The Prevalence, Serogroup Distribution and Risk Factors of Meningococcal Carriage in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults in Turkey Meningo-Carr-TR Study PART 3: COVID-19 Pandemic Situation.

Background: The prevalence of meningococcal carriage and serogroup distribution is crucial for assessing the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease, forecasting outbreaks and formulating potential immunization strategies. Following the meningococcal carriage studies conducted in Turkey in 2016 and 2018, we planned to re-evaluate meningococcal carriage in children, adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Methods: In the MENINGO-CARR-3 study, we collected nasopharyngeal samples from 1585 participants 0-24 years of age, across 9 different centers in Turkey.

Management of Endometriosis-Related Pain: Comparing the Effectiveness of Hormonal Therapy, Surgical Interventions, and Complementary Therapies.

Endometriosis is a chronic, inflammatory disease characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, affecting women of reproductive age. It is linked with debilitating pain, infertility, and a notable impact on the patient's quality of life. This review aims to highlight the effectiveness of hormonal therapy, surgical procedures, and complementary therapies in managing endometriosis-related pain, providing a comprehensive overview of current treatment options and their implications for clinical practice.

Body shape concerns, sexual satisfaction, and associated factors among patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A cross-sectional study in Western Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To determine body shape concerns (BSCs), sexual satisfaction, and associated factors in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: Using a structured and validated questionnaire, a cross-sectional survey was carried out at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected between August 2023 and June 2024.

The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence on the Relationship Between Nurses' Preparedness to Care for COVID-19 Patients and Their Quality of Work Life.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is increasingly recognized as a key factor in healthcare, where managing emotions is vital for job satisfaction, productivity, and interpersonal relationships. For nurses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, EI plays a pivotal role in navigating emotional challenges and improving their quality of work life (QoWL). This study examined how EI moderates the relationship between nurses' preparedness to care for COVID-19 patients and their QoWL.

Obesity Prevalence and Its Impact on Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review.

Globally, obesity prevalence has progressively increased and is now at epidemic levels; this trend is mirrored in women of childbearing age. There is a high level of evidence that maternal obesity is associated with a range of adverse pregnancy complications and neonatal outcomes, such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses, premature birth, stillbirth, cesarean section, and postpartum hemorrhage, among certain others. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between maternal obesity and health outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Effectiveness of School-Based Interventions for Preventing Obesity in Children: A Narrative Review.

The global rise in overweight and obesity among children presents significant health challenges. Schools, as key social environments, can effectively influence children's dietary and physical activity habits due to the substantial time students spend there. School-based interventions can reach nearly all children and impact their environment's sociocultural and policy aspects to promote healthier habits.

Zellweger syndrome; identification of mutations in and gene in Saudi families.

Background: Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBD) affect multiple organ systems. It is characterized by neurological dysfunction, hypotonia, ocular anomalies, craniofacial abnormalities, and absence of peroxisomes in fibroblasts. PBDs are associated with mutations in any of fourteen different genes, which are involved in peroxisome biogenesis.

Vaccination Hesitancy and Its Impact on Immunization Coverage in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review.

One significant global health issue that is present in more than 190 nations globally is routine vaccination reluctance. This study aimed to synthesize the current evidence on vaccination hesitancy and its impact on immunization coverage in pediatrics. We searched for relevant studies across four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed/EMBASE, and Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature).

The correlation between hemoglobin concentration and blood pressure during pregnancy in different trimesters.

Background: Maternal hemoglobin (Hb) is related to nutritional status, and it widely fluctuates during pregnancy. However, the relationship between Hb and blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy is unclear. This study aimed to estimate the associations between maternal Hb in various trimesters and its changes with BP during pregnancy.

Association of the comorbidity of gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertension disorders of pregnancy with birth outcomes.

Backgrounds: Many pregnant women suffer from more than one pregnancy complication. However, whether those women experienced a higher risk of adverse birth outcomes is unclear. This study aims to assess the association between the comorbidity of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertension disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and adverse birth outcomes.

The impact of bilateral transient occlusion of uterine and utero-ovarian arteries on surgical blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The primary perioperative concern during laparoscopic myomectomy is the risk of significant intraoperative blood loss, which can lead to hypovolemia, necessitate blood transfusion, and result in postoperative anemia. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of temporarily clamping the uterine and utero-ovarian arteries on operative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across various databases to identify eligible clinical trials from inception to May 2024, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

The effects of the paramedics' field work on their mental status in Jeddah.

Background: Paramedics are continuously exposed to stressful events, making them liable to mental disorders. This study assesses the health of paramedics in Jeddah, focusing on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included fieldwork paramedics in Jeddah through an online survey distributed on social media.

Factors Affecting Vancomycin Trough Concentration; a Population Pharmacokinetic Model in Non-Critical Care Saudi Patients.

Background And Objective: Vancomycin is commonly prescribed in treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. While, vancomycins' pharmacokinetic vary among older patients, there is a paucity of data regarding specific characteristics influencing pharmacokinetics in Saudi adult patients. This study aims to establish a population-pharmacokinetic (Pop-PK) model for vancomycin in patients admitted to medical wards, with the focus on identification of patient characteristics influencing vancomycin trough concentrations.

The role of MAPK pathway in gastric cancer: unveiling molecular crosstalk and therapeutic prospects.

Gastric cancer remains a significant health burden globally, especially prevalent in Asian and European regions. Despite a notable decline in incidence in the United States and Western Europe over recent decades, the disease's persistence underscores the urgency for advanced research in its pathogenesis and treatment strategies. Central to this pursuit is the exploration of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, a pivotal cellular mechanism implicated in the complex processes of gastric cancer development, including cellular proliferation, invasion, migration, and metastasis.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza paediatric viral respiratory infections in southwest Saudi Arabia.

Background: There is a global consensus that respiratory tract infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality among children. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections among children admitted to hospital with acute respiratory infections. We also opted to identify the predictors of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission.

Plastic Bronchitis-A Promising Intervention for a Challenging Condition.

This report describes the case of a 9-year-old boy with a single ventricular pathway land complex cardiac issue. After multiple cardiac procedures, including a non-fenestrated Fontan shunt at the age of 5 years, the patient presented 2 years later with a recurrent history of cough with whitish, thick and rubbery sputum and shortness of breath and was eventually diagnosed with PB. The patient was treated with medical therapy and failed; at this time, ligation of the thoracic duct was performed, which was a life-saving intervention for him.

Protective effects of (geranium) oil against cefotaxime-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats.

Cefotaxime is a broad-spectrum antibiotic targeting Gram-negative bacteria used for diverse infections, but it can be toxic to the stomach, liver, and kidneys. This study explored the protective effects of geranium oil against cefotaxime-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats, employing biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. Thirty rats were divided into five groups of six animals each one.

Identifying multidrug-resistant organisms in diabetic foot ulcers: a study of risk factors and antimicrobial resistance genes.

This study aims to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of bacterial isolates from DFU patients, identify the prevalence of MDROs, and identify specific risk factors contributing to these infections to inform effective antibiotic treatment strategies. This prospective cohort study included 187 DFU patients from March 2023 to February 2024 at King Khalid Hospital, Saudi Arabia. The exclusion criteria were nondiabetic ulcers, specific infections, tumours, or recent antibiotic use.

Awareness, Training, and Perceived Needs of Gynecologists in Interpreting Basic Imaging Studies: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Gynecologists often rely on imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI for clinical decision-making, yet limited training in interpreting these studies may affect their confidence and ability to make timely diagnoses. This study aimed to assess the awareness, training and perceived needs of gynecologists in Saudi Arabia regarding the interpretation of basic imaging studies.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 gynecologists practicing in Saudi Arabia.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of UTI-causing uropathogenic bacteria in diabetics and non-diabetics at the Maternity and Children Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: One of the most prevalent and recurrent infectious diseases that can range from moderate to fatal is urinary tract infection (UTI). Broad-spectrum antibiotics are the only management strategy for UTIs in ambulators and hospital stays. Due to the ongoing emergence of antibiotic resistance among uropathogens, there is a need for proper selection of antibiotics for empirical therapy against UTIs.

Parental Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude Regarding Children With Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study in Arar, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition marked by recurrent seizures, which differ widely in type and frequency. Globally, many families lack accurate information about epilepsy and may be misinformed by unreliable sources, often resulting in negative attitudes toward their children who have epilepsy. The aim of this study is to assess parental knowledge and attitude regarding epilepsy and identify the predictors affecting the knowledge and attitude in Arar city, Saudi Arabia.