These attributes are essential in research environments where complex and dynamic challenges frequently arise. In this study, the aim is to explore and establish whether a correlation exists between cognitive flexibility and research performance, especially in the medical students, in order to fill the deficit, if any, as well as understand the status of research teaching. We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study with medical students from the College of Medicine at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We requested the subjects to participate in an online questionnaire consisting of four question sections. They included demographic information, a Cognitive Flexibility Scale, knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to performing medical research. The survey received responses from 303 medical students. We judged cognitive flexibility highest in the willingness to shift to possible alternatives and lowest in the use of acquired knowledge in practical contexts. The students were aware of and had a positive attitude towards research, although only 19.5% of them had actually published. Some of the barriers included inadequate time and challenges with follow-up care for patients. It was established that there was a weak negative relationship between the scores of perceived barriers and the Cognitive Flexibility score (r = -0.217, P < 0.001). The study has concluded that students with higher cognitive flexibility cope with the barriers better and, therefore, are likely to be in a better state of well-being. This suggests that the medical education system should include techniques like problem-based learning. Meanwhile, research efforts should aim to test more specific and accountable methods for enhancing cognitive flexibility, as well as their impact on learning and clinical practice. Not applicable.

Background: The last two decades have witnessed a burgeoning rise in the prevalence of diabetes globally. It has already reached epidemic proportions in Saudi Arabia, with reported high risk among women. As a result, diabetes monitoring and self-management programs are being highly prioritized for diabetes control and management. Objective: To investigate measuring and sharing practices of the self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes using insulin. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 203 patients attending primary care clinics at a tertiary care center. The questionnaire assessed the measuring, recording, and sharing of SMBG practices of patients having diabetes with their physicians. The methods used for recording and sharing were categorized into paper-based and electronic-based. In addition, the determinants of the different methods used and frequency of sharing were analyzed. Results: The overall monitoring prevalence was 95% (193/203), and 57% (117/203) of participants shared the SMBG results. Among the 193 individuals that performed self-monitoring, 138 (72%) performed daily monitoring, and 147 (76%) recorded their blood sugar levels. Almost 55% (81/147) used paper-based materials like notebooks and paper for recording, while the rest (66/147, 45%) used digital devices like laptops and smartphones. A shift towards the use of digital devices and smart applications was observed in patients below 50 years of age. The digitally recorded blood glucose measurements were being shared thrice more often than the recordings made on paper or in notebooks (OR [odds ratio] 2.8; P=.01). Patients >50 years of age (OR 2.3; P=.02), with lesser formal education, married (OR 4.2; P<.001), with smaller family size (OR 2.6; P=.01), having type 2 diabetes (OR 4.1; P<.001) and any comorbid conditions (OR 2.6; P=.01) were associated with higher odds of using paper-based sharing methods. Only the female gender and type 2 diabetes were associated with increased frequency of sharing, while uncontrolled diabetes, the presence of other comorbidities, and duration of diabetes did not show any influence. Conclusions: Good monitoring and optimal sharing practices were found. Sharing using electronic devices can be emphasized. Diabetes self-management programs can incorporate the use of digital technology in training sessions. Digital literacy and its applications in health care may enhance SMBG practices resulting in better diabetes control.

Clostridium histolyticum is a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium belonging to the Clostridium genus. It produces collagenase, an enzyme involved in breaking down collagen which is a key component of connective tissues. However, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a great challenge in combating infections caused by this bacteria. The lengthy nature of traditional drug development techniques has resulted in a shift to computer-aided drug design and other modern drug discovery approaches. The above method offers a cost-effective means for gathering comprehensive information about how ligands interact with their target proteins. The objective of this study is to create novel, explicit drugs that specifically inhibit the C. histolyticum collagenase enzyme. Through structure-based virtual screening, a library containing 1830 compounds was screened to identify potential drug candidates against collagenase enzymes. Following that, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was performed in an aqueous solution to evaluate the behavior of protein and ligand in a dynamic environment while density functional theory (DFT) analysis was executed to predict the molecular properties and structure of lead compounds, and the WaterSwap technique was utilized to obtain insights into the drug–protein interaction with water molecules. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to reveal conformational changes, salt bridges to express electrostatic interaction and protein stability, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) to assess the pharmacokinetics profile of top compounds and control molecules. Three potent drug candidates were identified MSID000001, MSID000002, MSID000003, and the control with a binding score of −10.7 kcal/mol, −9.8 kcal/mol, −9.5 kcal/mol, and −8 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MMPBSA) analysis of the simulation trajectories revealed energy scores of −79.54 kcal/mol, −73.99 kcal/mol, −62.26 kcal/mol, and −70.66 kcal/mol, correspondingly. The pharmacokinetics properties exhibited were under the acceptable range. The compounds hold the potential to be novel drugs; therefore, further investigation needs to be conducted to find out their anti-collagenase action against C. histolyticum infections and antibiotic resistance.

Background/Objectives: Herpes zoster (HZ) poses a substantial risk to adults aged ≥ 50, particularly those with chronic disease, and may lead to postherpetic neuralgia. Following Saudi Arabia’s introduction of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), we assessed the RZV’s uptake among adults ≥ 50 and their willingness to receive it and examined how knowledge and attitudes influenced these outcomes. Methods: In 2024, we conducted a cross-sectional, interview-based study in the outpatient clinics of a Riyadh tertiary hospital using a structured questionnaire adapted from the literature to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HZ and RZV. Results: Among 333 participants, HZ vaccine uptake was low (12%). Among the unvaccinated, 45.7% (134/293) were willing to be vaccinated, and knowledge of HZ and RZV was low (mean: 3.84/14). Uptake was most strongly associated with physician recommendation (OR: 7.5; 95% CI: 2.79–20.11), followed by greater knowledge (OR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.19–1.67). Willingness was best predicted by higher attitude scores (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.12–1.48). The most reported barrier was low perceived risk (27%; n = 79). Conclusions: Uptake among adults aged ≥50 with chronic disease was low due to poor knowledge and low perceived risk, yet many were willing to be vaccinated. Enhancing physician–patient counseling and targeted campaigns addressing HZ risk and RZV misconceptions could increase uptake.

Background/aim: Medical students often face intense pressure to excel, which can lead to imposterism, characterized by persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as inadequate, alongside high levels of perfectionism. This study aims to assess the prevalence of imposterism and perfectionism among medical students in Saudi Arabia and explore their potential implications for student well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between October and December 2024 among female medical students in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via an online survey, which included demographic questions, the validated Arabic versions of the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (Ar-CIPS), the short form of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS-SF), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Results: A total of 265 medical students (mean age 20.96 ± 1.44 years) participated. Most reported a monthly income of less than 2000 SR, and the majority had a GPA above 4.5. A 74.3% expressed moderate impostor experiences. The BTPS-SF revealed the highest scores in self-critical perfectionism, followed by narcissistic and rigid perfectionism. Higher impostor scores were significantly associated with greater perfectionism and lower self-efficacy (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, BTPS-SF scores positively predicted CIPS scores (β = 0.52, p < 0.001), whereas GSE scores predicted lower CIPS scores (β = −0.47, p = 0.001). Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of impostor phenomenon and perfectionism among female medical students, with self-critical perfectionism being the most prominent. Imposterism was significantly associated with higher perfectionism and lower self-efficacy.

Background Polypharmacy is common among older adults and increases the risk of inappropriate medication use and adverse outcomes. Deprescribing is a potential strategy to optimize treatment. This study evaluated family physicians’ confidence and perceived barriers toward deprescribing in primary care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey from January 1 to December 31, 2024, among family physicians working in Riyadh primary care centers. Physicians with < 6 months of experience were excluded. Data were collected using paper-based or electronic questionnaires. Descriptive statistics summarized responses. Group comparisons used chi-square, Student’s t-test, and one-way ANOVA, as appropriate. Associations between confidence and attitude/barrier items were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) with two-sided p-values (< 0.05 considered significant). A total of 321 physicians were included, representing 83.6% of the planned sample (321/384). Results Overall, 64.2% of physicians reported confidence in deprescribing, but only 28.0% reported deprescribing at least weekly. Commonly reported barriers included lack of solid evidence, time constraints, and concern about withdrawal effects. Confidence was positively associated with support for deprescribing preventive medications in patients with limited life expectancy (r = 0.259, p < 0.001), willingness to deprescribe medications initiated by another physician (r = 0.508, p < 0.001), and perceived ease of motivating patients/caregivers (r = 0.506, p < 0.001). Conclusion Family physicians in Riyadh reported substantial confidence in deprescribing, yet regular implementation was limited, indicating a confidence–practice gap. Addressing key barriers through practical guidance, workflow support, and targeted training may improve deprescribing uptake and medication safety for older adults.