Prevalence and Factors Associated With Hepatitis C Virus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Large Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Viral hepatitis stands accountable for approximately 1.34 million deaths worldwide, with the number of fatalities steadily growing with time. This is partly due to the various genotypes of hepatitis C virus and having no vaccination developed yet.

Comparing the efficacy and safety of bridging therapy vs. monotherapy in patients with minor stroke: a meta-analysis.

The two main therapeutic approaches for stroke treatment are endovascular thrombectomy, which involves mechanically removing the thrombus, and bridging therapy, which uses intravenous thrombolytics (IVT) prior to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). This study aimed to compare monotherapy (EVT or IVT alone) with bridging therapy (IVT+EVT) in terms of efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with minor ischemic stroke. After a thorough screening, eight studies were included for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis, comprising a total of 3,117 patients across the treatment arms.

Effectiveness of betahistine as an add-on therapy to epley maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Epley maneuver is the most effective treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Betahistine has been shown to be effective in treating BPPV. This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of Epley maneuver with betahistine to Epley maneuver alone in reducing residual dizziness in BPPV.

Whole-genome transcriptomic profiling reveals distinct sex-specific responses to heat stroke.

Heat-related mortality remains health challenges exacerbated by climate change, with sex-based differences in outcomes, yet underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study examined transcriptomic responses to heat exposure in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 19 heat stroke patients (8 males, mean age 64.8 ± 6.

Evaluation of direct oral anticoagulant continuation versus switching to a parenteral anticoagulant in critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are widely used as first-line agents in various clinical settings. However, there is very little evidence regarding their use in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), given the gap in the literature regarding their safety in this population and the concerns of bleeding and alterations in pharmacokinetics. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prescribing pattern and safety of DOAC use in critically ill patients.

Comparing Ultrasound, Chest X-Ray, and CT Scan for Pneumonia Detection.

Background: The clinical methods of diagnosing pneumonia have been for many years chest X-rays (CXR) and computed tomography (CT) scans. However, a relatively new modality that is promising, efficient, and cheap is the lung ultrasound (LUS). The scope of this systematic review focuses on evaluating the diagnostic performance of LUS, CXR, and CT for diagnosing pneumonia.

Critical Evaluation of Combined Cu and FeO Nanodots with Gum Arabic Nano-Hybrids Using in-vitro Model: Flow Cytometry and Cell Viability Studies.

Background: Previous studies on synthesis and cytotoxicity effect of copper (Cu) and magnetite (FeO) nanodots against kidney and lung cancer cells Lines.

Purpose: Investigation of the effects of Cu and FeO nanodots on the reduction in viability of lung cancer (A549) and human embryonic kidney (HEK239T) cells lines.

Methods: Cu and FeO nanodots/Gum Arabic (GA) hybrids were chemically synthesized, characterized, and assessed by MTT and flow cytometry for their cytotoxicity against A549 and HEK239T cells lines.

Periodontal Diagnosis in a Young Patient with an Unusual Presentation of Dental Calculus.

This report details the periodontal diagnosis and phase I treatment of an 18-year-old male patient dissatisfied with his teeth. The patient, on 20 mg Isotretinoin for acne, exhibited heavy calculus and plaque, generalized gingival inflammation, carious lesions, remaining roots, an anterior open bite, bilateral cross-bite, and an ectopically erupted tooth (#25). Initial scaling enabled examination, revealing FMPS and FMBS of 100%, PD of 1-7 mm, gingival recession of 1-2 mm, a maximum CAL of 6 mm, and radiographic bone loss of around 48% of teeth, reaching up to 15% of the root length.

Sleep Quality in an Asthmatic Adult Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background & Aims: Asthma is a chronic disorder affecting health-related quality of life. This study aimed to explore differences in sleep quality based on individual characteristics, such as smoking habits and asthma.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included Saudi citizens aged ≥18 years.

Assessment to determine the accuracy of Chaillet and Demirjian method of dental age estimation using Orthopantomographs, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Background: The approach to estimating mandibular age has been widely used, although it has shown age estimation disparities in diverse populations, including Indians.

Objective: Our goal was to test the Demirjian 8-teeth approach utilizing orthopantomogram to estimate age reliably after incorporating the third molar. We also used Chaillet and Demirjian's regression equations to estimate age estimation accuracy in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Prevalence of hypertension and associated factors: a cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Hypertension is a chronic condition that represents a global burden across the world. The burden of hypertension is found to be particularly high in Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia. This study was undertaken to measure the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors.

Risk Factors for Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts Among Saudi Children.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs) among Saudi children.

Materials And Methods: A case-control study was carried out at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Cases were children with NSOFCs who were matched by gender and year of birth to healthy controls from the same setting.

Kidney stone characteristics in diabetics versus nondiabetics at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Kidney stones can significantly impact individuals, but existing literature often overlooks the comprehensive effects by not considering the various factors such as stone size, presence of obstruction, and treatment methods, among those with and without diabetes. This study seeks to explore the relationship between diabetes and kidney stone formation, addressing these gaps in research.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study assesses the diverse impacts of kidney stones on adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nondiabetic adults from 2019 to 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Epidemiology of herpes zoster in National Guard Hospitals in Saudi Arabia: a 6-year retrospective chart review study.

Introduction: Incidence of herpes zoster (HZ) is increasing worldwide, imposing significant burden on healthcare resources. In Saudi Arabia, local epidemiological studies are limited, and HZ burden is unknown.

Methods: This multi-center, hospital-based, retrospective medical chart review was conducted at five National Guard hospitals and affiliated primary care centers.

Identifying key predictors of mortality and liver decompensation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with transarterial radioembolization.

Background: This study aimed to identify the predictors of liver decompensation and mortality in patients with HCC treated with trans arterial radioembolization (TARE).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 140 HCC patients who underwent TARE was conducted. Kaplan‒Meier and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the key predictors of mortality and liver decompensation, defined as a total bilirubin level greater than 50 μmol/l or an upgrade in the Child‒Pugh class within three months of the first TARE procedure.

Impact of Simulation-Based Surgical Training in Laparoscopy on Satisfaction Level and Proficiency in Surgical Skills.

Introduction: The adoption of laparoscopic surgery has significantly transformed surgical practice. However, mastering these techniques requires specialized training. In Saudi Arabia, the level of proficiency in laparoscopic skills among General Surgery (GS) trainees is not well-documented.

Geographical distribution, genetic diversity, and environmental adaptations of dromedary camel breeds in Saudi Arabia.

The dromedary camel () in Saudi Arabia exhibits significant genetic diversity, driven by adaptation to diverse ecological niches such as deserts, mountains, and coastal areas. This study explores the genetic structure of these camel populations, correlating their genetic diversity with geographical regions rather than ecological classifications. Through whole-genome sequencing of 63 camel genomes, we identified substantial differences in heterozygosity and inbreeding across different ecotypes, particularly noting higher genetic diversity in mountainous populations and lower diversity in coastal populations.

A multicenter analysis to identify the risk factors for stroke recurrence and mortality within 1 year.

Background: Stroke recurrence is a serious and prevalent complication of ischemic stroke that warrants additional investigation.

Methods: A hospital-based retrospective observational study included acute-subacute ischemic stroke adult patients. The primary aim was to determine the risk factors associated with recurrent stroke within 365 days.

Monte Carlo modeling of radiation dose from radiation therapy with superficial x-rays.

Introduction: Superficial x-rays (50-100 kVp) are used for treating non-melanoma skin cancer and intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT). At these energies, the photoelectric effect significantly increases absorbed dose to bone compared to soft tissue.

Methods: We used EGSnrc MC simulations to investigate bone dose enhancement during radiotherapy with the Sensus SRT-100 machine.

V-PRO Blood Collection Tubes: Validation for Clinical Chemistry and Immunoassay Tests.

Background: In accredited laboratories, each component of diagnostic products-such as laboratory instruments, reagents, and blood collection tubes must be validated before integration into routine patient testing. BD Vacutainers are commonly used in clinical laboratories compared to other blood collection tubes, while V-PRO tubes have recently been introduced to the market without prior laboratory validation. This study compares V-PRO tubes to BD Vacutainers to assess the validity of using V-PRO tubes for blood testing.

Disinfectants and one health review: The role of reactive oxygen species in the bactericidal activity of chlorine against .

are among the most common foodborne pathogens in humans, and they are associated with mild to severe diseases commonly referred to as salmonellosis. The genus resides in various animals' intestinal tracts, including humans. It is one of the most diverse genera of bacteria, including over 2500 serovars.

Correlation and predictive value of oxygenation and oxygen saturation indices in extremely preterm infants: a prospective study.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the association between the Oxygenation Index (OI) and the Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) in extremely preterm infants. In addition, the study seeks to determine the predictive value of these indices for mortality in the first 7 days and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA).

Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh between October 2023 and May 2024, involving extremely preterm infants with clinical and ventilator data collected during the first 7 days of life.

Determinants of non-compliance with hand hygiene using a covert direct observation methodology.

Background: The Hawthorne effect may result in an overestimation of hand hygiene (HH) compliance during routine observations, which may weaken the significance of factors associated with non-compliance. The aim of this study was to examine professional and healthcare determinants of HH non-compliance using covert observation.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among healthcare workers (HCWs) at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Evaluation of Noninvasive Diagnostic Techniques in Identifying Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) poses a significant global health burden, necessitating optimal diagnostic strategies for risk assessment and management. This study systematically reviews randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different noninvasive imaging modalities for CAD evaluation, focusing on their subsequent invasive outcomes and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs).

Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted across multiple databases, identifying 24 relevant RCTs published between 2010 and 2023.

Laparoscopic Repair of a Vesicovaginal Fistula After Total Abdominal Hysterectomy.

Several complications may arise postoperatively in gynecological surgeries including vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). VVF is an abnormal communication between the vagina and bladder which causes leakage of urine from the bladder into the vagina. It is associated with many etiologies such as sexual intercourse at an early age, prolonged/obstructed labor, malignancies, radiation therapy, and post-pelvic surgeries.