Late Diagnosis of 5-α-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency in an Adolescent Girl with Primary Amenorrhoea : Case report

Deficiency of the 5-α-reductase enzyme has been found to affect male sexual development. We report an 18-year-old patient who was referred to an endocrinology clinic in Jizan, Saudi Arabia, in April 2014 with primary amenorrhoea, virilisation and a lack of secondary sex characteristics. As female external genitalia were present at birth, she had been raised as a female. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed no uterine or ovarian tissue in the pelvis and the presence of a scrotal sac. She was diagnosed with 5-α-reductase type 2 deficiency, a 46,XY disorder of sexual development. Typically, affected males have pseudovaginal perineoscrotal hypospadias and ambiguous genitalia at birth. Individuals who have been raised as female manifest characteristics of virilisation at puberty, including deepening of the vocal tone, phallus enlargement, scrotal hyperpigmentation and increased muscle mass

COVID-19 Outbreak: Effect of an Educational Intervention Based on Health Belief Model on Nursing Students' Awareness and Health Beliefs at Najran University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study aimed to investigate the effect of an educational intervention based on the health belief model (HBM) about COVID-19 on nursing  students' awareness and health beliefs. A true-experimental research design was conducted at nursing college, Najran University, KSA. A  comprehensive sampling was followed to include all female students at the colleges (164 students). The sample was divided randomly into  intervention (82) and control group (82). The educational intervention was designed and conducted based on the HBM through four sequential phases: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The current study results indicated no statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups concerning their demographic characteristic, awareness, and health beliefs before intervention. After intervention, significant differences (p< 0.05) were observed between intervention and control groups in their awareness and all HBM constructs regarding COVID19. There were positive, statistically significant correlations (P< 0.05) between participants' total HBM score and their total awareness score. This study concluded that HBM is effective in increasing nursing students' awareness regarding COVID-19. It also increases their perceived  susceptibility, severity, and benefits. Besides, it may increase their self-efficacy to overcome perceived barriers to practice protective and preventive actions while dealing with COVID-19. Keywords: Awareness, COVID-19, Health belief model, Nursing students, Saudi Arabia   Cette étude visait à étudier l'effet d'une intervention éducative basée sur le modèle de croyance en santé (HBM) à propos du COVID-19 sur la sensibilisation des étudiants en soins infirmiers et leurs croyances en matière de santé. Une conception de recherche véritablement expérimentale a été menée au collège d'infirmières de l'Université de Najran, en Arabie Saoudite. Un échantillonnage complet a été suivi pour inclure toutes les étudiantes des collèges (164 étudiantes). L'échantillon a été divisé au hasard en groupe d'intervention (82) et groupe témoin (82). L'intervention éducative a été conçue et menée sur la base du HBM à travers quatre phases séquentielles: évaluation, planification, mise en oeuvre et évaluation. Les résultats de l'étude actuelle n'ont indiqué aucune différence statistiquement significative entre les groupes d'intervention et de contrôle concernant leurs caractéristiques démographiques, leur sensibilisation et leurs croyances en matière de santé avant l'intervention. Aprèsl'intervention, des  différences significatives (p <0,05) ont été observées entre les groupes d'intervention et de contrôle dans leur connaissance et tutes les constructions HBM concernant COVID19. Il y avait des corrélations positives et statistiquement significatives (P <0,05) entre le score HBM total des participants et leur score total de sensibilisation. Cette étude a conclu que HBM est efficace pour sensibiliser les étudiants en sciences infirmières au COVID-19. Cela augmente également leur sensibilité, leur gravité et leurs avantages perçus. En outre, cela peut augmenter leur efficacité personnelle pour surmonter les obstacles perçus à la pratique d'actions de protection et de prévention tout en traitant le COVID-19. Mots-clés: Sensibilisation, COVID-19, modèle de croyance en matière de santé, étudiants en sciences infirmières, Arabie saoudit

The role of self-esteem and self-efficacy in women empowerment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

The study aimed to explore the role of self-esteem and self-efficacy in women empowerment among academic and administrative staff at Saudi universities. A cross-sectional design was carried out at 15 governmental universities. A  multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select 5587 participants. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the predictive relation. Data collection included socio-demographic variables, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, general self-efficacy scale, and women empowerment scale. The results indicated that study participants' self-esteem was equally distributed between moderate (49.8%) and high (50.2%). Also, 66.9% of the participants had high self-efficacy, and 86.8% had high total women's empowerment. Regression coefficient showed that self-esteem (B=0.521, b=0.127, t=13.785 and p<0.001) and self-efficacy (B=2.388, b=0.702, t=76.049 and p<0.001) are important predictors of the total women empowerment. However, self-efficacy was observed to be the most dominant predictor (t=76.049). The total model summary shows that 73.4% of the women empowerment level can be predicted through self-esteem and self-efficacy. The study results can be used as a base to build women empowerment programs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and help to achieve the 2030 KSA vision regarding women empowerment. Keywords: Self-esteem, self-efficacy, women empowerment, 2030 KSA vision L'étude visait à explorer le rôle de l'estime de soi et de l'efficacité personnelle dans l'autonomisation des femmes parmi le personnelacadémique et administratif des universités saoudiennes. Une conception transversale a été réalisée dans 15 universités gouvernementales. Une technique d'échantillonnage en grappes à plusieurs degrés a été utilisée pour sélectionner 5587 participants.Une régression linéaire multiple a été utilisée pour analyser la relation prédictive. La collecte de données comprenait des variablessociodémographiques, une échelle d'estime de soi de Rosenberg, une échelle d'auto-efficacité générale et une échelle d'autonomisation des femmes. Les résultats ont indiqué que l'estime de soi des participants à l'étude était également répartie entremodérée (49,8%) et élevée (50,2%). En outre, 66,9% des participants avaient une auto-efficacité élevée et 86,8% avaient une forteautonomisation totale des femmes. Le coefficient de régression a montré que l'estime de soi (B = 0,521, b = 0,127, t = 13,785 et p<0,001) et l'auto-efficacité (B = 2,388, b = 0,702, t = 76,049 et p <0,001) sont des prédicteurs importants du l'autonomisation totaledes femmes. Cependant, l'auto-efficacité a été observée comme le prédicteur le plus dominant (t = 76,049). Le résumé total dumodèle montre que 73,4% du niveau d'autonomisation des femmes peut être prédit grâce à l'estime de soi et à l'auto-efficacité. Lesrésultats de l'étude peuvent être utilisés comme base pour élaborer des programmes d'autonomisation des femmes dans le Royaumed'Arabie saoudite (KSA) et aider à réaliser la vision 2030 de la KSA concernant l'autonomisation des femmes. Mots-clés: Estime de soi, efficacité personnelle, autonomisation des femmes, vision 2030 KS

MicroRNA-34a: A Key Regulator in the Hallmarks of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) incidence has increased over the past two decades. Recent studies reported microRNAs as promising biomarkers for early cancer detection, accurate prognosis, and molecular targets for future treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the expression levels of miR-34a and 11 of its bioinformatically selected target genes and proteins to test their potential dysregulation in RCC. Quantitative real-time PCR for miR-34a and its targets; MET oncogene; gene-regulating apoptosis (TP53INP2 and DFFA); cell proliferation (E2F3); and cell differentiation (SOX2 and TGFB3) as well as immunohistochemical assay for VEGFA, TP53, Bcl2, TGFB1, and Ki67 protein expression have been performed in 85 FFPE RCC tumor specimens. Clinicopathological parameter correlation and in silico network analysis have also implicated. We found RCC tissues displayed significantly higher miR-34a expression level than their corresponding noncancerous tissues, particularly in chromophobic subtype. MET and E2F3 were significantly upregulated, while TP53INP2 and SOX2 were downregulated. ROC analysis showed high diagnostic performance of miR-34a (AUC = 0.854), MET (AUC = 0.765), and E2F3 (AUC = 0.761). The advanced pathological grade was associated with strong TGFB1, VEGFA, and Ki67 protein expression and absent Tp53 staining. These findings indicate miR-34a along with its putative target genes could play a role in RCC tumorigenesis and progression

Perceived and real barriers to workplace empowerment among women at Saudi universities: A cross-sectional study

Academic women in the Arab world, especially Saudi women, have numerous barriers inhibiting their leadership power at the workplace. The current study explores the perceived and real barriers to workplace empowerment among women at Saudi universities. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at 15 Saudi governmental universities. A multistage cluster sampling technique was followed to select (5587 participants) The data collection started from the beginning of April to the beginning of September 2020. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyze data using descriptive statistics. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the real barriers to women empowerment at the workplace. The study showed that 52.1% of the study participants had moderate workplace empowerment, and only 10.2% have a low level. Regarding perceived barriers to workplace empowerment, 42.6% of the participants agree that male dominance was a barrier. Moreover, 36.2% of the participants agreed and strongly agree that the customs and traditions are a barrier to women empowerment at the workplace. Multiple linear regression showed that age, followed by years of experience (p<0.000), were the most significant demographic predictors of women empowerment at the workplace. Moreover, positive attitude, high self-esteem, and good knowledge (p<0.000) were considered other variables that positively predict women's empowerment at the workplace. The experience of gender-based violence (p<0.000) was a negative predictor of women empowerment at the workplace. The study  concluded that around 62.3% of Saudi female academics and administrative staff have moderate or low workplace empowerment at Saudi Universities. Male dominance is perceived as the highest barrier. Keywords: Barriers, workplace empowerment, Saudi wome

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic people in Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: This cross-sectional hospital based study aimed at determining the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetes among local people of Najran, Saudi Arabia.Methods: We aimed to investigate the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice among diabetic people in Najran area.Results: 10% of the participants scored >7, 28% scored >5 and 62% scored 5 and less in Knowledge questionnaire. None [0.00%] of the participants scored 7 or more out of the attitude questionnaire. 100% of the participants scored 5 and less out of 12. 100% of the participants scored >6 and 0% scored 12 or more in the practice questionnaire.Conclusions: Our study revealed that the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetes in the area of Najran is very poor. We suggest that a structured educational program to be adopted by the health authorities in Saudi Arabia

Longevity-Related Gene Transcriptomic Signature in Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) (grade IV astrocytoma) has been assumed to be the most fatal type of glioma with low survival and high recurrence rates, even after prompt surgical removal and aggressive courses of treatment. Transcriptional reprogramming to stem cell-like state could explain some of the deregulated molecular signatures in GBM disease. The present study aimed to quantify the expression profiling of longevity-related transcriptional factors SOX2, OCT3/4, and NANOG to evaluate their diagnostic and performance values in high-grade gliomas. Forty-four specimens were obtained from glioblastoma patients (10 females and 34 males). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was applied for relative gene expression quantification. In silico network analysis was executed. NANOG and OCT3/4 mRNA expression levels were significantly downregulated while that of SOX2 was upregulated in cancer compared to noncancer tissues. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high diagnostic performance of NANOG and OCT3/4 than SOX2. However, the aberrant expressions of the genes studied were not associated with the prognostic variables in the current population. In conclusion, the current study highlighted the aberrant expression of certain longevity-associated transcription factors in glioblastoma multiforme which may direct the attention towards new strategies in the treatment of such lethal disease

Demystifying Smoker's Paradox: A Propensity Score-Weighted Analysis in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure.

Background Smoker's paradox has been observed with several vascular disorders, yet there are limited data in patients with acute heart failure (HF). We examined the effects of smoking in patients with acute HF using data from a large multicenter registry. The objective was to determine if the design and analytic approach could explain the smoker's paradox in acute HF mortality. Methods and Results The data were sourced from the acute HF registry (Gulf CARE [Gulf Acute Heart Failure Registry]), a multicenter registry that recruited patients over 10 months admitted with a diagnosis of acute HF from 47 hospitals in 7 Middle Eastern countries. The association between smoking and mortality (in hospital) was examined using covariate adjustment, making use of mortality risk factors. A parallel analysis was performed using covariate balancing through propensity scores. Of 5005 patients hospitalized with acute HF, 1103 (22%) were current smokers. The in-hospital mortality rates were significantly lower in current smoker's before (odds ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52-0.96) and more so after (odds ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.70) covariate adjustment. With the propensity score-derived covariate balance, the smoking effect became much less certain (odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.36-1.11). Conclusions The current study illustrates the fact that the smoker's paradox is likely to be a result of residual confounding as covariate adjustment may not resolve this if there are many competing prognostic confounders. In this situation, propensity score methods for covariate balancing seem preferable. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT01467973.Gulf CARE (Gulf Acute Heart Failure Registry) is an investigator- initiated study conducted under the auspices of the Gulf Heart Association and funded by Servier, Paris, France; and (for centers in Saudi Arabia), by the Saudi Heart Association (The Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia [research group number: RG -1436- 013]). This does not alter our adherence to policies on sharing data and materials; and the funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library

Effects of Goat Manure Fertilization on Grain Nutritional Value in Two Contrasting Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Varieties Cultivated at High Altitudes

In this study, the effects of goat manure fertilization (2, 4, 8, and 12 Tn/ha) on the grain yield, organic compounds, and mineral composition of two quinoa varieties (CICA-17 and Regalona Baer) were evaluated under field conditions in Northwest Argentina. The results indicate that fertilization improved the quinoa grain yield and total protein content. Low manure doses positively affected the fatty acid (FA) profile, and significant changes were determined for the monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid contents of CICA-17 and on the saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents of R. Baer seeds. The amino acid contents were positively affected in CICA-17 and negatively in R. Baer. Soluble sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), major elements (K, Si, P, Mg, Ca, and Na), minor elements (Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, and Cu), and ultratrace elements (Cr and Li) were detected and discussed in terms of their impact on human nutrition and health. Conclusively, manure addition affected some essential amino acids, the desaturase activity, the n6:n3 and SFA/UFA ratios, the atherogenic index, soluble sugars, and mineral content, and the fatty acid metabolism of each variety was differently affected, especially the C16 and C18 desaturase activity, which responded differently to various manure doses. Manure addition is a promising alternative to improve the nutritional quality and functionality of quinoa grains, but the response is not linear.EEA FamailláFil: González, Juan A. Fundación Miguel Lillo. Instituto de Ecología, Comportamiento y Conservación; ArgentinaFil: Yousif, Sawsan K.M. Al-Baha University. College of Arts and Science in Baljurashi. Department of Chemistry; Arabia SauditaFil: Erazzu, Luis Ernesto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Erazzu, Luis Ernesto. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia; ArgentinaFil: Martinez Calsina, Luciana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: Lizarraga, Emilio. Fundación Miguel Lillo. Instituto de Fisiología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Lizarraga, Emilio. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Omer, Rihab M. Al-Baha University. College of Arts and Science in Baljurashi. Department of Chemistry; Arabia SauditaFil: Bazile, D. CIRAD, UMR SENS; FranciaFil: Bazile, D. University Paul Valery Montpellier 3. CIRAD, IRD; FranciaFil: Fernandez-Turiel, J.L. CSIC. Geosciences Barcelona; EspañaFil: Buedo, Sebastián E. Fundación Miguel Lillo. Instituto de Ecología, Comportamiento y Conservación; ArgentinaFil: Rejas, M. CSIC. Geosciences Barcelona; EspañaFil: Fontana, Paola Daniela. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Famaillá; ArgentinaFil: González, D.A. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal (INBIOFIV); ArgentinaFil: González, D.A. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Bioprospección y Fisiología Vegetal (INBIOFIV); ArgentinaFil:Oviedo, A. Fundación Miguel Lillo. Instituto de Fisiología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Alzuaibr, Fahad Mohammed. University of Tabuk. Faculty of Science. Department of Biology; Arabia SauditaFil: Al-Qahtani, Salem Mesfer. University of Tabuk. University College of Tayma. Biology Department; Arabia SauditaFil: Al-Harbi, Nadi Awad. University of Tabuk. University College of Tayma. Biology Department; Arabia SauditaFil: Ibrahim, Mohamed F.M. Ain Shams University. Faculty of Agriculture. Department of Agricultural Botany; EgiptoFil: Van Nieuwenhove, Carina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Van Nieuwenhove, Carina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos. Laboratorio de Ecofisiología Tecnológica; Argentin

Effects of Goat Manure Fertilization on Grain Nutritional Value in Two Contrasting Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Varieties Cultivated at High Altitudes

In this study, the effects of goat manure fertilization (2, 4, 8, and 12 Tn/ha) on the grain yield, organic compounds, and mineral composition of two quinoa varieties (CICA-17 and Regalona Baer) were evaluated under field conditions in Northwest Argentina. The results indicate that fertilization improved the quinoa grain yield and total protein content. Low manure doses positively affected the fatty acid (FA) profile, and significant changes were determined for the monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid contents of CICA-17 and on the saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents of R. Baer seeds. The amino acid contents were positively affected in CICA-17 and negatively in R. Baer. Soluble sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), major elements (K, Si, P, Mg, Ca, and Na), minor elements (Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, and Cu), and ultratrace elements (Cr and Li) were detected and discussed in terms of their impact on human nutrition and health. Conclusively, manure addition affected some essential amino acids, the desaturase activity, the n6:n3 and SFA/UFA ratios, the atherogenic index, soluble sugars, and mineral content, and the fatty acid metabolism of each variety was differently affected, especially the C16 and C18 desaturase activity, which responded differently to various manure doses. Manure addition is a promising alternative to improve the nutritional quality and functionality of quinoa grains, but the response is not linear