Cutaneous melanoma is a severe and life-threatening form of skin cancer with growing incidences. While novel interventions have improved prognoses for these patients, early diagnosis of targeted treatment remains the most effective approach. MicroRNAs have grown to good use as potential biomarkers for early detection and as targets for treatment. miR-155 is well-studied for its role in tumor cell survival and proliferation in various tissues, although its role in melanoma remains controversial. In silico data analysis was performed in the dbDEMC v.3 to identify differentially expressed miRNA. We validated gene targets in melanoma using TarBase v8.0 and miRPath v3.0 and determined protein-protein interactions of the target genes. One hundred forty patients (age range 21–90 years) with cutaneous melanoma who underwent resection were included. Molecular assessment using Real-Time RT-qPCR, clinicopathological associations, and a literature review for the different roles of miR-155 in melanoma were performed. Analysis of the dbDEMC reveals controversial findings. While there is evidence of upregulation of miR-155 in primary and metastatic melanoma samples, others suggest decreased expression in later-stage melanoma and cases with brain metastasis. miR-155 has been overexpressed in prior cases of melanoma and precancerous lesions, and it was found to be dysregulated when compared to benign nevi. While miR-155 expression was associated with favorable outcomes in some studies, others showed an association with metastasis. Patients with high levels of miR-155 also noted reduction after receiving anti-PD-1 treatment, correlated with more prolonged overall survival. In our patient’s cohort, 22.9% relapsed during treatment, and 45% developed recurrence, associated with factors such as lymph node infiltration, high mitotic index, and positive staining for CD117. Although overall analysis revealed miR-155 downregulation in melanoma specimens compared to non-cancer tissues, increased expression of miR-155 was associated with cases of superficial spreading melanoma subtype (p = 0.005) and any melanoma with a high mitotic rate (p = 0.010). The analysis did not identify optimum cutoff values to predict relapse, recurrence, or mortality. In conclusion, miR-155 could have, in part, a potential prognostic utility in cutaneous melanoma. Further mechanistic studies are required to unravel the multifunctional role of miR-155 in melanoma.

Background and objectiveThe use of radiation imaging techniques in operation theaters is essential for numerous surgical procedures and patients' overall well-being. Radiation imaging techniques enable the surgeon to have a real-time visualization of the anatomy and to perform operations with a greater chance of success, decrease rates of patient morbidity, and enable surgeons to obtain imaging records before the patient leaves the theater room. However, with the increased use of imaging techniques in orthopedic surgical operations, orthopedic surgeons are being exposed to higher levels of radiation, and hence they can be classified as a high-risk group for occupational radiation exposure. This study aimed to assess orthopedic surgeons' awareness and knowledge regarding radiation exposure safety. Materials and methodsA questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 to assess the knowledge regarding ionizing radiation exposure safety among orthopedic surgeons, including consultants, specialists, and residents, at both private and governmental hospitals in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Al-Madinah (approval number: H-03-l.l-084). The applied statistical tests were frequency and MCT tests for univariate variables while Chisquare was applied for bivariate variables. With a 95% confidence interval (CI), a p-value of more than 0.05 was used as the cut-off value for the significance level. ResultsA total of 57 surgeons participated in the study, of which 57.9% were exposed to radiation two to three times per week. Additionally, more than half of the physicians (66.7%) were not trained to use fluoroscopy (C-arm machine). Of note, 78.9% of orthopedic surgeons reported that they used the protective apron as protective equipment, while 17.5% of them used both a protective apron and thyroid shield. However, only less than half of the orthopedic surgeons (43.9%) in our study practiced radiation safety in the operating room. ConclusionOur study revealed a lack of knowledge and awareness related to ionizing radiation exposure safety among orthopedic surgeons in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia.

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Background: Various studies among students from different medical universities have established that individual students' study habits, which are cultivated throughout their academic life, are a critical determining factor in their academic success. The present study aimed at evaluation of study habits among the high achieving undergraduate medical students at Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among the among undergraduate medical students of Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia using a self-designed and pre-validated questionnaire with questions aimed at understanding the various types of study habits adopted by them. Results: Three hundred twenty-six students from the first to the sixth year of the undergraduate programme participated in the study.The survey results gave insight into the study habits that successful students consistently practised. A few of them, which have been established, previously, include healthy eating, sufficient sleep and consistent reading that has supplemented academic success. Conclusions The process of learning is complex and multifaceted. Hence, a single-pronged approach might not always be sufficient. To improve academic performance, students need help assessing the areas and habits that need to be changed to reduce stress, eliminate burnout and increase productivity. It has been suggested that training sessions be introduced in the early stages of the medical course to familiarize students with the necessary habits and skills.

The study aimed to assess the awareness level of parents about the substances which could be ingested by the children. A survey has been conducted among the willing participants from Arar -Saudi Arabia. The first part of the questionnaire contains questions about age, gender, number of children, and level of education. The second part contains statements focusing on parental knowledge regarding foreign body ingestion in children. The third part assesses the parental practices toward foreign body ingestion. Twenty-six percent of the parents narrated that they encountered an incident in which their children ingested foreign bodies. A significant number (94%) of the parents know the most susceptible age group of children which may ingest foreign bodies. Most of the parents (89%) think that peanuts should not be given to children aged less than 4 years. Sixty-six percent of parents think that they should try to search and take out the foreign body from the mouth of a child with their hand even if the substance is invisible to them. The awareness level among the parents was deficient regarding substances such as safety pins, magnets, screws, needles, keys, and pieces of marble that can be ingested by the children. Data analysis on the current study showed that a significant number the parents had encountered an incident of foreign body ingestion in their children. Knowledge was deficient among the parents about some common substances was found that could be ingested by children.