Carbapenem resistance in Enterobacterales: Predicting clinical outcomes in bloodstream infections.

Purpose: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are a global concern due to their high mortality rates and limited therapeutics. CRE-caused bloodstream infections (BSIs) are challenging to manage, especially in healthcare settings. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of mortality in BSI patients caused by CRE.

Economic Burden of Sickle Cell Disease in Saudi Arabia.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the direct and indirect costs of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: Data were collected from 217 participants aged ≥18 years in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, using a prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach. The Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Medical Consumption Questionnaire and Institute for Medical Technology Assessment Productivity Cost Questionnaire were used to assess costs.

Comparison of Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Around Zirconia and Titanium Abutments in the Aesthetic Zone: A Narrative Review.

This narrative review compares the peri-implant soft tissue responses around zirconia and titanium abutments in the aesthetic zone, emphasizing their mechanical, biological, and aesthetic properties. Titanium abutments, known for their excellent mechanical strength and fatigue resistance, have traditionally been the standard in dental restorations but face challenges in aesthetic integration due to their metallic appearance and potential for higher inflammatory responses. Zirconia abutments, emerging as a promising alternative, offer superior aesthetic outcomes, reduced plaque accumulation, and lower inflammatory responses, making them ideal for use in visible areas with thin soft tissue biotypes.

The impact of Streptococcus mutans biofilms on the color stability and topographical features of three lithium disilicate ceramics.

Purpose: Secondary caries around ceramic restorations is the most common reason for the replacement of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Therefore, it is important to examine the susceptibility of different ceramic materials to biofilm formation. This study aimed to evaluate biofilm development and associated roughness and color alterations in three lithium disilicate ceramics: Emax CAD (EC), Emax Press (EP), and LiSi Press (LP).

Impact of combining dental composite brushes with modeling resins on the color stability and topographic features of composites.

This study explores the effect of using dental brushes with or without metacrylate-based modeling resins on long-term color stability and surface topographies of resin-based composites. This study examined the effects of two variables: (1) the type of brush used (Art brush, Micro-brush, or Mylar strip) and (2) the application of a modeling resin (applied or not applied). The specimens were artificially aged through 10,000 cycles of thermocycling and subsequently immersed in coffee for 30 days.

Anatomical study of variations in the configurations of the circle of Willis in relation to age, sex, and diameters of the components.

The circle of Willis (COW) refers to the anastomotic arterial network found on the brain base, tasked with provision of collateral circulation aimed at prevention of ischemia. The COW is of immense clinical importance especially with regard to the assessment of neurovascular diseases. Individuals portray significant variations in the COW's anatomical configuration.

Synthesis of Graphene@C3N4-Cu Beads Nanocomposites and their Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Fungi.

Background: Increased intake of drugs worldwide and the subsequent advent of resistance to existing antibiotics have globally threatened health organizations. To combat the problem of these drug-resistant infections, as an alternative approach, graphene (GN)-related nanomaterials have attracted significant interest because of their effective anti-microbial potential. The present study shows the synthesis and characterization of nanocomposite of GN with carbon nitride viz.

Augmented reality books: in-depth insights into children's reading engagement.

Children's reading engagement is associated with the quality of their reading experiences and outcomes; however, research to date has only examined children's reading engagement within the context of traditional print books or digital texts. Augmented Reality represents a hybrid reading experience, where traditional paper books are augmented with digital features (e.g.

A Comparative Study on the Antidiabetic Activity, Cytotoxicity and Lipid Profile of Oils.

The plant is traditionally used for medicinal and food purposes. However, there are limited studies on the bioactivity and cytotoxicity of its seed butter and aril oil. This study aimed to assess the antidiabetic activity and cytotoxicity of seed butter and aril oil, obtained via two different extraction methods, and compare their lipid profiles.

Network Pharmacology Identifies Intersection Genes of Apigenin and Naringenin in Down Syndrome as Potential Therapeutic Targets.

Down Syndrome (DS), characterized by trisomy of chromosome 21, leads to the overexpression of several genes contributing to various pathologies, including cognitive deficits and early-onset Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to identify the intersection genes of two polyphenolic compounds, apigenin and naringenin, and their potential therapeutic targets in DS using network pharmacology. Key proteins implicated in DS, comprising DYRK1A, APP, CBS, and ETS2, were selected for molecular docking and dynamics simulations to assess the binding affinities and stability of the protein-ligand interactions.

Analytical Methods for the Determination of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in Solid and Liquid Environmental Matrices: A Review.

Among the various compounds regarded as emerging contaminants (ECs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are of particular concern. Their continuous release into the environment has a negative global impact on human life. This review summarizes the sources, occurrence, persistence, consequences of exposure, and toxicity of PPCPs, and evaluates the various analytical methods used in the identification and quantification of PPCPs in a variety of solid and liquid environmental matrices.

Automated Fibrosis-4 Index: Simplifying Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease for Diabetologists.

: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (55%) and are at increased risk for developing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, a severe form of NAFLD. Early detection of advanced fibrosis in patients with T2D and NAFLD is crucial and can prevent progression to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, screening for liver disease and risk-stratification pathways are not established in patients with T2D.

Metabolites from Marine Macroorganisms of the Red Sea Acting as Promoters or Inhibitors of Amylin Aggregation.

Amylin is part of the endocrine pancreatic system that contributes to glycemic control, regulating blood glucose levels. However, human amylin has a high tendency to aggregate, forming isolated amylin deposits that are observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In search of new inhibitors of amylin aggregation, we undertook the chemical analyses of five marine macroorganisms encountered in high populations in the Red Sea and selected a panel of 10 metabolites belonging to different chemical classes to evaluate their ability to inhibit the formation of amyloid deposits in the human amylin peptide.

Safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of transconjunctival intrascleral fixation of an intraocular lens.

Background: Implantation of intraocular lens in the capsular bag has become the standard of care in aphakic state. However, in the absence of capsular support, several techniques and intraocular lenses are available. Our study aims to report the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of transconjunctival intrascleral intraocular lens fixation with Yamane's double-needle technique and flanged haptics.

Ketamine analgo-sedation for mechanically ventilated critically ill adults: A rapid practice guideline from the Saudi Critical Care Society and the Scandinavian Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine.

Background: This Rapid Practice Guideline (RPG) aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for ketamine analgo-sedation (monotherapy and adjunct) versus non-ketamine sedatives or usual care in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients on invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV) and to identify knowledge gaps for future research.

Methods: The RPG panel comprised 23 multinational multidisciplinary panelists, including a patient representative. An up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis constituted the evidence base.

Acute Vascular Complications of VA-ECMO in COVID-19 Patients. Does COVID-19 Affect the Outcome?

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) through the femoral artery and vein can lead to significant vascular complications. We retrospectively studied the acute vascular complications of Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID patients during the period from January 2020 to July 2023.

Results: Seventy-eight patients underwent VA-ECMO for various indications from January 2020 to July 2023.

Engaging vs. Non-Engaging Abutments: An In Vitro Study Evaluating Changes in Microgap and Screw Morphology.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the microgap size between engaging (E) and non-engaging (NE) abutments and screw morphology changes between E and NE abutments using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after cyclic loading (CL).

Methods: Thirty-six implants were arranged into four groups as follows: Group 1, single units with E abutments; Group 2, single units with NE abutments; Group 3, three-unit fixed partial dentures with a hemi-engaging design; and Group 4, three-unit FPDs with two NE abutments. The microgap was evaluated using a stereomicroscope.

A Retrospective Study: Evaluating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Inflammatory Markers in Hospitalized Patients.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact globally, and understanding the relationship between inflammatory markers and disease progression is crucial for effective management. This retrospective study aimed to examine the association between various inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, ferritin, and procalcitonin (PCT), and the characteristics of disease progression and outcomes in individuals affected by COVID-19.

Methods: This study collected raw data from 470 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR.

Efficacy of selected pesticides on Citrus Brown Mite, Eutetranychus orientalis (Acari: Tetranychidae) and the side effects on three predatory mites under citrus orchard conditions.

The present study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of two sprays of seven pesticides at recommended dose on citrus brown mite, Eutetranychus orientalis and the side effects on their predatory mites, Euseius scutalis, Amblyseius swirskii, Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) under field conditions at 2022 & 2023 seasons. The obtained results show that, all tested pesticides achieved high reduction % of E. orientalis ranged between (82.