Apolipoprotein E polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia among Saudis.

Introduction: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes influence the phenotype of several neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson disease and may affect schizophrenia pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to determine the association between APOE gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia in the Saudi population.

Material And Methods: APOE allele and genotype frequencies were studied in 380 Saudi subjects including schizophrenia patients and matched controls using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse-hybridization techniques.

A review of hepatoprotective plants used in saudi traditional medicine.

Liver disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality across the world. According to WHO estimates, about 500 million people are living with chronic hepatitis infections resulting in the death of over one million people annually. Medicinal plants serve as a vital source of potentially useful new compounds for the development of effective therapy to combat liver problems.

Genetic Variants of Interleukin-10 Gene Promoter are Associated with Schizophrenia in Saudi Patients: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene is considered as a potential candidate gene in schizophrenia association studies. The polymorphisms on IL-10 gene have been reported to be linked with susceptibility to the development of schizophrenia within consistent results.

Aims: The aim of this case-control study was to examine whether the -1082A/G, -819T/C, and -592A/C polymorphisms in IL-10 gene are implicated in schizophrenia development in the Saudi population.

Pattern of use and impact of patient sitters on the quality of healthcare in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To assess the pattern of use and impact of patient sitters on the quality of healthcare in Taif Armed Forces Hospital, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Armed Forces Hospital, Taif Region, KSA from 1st January to 30th March 2008. The study included 203 admitted patients, 125 patient sitters, and 213 physicians and nurses.

Community-based screening for pre-hypertension among military active duty personnel.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of both pre-hypertension and hypertension, and risk factors associated with the newly diagnosed Saudi military active duty personnel.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional screening of 1238 Saudi military active duty service personnel was conducted during the period from September to December 2007 at the military units of Taif region, western Saudi Arabia. Screening tools included self-administrated questionnaire, general physical examination, anthropometric measurements, and assessment of blood pressure.

Attitude, awareness and practice of evidence based medicine among consultant physicians in Western region of Saudi Arabia.

Objective: To assess the awareness, attitude and practice of evidence base medicine (EBM) among Al-Taif Consultant Physicians and to define the perceived barriers for practicing EBM.

Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted during December, 2004, at all governmental hospitals in Western region of Saudi Arabia at Al-Taif Governorate. Two hundred and eight self administrated questionnaires had been distributed to all consultant physicians in different specialties who met the inclusions criteria for this study.

Epidemiologic study of nosocomial urinary tract infections in Saudi military hospitals.

A case-control study of patients with and without confirmed UTI was performed to identify risk factors for nosocomial UTI. Duration of hospitalization, unit of admission, history of diabetes mellitus or debilitating diseases, and duration and number of urinary catheters were independently associated with increased risk of nosocomial UTIs.

Emotional and behavioral problems among male Saudi schoolchildren and adolescents.

Objective: Determination of the prevalence rate of emotional or behavioral problems, or both, among male Saudi schoolchildren and identifying the possible risk factors behind these problems.

Methods: The study was conducted from March-May, 2003 and included all male schoolchildren of Al-Abnae schools specialized for the sons of the employees of the Saudi Ministry of Defense (military and civilians) in Taif Governorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (total number 1416 students). It was conducted through 2 phases: A screening phase (using the Child Behavior Checklist "Parent`s form") for all schoolchildren and adolescents included in the study through a cross-sectional approach to assess their emotional and behavioral problems, and a case-control phase to study risk factors.

Nosocomial urinary tract infection. Risk factors, rates and trends.

Objective: This report aims at both estimation of the rates of overall nosocomial and urinary tract infection (UTI) and their linear trends as well as studying the potential risk factors of patients admitted to Al-Hada, Rehab and Prince Sultan military hospitals and developed nosocomial UTIs (NUTIs).

Methods: A case-control study on 206 discharged patients with confirmed UTI and 618 controls without UTI was carried out between August 2001 through to July 2003 to study risk factors for nosocomial UTI as well as hospital records during the period (1998-2002) were reviewed for calculation of the overall annual nosocomial infection and nosocomial UTI rates.

Results: Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that duration of hospital stay, unit of admission, history of diabetes mellitus or debilitating diseases, and duration and number of urinary catheters were independently associated with increased risk of NUTIs.