Anti-Microbial, Thermal, Mechanical, and Gas Barrier Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Extrusion Blow-Molded Bottles.

Microbial contamination can occur on the surfaces of blow-molded bottles, necessitating the development and application of effective anti-microbial treatments to mitigate the hazards associated with microbial growth. In this study, new methods of incorporating anti-microbial particles into linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) extrusion blow-molded bottles were developed. The anti-microbial particles were thermally embossed on the external surface of the bottle through two particle deposition approaches (spray and powder) over the mold cavity. The produced bottles were studied for their thermal, mechanical, gas barrier, and anti-microbial properties. Both deposition approaches indicated a significant enhancement in anti-microbial activity, as well as barrier properties, while maintaining thermal and mechanical performance. Considering both the effect of anti-microbial agents and variations in tensile bar weight and thickness, the statistical analysis of the mechanical properties showed that applying the anti-microbial agents had no significant influence on the tensile properties of the blow-molded bottles. The external fixation of the particles over the surface of the bottles would result in optimum anti-microbial activity, making it a cost-effective solution compared to conventional compounding processing.

Vitamin D Serum Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and objective Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. It is linked with an increase in morbidity (e.g., blindness, kidney failure, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, limb amputations), premature mortality, high healthcare costs, and is quickly becoming a global epidemic disorder. Several studies have shown that vitamin D supplements reduce insulin resistance in T2DM and improve insulin secretion and sensitivity. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in T2DM patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the King Faisal University Health Centre in Saudi Arabia. The study used patient data during the period from October 2014 to January 2021. After obtaining approval from the King Faisal University Polyclinic Administration, we collected patient data from the King Faisal University Health Centre. The Ethics and Research Committee at the College of Medicine of King Faisal University granted ethical approval with the approval number (2020-11-82). The relevant patient data were collected, including age, gender, nationality, and blood test findings (vitamin D and HbA1c levels). Results A total of 191 T2DM patients participated in this study. The mean age of the patients was 56.1 ± 11.4 years (range: 21-85 years); 107 (56%) patients were females, and 137 (71.7%) were Saudis. There were 134 (70.2%) patients with vitamin D deficiency, 53 (27.7%) with vitamin D insufficiency, and only four (2.1%) with normal vitamin D levels. Conclusion Based on our findings, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among T2DM patients is highly associated with poor diabetic control.

Initial Fluid Balance Associated Outcomes in Children With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock.

INTRODUCTION: Net fluid balance and its role in sepsis-related mortality is not clear; studies suggest that aggressive fluid resuscitation can help in treatment, whereas others consider it is associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to clarify the possible association of initial 24 hours' fluid balance with poor outcomes in pediatric patients with sepsis. METHODS: Retrospective data analysis included pediatric patients admitted with suspected or proven sepsis or septic shock to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The study included 47 patients; 13 (28%) died, and mortality rate was significant in children with neurologic failure (P < 0.02), mechanical ventilation within 24 hours of admission (P < 0.03), leukopenia (P < 0.02), abnormal international normalized ratio (P < 0.02), initial blood lactate levels higher than 5 mmol/L (P < 0.02), or positive fluid balance at 24 hours of admission to the PICU (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among children with sepsis and/or septic shock, there is significant association between mortality and initial high blood lactate levels and positive fluid balance at 24 hours from admission to the PICU.

Impact of Self-Esteem and Self-Perceived Body Image on the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery.

Backboard Cosmetic surgery is the preservation, rebuilding, or improvement of the physical appearance of an individual through surgical and non-surgical methods. In the last few years, an increase in the number of cosmetic procedures was noticed worldwide. This increase suggests due to multifactorial changes in people's attitudes towards cosmetic surgery and concern about their physical appearance. This study aims to assess the impact of self-esteem and self-perceived body image on the acceptance of cosmetic surgery and other related factors in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Material and methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between May and August 2021. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed to all the participants who are attending plastic surgery clinics and online through social media. Three valid and reliable scales were used [Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE)] to assess the relationship between these variables and other factors. The data were analyzed by using two-tailed tests. P-value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. Correlation analysis was done by using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results A total of 1008 participants were included in the study with a response rate of 67%. Participant's ages ranged from 18 to 54 years with a mean age of 34.7 ± 11.2 years old. The study participants showed an average level of acceptance with a mean score % of 55.4% comparing to body appreciation; it was 74.2% higher with a more than average level of self-esteem, 24.7 out of 40 points for self-esteem with a mean score of 61.8%. Participants with a history of cosmetic surgery had significantly higher acceptance score than who did not (mean score of 72.6 compared to 57.1; P=0.001). Male participants had better body appreciation than females (mean score of 50.2 vs. 47.6, respectively; P=0.013). A weak positive correlation with no significance was found between participants' self-esteem and their acceptance of cosmetic surgery. Conclusion A better understanding of the acceptance of cosmetic surgery from a different cultural perspective and other related factors including social, psychological, and self-esteem are crucial for the plastic surgeon to ensure patient satisfaction.

Predictors of Survival Among Colorectal Cancer Patients in a Low Incidence Area.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in Saudi Arabia. The best therapeutic regimen for colorectal cancer is a matter of ongoing debate and data on its treatment in Saudi Arabia are limited. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to explore the predictors of survival and to compare the risk of mortality among colorectal cancer patients treated with different therapeutic modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study utilized data from the electronic colorectal cancer registry of a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to estimate the survival rates over 36 months of follow-up across rectal and colon cancer patients as well as different sociodemographic and medical characteristics. Bivariate and multiple Cox proportional-hazards regressions were conducted to estimate the risk of mortality among rectal and colon cancer patients undergoing different treatments. RESULTS: The number of patients in the registry who were followed up for 36 months was 143 patients. The majority of patients had colon cancer (74.13%). Rectal cancer patients had generally better survival estimates compared to their colon cancer counterparts. Colon cancer patients treated with chemotherapy had a significantly lower risk of mortality controlling for the use of surgery, radiotherapy, and other variables including age, gender, stage of cancer, and family history of colorectal cancer (HR=0.33; P=0.03). Additionally, colon cancer patients with a family history of colorectal cancer had significantly higher risk of mortality (HR=3.40; P=0.02). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study highlight the value of chemotherapy in managing colon cancer patients.