Background A relentless flood of information accompanied the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. False news, conspiracy theories, and magical cures were shared with the general public at an alarming rate, which may lead to increased anxiety and stress levels and associated debilitating consequences.Objectives To measure the level of COVID-19 information overload (COVIO) and assess the association between COVIO and sociodemographic characteristics among the general public. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between April and May 2020 using a modified Cancer Information Overload scale. The survey was developed and posted on four social media platforms. The data were only collected from those who consented to participate. COVIO score was classified into high vs. low using the asymmetrical distribution as a guide and conducted a binary logistic regression to examine the factors associated with COVIO. Results A total number of 584 respondents participated in this study. The mean COVIO score of the respondents was 19.4 (± 4.0). Sources and frequency of receiving COVID-19 information were found to be significant predictors of COVIO. Participants who received information via the broadcast media were more likely to have high COVIO than those who received information via the social media (adjusted odds ratio ([aOR],14.599; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.608-132.559; p = 0.017). Also, participants who received COVID-19 information every minute (aOR, 3.892; 95% CI,; p = 0.032) were more likely to have high COVIO than those who received information every week. Conclusion The source of information and the frequency of receiving COVID-19 information were significantly associated with COVIO. The COVID-19 information is often conflicting, leading to confusion and overload of information in the general population. This can have unfavorable effects on the measures taken to control the transmission and management of COVID-19 infection.

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Patient underwent sigmoid colectomy with colorectal anastomosis but complicated with anastomosis leak. Post-operation, she was subjected to laparotomy and peritoneal lavage. Patients completed 25 cycles of local radiotherapy and 12 cycles of concurrent systemic chemotherapy. After three months, colonoscopy was performed again, and revealed mild radiation proctitis, with normal proximal stump, as shown in figure 1.

This paper reports an important investigation and quantification of adulteration of sexual enhancement supplements with prescription medicines available in United Arab Emirates (UAE): tadalafil, sildenafil and vardenafil. A total of 158 sexual enhancement supplements were collected and analyzed in the current study. The samples were screened using REVERSE-phase liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-MS/MS). Of all sexual enhancements, 12.7% (95% CI: 7.4–18) contained undeclared sildenafil, 3.8% (95% CI: 0.78–6.81) contained undeclared tadalafil and 1.9% (95% CI: 0.25–4.05) contained undeclared vardenafil. Of all sexual enhancement supplements, 13.9% (95% CI: 8.5–19.4) contained significant concentrations of sildenafil, tadalafil or vardenafil. While the study found relatively low levels of undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients in the sexual enhancement dietary supplements available on the UAE market, it is likely that patients with ED tend to consume multiple such supplements daily, thereby exposing themselves to highly elevated cumulative levels.

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