Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains one of the most debilitating neurodegenerative disorders, with its pathological hallmark being progressive cognitive decline and memory loss. Recent research has illuminated the crucial role of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the central nervous system (CNS), highlighting its impact on neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and neuronal survival. Dysregulation of the BDNF signaling axis, particularly the imbalance between its precursor form and mature BDNF, is strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of AD. This review explores the molecular mechanisms through which BDNF modulates AD neuropathology and presents novel therapeutic strategies to activate BDNF signaling. We focus on the potential of BDNF activators, such as TrkB agonists and mimetic molecules, to restore synaptic function and ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD. Furthermore, we examine the challenges in translating these findings into clinical practice, including issues with blood–brain barrier penetration and the need for precise receptor targeting. The review emphasizes the therapeutic potential of repurposed drugs, including statins and metformin, in enhancing BDNF signaling and offers new insights into the future of AD treatment. Ultimately, this work provides a compelling argument for BDNF-based therapies as a promising avenue for mitigating the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease, signaling a hopeful direction for future research and clinical trials.

Humanin (HN) is an endogenous micropeptide also known as a mitochondria-derived peptide. It has a neuroprotective effect against Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases by improving hippocampal acetylcholine and attenuating the development of oxidative stress and associated neurotoxicity. HN protects the neuron from the toxic effects of amyloid beta (Aβ). HN is regarded as a biomarker of mitochondrial stress. Interestingly, aging reduces brain expression of HN, leading to cognitive impairment and elevating the risk of neurodegeneration, including AD. However, in old subjects and AD patients, circulating HN levels increase as a compensatory mechanism to reduce neurodegeneration and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD. Conversely, other studies demonstrated a reduction in circulating HN levels in AD. These findings indicated controversial points regarding the precise mechanistic role of HN in AD. Therefore, the aim of this review was to discuss the exact role of HN in AD neuropathology and also to discuss the molecular mechanisms of HN in AD.

Team-based learning (TBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) are two effective educational approaches used in medical education for increasing knowledge acquisition, learning motivation, and collaborative and communication skills among students. Few studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia to evaluate medical students’ perceptions of these approaches. The present study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of current or previous preclinical students at the College of Medicine, Najran University (NU) about the effectiveness of PBL and TBL and to assess students’ perceptions regarding the strengths and limitations of both educational approaches and their preferences. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 106 preclinical students at NU, Saudi Arabia. The survey questionnaire was validated by a pilot study and designed based on Kirkpatrick’s evaluation model. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the collected data through IBM SPSS Statistics 2.0. 73.6% of participants enjoyed PBL and found it motivating compared to TBL and classic lectures. PBL was reported as more effective for knowledge acquisition (50%), teamwork (62.3%), and high academic performance (58%). It is concluded that PBL was more favored by the students regarding the learning outcomes. TBL was reported to need more individual preparation and effort and require lecturer involvement, suggesting the need for structured facilitation in this learning approach and potentially indicating the challenges associated with coordinating team-based activities.

There has been a notable increase in rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is an invasive fungal infection with a fatal outcome. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for early diagnosis of ROCM and assists in the proper management of these cases. This study aimed to describe the characteristic MRI findings of ROCM in post-COVID-19 patients to help in the early diagnosis and management of these patients. This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at a single hospital and included 52 patients with COVID-19 and a histopathologically proven ROCM infection who were referred for an MRI of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) due to sino-orbital manifestations. Two radiologists reviewed all the MR images in consensus. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination. The maxillary sinus was the most commonly affected PNS (96.2%). In most patients (57.7%), multiple sinuses were involved with the black turbinate sign on postcontrast images. Extrasinus was evident in 43 patients with orbital involvement. The pterygopalatine fossa was involved in four patients. Three patients had cavernous sinus extension, two had pachymeningeal enhancement, and one had epidural collection. The alveolar margin was affected in two patients, and five patients had an extension to the cheek. The awareness of radiologists by the characteristic MRI features of ROCM in post-COVID-19 patients helps in early detection, early proper management, and prevention of morbid complications.

Objectives: To assess the cytological pattern of thyroid lesions in Najran, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective study, from the period of January 2015 to December 2019. All patients with thyroid enlargement who were presented to different hospitals in Najran and assessed by fine needle aspiration cytology were included in this study. Results: Of 1353 cases, 1138 (84.1%) were female and 215 (15.9%) were male. Most of the thyroid lesions were benign (72.5%) including follicular nodules (39.5%), Hashimoto’s disease (21.2%), and colloid nodules (11.8%). There were 107 (7.9%)cases of suspicious malignancy, and the most common malignant tumor was papillary carcinoma (10.2%). The 2^nd age group (21-40 years) was the common age to be diagnosed with malignant tumors, particularly in males. The 3^rd age group (41-60 years) was most affected by thyroid lesions, particularly in females. Conclusion: Most of thyroid lesions in Najran were benign, and females were more affected by thyroid lesions than males. However, papillary carcinoma was the 4^th most frequent thyroid lesion in females, while it was the 2^nd most frequent in males and diagnosed mainly in younger males (21-40 years). Finally, ages 21-60 years were associated with most of the thyroid lesions in both males and females.