BACKGROUND: Organ donation plays a pivotal role in addressing the global demand for transplantable organs and saving lives. The success of organ transplantation relies not only on medical advancements but also on the willingness of communities to participate in organ donation programs. In Saudi Arabia, specifically within the Al-Majma'ah region, understanding the dynamics of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to organ donation is crucial for promoting a sustainable and ethical organ donation system. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was utilized in this research, employing data from a sample of 564 participants from the general population of the Al-Majma'ah region, Saudi Arabia. The participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and ensured anonymity. RESULTS: About 545 (96.6%) respondents were familiar with the concept of organ donation, and 455 (80.7%) participants recognized the necessity for the blood groups of the donor and recipient to match before the transplant process. About 412 (73.0%) participants agreed with the practice of organ donation with 326 (57.8%) expressing support for the practice. About 417 (73.9%) participants reported that their religion permits or endorses organ donation/transplantation. A total of 151 individuals (26.8%) had a low knowledge level, with total scores below 50% (6 or lower). In contrast, 280 people (4.7%) demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge (scoring between 50% and 75%) (7 to 9). Additionally, 133 individuals (23.5%) showcased a high level of knowledge, with scores exceeding 75% (10 or higher). The study established a statistically significant association between age, marital status with p-values < 0.05 (0.001*), and the knowledge score toward organ donation. However, gender and monthly household income were not significantly associated with knowledge score toward organ transplant with p-values (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The research findings indicated a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude toward organ donation among the general population of the Al-Majma'ah region in Saudi Arabia. Age and marital status were found to be significantly associated with the knowledge score toward organ donation. The study noted the desire and willingness to save lives through organ donation by the residents of the Al-Majma'ah region in Saudi Arabia.
Background: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of chronic oral mucosal diseases associated with an increased risk of malignant transformation. Multiple studies have investigated the prevalence of these conditions in multiple regions; however, there are limited data about the prevalence of OPMDs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This paper aims to review the prevalence of OPMDs in the KSA, to ensure better understanding of the population risk and propose a more standardised approach to the diagnosis and management of this group across the KSA. In addition, this review will discuss the prevalence of oral cancer in the KSA, considering independent risk factors for oral cancer development. Methods: Electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, Medscape, ScienceDirect, StatPearls, BMC Oral Health and the Cochrane Library were searched with the keywords "Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders"; "Saudi Arabia"; and "Oral Cancer". Identified articles were reviewed independently by 2 reviewers against defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: 16 studies were included in this review. The prevalence of OPMDs in KSA varies significantly depending on age, gender, social habits, background disease and dental status. Conclusions: This review highlights the need for up-to-date data on the prevalence, distribution, and characteristics of OPMDs in KSA. The diverse prevalence rates and distinct characteristics of various OPMDs emphasise the necessity for targeted preventive measures. As the data on OPMDs in KSA remains limited, future research efforts should prioritise the establishment of comprehensive epidemiological studies to inform effective public health interventions in this region.
BACKGROUND Modification of the glass fiber post (GFP) with titanium dioxide or silver particles can improve the durability and reliability of dental treatments for ensuring long-term success. This research assessed the tensile bond strength (TBS) of an adhesive system used for cementing GFPs into root dentin following the incorporation of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (NTiO2) and silver (NAg). MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty human maxillary canines were prepared to create a 10-mm intra-radicular space for post placement from the cementoenamel junction. The specimens were randomly allocated into 2 groups (a non-thermocycling group and a thermocycling group). Each group was divided into 3 subgroups (10 samples each) according to the adhesive system used (adhesive system devoid of any addition, adhesive system including 1% NAg, and adhesive system infused with 1% NTiO2). TBS tests were conducted and recorded in MPa using a Universal Testing Machine, with an axial load applied at a rate of 0.5 mm/min until failure. The TBS for both groups (non-thermocycling and thermocycling) was measured in megapascals (MPa), and the failure type was recorded. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test with P.
Adhesives , Dental Bonding , Glass , Titanium , Humans , Resin Cements/chemistry , Tensile Strength , Reproducibility of Results , Silver , Dentin , Materials Testing
A novel electrochemical sensor with a dual-template molecular imprinting technology was fabricated for the simultaneous detection of paracetamol (PAR) and isoniazid (INZ). The sensor was constructed using nitrogen and sulfur co-doped molybdenum carbide (N, S@Mo2C) and a thin layer of electro-polymerized methylene blue was applied onto the surface of the N, S@Mo2C. The electrochemical sensor demonstrated remarkable analytical efficiency for the concurrent PAR and INZ quantification under optimal circumstances. The system achieved an exceptionally low limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 3.7 nM for PAR, with a concentration range of 0.013 and 140 µM. A LOD of 7.6 nM was attained for INZ, with a linear range between 0.025 and 140 µM. Furthermore, the platform's selectivity was evaluated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The designed platform successfully detected PAR and INZ in authentic samples with recoveries varying between 98.3% and 104.9%. The relative standard deviations (RSD) for these measurements ranged from 2.7 to 4.0%, demonstrating that the proposed sensor is extremely stable, repeatable, and reproducible. These promising results suggest that the sensor holds potential for the detection of various (bio) molecules, paving the way for future applications in sensing fields.
Acetaminophen , Methylene Blue , Molybdenum , Isoniazid , Nitrogen , Sulfur
Stroke is a predominant contributor to global mortality and disability and represents a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by diverse risk factors and clinical presentations. The likelihood of stroke patients being at risk of a second stroke within the first five years is higher, especially within the initial two weeks. The distressing prospect of experiencing recurrent stroke shortly after reperfusion therapy adds an additional layer of complexity, potentially reversing prior progress. In the present case, we describe a patient who experienced a recurrent stroke within 24 hours, affecting the contralateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). This recurrence occurred after the individual underwent thrombolysis therapy for the initial stroke, emphasizing the intricate challenges associated with managing such cases and the imperative for targeted interventions to mitigate further risks and enhance patient outcomes.
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18835.].
BACKGROUND: Early identification of a patient with infection who may develop sepsis is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, this remains elusive because no single clinical measure or test can reflect complex pathophysiological changes in patients with sepsis. However, multiple clinical and laboratory parameters indicate impending sepsis and organ dysfunction. Screening tools using these parameters can help identify the condition, such as SIRS, quick SOFA (qSOFA), National Early Warning Score (NEWS), or Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS). We aim to externally validate qSOFA, SIRS, and NEWS/NEWS2/MEWS for in-hospital mortality among adult patients with suspected infection who presenting to the emergency department. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: PASSEM study is an international prospective external validation cohort study. For 9 months, each participating center will recruit consecutive adult patients who visited the emergency departments with suspected infection and are planned for hospitalization. We will collect patients' demographics, vital signs measured in the triage, initial white blood cell count, and variables required to calculate Charlson Comorbidities Index; and follow patients for 90 days since their inclusion in the study. The primary outcome will be 30-days in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcome will be intensive care unit (ICU) admission, prolonged stay in the ICU (i.e., ≥72 hours), and 30- as well as 90-days all-cause mortality. The study started in December 2021 and planned to enroll 2851 patients to reach 200 in-hospital death. The sample size is adaptive and will be adjusted based on prespecified consecutive interim analyses. DISCUSSION: PASSEM study will be the first international multicenter prospective cohort study that designated to externally validate qSOFA score, SIRS criteria, and EWSs for in-hospital mortality among adult patients with suspected infection presenting to the ED in the Middle East region. STUDY REGISTRATION: The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05172479).
Sepsis , Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome , Adult , Humans , Cohort Studies , Emergency Service, Hospital , Hospital Mortality , Multicenter Studies as Topic , Organ Dysfunction Scores , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Retrospective Studies , ROC Curve , Sepsis/diagnosis
Introduction Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is characterized by arterial narrowing or blockage, causing pain and reduced quality of life. Endovascular interventions, like angioplasty and stenting, offer less invasive treatment options with potential benefits. This study, conducted in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia from January to August 2023, aims to assess the impact of these interventions on PAD management in Saudi patients. Specifically, we aim to evaluate their effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes, such as symptom relief and quality of life, and their cost-effectiveness in the Saudi healthcare system. By addressing these objectives, our research provides evidence to support informed clinical decisions and healthcare policy in Saudi Arabia, ultimately enhancing patient care. Methods In this study, a cross-sectional design was used to assess the impact of endovascular interventions on PAD management in Saudi patients in the Al-Ahsa region. Data collection took place from January to August 2023. The study focused on a sample of 385 or more Saudi patients who had undergone endovascular interventions. Inclusion criteria involved diagnosed PAD patients who had received these interventions, while non-Saudi patients and those without PAD or interventions were excluded. Data was collected through an online questionnaire distributed in hospitals. The study considered demographic and clinical/economic variables to evaluate intervention effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Results The findings of this study emphasize the significance of variables such as gender, education level, employment status, and geographic location in shaping perceptions concerning the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of endovascular interventions for the management of PAD. Participants in the study reported substantial improvements in symptom relief, quality of life, and daily activities following endovascular interventions. Moreover, the study revealed divergent perceptions regarding the cost-effectiveness of these interventions among participants. Conclusion This study highlights a positive association between the use of endovascular interventions and improved clinical outcomes in Saudi patients diagnosed with PAD. The results of this research indicate that endovascular interventions are not only more cost-effective when compared to alternative treatment modalities for PAD management but also lead to significant enhancements in symptom relief, quality of life, and daily activities among patients. The implications of these findings for the Saudi healthcare system are substantial, underscoring the importance of evidence-based decisions in the adoption of endovascular interventions for PAD management.
We have successfully created a dual-modal probe, labeled as of iron(ii)-ortho-phenanthroline/N, S@g-CDs, which combines both fluorometric and colorimetric techniques for the accurate and sensitive detection of hypochlorite (ClO-). The mechanism behind this probe involves the fluorescence quenching interaction between nitrogen and sulfur co-doped green emissive carbon dots (N, S@g-CDs) and the iron(ii)-ortho-phenanthroline chelate, utilizing both the inner filter effect and redox processes. As the concentration of ClO- increases, the iron(ii) undergo oxidation to iron(iii) as follows: Fe(ii) + 2HClO = Fe(iii) + Cl2O + H2O, leading to the restoration of N, S@g-CDs fluorescence. Simultaneously, the color of the system transitions gradually from red to colorless, enabling colorimetric measurements. In the fluorometric method with an excitation wavelength of 370 nm, the ClO- concentration exhibits a wide linear correlation with fluorescence intensity ranging from 0.07 to 220 µM. The detection limit achieved in this method is 0.02 µM (S/N = 3). In contrast, the colorimetric method exhibits a linear range of 1.12 to 200 µM, with a detection limit of 0.335 µM (S/N = 3). The proposed selective absorbance for this method is 510 nm. The probe has been effectively utilized for the detection of ClO- in various samples, including water and milk samples. This successful application showcases its potential for determining ClO- in complex matrices, highlighting its broad range of practical uses.
A ratiometric-based fluorescence emission system was proposed for the determination of sulfide. It consists of blue emissive graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and self-assembled thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters driven by aluminum ion (Al3+@GSH-AuNCs). The two types of fluorophores are combined to form a ratiometric emission probe. The orange emission of Al3+ @GSH-AuNCs at 624 nm was quenched in the presence of sulfide ion owing to the strong affinity between sulfide and Au(I), while the blue GQDs fluorescence at 470 nm remained unaffected. Interestingly, the Al3+@GSH-AuNCs and GQDs were excited under the same excitation wavelength (335 nm). The response ratios (F470/F624) are linearly proportional to the sulfide concentration within the linear range of 0.02-200 µM under the optimal settings, with a limit of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.0064 µM. The proposed emission probe was applied to detect sulfide ions in tap water and wastewater specimens, with recoveries ranging from 95.3% to 103.3% and RSD% ranging from 2.3% to 3.4%, supporting the proposed method's accuracy.
In hospitals and other clinical settings, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a particularly dangerous pathogen that can cause serious or even fatal infections. Thus, the detection and differentiation of MRSA has become an urgent matter in order to provide appropriate treatment and timely intervention in infection control. To ensure this, laboratories must have access to the most up-to-date testing methods and technology available. This study was conducted to determine whether protein fingerprinting technology could be used to identify and distinguish MRSA recovered from both inpatients and outpatients. A total of 326 S. aureus isolates were obtained from 2800 in- and outpatient samples collected from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2018 to March 2021. For the phenotypic identification of 326 probable S. aureus cultures, microscopic analysis, Gram staining, a tube coagulase test, a Staph ID 32 API system, and a Vitek 2 Compact system were used. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), referred to as protein fingerprinting, was performed on each bacterial isolate to determine its proteomic composition. As part of the analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and a single-peak analysis of MALDI-TOF MS software were also used to distinguish between Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA. According to the results, S. aureus isolates constituted 326 out of 2800 (11.64%) based on the culture technique. The Staph ID 32 API system and Vitek 2 Compact System were able to correctly identify 262 (80.7%) and 281 (86.2%) S. aureus strains, respectively. Based on the Oxacillin Disc Diffusion Method, 197 (62.23%) of 326 isolates of S. aureus exhibited a cefoxitin inhibition zone of less than 21 mm and an oxacillin inhibition zone of less than 10 mm, and were classified as MRSA under Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. MALDI-TOF MS was able to correctly identify 100% of all S. aureus isolates with a score value equal to or greater than 2.00. In addition, a close relationship was found between S. aureus isolates and higher peak intensities in the mass ranges of 3990 Da, 4120 Da, and 5850 Da, which were found in MRSA isolates but absent in MSSA isolates. Therefore, protein fingerprinting has the potential to be used in clinical settings to rapidly detect and differentiate MRSA isolates, allowing for more targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.
A structural protein called keratin is often employed in the medical industry to create medication carriers. Process improvement, antioxidant, antibacterial, and adjuvant drug studies of synthetic bioactive keratin microparticles made from lipids and keratin derived from porcupine (Hystrix indica) quills are the main objectives of this study. After coating the keratin microparticles with lipids which were obtained from the same porcupine quills, the bioactive keratin microparticles were produced. The response surface technique was applied to optimize the conditions for extraction of the keratin protein and sizing of the keratin microparticles. An infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical shifts in compositions of keratin microparticles while the optical microscopy was used to measure the size of the keratin microparticles. The results of this work revealed that a yield 27.36 to 42.25% of the keratin protein could be obtained from porcupine quills. The keratin microparticles were sized between 60.65 and 118.87 µm. Through response surface optimization, mercaptoethanol and urea were shown to be the main variables which positively affected the yield and the size of the keratin protein. The lipid stacking on the keratin microparticles' surface was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) assay confirmed the keratin microparticle's antioxidant activity of 29.83%. Compared to lipid alone, the antibacterial properties of the keratin microparticles against Escherichia coli-a gram-negative-and Staphylococcus aureus-a gram-positive-bacteria enhanced by up to 55% following the coating of the microparticles with the lipids. The pharmacological action against these bacterial species was further improved by the lipid-loaded erythromycin that was carried on the surface of keratin microparticles. This work has demonstrated the design and uses of the keratin microparticles obtained from porcupine quills for clinical applications.
Keratins , Porcupines , Animals , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Escherichia coli , Lipids
BACKGROUND: Kartagener syndrome (KS) is recognized as an inherited, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a combination of chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and situs inversus. It affects one in 12,500-50,000 live births worldwide. AIM: This paper aims to discuss the dental management of patients diagnosed with KS. CASE REPORT: A 31-year-old male with KS manifests by impaired cilia motility which increases the risk of a frequent lung infection. The dental examination revealed that the patient required comprehensive oral hygiene care which included patient education and nonsurgical periodontal therapy under local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Dental care providers should ask affected patients with KS about their signs and symptoms of cardiac and pulmonary disease and seek consultation with their attending physician regarding these health concerns before the initiation of general anesthesia and perhaps conscious sedation administration. Patients with KS with emerging cardiac and/or respiratory impairment should be referred promptly for medical assessment.
Introduction Rhinoplasty, a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at altering the appearance of the nose, has gained immense popularity worldwide. Patients undergo this procedure for various reasons, ranging from aesthetic concerns to functional impairments. Social media, being a ubiquitous platform for sharing and consuming visual content, has emerged as a potential influencer for individuals contemplating rhinoplasty. This study aims to investigate the impact of social media on the prevalence of rhinoplasty among individuals residing in the southern and western regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online self-administered questionnaire, targeting male and female adults aged 18 years or older, residing in the western and southern regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised 17 questions, categorized into two sections. The first section sought demographic information, including age, gender, education, and other relevant characteristics. The second section focused on the influence of social media on the decision-making process related to rhinoplasty. Results A total of 1645 participants responded to the survey, with 96.80% being Saudi citizens. The majority of respondents were females (69.11%); 58.52% of the respondents were from the western region of Saudi Arabia, while 41.48% lived in the southern region. Most participants (64.27%) were aged between 18 and 30 years. The study revealed that Snapchat (Snap Inc., Santa Monica, California, United States) was the most influential social media platform, with 43.41% of respondents reporting it as the key influencer for their decision to undergo rhinoplasty. Twitter (Twitter, Inc., San Francisco, California, United States) and Instagram (Meta Platforms, Inc., Menlo Park, California, United States) followed at 22.97% and 12.09%, respectively. Interestingly, 28.42% of respondents acknowledged that social media played a significant role in their decision to undergo rhinoplasty, particularly when promoted by celebrities or trusted figures. Comparing responses from the western and southern regions, the study showed that individuals from the southern region were relatively more influenced by social media, with 27.8% and 29.3% of respondents reporting the influence from the two regions, respectively. Out of the total respondents, only 38.75% reported dissatisfaction with their nose's appearance and condition, while 23.60% expressed a tendency towards undergoing rhinoplasty. Conclusion The study's findings underscore the critical role of social media in influencing patients' decisions to undergo rhinoplasty, particularly in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Snapchat emerged as the most influential social media platform, with celebrities' pictures before and after the procedure being the leading factor in motivating patients to undergo rhinoplasty. The study highlights the need for further research to explore the potential risks and benefits associated with the influence of social media on patients' decision-making regarding rhinoplasty.
Morphogenesis of living systems involves topological shape transformations which are highly unusual in the inanimate world. Here, we demonstrate that a droplet of a nematic liquid crystal changes its equilibrium shape from a simply connected tactoid, which is topologically equivalent to a sphere, to a torus, which is not simply connected. The topological shape transformation is caused by the interplay of nematic elastic constants, which facilitates splay and bend of molecular orientations in tactoids but hinders splay in the toroids. The elastic anisotropy mechanism might be helpful in understanding topology transformations in morphogenesis and paves the way to control and transform shapes of droplets of liquid crystals and related soft materials.
Liquid Crystals , Liquid Crystals/chemistry , Anisotropy
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3ß), a serine/threonine protein kinase, has been discovered as a novel target for anticancer drugs. Although GSK3ß is involved in multiple pathways linked to the etiology of various cancers, no specific GSK3ß inhibitor has been authorized for cancer therapy. Most of its inhibitors have toxicity effects therefore, there is a need to develop safe and more potent inhibitors. In this study, a library of 4,222 anti-cancer compounds underwent rigorous computational screening to identify potential candidates for targeting the binding pocket of GSK3ß. The screening process involved various stages, including docking-based virtual screening, physicochemical and ADMET analysis, and molecular dynamics simulations. Ultimately, two hit compounds, BMS-754807 and GSK429286A, were identified as having high binding affinities to GSK3ß. BMS-754807 and GSK429286A exhibited binding affinities of -11.9, and -9.8 kcal/mol, respectively, which were greater than that of the positive control (-7.6 kcal/mol). Further, molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns were employed to optimize the interaction between the compounds and GSK3ß, and the simulations demonstrated that the interaction was stable and consistent throughout the study. These hits were also anticipated to have good drug-like properties. Finally, this study suggests that BMS-754807 and GSK429286A may undergo experimental validation to evaluate their potential as cancer treatments in clinical settings.
Recent advances in materials science have led to the development of smart materials that can continuously adapt to different loading conditions and changing environment to meet the growing demand for smart structural systems. The unique characteristics of superelastic NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) have attracted the attention of structural engineers worldwide. SMAs are metallic materials that can retrieve their original shape upon exposure to various temperatures or loading/unloading conditions with minimal residual deformation. SMAs have found increasing applications in the building industry because of their high strength, high actuation and damping capacities, good durability, and superior fatigue resistance. Despite the research conducted on the structural applications of SMAs during the previous decades, the existing literature lacks reviews on their recent uses in building industry such as prestressing concrete beams, seismic strengthening of footing-column connections, and fiber-reinforced concrete. Furthermore, scarce research exists on their performance under corrosive environments, elevated temperatures, and intensive fires. Moreover, the high manufacturing cost of SMA and the lack of knowledge transfer from research to practice are the main obstacles behind their limited use in concrete structures. This paper sheds light on the latest progress made in the applications of SMA in reinforced concrete structures during the last two decades. In addition, the paper concludes with the recommendations and future opportunities associated with expanding the use of SMA in civil infrastructures.
AIM: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are a common serious complication of diabetes mellitus, (lifetime occurrence, 19%-34%) account for at least 85% of all lower-limb amputations in diabetic patients. Special footwear (therapeutic footwear) is frequently recommended for such patients to adapt to changes in their foot structure. We aimed to, measure the effect of therapeutic footwear on DFU development and recurrence among previously affected patients in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed between June and September 2022. The study targeted patients aged ≥18 years previously diagnosed with DFU. Participants were contacted by telephone to complete a questionnaire assessing footwear use and foot care. RESULTS: This study included 115 participants with a mean age of 61.9 ± 11.63; overall, 47% of participants used therapeutic footwear and 46% were adherent with wearing it. The DFU recurrence rate among patients who used therapeutic footwear was 27.8% versus 52.5% among patients who did not (p = 0.013). While using therapeutic footwear, patients with foot deformities reported a lower ulcer healing rate than those who did not (50% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.04). Patients who examined their feet had a lower recurrence rate than those who did not (38.5% vs. 50%, p = 0.43). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic footwear use was significantly associated with decreased DFU recurrence. Further investigation to enhance the evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in DFUs is warranted.
Diabetes Mellitus , Diabetic Foot , Foot Ulcer , Humans , Adolescent , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Diabetic Foot/therapy , Saudi Arabia , Cross-Sectional Studies , Foot Ulcer/etiology , Foot
Background Rhinoplasty, a prevalent cosmetic surgical procedure worldwide, is not exempt from associated risks and complications, as with any other surgery. In light of the surging demand for rhinoplasty amongst young adults, it is imperative to acknowledge that the procedure can engender various complications that can be classified as either early or late complications. Examples of early complications include epistaxis and periorbital ecchymosis, while late complications may manifest as enophthalmos or septal perforation. The present study endeavors to gauge the knowledge of rhinoplasty complications among adult residents of the Western region of Saudi Arabia. Methods To achieve the research objectives, a cross-sectional study design was implemented, utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire. The study targeted male and female adults aged 18 years and above residing in the Western region of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised of 14 items, categorized into socio-demographic and rhinoplasty postoperative complications sections, respectively. Results The study gathered responses from a total of 968 participants, of which 60.95% fell within the age range of 18-30 years. The majority of participants identified as female (77.89%), and Saudi citizens constituted the vast majority of the respondents (96.28%). Among the participants, 22.62% expressed a desire to undergo rhinoplasty, whereas 77.38% indicated no interest in the procedure. Of those who sought rhinoplasty, the majority favored having the surgery performed by a skilled physician (81.74%). Notably, participants exhibited a relatively high level of awareness regarding the postoperative complications of rhinoplasty, with respiratory issues being the most widely recognized complication (66.63%). Conversely, headache, nausea, and vomiting were the least familiar complications (100%). Conclusion The study findings reveal a considerable knowledge gap among adults residing in the Western region of Saudi Arabia concerning rhinoplasty's possible postoperative complications. The results underscore the pressing need to establish comprehensive educational and awareness-raising programs to equip individuals contemplating the procedure with the requisite information to make informed decisions. Future research endeavors could delve into the underlying determinants that drive the desire for rhinoplasty and assess potential interventions geared toward augmenting individuals' comprehension and knowledge of the procedure.
BACKGROUND: Joint pain is one of the most frequent complaints among adults and older people in primary healthcare settings worldwide. There are many causes for joint pain, osteoarthritis (OA) is so far the most prevalent form of arthritis that causes joint pain. It can attack almost any joint, but the most frequently affected joints are the hands, knees, hips, and spine. This study aimed to identify public knowledge of OA and its associative variables in Al-Qunfudah governorate, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive community-based study was carried out among the general population in the Al-Qunfudah governorate. The research data were collected over two months, from November to December 2022, via an Arabic version of a self-administrated online survey of 29 items. RESULTS: A total of 746 respondents were included in this study. The majority of them were females (78%). The age group 18-29 was predominant. In terms of education, 69.9% were holding university degrees. The overall participants' knowledge of OA was poor at 36.1%, fair at 36.8%, and good at 26.9%. The associative variables with better participants' knowledge were; holding university degrees (P=0.021), being a student (P<0.001) and living in urban areas (P=0.020), having normal BMI (P=0.018), and depending on the school topics as a source of information (P<0.001). Good knowledge was significantly higher among healthy individuals and non-smokers (P<0.001) for each variable. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the lack of knowledge of osteoarthritis among the general population in Al-Qunfudah governorate, Saudi Arabia. Being a student, university educated, from urban areas, and having a normal BMI, all were associative factors with good knowledge. Therefore, this study highlights the necessity for providing awareness and educational campaigns for the public, focusing on the rural population.
