiac doctors had referred patients with HF to CR. A hospital-supervised program was the preferred mode of delivering CR programs among 315 (79%) general physicians, while 84 (74%) cardiac doctors preferred to deliver CR programs at home. Apart from the exercise component, information about HF disease was perceived by 321 (80%) general physicians as the essential component of a CR program, while symptom management was perceived by 108 (95%) cardiac doctors as the essential component of a CR program. The most common patient-related factor that strongly influenced referral decisions was &ldquo;fatigue related to disease&rdquo; (63.40%). The availability of CR centers (48%) was the most common barrier preventing the referral of patients to CR. Conclusions: CR is an effective management strategy for HF patients, but the lack of CR centers is a major barrier to the referral of patients. A hospital-supervised program is the preferred method of delivering CR from the general physicians&rsquo; perspective, while cardiac doctors prefer home-based CR programs. Apart from the exercise component, information about HF disease and symptom management is essential components of CR programs from general physicians&rsquo; and cardiac doctors&rsquo; perspectives, respectively