Obsessive-compulsive Symptoms Prevalence among Medical Students in Four Major Universities, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 most disabling disorders globally. Characterized by recurrent and persistent thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions), it significantly disrupts an individual's daily life, impacting routine, education, career development, and social relationships. The disorder's prevalence varies worldwide, with studies in Saudi Arabia showing a higher rate of obsessive-compulsive symptoms among medical students.

Harnessing miRNAs: A Novel Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) complex, responsible for tuberculosis (TB) infection, continues to be a predominant global cause of mortality due to intricate host-pathogen interactions that affect disease progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), essential posttranscriptional regulators, have become pivotal modulators of these relationships. Recent findings indicate that miRNAs actively regulate immunological responses to Mtb complex by modulating autophagy, apoptosis, and immune cell activities.

Highly porous activated carbon derived from the papaya plant (stems and leaves) for superior adsorption of alizarin red s and methylene blue dyes from wastewater.

In this study, stems and leaves of the papaya plant were employed to prepare a high-quality porous adsorbent carbonization and chemical activation using phosphoric acid. This adsorbent demonstrates superior adsorption capabilities for the efficient removal of hazardous alizarin red s (ARS) and methylene blue (MB) dyes. Thus, it contributes to waste reduction and promotes sustainable practices in environmental remediation, aligning with global efforts to develop sustainable materials that address water pollution while supporting circular economy principles.

Unraveling the threads of depressive symptoms: Enhancing predictions of depression among university junior students.

Background: The mental burden faced by university students in their early years is not frequently reported in the literature.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and predictors of depression among preparatory (first) year university students using a predictive test developed from general health and well-being questionnaires.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia from March 2023 to June 2023.

Enhancing Patient Safety: The Role of Interdisciplinary Teams in Reducing Blood Culture Contamination.

Background: Blood cultures are vital to diagnostic workups among many hospitalized patients, providing valuable information about bloodstream infections (BSIs), which cause roughly 250 000 deaths annually between North America and Europe. Despite advances in health care, blood culture contamination remains a substantial problem, with deleterious effects on patient mortality, patient and hospital costs, and microbial resistance. This article reviews the repercussions of blood culture contamination on the health care system and delineates evidence-based strategies to decrease contamination rates.