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Background Osteoporosis is a global public health problem currently affecting millions of people worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is not an exception. Awareness and perceptions of susceptibility and belief in the seriousness of a disease can help in its prevention and control. We aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices for osteoporosis among Saudi general population and to identify its determining factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey of people aged 18 years or older representing every region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was carried out. A total of 2174 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to identify the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice. Results Responses were obtained from 1830 individuals (42% female and 58% male). The majority of the study sample had heard about osteoporosis (78%). There were significant associations between the level of awareness and the following sociodemographics of the participants: age, sex, education, occupation, income, and residence (Po0.01). Regular practice of the main preventive behaviors was correlated with an increase in the level of awareness. Conclusion and recommendations The majority of the study cohort had heard about osteoporosis. Female respondents were more knowledgeable. Age was negatively correlated with the level of awareness. Awareness levels and the main sociodemographic determinants were significantly associated. The study recommended that health authorities and physicians should have better involvement in patient education efforts to improve and maintain the information provided on osteoporosis.

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Infectious complications represent the second most common cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity in β-thalassemia major (BTM), with a prevalence of 12–13%. The data on unconventional T-lymphocyte subsets in BTM children are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate and evaluate phenotypic alterations in CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP), CD4− CD8− double negative (DN), and natural killer T-lymphocytes (NKT) in BTM children in comparison to healthy controls. Our case control study included 80 children with BTM and 40 healthy children as controls. Assessment of unconventional T-lymphocyte populations was done using sensitive fourcolor flow cytometry (FACSCalibur). Our analysis of the data showed a significantly higher frequency CD4+ CD8+ (double-positive) T cells, CD4− CD8− (double negative) T cells, and natural killer T cells in the peripheral blood of both BTM groups (splenectomized and non-splenectomized) as compared to healthy controls, suggesting that these cells may play a role in the clinical course of BTM. The relationship of the unconventional T-lymphocytes to immune disorders in BTM children remains to be determined. Further longitudinal study with a larger sample size is warranted to elucidate the role these cells in BTM. UMIN‑CTR study design: trial number UMIN000018950.

Infectious complications represent the second most common cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity in β-thalassemia major (BTM), with a prevalence of 12–13%. The data on unconventional T-lymphocyte subsets in BTM children are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate and evaluate phenotypic alterations in CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP), CD4− CD8− double negative (DN), and natural killer T-lymphocytes (NKT) in BTM children in comparison to healthy controls. Our case control study included 80 children with BTM and 40 healthy children as controls. Assessment of unconventional T-lymphocyte populations was done using sensitive fourcolor flow cytometry (FACSCalibur). Our analysis of the data showed a significantly higher frequency CD4+ CD8+ (double-positive) T cells, CD4− CD8− (double negative) T cells, and natural killer T cells in the peripheral blood of both BTM groups (splenectomized and non-splenectomized) as compared to healthy controls, suggesting that these cells may play a role in the clinical course of BTM. The relationship of the unconventional T-lymphocytes to immune disorders in BTM children remains to be determined. Further longitudinal study with a larger sample size is warranted to elucidate the role these cells in BTM. UMIN‑CTR study design: trial number UMIN000018950.

Infectious complications represent the second most common cause of mortality and a major cause of morbidity in β-thalassemia major (BTM), with a prevalence of 12–13%. The data on unconventional T-lymphocyte subsets in BTM children are limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate and evaluate phenotypic alterations in CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP), CD4− CD8− double negative (DN), and natural killer T-lymphocytes (NKT) in BTM children in comparison to healthy controls. Our case control study included 80 children with BTM and 40 healthy children as controls. Assessment of unconventional T-lymphocyte populations was done using sensitive fourcolor flow cytometry (FACSCalibur). Our analysis of the data showed a significantly higher frequency CD4+ CD8+ (double-positive) T cells, CD4− CD8− (double negative) T cells, and natural killer T cells in the peripheral blood of both BTM groups (splenectomized and non-splenectomized) as compared to healthy controls, suggesting that these cells may play a role in the clinical course of BTM. The relationship of the unconventional T-lymphocytes to immune disorders in BTM children remains to be determined. Further longitudinal study with a larger sample size is warranted to elucidate the role these cells in BTM. UMIN‑CTR study design: trial number UMIN000018950.

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Background P wave dispersion (PWD) consistitute a recent contribution to the field of non invasive electrocardiography. It is an electrocardiography measurement, which reflect a disparity in atrial conduction. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most important risk factor for stroke; it has a deleterious effect on longevity with doubling of all cause mortality. The estimation of the probability of recurrent AF by using a simple parameter might guide the clinician in the management of these patients. Objective To asses the value of PWD as a predictor of AF recurrence in patient with successful cardioversion to sinus rhythm. patient and methods: Sixty two patients who had recent onset AF and successfully converted to sinus rhythm were included. They were followed up for recurrence of AF for six months. All patients were subjected to the following: through history, clinical examination, standard 12 lead ECG for PWD calculation, Echo-doppler to measure LA diameter, left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. Results According to af recurrence, the patients were classified into: Group 1 included 36 patients with recurred AF and Group !1 included 26 patients with persevered sinus rhythm (PSR). Maximum p wave duration was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 11(p 0.04). PWD was significantly higher in group 1(71 ± 21 ms) than those in group 11(40 ± 15 ms)(p 0.000) with sensitivity of 75% and specify of 88.5% at cutoff point >80.5 ms.Statistically significant left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (in the form of impaired and pseudo normal relaxation) and increased left atrial diameter were mor obvious in group 1 than those in group 11(p 0.000 and P, 0.007 respectively). Logistic regression analysis for p max, PWD, LAD and EF% revealed that PWD is independent predictor for recurrence (r = 0.585, p 0.000). Conclusion PWD measured from the ECG may be considered one of the predictor for AF recurrence.