Migraine is a neurological ailment that is characterized by severe throbbing unilateral headache and associated with nausea, photophobia, phonophobia and vomiting. A full and clear mechanism of the pathogenesis of migraine, though studied extensively, has not been established yet. The current available information indicates an intracranial network activation that culminates in the sensitization of the trigemino-vascular system, release of inflammatory markers, and initiation of meningeal-like inflammatory reaction that is sensed as headache. Genetic factors might play a significant role in deciding an individual's susceptibility to migraine. Twin studies have revealed that a single gene polymorphism can lead to migraine in individuals with a monogenic migraine disorder. In this review, we describe recent advancements in the genetics, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of migraine. We also discuss the potential roles of genetic and abnormal factors, including some of the metabolic triggering factors that result in migraine attacks. This review will help to accumulate current knowledge about migraine and understanding of its pathophysiology, and provides up-to-date prevention strategies.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to find out the association between mobile use and physiological parameters of poor sleep quality. It also aimed to find out the prevalence of mobile-related sleep risk factors (MRSRF) and their effects on sleep in mobile users. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1925 students (aged 17– 23yrs) from multiple Colleges of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The study tools used were Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and MRSRF online questionnaires. Results: The mean age (±SD) of participants was 19.91 ± 2.55 years. Average mobile screen usage time was 8.57± 4.59/24 hours, whereas average mobile screen usage time in the bed after the lights have been turned off was 38.17± 11.7 minutes. Only 19.7% of subjects used airplane mode, while 70% kept the mobile near the pillow while sleeping. The blue light filter feature was used by only 4.2% of the participants. “Screen usage time of ≥ 8 hours” was positively correlated with sleep disturbances and decrease in the length of actual sleeping time (p =0.023 and 0.022). “Using the mobile for at least 30 minutes (without blue light filter) after the lights have been turned off” showed positive correlation with poor sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances and increased sleep latency (p= 0.003, 0.004 and 0.001). “Keeping the mobile near the pillow while sleeping” was also positively correlated with daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances and increased sleep latency (p =0.003, 0.004 and 0.001). Conclusion: This study concludes that using mobile screen ≥ 8 hours/24 hours, using the mobile for at least 30 minutes before sleeping after the lights have been turned off and keeping the mobile near the pillow are positively associated with poor sleep quality. Moreover, we observed that MRSRF were highly prevalent amongst the mobile users.

Background: The sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia on pulmonary function and airways inflammation are still an area of active research. Objective: This research aimed to explore the long-term impact of COVID-19 pneumonia on the lung function after three months from recovery. Methods: Fifty subjects (age 18– 60 years) were recruited and classified into two groups: the control group (30 subjects) and the post-COVID-19 pneumonia group (20 patients). Pulmonary function tests, spirometry, body plethysmography [lung volumes and airway resistance (R_aw)], diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DL_CO), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), were measured after at least 3 months post-recovery. Results: Significant reduction in total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV₁), FEV₁/FEV, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL_CO) was observed in post-COVID-19 subjects compared to controls. Restrictive lung impairment was observed in 50% of post-COVID-19 cases (n = 10) compared to 20% in the control group (n = 6, P = 0.026). In addition, mild diffusion defect was detected in 35% (n = 7) of the post-COVID-19 group compared to 23.3% (n = 7) in the controls (P = 0.012). Conclusion: COVID-19 pneumonia has an impact on the lung functions in terms of restrictive lung impairment and mild diffusion defect after three months from recovery. Therefore, a long-term follow-up of the lung function in post-COVID-19 survivors is recommended.

ObjectivesDiets rich in Fruits and Vegetables (F&V) are associated with reduced risk of various chronic illnesses. Although World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consumption of at least five portions of F&V a day, very few follow this advice. This study has been designed to assess F&V consumption and factors affecting its usage among students of a Saudi university.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Dammam in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the academic year 2012–2013. A total of 367 university students were randomly selected. F&V consumption was assessed using a questionnaire containing predictive parameters about the frequency and type of food consumption. The association of F&V consumption with various potential determinants was calculated using Chi-square test.ResultsThe study included 223 (60.76%) male and 144 (39.23%) female participants. The mean age was 22.40 ± 1.83 while the mean BMI was 23.9 ± 4.79. Consumption of F&V was not at par with the WHO recommended consumption level of 84.47%. Gender and BMI were not found to be significantly associated with F&V consumption. Living with the family, planning daily menu by themselves, awareness of WHO recommendations about F&V consumption, fitness consciousness and regular exercise were significantly associated with moderate or high F&V consumption (p < 0.001).ConclusionsF&V consumption in the students of university of Dammam is far less than the WHO recommended level. There is a dire need to educate Saudi youth about the importance of F&V in their diet for a healthier life

Artificial sweeteners (ASs) are popular for their characteristic property of providing sweetness with few or no calories. They are frequently consumed to minimize energy intake and to combat obesity and its related adverse health effects. However, since their introduction, concerns have been raised regarding their safety. Extensive research has designed a number of studies to evaluate potential adverse effects, the top among them being interference with glucose homeostasis. Numerous studies have tried to prove that AS may contribute to the development of metabolic diseases including obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The matter remains controversial and a favorite topic of research. The purpose of this review was to identify and discuss the published articles that have examined the effects of AS consumption on glucose homeostasis and its association with T2D and obesity. It was observed that studies have failed to present concrete evidence to establish a link between AS consumption and glucose homeostasis, obesity, or T2D. Most studies have flaws in the study design resulting in haphazard claims with no follow-up studies to confirm reliability. It is concluded that while it is not possible to claim that ASs are metabolically inert, at the moment the haphazard evidence is not enough to link their use with glucose metabolism, obesity or T2D. There is a need to design cohort and case–control studies with reliable sample sizes to establish a cause–effect relationship or to exclude claims of safety problems.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Consumption of energy drinks has adverse effects on the heart that might be potentiated in obese individuals. Since the incidence of obesity and use of energy drinks is h...