A Global Survey to Assess Urologists' Attitudes Towards Suction Technology in Endourology by the European Association of Urology Section of Endourology and Progressive Endourological Association for Research and Leading Solutions.

Objective: To assess urologists' perceptions and current practices of using suction-based techniques and technologies in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones.

Materials And Methods: A customized web-based 28-item questionnaire was created. All participation was voluntary.

Multicenter outcome analysis of different sheath sizes for Flexible and Navigable Suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) ureteroscopy: an EAU Endourology collaboration with the global FANS study group.

Flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) is a potential game changer in flexible ureteroscopy (FURS). The influence of sheath size on outcomes needs research. The primary aim was to analyze 30-day single stage stone free status (SFS), zero fragment rate (ZFR) and complications when using 10/12Fr sheaths vis a vis other sheath sizes.

Computational Design and Optimization of Peptide Inhibitors for SIRT2.

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, is crucial for regulating vital physiological processes, including aging, DNA repair, and cell cycle progression. Its abnormal activity is linked to diseases such as Parkinson's disease, cancer, and metabolic disorders, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention. While small molecule inhibitors have been studied, peptide-based inhibitors offer a promising alternative due to their selectivity and bioavailability.

Retrospective Analysis of Clinicopathological Characteristics of Surgically Treated Basal Cell Carcinomas of the Face: A Single-Centre Maxillofacial Surgery Experience.

: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common nonmelanoma skin cancer, followed by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The objective of the current study was to retrospectively evaluate the epidemiology, characteristic variations, histological aspects, and prognosis of basal cell carcinoma of the facial region based on a single-centre experience. : Data from 125 patients admitted to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Kiel, for surgical treatment of basal cell carcinomas of the face between January 2015 and April 2021 were evaluated.

Fabrication of acoustically and physically validated artificial stones to natural kidney stones under shock waves and laser lithotripsy.

To present an efficient method for fabricating artificial kidney stones with acoustic and physical properties to assess their fragmentation efficiency under shock waves and laser lithotripsy for very hard stones. The mixture ratio of super-hard plaster and water was adjusted to produce artificial kidney stones for comparison with > 95% human genuine calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) and uric acid (UA) stones. Acoustic and physical properties, such as wave speed, stone hardness, density, compressive strength, and stone-free rates under shock-wave and laser lithotripsy, were assessed.

Impact of Obesity on Echinocandin Effectiveness in Treating Candida Infections: A Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.

Introduction: Echinocandins are used to treat invasive candidiasis (IC), with FDA-approved doses indicated for both obese and non-obese patients. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies have identified subtherapeutic exposure in obese patients receiving standard doses (SDs) of echinocandins. However, research on clinical outcome differences of echinocandins' SDs between obese and non-obese patients is lacking.

Could Use of a Flexible and Navigable Suction Ureteral Access Sheath Be a Potential Game-changer in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery? Outcomes at 30 Days from a Large, Prospective, Multicenter, Real-world Study by the European Association of Urology Urolithiasis Section.

Background And Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stone-free status (SFS) rate and complications after flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for treatment of renal stones using a flexible and navigable suction (FANS) ureteral access sheath.

Methods: Data for adults undergoing fURS in 25 centers worldwide were prospectively collected (August 2023 to January 2024). Exclusion criteria were abnormal renal anatomy and ureteral stones.

Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Gadopiclenol: A Newly Emerging Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agent.

Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are one of the most commonly used agents in magnetic resonance imaging. Gadopiclenol is a new GBCA aimed at providing improved diagnostic efficacy with a favorable safety profile. The proposed advantages are due to its specific pharmacological properties, one of which is high relaxivity values.

Evaluating the clinical effectiveness and safety of insulin glargine 300 U/mL in individuals with type 2 diabetes uncontrolled on basal insulin: A real-world evidence study from Saudi Arabia (EVOLUTION).

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-U300) in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (T2D) on basal insulin in Saudi Arabia.

Materials And Methods: We conducted a multicentre retrospective study that retrieved the medical records of adult T2D patients switched to Gla-U300 because of poor glycaemic control on their basal insulin. Data covering 6 months ± 30 days before and after the switch were retrieved.

Post-laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy with splenic abscess: Case report.

Introduction And Importance: One of the complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a splenic abscess, considered a rare complication. As it is rare, it is a challenge to diagnose.

Case Presentation: In this case, a 62-year-old male patient who underwent LSG returned after three weeks with abdominal pain and fever.

Comparison of Biosimilar Filgrastim with Innovator Fligrastim for Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Mobilization, Collection of CD34+ Stem Cells, and Engraftment in Patients Undergoing Autologous and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND In the Middle East, there is lack of data on peripheral blood CD34+stem cells mobilization by using biosimilar filgrastim. We have been using both Neupogen and a biosimilar G-CSF) Zarzio® (as a mobilizing agent since February 2014 for both allogenic and autologous stem cell transplantations. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a single-center retrospective study.

Role of Serum Amyloid A as a Biomarker for Predicting the Severity and Prognosis of COVID-19.

Objective: To detect biomarkers that can be used to predict COVID-19 severity to identify patients with high probability of disease progression and poor prognosis.

Methods: Of the 102 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were admitted to King Fahd General Hospital, Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, from July 1, 2021 to August 5, 2021, 50 were included in this cross-sectional study to investigate the influence of serum amyloid A (SAA) on disease severity and survival outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Dynamic shifts in SAA, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytes, neutrophils, biochemical markers, and disease progression were examined.

Effect of the Addition of Varying Concentrations of Silver Nanoparticles on the Fluoride Uptake and Recharge of Glass Ionomer Cement.

This study aimed to compare the amount of fluoride uptake and the recharge and release characteristics of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) without any additives in comparison to conventional glass ionomer cement supplemented with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at two concentrations: 0.1% and 0.2% (w/w).

Effect of Different Concentrations of Silver Nanoparticles on the Quality of the Chemical Bond of Glass Ionomer Cement Dentine in Primary Teeth.

The nanotechnologies have been applied for dental restorative materials manufacturing such as glass ionomer cement, composites, tooth regeneration, and endodontic sealers. The study aimed to investigate the chemical bond of conventional glass ionomer cement and to evaluate the addition of different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the quality of the chemical bond of glass ionomer cement to primary dentin. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) powder was added in concentrations of 0.

A COVID-19 family cluster with retinitis pigmentosa and hypogammaglobulinemia.

Hypogammaglobulinemia is a heterogeneous group of innate and acquired antibody deficiency with variable disease severity, recurrent pneumonia, and bronchiectasis. The outcome of COVID in patients with hypogammaglobulinemia is variable depending on age, comorbidities, type of immunodeficiency, and use of immunoglobulins. We report the favorable outcome of two family members diagnosed with -related retinitis pigmentosa and hypogammaglobulinemia syndrome and infected with SARS-CoV-2 following contact with their mother who had COVID-19.

Prevalence of Pediatric Onset Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia.

Background: The prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) appears to be increasing worldwide. However, data on the pediatric onset of MS is lacking, particularly in developing countries.

Objective: This study is aimed at reporting the current burden of the pediatric onset of MS in the five regions of Saudi Arabia.

Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis in pediatric patients: A diagnostic dilemma and management challenge.

Introduction: Basidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal disease, lately appearing in the gastrointestinal system of pediatric patients. Their clinical presentation resembles that of lymphoma or granulomatous inflammations. This non-specific presentation makes Gastrointestinal Basidiobolomycosis (GIB) a diagnostic challenge.

Stroke Risk Factor Awareness Among Populations in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Stroke is considered the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability in the world. The incidence of stroke in Saudi Arabia is 43.8 per 100,000, due to the lack of knowledge and awareness of the population.

Association between HLA genotype and ferritin levels in COVID-19 infection: a study of a Saudi cohort.

Background: An elevation in serum ferritin levels through an unknown mechanism was observed in COVID-19 infected patients. This study examined the association between patients' HLA genotype and serum ferritin level modulation and also assessed the effect of serum ferritin levels on infection severity/mortality.

Materials And Methods: One hundred and thirty-six COVID-19 Saudi patients were divided into two groups according to their ferritin levels: group 1 (<500 ng/mL,  = 67) and group 2 (>500 ng/mL,  = 69).

Frequency of HLA alleles among COVID-19 infected patients: Preliminary data from Saudi Arabia.

HLA polymorphism is one of the genetic factors that may be associated with variations in susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. In this study, the frequency of HLA alleles among Saudi patients infected with COVID-19 was examined. The association with infection susceptibility and mortality was evaluated.

Association between the HLA genotype and the severity of COVID-19 infection among South Asians.

Regional variations are found in the incidence and severity of the COVID-19 infection. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism is one of the genetic factors that might have an impact on the outcome of the disease. This study explored the association between the HLA genotype and the severity of COVID-19 among patients from South Asia.

Familial aggregation of multiple sclerosis: Results from the national registry of the disease in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic CNS inflammatory disease commonly affecting young adults. Both genetics and environmental factors have been reported to have a role in pathophysiology of the disease.

Objective: This article aims to report familial nature and aspects of MS in Saudi Arabia.

Rising prevalence of multiple sclerosis in Saudi Arabia, a descriptive study.

Background: In 2015, the first nationwide, multicenter Multiple Sclerosis (MS) registry was initiated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) mainly with an objective to describe current epidemiology, disease patterns, and clinical characteristics of MS in Saudi Arabia. This article aimed to report initial findings of the registry and regional prevalence of MS.

Method: In 2015, a national MS registry was launched in KSA to register all MS patient with confirmed diagnosis according to the 2010 McDonald Criteria.

The Safety, Cosmetic Outcome, and Patient Satisfaction after Inferior Pedicle Reduction Mammaplasty for Significant Macromastia.

Background: Significant macromastia is socially and physically debilitating. Reduction mammaplasty in these cases carries significant morbidity.

Methods: Cases of inferior pedicle reduction mammaplasty performed at the breast unit, King Fahd Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over the last 10 years were reviewed.