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Defensin Alpha 4 (DEFA4) is the fourth member of the Alpha Defensins family known as a part of antimicrobial peptides in the innate immune system. DEFA4 has a strong preference to kill Gram-negative bacteria more than Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, DEFA4 exhibits antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in vitro. Moreover, DEFA4 can act as an inhibitor of corticosterone production (Corticostatin). On the other hand, alternations in DEFA4 gene expression have been reported in different disorders such as diseases related to inflammation and immunity dysfunction, brain-related disorders, and various cancers. The up-regulation of DEFA4 appears to be involved in the malignant transformation or aggressive form of cancer. Interestingly, the modified version of DEFA4 fragment (1–11) was potent and efficient against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review provides a general background abSaudi Arabia out DEFA4 and sheds light on changes in DEFA4 gene expression in different diseases. The paper also discusses other aspects related to DEFA4 as an antimicrobial and antiviral agent. The research was conducted based on available articles obtained from databases starting from 1988 to the present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of needle phobia among Saudi and Egyptian adult populations. In addition, underlying causes and strategies that can be utilized to address needle fear were investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey study was conducted in Saudi Arabia and Egypt between 1 May and 30 June 2023. Participants aged 18 years and above and living in Saudi Arabia and Egypt were eligible to complete the survey. Participants were invited to participate in this study through social media platforms (Facebook, X, Snapchat, and Instagram). A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A 21-item questionnaire consisting of four sections including a Likert scale score was used to answer the research objectives. Numeric data were presented as mean ± SD. For categorical variables, percentages were used. Comparison between groups were made by Student's t-test or Mann Whitney test according to data distribution. Chi squared tests for categorical values were conducted. A binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with needle phobia. Results: A total of 4065 participants were involved in this study (Saudi Arabia: 2628 and Egypt: 1437). Around one-third of the study participants (36.5%) confirmed that they have needle phobia. Most of the study participants (81.1%) reported that they have had needle phobia since they were under 18 years of age. Pain, general anxiety, and fear of making a mistake during the procedure were the most commonly reported contributors for fear of needles during or before a medical procedure. Around 15.8% of the study participants reported that they have tried to get rid of phobia from needles. Non-surgical alternatives (such as oral medications and patches) and using smaller/thinner needles were the most commonly reported interventions that reduced fear of needles. Binary logistic regression analysis identified that females, those who are aged (41–50 years), widowed, those with bachelor's degrees and higher education, and those unemployed were more likely to have needle phobia compared to others. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the high prevalence of needle fear within an adult population in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Females, those who are aged (41–50 years), those widowed, those with higher education degrees, those unemployed, those working in the health sector and people with low income were more likely to have needle phobia compared to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

T1D is an autoimmune illness characterized by the death of pancreatic beta cells by the immune system, which results in a reduction in, or full stoppage of, insulin synthesis and secretion, necessitating the need for exogenous insulin for life. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication that can arise before T1DM is diagnosed. DKA has been linked to several negative consequences. Cerebral edema is still the most prevalent cause of death in children with DKA. DKA is prevalent when a juvenile is diagnosed with diabetes, with children being the most vulnerable, presumably because diabetes symptoms are more likely to go unnoticed in younger children. In this study, we aim to: report on previous literature on the incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus that was carried out in Saudi Arabia. PubMed database and EBSCO Information Services were used for article selection. All relevant articles to our review with the topics regarding ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus and other articles have been used. We excluded other articles which are not related to this field. The data will be extracted according to a specific form in which it is going to be reviewed by the group members. In conclusion, studies reported variably different prevalences of DKA in Saudi Arabia. Compared to previous literature, DKA is assembling a common catastrophic complication among diabetic Saudi patients. Public awareness campaigns are needed to keep the public informed of the possible dangers of this case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]