During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the years after, adolescents’ and young adults’ (AYAs) usage of social media increased. Social media has been shown to influence both the physical and mental behaviour of AYAs. The Emirates’ AYAs are among the world’s heaviest consumers of social media. This study aims to explore the usage of social media networks by AYAs for sharing and looking up health information, as well as interacting with local health systems, with a special focus on doctors and social media. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was used to collect comprehensive data from Arabic- and English-speaking Emirati students in grades 7 through 12 and university students between the months of December 2022 and April 2023. A total of 876 out of 930 responses were included. Of the responses, 27.71% were university students, with another 46.46% in grades 11 and 12. Three-fourths had a hospital or clinic visit in the last 6 months and 79.11% had good health perception. Smartphones were the most commonly used devices, at 92.12%. A total of 74.7% reported being able to obtain useful health information, with 40% having had a health decision influenced by it. Posting information on social media was not common, with only 32% posting such content (most commonly mood-related). Health information on social media by health authorities was considered the most trustworthy, with celebrities being the least trustworthy. More than half of AYAs searched for a physician before a visit, and the majority would not mind having a rash picture being posted on a public website if consent (verbal or written) was taken. Social media can influence the various health decisions an AYA might take and which doctors they might choose to see. Physicians should consider their presence and the content they present on social media carefully.

Background: Dyslipidemia and obesity are intricate interrelated conditions significantly impacting the onset and progression of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review explores the complex interaction between dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated blood lipid levels, and obesity, marked by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, elucidating their synergistic effects on metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. Methods: Epidemiological evidence linking dyslipidemia and obesity to NCD frequency and incidence worldwide is outlined. Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying dyslipidemia and obesity, including lipid metabolism, adipose tissue dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, are investigated. The relationships between dyslipidemia and obesity-related comorbidities such as atherosclerosis, fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance are explored, alongside lifestyle factors' impact on modifying these interactions. Results: The review delves into the influence of dietary macronutrient composition, micronutrient deficits, and gut microbiota on lipid metabolism, obesity, and metabolic health. Efficacy of lifestyle modifications, medications, and bariatric surgery in reducing NCD risk associated with dyslipidemia and obesity is assessed. Conclusion: Recognizing dyslipidemia and obesity as intertwined risk factors for NCDs underscores the importance of comprehensive risk assessment, early detection, and tailored therapies. Interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders is crucial for developing integrated strategies for NCD prevention and management. Emphasizing the need to address the interrelationship between dyslipidemia and obesity is paramount for advancing disease understanding and improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Keywords: Dyslipidemia, obesity, noncommunicable diseases, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, lifestyle interventions

A review on the association between celiac disease and cardiovascular events using multiple databases and random effects models is of interest. The overall prevalence of cardiovascular events in celiac patients was 9.3%. However, there was no significant increase in overall cardiovascular risk or myocardial infarction compared to the general population. Known data shows that celiac disease was linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke, congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Thus, there is a need to monitor cardiovascular health in celiac patients to mitigate potential risks.

Background: The management of diabetes poses challenges due to the array of available medications and the absence of comprehensive comparative trials. To address this, the Spanish Diabetes Society commissioned a Working Group to create a dynamic document tailored to national context. Objective: The document emphasizes individualized treatment decisions by healthcare providers, considering patient characteristics and treatment safety. Regular updates ensure alignment with evolving evidence and expert insights. Key Aspects: Goals of Control: Initial treatment typically involves lifestyle modifications and metformin. For patients with HbA1c above 8.5%, insulin therapy may be initiated, possibly in combination with oral medications. Stepwise adjustments and close monitoring are essential to optimize patient outcomes and minimize complications. Inertia Therapy: Monitoring metabolic control, tolerance to treatment, and associated complications are crucial after therapy initiation. Regular reassessment and adjustments are necessary to maintain optimal control. Staggered Therapeutic Approaches: Medication choice is influenced by factors such as HbA1c levels, risk of hypoglycemia, and patient characteristics. Various alternatives to metformin, including sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, glinides, thiazolidinediones, and basal insulin, are considered based on individual patient responses. Combination Therapies: Combinations of medications, such as metformin with sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, are explored for efficacy and safety. Insulin therapy is considered in cases of poor metabolic control or intolerance to oral medications. Treatment Algorithms: Algorithms guide the sequential addition of medications based on patient response, aiming to achieve optimal metabolic control while minimizing adverse effects. Conclusion: The comprehensive framework outlined in the document aims to guide clinicians in navigating the complexities of diabetes management. It emphasizes individualized treatment approaches tailored to patient needs and safety considerations, with regular updates to reflect evolving evidence and expert consensus.

Background: Bariatric surgery is a surgical intervention aimed at aiding patients in weight loss, primarily recommended for individuals with severe obesity who have failed to lose weight through conventional methods such as diet and exercise. While bariatric surgery is generally considered safe and effective, it is a complex treatment involving significant dietary and lifestyle modifications. However, there is a potential for adverse effects post-surgery, necessitating a thorough understanding of warning signs and risk factors. Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to identify warning signs and risk factors associated with adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) and the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs) database. Qualitative analysis of the retrieved data was performed to identify risk variables and warning signs. Results: The review identified several risk variables associated with adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery, including genetics, anxiety, excessive intake of sweets, psychological factors influencing eating behavior, disordered eating patterns, lack of control/disinhibition in eating, and postoperative stomach volume changes. Notably, rapid weight loss following surgery raised concerns regarding the potential development of biliary issues, which could lead to morbidity, readmission, reoperation, or other complications. Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the importance of recognizing warning signs and risk factors for adverse outcomes following bariatric surgery. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in monitoring patients postoperatively and implementing appropriate interventions to mitigate potential risks and optimize patient outcomes.

Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to immunosuppression and the impact of mTOR inhibitors on outcomes remains unclear. Hence, we evaluated 24 observational studies with 5,882 kidney transplant patients to assess the association of mTOR inhibitors with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Random-effects models showed that mTOR inhibitors were significantly associated with reduced mortality (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.48–0.83, P=0.001) but not with COVID-19 severity (OR=0.70, 95% CI 0.41–1.20, P=0.865). Thus, mTOR inhibitors may provide a survival benefit in kidney transplant patients with COVID-19, highlighting the need for further research.