To study the genotype and allele frequency of the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs8050136 A>C genetic variant and investigate its association with type 2 diabetes mekkitus (T2DM) parameters. Methods:This study was carried out on 118 diabetic patients and 106 healthy individuals (control) from Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Hospital, Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. The TaqMan single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay was used for rs8050136 genotyping. Results:The frequency of the genotype AA was the same among T2DM and healthy control groups (21%). However, the frequency of genotype CC was 19.5% in T2DM patients and 24.5% Original Articlein control individuals. There was no significant association between FTO SNP rs8050136 and an increased risk of T2DM. Furthermore, there was no association between the risk AA genotype and fasting blood glucose (p=0.092), glycated hemoglobin (p=0.177), or body mass index (p=0.561). Conclusion:Our findings show that the FTO rs8050136 A>C variant is not associated with T2DM in the Saudi population.

Abstract:The evolution in patient simulation as educational tool is being driven by a number of factors. Priority of patient safety, patient availability, and the ever increasing body of medical knowledge presents new challenges to curriculum planners. Student's satisfaction is an important element of the investigation of simulation learning environment efficacy. There are suggestions that student satisfaction may have some correlation with self-confidence and learning achievement. This is a prospective exploratory study that evaluates learners' satisfaction with simulation learning environment and self-conference utilized satisfaction with SSE (simulation experience scale) and pre and post simulation test for learning achievement. Participants was third-year medical students (n = 45) participating in their regular simulation-based session at Center of Excellence for Simulation Education and Innovation (CESEI), University of British Columbia. A comparison between pre-and post-test results was conducted on the basis of t-test for related samples. Correlation was used to explore the relationships among students satisfaction with the simulation environment and students' self-confidence and achievement. The simulation exercise, completed by 45 students, increased correct test answers on average from 72% to 89% (P-Value < 0.0001 by paired t-test). Increases in test results were between pre-and post-simulation identical multiple choice questions. The mean score for satisfaction with simulation environment items was 4.47, SD (0.45), using a 5-point Likert scale with 5 = strongly agree, 4 = agree, 3 = neutral, 2 = disagree, and 1 = strongly disagree. The mean score for self-confidence in performing BLS, evaluating and managing acute cardiac patient was 3.83, SD (1.02). For evaluating the relationship between students satisfaction with simulation learning environment and learning achievement, bivariate analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between satisfaction with simulation learning environment and learning achievement (Pearson r = 0.80, P-Value < 0.01). The magnitude or strength of the correlation coefficient (r = 0.80) indicated satisfaction with simulation environment and learning achievement have a strong effect and positive correlation. Simulation learning environment for medical students is effective in improving students' overall comprehension and better learning achievements. Furthermore, students' basic clinical skills are improved associated with higher self-confidence.

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) is defined by WHO as birth weight less than 2500 g. it is the single most important factor affecting neonatal mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, LBW babies are at an increased risk for serious health problems, ranging from neuro-developmental disabilities to respiratory disorders and cardiovascular disease at adulthood. Early comprehensive care for LBW infants in primary care setting is vital. Well-baby clinic offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care to children including LBW children. This study aims to determine the prevalence, risk factors and outcome of LBW infants registered in well-baby clinic at primary health care setting.Methods: This is a Cross sectional retrospective epidemiological study has been conducted in accredited primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia. Target population is registered children in the Well-baby clinic of high risk category, born during 2014. Pre-term infants and infants with congenital anomalies were excluded. For data collection, a constructed data sheet for the variables included in the study adopted from the formal records of both: LBW infants and their mothers was used. Necessary permission to conduct the study obtained from research and ethical committee of the joint committee of family and community medicine. Confidentiality of information has been strictly adhered by assuring that no names or ID number will be recorded. Results:Babies with birth weight less than 2500 gram were taken as cases. A total number of 124 (4.39%) were included, 55 (44.4%) of them were male babies and 69 (55.6%) were female babies. The mean maternal age was 28.82 years. 10 (8.1%) of LBW babies were delivered to mothers suffering from chronic illness (mainly diabetes and hypertension). 5 (4%) of LBW babies were born to smoker mothers. 76 (61.3%) of the LBW were born to anemic mothers. 9 (7.3%) of babies were born to mothers never had regular ANC follow-up. 28 (22.6%) of LBW babies were admitted to the NICU and 111 (89.5%) cases were improved after one-year follow-up in well-baby clinic. Conclusion:The study findings suggest that four factors increase the incidence of LBW, namely smoking, anemia, mothers never had regular ANC and mother's chronic disease. It also leads to conclude that breast feeding and NICU admission are significant independent variables that have been assumed to affect the outcome of LBW during follow up at the well-baby clinic.Low Birth Weight Prevalence, Risk Factors, Outcomes in Primary Health Care Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study 2/5

Background: The provision of palliative care (PC) for individuals with a life-threatening condition is fundamental to the role of the physician, in order to improve quality of life; however, little research has assessed the competence of the physicians in PC in Saudi Arabia. Aim: To conduct a baseline assessment of self-assessed palliative care competences among medical physicians in Saudi Arabia. Design: A survey-based cross-sectional study was employed using a specifically designed questionnaire. Setting: The participants in the study were selected from 6 specialist medical departments (Family medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, neurology and oncology) in 4 Saudi Arabian Hospitals, based on inclusion criteria. Results: The study was conducted using a validated questionnaire used in Ireland to evaluate the competence skills of physicians for the provision of palliative care. All categories showed internal reliability and normal distribution of the data. However, the score of the knowledge, attitude and practice among the physicians was higher than the expected. The clinical specialty of the physicians demonstrated greater influence on knowledge, attitude and practice related to the palliative care compared to medical education. This highlighted the importance of training in palliative care to the medical doctors working in a range of specialist area. Conclusion: The study provides baseline data on the level of competence of palliative care of physicians in Saudi Arabia. This study can be used as an assessment tool to further evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care in other areas as primary and secondary care settings