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Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common conditions resulting in disability, particularly in the elderly population. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common articular disease and the leading cause of chronic disability in the developed world. This study was carried out to evaluate knee pain in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia. An analytical cross-sectional survey design was adopted in the Asir region from April 2023 to August 2023 to assess the knee pain of the adult population using an anonymous online questionnaire. Of 1234, 332 were men (26.90) and 902 were women (73.09). WOMAC index score category 55.34% (n = 683) of the subjects had a low risk (score <60), 28.68% (n = 354) had a moderate risk (score 60-80), and 15.96% (n = 197) had a high risk (score ≥81) for KOA. According to clinical criteria, 79.33% (n = 979) of the study subjects had OA. Age group, gender 2.17 (1. 67-2.82) [OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.67-2.82), family history of OA [OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.37-0.62], diabetes [OR 2.78; 95% CI 2.17-3.56], hypertension [OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.26-0.45] were significantly associated with the percentage of the WOMAC index score using the Chi-square test analysis (P<0.05). Therefore, the WOMAC index showed higher diagnostic precision with a statistically significant association [OR 9.31 CI 6.90-12.81] with a P< 0.0001. KOA is more common in older, obese people who have reached the age of 50 in the Asir region, and it is more prevalent in women. Alarms the need for appropriate awareness programs for better disease prevention and health outcomes for the benefit of the community through general public health programs.

Cancer is a hard-to-treat disease with a high reoccurrence rate that affects health and lives globally. The condition has a high occurrence rate and is the second leading cause of mortality after cardiovascular disorders. Increased research and more profound knowledge of the mechanisms contributing to the disease’s onset and progression have led to drug discovery and development. Various drugs are on the market against cancer; however, the drugs face challenges of chemoresistance. The other major problem is the side effects of these drugs. Therefore, using complementary and additional medicines from natural sources is the best strategy to overcome these issues. The naturally occurring phytochemicals are a vast source of novel drugs against various ailments. The modes of action by which phytochemicals show their anti-cancer effects can be the induction of apoptosis, the onset of cell cycle arrest, kinase inhibition, and the blocking of carcinogens. This review aims to describe different phytochemicals, their classification, the role of phytochemicals as anti-cancer agents, the mode of action of phytochemicals, and their role in various types of cancer.

Students face more challenging conditions as they move forward with their education. As a result of these negative circumstances they are more vulnerable to mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Thus, the study’s goal was to determine the symptoms of anxiety and depression among King Khalid University students in Saudi Arabia’s southern region. A descriptive online institution-based cross-sectional survey design was conducted among students of King Khalid University for a period of 3 months from 20.12.2023 to 29.02.2024 to assess anxiety and depression among university students. This study utilized the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7 Scale) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess anxiety and depression, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and Chi square was performed to determine the significant associations between the variables.Out of 323 students, 176 (54.49%) were female, and 147 (45.51%) were male. Overall, there were 43 students (13%) with depressed symptoms and 32 (9.9%) with anxiety symptoms. On the PHQ Scale, eleven students (3.4%) reported having a severe depression (scoring 20 to 27). On the GAD-7 scale, 15 students (4.6%) (score: 15 to 21) were found to have severe or extremely severe anxiety. In the depression group, a significant correlation was discovered with the study year (χ2 = 10.158, df = 4, p  = 0.038) and smoking habit (χ2 = 3.614, df = 1, p  = 0.057). In the anxiety group, there was a significant correlation with study year (χ2 = 18.920, df = 4 p  = 0.001), duration of sleep per day (less than 6 h, 6 to 8 h, more than 8 h) (χ2 = 10.816, df = 2 p  = 0.004) and smoking habit (χ2 = 4.253, df = 1, p  = 0.039). The association between depression and smoking behaviors [OR = 0.355; 95% CI = 0.114–1.105, p  = 0.074] and food source (homemade food) [OR = 0.418; 95% CI = 0.174–1.002, p  = 0.051] fell slightly short of statistical significance. In relation to anxiety, smoking behaviors [OR = 0.230; 95% CI = 0.049–1.084, p  = 0.063] also showed an association that approached but did not reach statistical significance. Even though this study reports a low prevalence of anxiety and depression, and the incidence rate of anxiety among students is not as high as seen elsewhere, it is nonetheless concerning. Promotion of students’ mental health needs to be given a high priority by universities and other higher education institutions.

Clinical pharmacists play a critical role in cardiology by optimizing pharmacotherapy and improving patient outcomes. However, despite their growing importance, standardized quality indicators to evaluate their impact in clinical practice remain lacking. This study aimed to develop and validate a set of cardiology-specific Quality Indicator Drug Therapy Problems (QI-DTPs) defined as medication-related quality indicators focused on identifying, preventing, and resolving drug therapy problems-using a modified Delphi technique in Saudi Arabia. Twenty-three candidate QI-DTPs were developed based on a comprehensive review of current cardiology guidelines and evidence-based literature, refined by an expert advisory group. A panel of sixteen experienced clinical pharmacists with cardiology expertise from Saudi Arabia evaluated these indicators using a modified Delphi approach conducted over three iterative rounds. Each indicator was rated on a nine-point Likert scale (1 = strong disagreement to 9 = strong agreement). Indicators achieving ≥75% consensus were considered validated. Sixteen expert clinical pharmacists participated (69% male, 31% female), most of whom had completed a pharmacy residency and had cardiology-related clinical experience. High levels of agreement were achieved across the Delphi rounds, and all 23 proposed QI-DTPs met the predefined ≥75% consensus threshold, demonstrating strong agreement regarding their relevance, clarity, and applicability in cardiology practice. The study successfully identified and validated 23 QI-DTPs, reflecting strong consensus among clinical pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Implementation of these indicators in clinical practice could enhance the quality of cardiovascular care, reinforce pharmacist-led interventions, and promote medication safety. Future research should assess the direct impact of these quality metrics on patient outcomes.

Nifuroxazide is an antidiarrheal medication that has promising anticancer activity against diverse types of tumors. The present study tested the anticancer activity of nifuroxazide against Ehrlich’s mammary carcinoma grown in vivo. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of nifuroxazide on IL-6/jak2/STAT3 signaling and the possible impact on tumor angiogenesis. The biological study was supported by molecular docking and bioinformatic predictions for the possible effect of nifuroxazide on this signaling pathway. Female albino mice were injected with Ehrlich carcinoma cells to produce Ehrlich’s solid tumors (ESTs). The experimental groups were as follows: EST control, EST + nifuroxazide (5 mg/kg), and EST + nifuroxazide (10 mg/kg). Nifuroxazide was found to reduce tumor masses (730.83 ± 73.19 and 381.42 ± 109.69 mg vs. 1099.5 ± 310.83) and lessen tumor pathologies. Furthermore, nifuroxazide downregulated IL-6, TNF-α, NFk-β, angiostatin, and Jak2 proteins, and it also reduced tumoral VEGF, as indicated by ELISA and immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, nifuroxazide dose-dependently downregulated STAT3 phosphorylation (60% and 30% reductions, respectively). Collectively, the current experiment shed light on the antitumor activity of nifuroxazide against mammary solid carcinoma grown in vivo. The antitumor activity was at least partly mediated by inhibition of IL-6/Jak2/STAT3 signaling that affected angiogenesis (low VEGF and high angiostatin) in the EST. Therefore, nifuroxazide might be a promising antitumor medication if appropriate human studies will be conducted.

For centuries, cannabinoids have been utilized for their medicinal properties, particularly in Asian and South-Asian countries. Cannabis plants, known for their psychoactive and non-psychoactive potential, were historically used for spiritual and remedial healing. However, as cannabis became predominantly a recreational drug, it faced prohibition. Recently, the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids has sparked renewed research interest, extending their use to various medical conditions, including cancer. This review aims to highlight current data on the involvement of cannabinoids in cancer signaling pathways, emphasizing their potential in cancer therapy and the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase. The search focused on peer-reviewed articles, review articles, and clinical trials discussing the anticancer properties of cannabinoids. Inclusion criteria included studies in English on the mechanisms of action and clinical efficacy of cannabinoids in cancer. Cannabinoids, including Δ9-THC, CBD, and CBG, exhibit significant anticancer activities such as apoptosis induction, autophagy stimulation, cell cycle arrest, anti-proliferation, anti-angiogenesis, and metastasis inhibition. Clinical trials have demonstrated cannabinoids’ efficacy in tumor regression and health improvement in palliative care. However, challenges such as variability in cannabinoid composition, psychoactive effects, regulatory barriers, and lack of standardized dosing remain. Cannabinoids show promising potential as anticancer agents through various mechanisms. Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are essential to validate these findings and establish standardized therapeutic protocols. Future research should focus on elucidating detailed mechanisms, optimizing dosing, and exploring cannabinoids as primary chemotherapeutic agents.

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL), with lifestyle factors and comorbidities influencing various dimensions of well-being. This study aimed to assess HRQoL and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in CAD patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Rajiv Gandhi Co-operative Multispecialty Hospital, South India, from July 2022 to April 2023, where lifestyle factors were assessed, and HRQoL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L. The differences and associations of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors with HRQoL were analyzed using the chi-square test and multivariate regression. Results: A total of 212 CAD patients were included in this study. Female gender and comorbid disease were more likely to be associated with reported problems in mobility (89.7%, 78.8%) and anxiety/depression (97.4%, 92.7%) (p < 0.05). Factors such as age ≥ 50 years, family history of CAD, current smoking, comorbid disease, and a moderate- to high-risk diet significantly influenced anxiety/depression (p < 0.05). Patients with comorbid disease and moderate- to high-risk dietary intake were significantly associated with all five dimensions (p < 0.05). Gender, educational level, alcohol intake, and sleep duration did not show a significant association with all dimensions (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found that CAD patients undergoing treatment for secondary prevention exhibited inadequate HRQoL, particularly in terms of mental health. Factors such as comorbid disease and moderate- to high-risk dietary intake were significantly associated with reduced HRQoL. Older age, family history of CAD, current smoking habit, comorbid disease, and a moderate- to high-risk diet were significantly associated with anxiety/depression.

Background and Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality. Cerebrolysin, a neuropeptide with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties, may enhance post-stroke recovery. This study evaluated the impact of adding Cerebrolysin to standard therapy on clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: This non-randomized prospective observational study included 143 adults with acute ischemic stroke at Kovai Medical Center and Hospital, Coimbatore (April 2016–May 2018). Participants were divided into two groups: the standard therapy group (n = 70) and the adjuvant therapy group (n = 73), which received Cerebrolysin (30 mL IV daily for 14 days) in addition to standard care. Stroke severity and functional outcomes were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI) at baseline and Day 14. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Stroke severity improved in both groups, but the adjuvant group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in NIHSS scores from 9.90 ± 2.90 to 3.40 ± 1.40 compared to the standard group, which improved from 10.10 ± 2.80 to 4.80 ± 1.30 (t = 6.19, p < 0.001). Additionally, 43.84% of patients in the adjuvant group shifted to minor stroke severity versus 25.71% in the standard group. Both groups showed significant improvements across all domains of the BI, which assesses activities of daily living (ADL); however, the gains were consistently greater in the adjuvant group (p < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients in the Cerebrolysin group achieved slight dependency (38.36%) or full independence (16.44%), compared to 20% and 5.71% in the standard group, respectively. Conclusions: This prospective observational study suggests that adding Cerebrolysin to standard therapy was associated with greater neurological recovery and functional independence in acute ischemic stroke patients. However, the short follow-up, single-center setting, and lack of randomization limit generalizability. Larger multicenter randomized trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia, reaching levels similar to those in the Western world. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder, and lower back pains (musculoskeletal pain, MSP) among students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia, from March 2023 to August 2023. Inclusion criteria were: university students aged 18 years and older of both sexes who agreed to participate in the study. The modified Nordic questionnaire was used, which comprised three parts. Out of 536 respondents, 337 were women and 199 were men. The average body mass index (BMI) of the study population was 25.3 ± 4.01. In total, 223 (41.60%) had a history of MSDs. Only 232 (43.28%) of the population did regular exercise. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with MSDs are mobile device use (with both hands) with a large neck tilt below the horizon line position (OR = 2.276, CI 1.178-4.397,  = 0.014), family history of trauma (OR = 5.450, 95% CI 3.371-8.811,  = 0.000), family history of MSDs (OR = 4.241, 95% CI 2.296-7.835,  = 0.000), coffee consumption (OR = 1.967, CI 1.281-3.020,  = 0.002), and time spent on electronic devices: 1-3 h (OR = 0.252, 95% CI 0.124-0.511,  = 0.0001), 4-6 h (OR = 0.455, 95% CI 0.237-0.873,  = 0.018), and 6-9 h (OR = 0.348, 95% CI 0.184-0.660,  = 0.001). The present study concludes that MSP among university students is high. A history of trauma, a family history of MSDs, the hand and neck position when using electronic devices, the amount of time spent using them, and regular exercise are risk factors that are strongly associated with MSP. There is strong evidence to suggest that increasing physical activity plays a significant role in enhancing the functionality of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system and alleviating pain. It is recommended that universities implement educational programs to raise awareness and health screenings about the impact of device usage on MSK health and the benefits of regular exercise.

Natural products have been pivotal in drug discovery, offering a wealth of bioactive compounds that significantly contribute to therapeutic developments. Despite the rise of synthetic chemistry, natural products continue to play a crucial role due to their unique chemical structures and diverse biological activities. This study reviews and evaluates the potential of natural products in drug discovery and development, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern drug discovery methodologies and addressing the associated challenges. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library, covering publications from 2000 to 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies related to natural products, bioactive compounds, medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and AI applications in drug discovery. Data were categorized into source, extraction methods, bioactivity assays, and technological advances. The current review underscores the historical and ongoing importance of natural products in drug discovery. Technological advancements in chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have improved the isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds. AI and machine learning have streamlined the identification and optimization of natural product leads. Challenges such as biodiversity sustainability and development complexities are discussed, alongside innovative approaches like biosynthetic engineering and metagenomics. Natural products remain a vital source of novel therapeutic agents, providing unique chemical diversity and specific biological activities. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods is essential for maximizing the potential of natural products in drug discovery. Despite existing challenges, ongoing research and technological advancements are expected to enhance the efficiency and success of natural product-based drug development.