Bidirectional effects of neutrophils on biofilms .

Background: is a commensal bacterium and an early biofilm coloniser found in the human oral cavity. One of the biofilm matrix constituents is bacterial extracellular DNA (eDNA). Neutrophils are innate immune cells that respond to biofilms, employing antimicrobial mechanisms such as neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) release.

Minimising diagnostic error in paediatric critical care: a checklist approach.

Caring for critically ill children presents unique challenges due to their rapid deterioration and the need for immediate, complex interventions. The assessment, diagnosis and treatment of deteriorating paediatric patients require a comprehensive and holistic, systematic approach. However, the dynamic nature of critical illness and the need for stabilisation can often lead to missed opportunities for assessment and intervention.

Digital Surveillance of Mental Health Care Services in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study of National e-Referral System Data.

Background: Mental illness affects an estimated 25% of the global population, with treatment gaps persisting worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leading to a significant increase in mental health issues globally. In Saudi Arabia, the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders is estimated at 34.

Radiation dose assessment and establishment of diagnostic reference levels for MDP Tc-99m bone scans: A multi-hospital study in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Bone scans using technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) are widely used in nuclear medicine for diagnosing various bone disorders. However, the radiation exposure associated with these procedures necessitates careful consideration and optimization.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate radiation doses in terms of Effective Dose (ED) and establish Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for 99mTc-MDP bone scans in Saudi Arabia.

Ceftazidime-Avibactam Versus Colistin for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Infections: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

To evaluate the real-world evidence of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) compared to intravenous colistin for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study conducted in the period between 2017 and 2023 at five institutions for patients who received either CAZ-AVI or colistin-based regimens for treating MDR infections. Outcomes were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Lucidin from Outperforms FDA-Approved Lapatinib as a Potential Multitargeted Candidate for Breast Cancer Signalling Proteins.

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, with approximately 2.3 million diagnosed cases and 670,000 deaths annually. Current targeted therapies face challenges such as resistance and adverse side effects.

A Real-World Comparison of the Safety Profile for Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Oncology Patients.

Owing to the growing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of cancer, a wide spectrum of toxicity has arisen among cancer patients. Yet, limited ICI toxicity-related research is currently conducted in our region. This is a retrospective observational study conducted on adult cancer patients who received at least one cycle of ICI single therapy.

Discovery of PPAR Alpha Lipid Pathway Modulators That Do Not Bind Directly to the Receptor as Potential Anti-Cancer Compounds.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are considered good drug targets for breast cancer because of their involvement in fatty acid metabolism that induces cell proliferation. In this study, we used the KAIMRC1 breast cancer cell line. We showed that the PPARE-Luciferase reporter gets highly activated without adding any exogenous ligand when PPAR alpha is co-transfected, and the antagonist GW6471 can inhibit the activity.

Effectiveness of a Novel Liposomal Methylglyoxal-Tobramycin Formulation in Reducing Biofilm Formation and Bacterial Adhesion.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria presents a significant global health threat. Liposomal antibiotics have shown a potential to improve antibiotic delivery and efficacy. This study aimed to develop liposomes encapsulating tobramycin (TOB) and methylglyoxal (MGO) to enhance TOB activity while reducing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.

The Role of the Discharge Planning Team on the Length of Hospital Stay and Readmission in Patients with Neurological Conditions: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Emerging evidence highlights the critical role of discharge planning teams in enhancing patient care. However, there is lack of data regarding how the implementation of a discharge planning system influences the length of stay (LOS) in hospital and readmission rates among patients with neurological diseases. We conducted a retrospective analysis to examine the effects of discharge planning application on the LOS and readmission rates for patients admitted under the neurology service in Saudi Arabia.

Stress and Burnout Among Anesthesia Technologists, Technicians, and Trainees: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Occupational burnout poses a significant burden to healthcare personnel, institutions, and service users. Anesthesia technologists and technicians work in the shadow of the perioperative team, and a lack of attention to anesthesia support personnel may pose a significant risk to their wellbeing and the quality of care delivered. To date, only a few studies have investigated the prevalence of burnout among anesthesia technologists and technicians worldwide and in Saudi Arabia.

Effect of EGCG-Methacrylate-Functionalized Resin Infiltrant on White Spot Lesions: An In Vitro Study.

This study evaluated the color change (ΔE) and penetration depth (PD) of white spot lesions (WSLs) infiltrated with the resin infiltrant (Icon) functionalized with methacrylate epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). To introduce polymerizable double bonds, EGCG was reacted with methacryloyl chloride (EM). Subsequently, the Icon resin infiltrant (I) was loaded with neat EGCG (IE) or EGCG-methacrylate (IEM) at 2 wt% each.

Guidelines for the Management of Complications of Diabetes in Saudi Arabia Using Delphi Technique for Consensus Among National Experts.

(1) Background: Saudi Arabia has one of the leading cases of diabetes globally, with approximately 27.8% of adults suffering from the disease. Given the negative consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM), it is critical to develop guidelines for its management.

Conceptual Knowledge of Oral Health Among Primary School Teachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-A Cross Sectional Survey.

: School teachers need to have a better understanding of oral health aspects as schools serve as an effective environment for learning. Educators hold a significant position in conveying the importance they attribute to oral health in their lives. According to the World Health Organization, school teachers should include oral health promotion activities to evaluate students' oral health, track injuries, illnesses, and absenteeism related to oral health, advocate oral health prevention, and serve as role models.

The effect of renal function on the clinical outcomes and management of patients hospitalized with hyperglycemic crises.

Background: The global prevalence of diabetes has been rising rapidly in recent years, leading to an increase in patients experiencing hyperglycemic crises like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Patients with impaired renal function experience a delay in insulin clearance, complicating the adjustment of insulin dosing and elevating hypoglycemia risk. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the impact of renal function on the safety and efficacy of insulin use in patients with isolated DKA or combined DKA/HHS.

Predictors of specialist care referrals (SCR) following emergency department review or hospital admission in adults with previous acute COVID-19: a prospective UK cohort study.

Background: Long-COVID research to date focuses on outcomes in non-hospitalised vs. hospitalised survivors. However Emergency Department attendees (post-ED) presenting with acute COVID-19 may experience less supported recovery compared to people admitted and discharged from hospital (post-hospitalised group, PH).

Priming and release of cytokine IL-1β in microglial cells from the retina.

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) for extracellular ATP is implicated in several forms of retinal degeneration, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. P2X7R stimulation can trigger release of master cytokine IL-1β from microglia in the brain and from macrophages, but evidence of release from retinal microglia is indirect. Isolated mouse and rat retinal microglia, and wholemounts from CX3CR1 mice, were examined to determine if ATP induced IL-1β release directly from retinal microglial cells and if it also primed expression of IL-1β on an mRNA and protein level.

The rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) as a predictor for extubation success in medical and surgical ICU patients: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation comprise common life support interventions for patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Premature or delayed extubation increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Despite following weaning protocols, 10-20 % of patients fail extubation within 48 h.

Truncated SPAG9 as a novel candidate gene for a new syndrome: Coarse facial features, albinism, cataract and developmental delay (CACD syndrome).

Sperm-associated antigen 9 (SPAG9) is a member of cancer-testis antigen, having characteristics of a scaffold protein, which is involved in the c-Jun N-terminal kinase JNK signaling pathway, suggesting its key involvement in different physiological processes, such as survival, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and cell proliferation. We identified two families (A and B) having multisystem features like coarse facial features, albinism, cataracts, skeletal abnormalities, and developmental delay. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) in families A and B revealed a homozygous frameshift variant (c.

The Use of PediSTAT Application by Paramedics Working in Saudi Arabia to Reduce the Risk of Medication Error for Pediatric Patients.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the rates of medication error (ME) using the PediSTAT application compared to the conventional method of calculating the correct dose and determining the appropriate route of medication administration for common pediatric emergencies.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study design was used for the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was distributed to certified paramedics holding a bachelor's degrees or higher and working in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia.

Atypical femoral fracture in a patient with nutritional osteomalacia: a case report and literature review.

Atypical femoral fractures (AFF) are rare stress fractures with specific diagnostic criteria, as outlined in a report published by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. These criteria are categorized into major and minor features, and AFF can be classified as either complete or incomplete. Bisphosphonates have been shown to increase the risk of AFF, and most cases of AFF are associated with bisphosphonate use.

Recent advances in bacterial outer membrane vesicles: Effects on the immune system, mechanisms and their usage for tumor treatment.

Tumor treatment remains a significant medical challenge, with many traditional therapies causing notable side effects. Recent research has led to the development of immunotherapy, which offers numerous advantages. Bacteria inherently possess motility, allowing them to preferentially colonize tumors and modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, thus influencing the efficacy of immunotherapy.