Quality of Life in Children With Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus that can adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) in children. We aim to investigate the burden of EoE on the QOL in children aged 2-18 years and identify factors that influence their QOL. METHOD: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in six Saudi pediatric hospitals. Pediatric Quality of Life 3.0 EoE Module was used to measure the QOL of children with EoE. RESULTS: Thirty-six families (36 parents and 33 children) were enrolled. The most reported symptoms were vomiting (50%), dysphagia (44.4%), and food impaction (36.1%). The mean total score of the parent-proxy report of the Pediatric Quality of Life EoE was 82.9 ± 10.3 versus the children's self-reported score of 77.28 ± 13.6 (p = .043). DISCUSSION: Recurrent emergency department visits were associated with a lower QOL, and a positive family history of EoE was associated with a better QOL.

Severe Renal Impairment in a Patient with Recent Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis following Methotrexate Initiation: A Case Report.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease frequently treated with immunosuppressive agents such as methotrexate (MTX). Although MTX is generally well-tolerated, it can lead to adverse effects, including renal impairment. We present a case of a patient with newly diagnosed RA who developed severe renal impairment shortly after initiating MTX therapy. A 50-year-old male with recently diagnosed RA presented with vomiting, skin itching, mouth ulcers, and a pruritic rash, all occurring shortly after starting MTX treatment. These symptoms led to acute kidney injury (AKI), necessitating hemodialysis. The patient's symptoms and laboratory findings were indicative of ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis with a picture of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN). Treatment included discontinuation of MTX, hemodialysis, immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and patient education. This case emphasizes the need for close monitoring of RA patients initiated on MTX therapy and prompt evaluation of renal function. Clinicians should be vigilant for signs of renal impairment and be prepared to initiate appropriate interventions, including discontinuation of MTX and consideration of immunosuppressive therapy, to optimize patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to understand better the mechanisms underlying renal complications in RA patients receiving MTX treatment.

The minimal important difference in orthodontic treatment duration: a survey across adult patients.

BACKGROUND: The minimal important difference (MID) is defined as the smallest difference that the patient perceives as important. Furthermore, the smallest worthwhile effect (SWE) is the important change measured with the benefit-harm trade-off method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the MID in orthodontic treatment duration to inform the decision regarding seeking procedures to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement and reduce treatment duration. METHODS: We constructed a survey eliciting views of the MID from adult participants from four countries undergoing orthodontic treatment. Ten questions addressed reduction in the treatment duration for both durations 12 and 24 months, and four questions were related to the reduction in treatment duration that the patients would require to undergo surgical or non-surgical adjunctive procedures. We applied a univariable random effects logistic regression model to examine the association between the participants' characteristics and the MID. Then, we fitted a multivariable logistic random effects regression including significant predictors. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty adults, with a median age of 21 (interquartile range: 19-24), undergoing orthodontic treatment participated in the survey. Of the respondents, 60% considered 15 days as a trivial reduction from 12 months duration of therapy and 70% considered 15 days a trivial reduction from 24 months. Of the respondents, 48% considered the period of 2 months a moderate reduction from 12 months, and 60% considered 2 months a moderate reduction from 24 months. From these results, we inferred that patients considered reductions of approximately 1 month as the MID in the treatment duration for both 12 and 24 months. However, SWE was considerably more than the MID for most of the participants to decide undergoing surgical adjunctive procedures to reduce the time of therapy. The participants required smaller SWE to undergo non-surgical procedures compared to surgical procedures. CONCLUSION: The MID in the treatment duration is one month for both treatment durations 12 and 24 months. Patients require a greater SWE than the MID to undergo adjunctive procedures to shorten the duration, particularly for surgical procedures.

Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm Secondary to Salmonella enterica Infection: A Case Report and Treatment Approach.

Mycotic (infected) aortic aneurysm is a severe clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Salmonella spp. is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria that is typically limited to the gastrointestinal tract and resolves spontaneously but can progress to invasive infections such as bacteremia. Serious complications may arise, particularly in debilitated, elderly, and neonatal patients. We describe the case of a 74-year-old female with a history of diabetes and hypertension who presented with shortness of breath, fever, chills, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient's blood culture tested positive for Salmonella enterica, and she was given ceftriaxone based on the results, but he remained symptomatic. A computed tomography scan of the chest with contrast revealed a mycotic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. The patient was urgently transferred to a higher level of care and underwent emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair with stenting and intravenous antibiotics. The presence of an infected aneurysm and associated abscess formation in such high-risk patients makes the endovascular approach more suitable than other options such as open surgery, aneurysmal excision and ligation without arterial reconstruction, excision with immediate reconstruction, and excision with interval reconstruction.

The Common Retention Practices Among Orthodontists from Different Countries.

Objective: To investigate the most common retention practices, factors influencing the retention protocol, and the differences among orthodontists regarding retention practices. Methods: An online validated questionnaire was anonymously sent to 3,000 orthodontic residents and clinicians. The survey consisted of 19 questions regarding the participants' demographics, prescribed retention appliances, factors affecting retention appliance choices, and adjunctive retention procedures. Descriptive statistics, Chi2 and Kendall's Tau-b tests were applied. Results: Five hundred fifty-five orthodontic residents and clinicians, 53.3% males and 46.7% females, completed the survey, indicating a response rate of 18.5%. Although participants' demographics, type of treatment and pre-treatment malocclusion influence the choice of retention protocols, thermoplastic retainers (TR) were the most popular retention regime for the maxillary arch for both adults (47.4%) and adolescents (42.3%). Bonded retainers (BR) were the favored option for the mandibular arch (44.9% of adults and 40.7% of adolescents). The degree of arch expansion (64.1%) and the degree of interdigitation (50.1%) after treatment were the most influential factors for the choice of the preferred type of retainers by the respondents. 68.6% of the participants thought professional retention guidelines would be useful. Conclusion: Thermoplastic retainers were the most common retention appliances for adults and adolescents in the maxilla. At the same time, BR was the most favored retainer in the mandibular arch, with clinical experience, practice setting, and malocclusion- and treatment-related factors influencing the type of the chosen appliance. The demographic differences and the uneven participation in the survey need to be considered while interpreting the findings of this study.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Relation to Diabetes Markers in Saudi Adults: A Retrospective Study.

Background and objectives: Low-grade inflammation is associated with metabolic disturbances like diabetes. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been proposed as a predictive tool to identify individuals at a greater risk of diabetes. This study aims to examine the association between SII and diabetes markers. Method and materials: We used retrospective data from a large cohort of adults (n = 3895) aged ≥18 in Saudi Arabia. The SII was calculated, and the markers of diabetes such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were included. Results: Across the quartiles of SII, FBG, insulin, and HbA1c were significantly higher in adults with higher compared to lower SII (p < 0.0001, p = 0.04, p < 0.0001, respectively). A two SD higher FBG was significantly associated with an SII difference of 47.7 (95% CI: (15.5, 91.9)). In subgroup analysis, this relationship prevailed in normal-weight participants and among those with normoglycemia and prediabetes but was attenuated in participants with diabetes. The association also prevailed in separate analyses for males and females but was stronger among females. Linear regression models showed no significant association between insulin, HbA1c, and SII. Conclusions: SII was associated with the markers of diabetes. The utility of SII for predicting diabetes can be confirmed with prospective cohort studies.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Children and Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Vitamin D deficiency is a globally recognized health concern, with particular prominence in specific geographies and demographics. Saudi Arabia, with its unique climatic conditions and cultural practices, has been under scrutiny regarding the prevalence of this deficiency, especially among children and adolescents. This systematic review aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia by compiling and analyzing various studies to offer a comprehensive view of the situation. The comprehensive web search encompassed a range of databases, including Google Scholar and PubMed, to gather studies published between 2012 and 2023. An analysis was conducted on seven studies, totaling 2,429 participants, with each study focusing on various aspects, regions, and cohorts within Saudi Arabia. These studies employed different methodologies, ranging from cross-sectional surveys to randomized clinical trials. The review unveiled an alarming prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the studied population. On average, around 81.1% of children and adolescents showcased inadequate vitamin D levels. Specific vulnerable groups, such as those with Type 1 diabetes mellitus or asthma, had pronounced deficiencies. Factors influencing these levels ranged from dietary habits, sun exposure, physical activity, and socioeconomic parameters. The compelling evidence from the studies underscores a consistent health issue among the pediatric population in Saudi Arabia that the overwhelming majority of Saudi children and adolescents lack adequate vitamin D. Addressing this widespread deficiency needs a multifaceted approach. Implementing policies that support vitamin D food fortification, encouraging routine screenings, and launching public awareness campaigns about safe sun exposure and diet can play a transformative role in this health crisis.

Numerical investigation of heat and mass transfer in three-dimensional MHD nanoliquid flow with inclined magnetization.

Heat and mass transfer rate by using nanofluids is a fundamental aspect of numerous industrial processes. Its importance extends to energy efficiency, product quality, safety, and environmental responsibility, making it a key consideration for industries seeking to improve their operations, reduce costs, and meet regulatory requirements. So, the principal objective of this research is to analyze the heat and mass transfer rate for three-dimensional magneto hydrodynamic nanoliquid movement with thermal radiation and chemical reaction over the dual stretchable surface in the existence of an inclined magnetization, and viscous dissipation. The flow is rotating with constant angular speed [Formula: see text] about the axis of rotation because such flows occur in the chemical processing industry and the governing equations of motion, energy, and concentration are changed to ODEs by transformation. The complex and highly nonlinear nature of these equations makes them impractical to solve analytically so tackled numerically at MATLAB. The obtained numerical results are validated with literature and presented through graphs and tables. Increasing the Eckert number from [Formula: see text] a higher Nusselt and Sherwood number was noted for the hybrid nanofluid. By changing the angle of inclination [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text] performance is noted at 8% for nanofluid and 33% for hybrid nanofluid. At the same time, [Formula: see text] performance of 0.5% and 2.0% are observed respectively. Additionally, as the angle of inclination increases the skin friction decreases and the chemical reaction rate increases the mass transmission rate.

Quality of Reporting Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Three of the Most Citable Periodontal Journals from 2018 to 2022.

This study aimed to evaluate the reporting quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in periodontology. Three leading periodontology journals, the Journal of Periodontology (JOP), the Journal of Clinical Periodontology (JOCP), and the Journal of Periodontal Research (JOPR), were selected for this investigation. The RCTs were identified by manually searching for human trial articles published in these three journals. Two authors independently conducted the literature search, and a pre-piloted extraction sheet was used to screen the potential RCTs. The CONSORT checklist guidelines were employed to calculate the score value. Intra-examiner reliability was assessed by scoring a random sample of 10% of the papers in a second round conducted by the first examiner three months after the initial data collection. A search of abstracts published over a five-year period yielded 176 articles that reported RCTs, accounting for 11.7% of all articles published in the three journals. The highest number of RCTs was published in 2020, and more than half of the included RCTs (51%) originated from Europe. Many of the analyzed RCTs inadequately reported almost half of the items on the CONSORT checklist. Furthermore, univariate analysis revealed significant associations between certain factors and the overall CONSORT score, such as publication in JOP (p = 0.048), publication year of 2019 (p = 0.041) and 2021 (p = 0.042), first author from North America (p = 0.016), and RCTs with more than six authors (p = 0.042). Clinical trial research in periodontics has made significant progress in the past five years. However, there is room for improvement in adhering to the CONSORT guidelines.

Awareness and Perception Toward Nicotine Replacement Therapy Among Medical Students at Umm Al-Qura University.

Background Tobacco smoking is a leading cause of premature mortality worldwide, with most deaths attributed to smoking-related diseases. Quitting smoking can have significant health benefits and increase one's lifespan. Nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco, can lead to cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be an effective aid in easing these symptoms. This study aimed to estimate the awareness, acceptance, knowledge, and perception of NRT among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah City. Methodology A cross-sectional survey method using Google Forms was utilized to distribute a questionnaire among medical students. The data were analyzed data using RStudio with statistical significance set at p-values <0.05. Results Of the 310 students included in this study, the majority were males (56.5%) and were aged between 21 and 24 years. Overall, 31.9% of the participants were in their fourth year of study. Regression analysis showed that being in the fifth or sixth academic year significantly predicted awareness of NRT. Conclusions Senior-year medical students had more knowledge and awareness about NRT than their junior colleagues. Future recommendations are vital for medical students to increase their knowledge, awareness, and practice regarding NRT.

Efficacy of tetracaine eye drops in strabismus surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIM: To comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of tetracaine eye drops as a local anesthetic agent among pediatric patients undergoing for strabismus surgery. METHODS: We systemically searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) from inception until April 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tetracaine and placebo or no intervention for intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in strabismus surgery patients. We used the Cochrane risk of bias-2 tool for the risk of bias assessment. Continuous variables were pooled as mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD), and categorical variables were pooled as risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Six RCTs were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of 326 patients. There was no significant difference between the tetracaine and the control groups regarding the mean operative time (MD = -0.10 minutes, 95% CI [-3.79, 3.59], p = .96), the mean time to first analgesia (MD = -0.87 minutes, 95% CI [-11.15, 9.40], P = .87), the mean behavior score (SMD = -S0.48, 95% CI [-1.24, 0.28], p = .22), the rate of postoperative vomiting (RR = 1.27, 95% CI [0.62, 2.61], p = .52), or the number of additional analgesia (RR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.27, 1.13], p = .10). CONCLUSION: Our systematic review and meta-analysis found no significant differences in the safety and efficacy of tetracaine eye drops for strabismus surgery when compared to placebo or no intervention. Further investigation is needed to establish the best local anesthetic for strabismus surgery.

Comparative dynamics of mixed convection heat transfer under thermal radiation effect with porous medium flow over dual stretched surface.

Due to enhanced heat transfer rate, the nanofluid and hybrid nanofluids have significant industrial uses. The principal objective of this exploration is to investigate how thermal radiation influences the velocity and temperature profile. A water-based rotational nanofluid flow with constant angular speed [Formula: see text] is considered for this comparative study. A similarity conversion is applied to change the appearing equations into ODEs. Three different nanoparticles i.e., copper, aluminum, and titanium oxide are used to prepare different nanofluids for comparison. The numerical and graphical outputs are gained by employing the bvp-4c procedure in MATLAB. The results for different constraints are represented through graphs and tables. Higher heat transmission rate and minimized skin friction are noted for triple nanoparticle nanofluid. Skin coefficients in the x-direction and y-direction have reduced by 50% in trihybrid nanofluid by keeping mixed convection levels between the range [Formula: see text]. The heat transmission coefficient with raising the levels of thermal radiation between [Formula: see text] and Prandlt number [Formula: see text] has shown a 60% increase.

Effect of inclined magnetic field on radiative heat and mass transfer in chemically reactive hybrid nanofluid flow due to dual stretching.

This research analyzes the three-dimensional magneto hydrodynamic nanofluid flow through chemical reaction and thermal radiation above the dual stretching surface in the presence of an inclined magnetic field. Different rotational nanofluid and hybrid nanofluids with constant angular velocity [Formula: see text] for this comparative study are considered. The constitutive relations are used to gain the equations of motion, energy, and concentration. This flow governing extremely non-linear equations cannot be handled by an analytical solution. So, these equations are transformed into ordinary differential equalities by using the similarity transformation and then handled in MATLAB by applying the boundary values problem practice. The outcomes for the considered problem are accessed through tables and graphs for different parameters. A maximum heat transfer amount is observed in the absence of thermal radiation and when the inclined magnetic field and axis of rotation are parallel.

Incorporation of Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles in Adhesive Resin for Bonding of Brackets to Enamel Conditioned with Er,Cr:YSGG, Photodynamic Therapy, and Phosphoric Acid.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of enamel conditioning methods, that is, total-etch and rinse (TER), Er,Cr:YSGG (ECYL), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic metallic brackets bonded using Zirconium oxide experimental adhesive (ZOEA). Methods: Sixty human incisor buccal surfaces were cleaned and allocated into three groups based on the method of enamel surface treatment, that is, TER using 37% phosphoric acid gel, methylene blue photosensitizer activated by PDT and ECYL (n = 20 each). Each group was further divided into two subgroups (n = 10) based on the type of adhesive, that is, ZOEA and experimental adhesive (EA). Metallic brackets were seated using composite resin. Samples were placed in a universal testing machine for SBS and failure mode using the ARI index. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey were used for multiple comparisons. ARI was presented in percentages in different investigated groups. Results: TER+ZOEA (17.16 ± 0.41 MPa) displayed the highest bond integrity. However, group PDT+EA (11.34 ± 0.25 MPa) demonstrated the lowest bond scores. The intergroup comparison revealed that the TER system displayed significantly higher SBS values than the PDT and ECYL groups (p < 0.05). The intragroup comparison revealed that enamel conditioned with TER and brackets bonded with ZOEA and EA displayed comparable bond integrity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Enamel conditioned with TER bonded to a metallic bracket displayed better bond strength than PDT and ECYL. Zirconium oxide nanoparticles incorporated in adhesive have proved to be promising in improving the bond integrity of adhesive.

Public awareness about arthritic diseases in Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Raising public knowledge and perception would have a discernible impact on providing optimal care and reducing the burden of arthritis in the community. This systematic review aimed to identify the public knowledge about the common arthritic conditions in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL for relevant literature. We included questionnaire-based cross-sectional studies performed in Saudi Arabia assessing the public perception of general knowledge, causes/risk factors, signs/symptoms, and relieving/management measures of the common arthritic conditions including osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and gout. The meta-analysis was performed on outcomes reported in ≥ two studies utilizing a random-effects model RESULTS: Ten studies representing 6703 participants were deemed eligible for inclusion in this review. A total of 35 questions were feasible to be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis estimated that 83.51%, 54.51%, and 80.42% have ever hearsd or read about OA, RA, and gout. Joint pain and swelling were perceived to be the main signs/symptoms of OA, RA, and gout. 7.5% think OA is predisposed by genetics while only 33.6% think the same of RA. RA knowledge in general is suboptimum. Only 27.04% think medications can help in the management of gout. CONCLUSION: The Saudi public perception of the general knowledge and causes/risk factors of the most common arthritic conditions was acceptable. The level of knowledge about other aspects of the common arthritic conditions is still limited and needs to be addressed by future educational interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022345274.

Periodontal, Microbiological, and Proinflammatory Cytokines Levels in Fixed Orthodontics Patients Treated with Photodynamic Therapy Adjunct to Full Mouth Scaling.

Objective: To assess the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) adjunct to full mouth scaling (FMS) in improving periodontal, microbiological, and proinflammatory cytokines levels in patients undergoing fixed orthodontics treatment (FOT). Materials and methods: The study recruited 60 teenage patients who were undergoing FOT. All the patients were arbitrarily divided into two groups: Group 1, FMS +PDT and Group 2, FMS alone. Plaque scores (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were assessed. Levels of biomarkers interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were evaluated. Samples were collected from gingival plaque for estimation of Prevotella intermedia and Porphyromonas gingivalis load. All measurements were completed at three intervals baseline, 4th week, and 8th week. Post Hoc corrections and intergroup comparisons were examined using Student's t-test and Bonferroni correction. To find differences between repeated follow-ups, analysis of variance (ANOVA) multiple rank tests were used. Results: At baseline, all the gingival parameters displayed comparable outcomes between patients of Group 1 and Group 2 (p > 0.05). However, at 4 and 8 weeks of follow-up, PS and BOP among tested groups exhibited significantly lower values than baseline (p < 0.001). At 8 weeks, there was a significant difference in PS between the two groups tested. Moreover, at 4 and 8 weeks, BOP revealed a significant difference between the groups. PD remains comparable with baseline at follow-up visits (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in IL-6 and TNF-α levels was observed in both investigated groups at 4 and 8 weeks of baseline. Moreover, it was identified that P. intermedia and P. gingivalis were reduced significantly at 4 weeks. Moreover, a significant difference existed between both Group 1 and Group 2 at 4 and 8 weeks of recall visit (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of photodynamic treatment adjuvant to FMS aids in improving periodontal parameters and cytokines levels.

A Brief Review of Acoustic and Vibration Signal-Based Fault Detection for Belt Conveyor Idlers Using Machine Learning Models.

Due to increasing demands for ensuring the safety and reliability of a system, fault detection (FD) has received considerable attention in modern industries to monitor their machines. Bulk materials are transported worldwide using belt conveyors as an essential transport system. The majority of conveyor components are monitored continuously to ensure their reliability, but idlers remain a challenge to monitor due to the large number of idlers (rollers) distributed throughout the working environment. These idlers are prone to external noises or disturbances that cause a failure in the underlying system operations. The research community has begun using machine learning (ML) to detect idler's defects to assist industries in responding to failures on time. Vibration and acoustic measurements are commonly employed to monitor the condition of idlers. However, there has been no comprehensive review of FD for belt conveyor idlers. This paper presents a recent review of acoustic and vibration signal-based fault detection for belt conveyor idlers using ML models. It also discusses major steps in the approaches, such as data collection, signal processing, feature extraction and selection, and ML model construction. Additionally, the paper provides an overview of the main components of belt conveyor systems, sources of defects in idlers, and a brief introduction to ML models. Finally, it highlights critical open challenges and provides future research directions.

Entropy Related to K-Banhatti Indices via Valency Based on the Presence of C6H6 in Various Molecules.

Entropy is a measure of a system's molecular disorder or unpredictability since work is produced by organized molecular motion. Shannon's entropy metric is applied to represent a random graph's variability. Entropy is a thermodynamic function in physics that, based on the variety of possible configurations for molecules to take, describes the randomness and disorder of molecules in a given system or process. Numerous issues in the fields of mathematics, biology, chemical graph theory, organic and inorganic chemistry, and other disciplines are resolved using distance-based entropy. These applications cover quantifying molecules' chemical and electrical structures, signal processing, structural investigations on crystals, and molecular ensembles. In this paper, we look at K-Banhatti entropies using K-Banhatti indices for C6H6 embedded in different chemical networks. Our goal is to investigate the valency-based molecular invariants and K-Banhatti entropies for three chemical networks: the circumnaphthalene (CNBn), the honeycomb (HBn), and the pyrene (PYn). In order to reach conclusions, we apply the method of atom-bond partitioning based on valences, which is an application of spectral graph theory. We obtain the precise values of the first K-Banhatti entropy, the second K-Banhatti entropy, the first hyper K-Banhatti entropy, and the second hyper K-Banhatti entropy for the three chemical networks in the main results and conclusion.

Postoperative Complications in Patients With the Preoperative COVID-19 Infection at King Fahad Specialist Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new coronavirus strain. Indeed, the timing of COVID-19 infection before surgery plays an important role in the surgery outcomes and complications. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of postoperative complications for patients who underwent surgery with previous COVID-19 infection. METHODOLOGY: This was a retrospective hospital-based study which was conducted on 75 patients who had been infected with COVID-19 and underwent surgery. RESULTS: We included 75 patients. The time between COVID-19 infection and the surgery was from one to six months in 52% of patients, 24% of patients were more than six months, and 24% of patients were less than one month. In this study, most of the patients had no complications (77.3%) while 22.7% of patients had complications that were mainly respiratory (n= 13). The overall mortality in our study was 5.3%. There was a significant association between comorbidity and postoperative complications, and the status of COVID-19 preoperative and postoperative complications (p < 0.01) but not patients' age as well as the type of anesthesia and postoperative complication (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Respiratory complications were the most common postoperative complications in patients who had surgery after COVID-19 infection. Comorbidity and COVID-19 status were significantly associated with higher postoperative complications. Mortality was relatively small. We recommend extreme care to patients with COVID-19 infection prior to surgery to decrease the COVID-19 hazards that develop post-surgery.

Patterns and Prevalence of Self-Medication in Saudi Arabia: Insights From a Nationwide Survey.

Self-medication, the unsupervised use of drugs, is a common global behavior with potential adverse health outcomes. This study explores the prevalence and patterns of self-medication in Saudi Arabia, focusing on factors such as drug availability, economic constraints, and public trust in healthcare systems. Particular emphasis is placed on self-medication with antibiotics and prescription drugs due to their significant public health risks. Our comprehensive, quantitative, cross-sectional study surveyed 1,671 individuals across Saudi Arabia's diverse regions. We found that 75.5% of respondents engaged in self-medication, primarily on an occasional basis. While 59.8% of participants perceived self-medication as safe, 17.5% reported experiencing adverse effects. Respondents strongly advocated for increased regulatory measures (87.7%) and a pressing need for enhanced public education (92.6%) to address the associated risks. The study highlights the widespread practice of self-medication in Saudi Arabia, influenced by various factors, and underscores the need for targeted health policies and educational campaigns to mitigate these risks.