Efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted knee reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being utilized in hip and knee reconstruction. However, the relative efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted total knee replacement (RATKR) compared to traditional surgery remained uncertain. This study aimed to systematically review the current literature comparing the outcomes of RATKR to traditional procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comprehensive literature searches were conducted in major databases to identify studies comparing RATKR with traditional surgeries. The primary outcomes were functional scores and post-operative complications. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random effects model. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies were considered for inclusion. The pooled functional scores of The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS), hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, visual analogue score (VAS) pain score showed no significant differences between the two groups (MD = -0.99, 95% CI -2.32 to 0.34, p-value = 0.14). The subgroup analysis for hip and knee reconstructions also revealed no significant difference in terms of functional scores. However, for post-operative complications, while there was no significant difference in terms of blood loss (MD = -1.62, 95% CI -4.42 to 1.17, p-value = 0.25), the readmission rates were significantly higher in the RATKR group (MD = 0.94, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.11, p-value < 0.00001). The overall heterogeneity was extremely high (I² = 93%), particularly in the analyses of post-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that robotic-assisted knee reconstruction did not significantly improve functional outcomes compared to traditional surgery. The safety profile was similar except for a higher readmission rate following RATKR. Given the high heterogeneity, further large-scale, well-designed, randomized controlled trials are needed to conclusively determine the efficacy and safety of robotic-assisted hip and knee reconstruction.

Assessment of bifid mandibular canals using cone beam computed tomography in general population: a retrospective evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of bifid mandibular canals (BMC) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Saudi population subset. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the study, three hundred and forty-three CBCT scans (661 sides) were evaluated for the presence of BMC, involving 162 males and 181 females. Tomographic acquisitions were performed on the device Planmeca®. The image analysis was performed on the Planmeca Romexis® software, aided by image filters associated with transverse, oblique, and panoramic reconstruction cuts for analysis of the BMC. Naitoh's classification (2009) was employed to classify mandibular canals. The prevalence of BMC was determined according to location, gender, and age of participants. The data were analyzed with Chi-square and one-way ANOVA tests at a significance level of 95%. RESULTS: The BMC was observed in 37 (12.34%) out of 343 participants, of whom 20 (54.05%) were males and 17 (45.94%) were females. There was no significant difference in the proportion of bifid canals in both genders and various age groups. The most common BMC was the retromolar canal type, with 56.75% occurrence. The dental canal type was observed in 18.91% of BMC participants. The presence of a forward canal without confluence was observed in 16.21% of participants in the BMC, whereas a forward canal with confluence was noted in 8.10% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of bifid mandibular canals (BMC) within a subset of the Saudi population was 12.3%. The retromolar canal was identified as the most frequently occurring type, accounting for 56.7% of cases. No significant variations in BMC prevalence were observed concerning age and gender. Consequently, it is strongly advised to conduct a thorough assessment of the mandibular canal and its potential variations using CBCT imaging before undertaking mandibular surgical procedures, in order to minimize the risk of complications.

Comparison of implant-supported rehabilitation in smokers and non-smokers with conventional and short tuberosity implants: an evaluation of prosthetic, peri-implant, and cytokine profiles.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess periodontal parameters, radiographic (CBL), and prosthetic parameters along with levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) in smokers undergoing rehabilitation using conventional implants and short tuberosity implants (STIs). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The duration of the study was six months. A structured questionnaire was made to be filled out by all participants. The participants were included in the study based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for smokers and non-smokers with STIs. Peri-implant parameters were assessed based on peri-implant plaque index (PIPI), bleeding on probing (BoP), and peri-implant periodontal depth (PIPD) ≥4 mm. Collection of peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) and measurement of MMP-9 and IL-1ß was performed using ELISA. Data related to peri-implant clinical and radiographic parameters were reported in mean and percentages. Pearson Chi-square test was employed for categorical data sets, whereas the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for the comparison of means between groups. Bonferroni post hoc adjustment test was applied for multiple comparisons. Differences were found to be significant p<0.01 RESULTS: Among the four groups, one hundred participants were included. The mean age of participants in groups 1 (44±4.5 yrs) and 3 (44±2.1 yrs) showed no significant difference from participants in groups 2 (42±3.8 yrs) and 4 (43±3.5 yrs). The duration of the smoking habit in cigarette smokers with STIs was 22.7±1.4 yrs, and cigarette smokers with conventional implants were 23.8±1.9 yrs with a daily frequency of 11.2±2.5 in group 1 and 11.33±2.1 in group 3. The means for PIPI and PIPD were found to be significantly worse in cigarette smokers with STIs (PIPI 62.4±5.9; PIPD 5.3±2.1) and conventional implants (PIPI 63.3±6.1; PIPD 5.5±1.9) compared to non-smokers with STIs (PIPI 29.2±3.6; PIPD 3.1±0.1) and conventional implants (PIPI 28.1±3.4; PIPD 3.2±0.3). BoP was significantly higher in non-smokers compared to smokers with STIs (smokers 24.2±8.3; non-smokers 36.5±21.2) and conventional implants (smokers 21.6±7.4; non-smokers 38.4±24.1) (p<0.01). The level of IL-1ß (pg/ml) and the level of MMP-9 (ng/ml) were found to be significantly higher in cigarette smokers with STIs and conventional implants in comparison to non-smokers (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal (PIPI, PIPD, and BoP) along with radiographic (CBL) and prosthetic parameters were compromised in smokers compared to non-smokers. Patients with conventional implants and STI showed comparable clinical, radiographic, and prosthetic parameters among smokers. Utilization of dental services along with cessation programs should be encouraged for smokers.

Self-medication for acne among Saudi Undergraduate University Students: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Understanding the perceptions and practices associated with self-medication among undergraduate university students is of significant importance since there is evidence showing that self-medication is prevalent among this group. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the perceptions and extent of self-medication among undergraduate university students as well as assess their knowledge and patterns of self-medication for acne. A cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate university students aged between 18 and 25 years. Materials and Methods: Students were briefed about the purpose of the study, and a pretested questionnaire was used for assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: Five hundred and nineteen students participated in this study. Approximately 55.3% had self-medicated, and 38.2% of the participants reported self-medicating because they thought the situation was simple and did not require a doctor's visit. Adapalene was the most commonly administered medication (53%). Furthermore, 74.7% of the respondents said that they saw improvement after treatment. Conclusions: A high percentage of students self-medicate their acne, many of whom use medication without a prescription. However, inappropriate use of drugs can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Public health in Global South: effect of environmental pollutant PM2.5 on the incidence and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.

OBJECTIVE: Environmental pollution has undoubtedly been established as a planetary, intergenerational, and existential threat to global human health and safety. Environmental pollution is adversely affecting the world, mainly the countries where human health is not a priority aspect, and this has been exacerbated due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), and pandemic is known as "COVID pandemic". This study investigates the association of environmental pollutants, particulate matter (PM2.5), with SARS-CoV-2 daily cases and deaths in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, Pakistan, presenting the perspectives from the Global South. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The day-to-day PM2.5 levels were recorded from the metrological website, Real-Time Air Quality Index-AQI. The corresponding data on the COVID cases and deaths in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad were obtained from August 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021, from the Health Ministry and National Command Operations Centre Pakistan. RESULTS: The mean values for PM2.5 in Karachi were 110.4±46.2; in Lahore 174.0±83.2; and in Islamabad 107.1±40.0. The COVID-19 mean daily cases in Karachi were 538.9±446.6; Lahore 398.3±403.1; and Islamabad 212.2±187.6; and mean daily deaths in Karachi were 9.2±8.3; Lahore 9.3±9.7; and Islamabad 1.8±1.8. The results further depicted that the SARS-CoV-2 cases were 2.86 times higher in Karachi and 1.4 times higher in Lahore than in Islamabad. Similarly, the SARS-CoV-2 deaths were 3.6 and 2.8 times higher in Karachi and Lahore, respectively, compared to Islamabad. CONCLUSIONS: The findings claim that cases and deaths augmented significantly along with PM2.5 levels. These empirical estimates demonstrate an association between PM2.5 and SARS-CoV-2 daily cases and deaths in the cities of the Global South. These findings can contribute to policy-making decisions about addressing air pollutants and climate concerns in developing countries and create an urgency to develop a strategy for minimizing environmental pollution. This study can also steer the actions needed to address the environmental problems in developing countries to improve public health and safety.

Effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment on proinflammatory chemokine profile and levels of advanced glycation in gingival crevicular fluid.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aims to reconnoiter the outcome of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) on levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and pro-inflammatory chemokine in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of individuals undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants were divided into a diabetic and no-diabetic group according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Power analysis was adopted from a previous study that reported GCF chemokines in obese individuals. All teeth were measured for clinical periodontal parameters (CPP). GCF and saliva were collected 3 months after placing stainless steel archwire. GCF was investigated for pro-inflammatory cytokines all expressed in pg/mL. Quantification of chemokines was performed using a Magnetic bead-based multiplex assay for the Luminex® platform. Non-normality of data was assessed by Mann-Whitney U-test. Normality was estimated using an Independent t-test. Descriptive data were computed in the form of standard deviations and means. RESULTS: Unstimulated whole saliva flow rate (UWSFR) was significantly lower in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics (p=.021). Amongst different clinical periodontal parameters (CPP) no difference in plaque scores (PS) and probing depth (PD) was found between diabetic and non-diabetic participants. Two GCF chemokines i.e., Resistin (p=.031) and AGEs (p=.017) were observed to be significantly higher in DMT2 participants compared to the non-diabetes group. CPP and GCF biomarkers in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals demonstrated a positive correlation between AGEs and GCF resistin levels concerning bleeding on probing (BoP) in diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with DMT2 after alignment with an orthodontic device exhibited significantly high levels of resistin and AGEs. The proinflammatory response was noted in patients with hyperglycemia undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices before the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 outbreak was first reported in Wuhan City, China in early December 2019. It was declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of the general population in Saudi Arabia towards COVID-19, as well as its adherence to preventive measures and its willingness to take the vaccine. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved an online sample of 7,188 participants (from five regions of Saudi Arabia) who completed a self-administered online-based questionnaire. They were recruited from 23 November 2020 to 29 November 2020 based on the nonprobability convenience sampling method. The self-administered questionnaire comprised four main sections: gathering information about participants' demographics, knowledge and awareness of COVID-19, participants' practices (hygiene and other) against infection, and vaccine acceptability. RESULTS: More than half of the study participants were knowledgeable about COVID-19. The mean scores were 10.4 (SD=3.44, range: 0-18 - with high scores indicating better knowledge or awareness) for knowledge and 6.1 (SD=2.26, range: 0-11) for awareness, indicating a need for more educational campaigns to improve the level of knowledge and awareness among the Saudi Arabian population about COVID-19. The mean score for attitude was 5 (SD=1.67, range: 0-8 - from 0=very pessimistic to 8=very optimistic), indicating moderate optimism. As for practices, the mean score was 7.8 (SD=1.57, range: 0-10), indicating good practices to prevent or control infection. Concerning acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine, 63.8% of the participants agreed to take the vaccine if it was proven to be 95% effective. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study can help us designing effective measures against COVID-19 infections. Our results highlight the best practices adopted by the Saudi Arabian population, as well as those areas requiring improvement, including knowledge, attitudes, and practices against this disease.

Natural and synthetic photosensitizers activated by photodynamic therapy on enamel reconditioning rebonded to metallic brackets: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the bond efficacy and failure rates of rebonded metallic brackets after enamel reconditioning with chemical 37% phosphoric acid (PA) and natural and synthetic photosensitizers activated by PDT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 non-cavitated, and cautiously extracted human premolars were congregated after sample size calculation. The enamel exterior was etched, washed, dried for adhesive application, and cured. Metallic brackets were then oriented and adapted to enamel surface using composite. Later, brackets were debonded from the surface via a Weingart plier. Enamel was finished for ensuing surface reconditioning. Ultimately, specimens were randomly distributed into five groups (n=10). Enamel surface before rebonding was reconditioned with curcumin photosensitizer (CP), riboflavin photosensitizer (RP), rose bengal photosensitizer (RBP), methylene blue photosensitizer (MBP), and 37% PA (control) respectively. After following reconditioning protocol, brackets were rebonded to the enamel exterior employing a composite adhesive system. Then, specimens were subjected to the universal testing machine for analyzing shear bond strength (SBS), and bond failures were predicted using an ARI index. One-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests were used for statistical analysis at a variance value of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Enamel reconditioned with 37% PA demonstrated the highest SBS for bracket rebonding, and the lowest SBS was presented by CP actuated by PDT. Enamel reconditioned with RP and RBP corroborated the analogous SBS outcome to 37% PA. Likewise, enamel surface treatment with MBP revealed a statistically significant result to CP for metallic bracket rebonding. The most prevalent failure scores anticipated among groups were 0 and 1 indicating an adhesive failure with the exemption of group 5 (control) that encountered more score 2 cohesive failure on debonding metallic brackets from enamel exterior. CONCLUSIONS: Rose bengal and riboflavin photosensitizers activated by photodynamic therapy with low ARI scores have the potential to be used as viable enamel reconditioning alternatives to 37% phosphoric acid for rebonding metallic brackets.

Pull-out bond strength of fiber post luted with two types of resin luting cements using different light curing units.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the pull-out bond strength of fiber post when cemented with a self-adhesive dual-cured resin luting cement and a conventional light-cured resin luting cement. In addition, the influence of a light-emitting diode (LED) and halogen (QTH) curing lights on the pull-out bond strength was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 extracted human teeth were selected. Post-space preparation of 10 mm was done and two types of resin cement i.e. RelyX Unicem (RXU) and variolink esthetic LC (VLE) were used for cementation of a translucent RelyX fiber post. Light activation for 60 s was done with LED and QTH curing units. The pull-out test was performed parallel to the long axis of the tooth and the post at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min using a universal testing machine. The load required to dislodge each post was recorded in Newton (N). Statistical analysis was done and a value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The RXU showed a mean (SD) pull-out bond strength of 203.5N (47.1) and 207.3N (31.3) when light activated with LED and QTH curing lights, respectively. For VLE, the mean pull-out bond strength was 78.9N (21.5) and 87.7N (30.7), when light activated with LED and QTH curing lights, respectively. Moreover, LED and QTH curing lights did not influence the pull-out bond strength for both the test materials. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that a dual-cured resin luting cement should be used for the cementation of fiber post. Further research is required to understand the light transmission of translucent fiber posts.

Effect of Post-Isometric Relaxation and Laser on Upper Trapezius Trigger Point Pain in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to determine the effectiveness of post-isometric relaxation and LASER treatment in minimizing pain and increasing neck range of motion and function in people with upper Trapezius trigger point pain. METHODS: A total of 45 participants with upper Trapezius trigger point pain were studied. All the participants were randomly assigned into three equal groups (post-isometric relaxation, LASER, and Control) to receive the respective treatments for 1 week. The pressure threshold meter was used to assess the pain-pressure sensitivity of myofascial trigger point pain. Pain intensity and cervical range of motion were measured using the visual analogue scale and cervical goniometry, respectively. The neck disability index was used to assess neck function. RESULTS: The results of within group analysis indicate significant changes in all the outcomes in three groups (All groups, P = 0.001) except an insignificant improvement of pain pressure threshold in the control group (P = 0.069). Additionally, there were significant differences noted among three groups on pain-pressure threshold and visual analogue scale scores at posttest day 1, day 5, and day 12 (all P = 0.001). However, there was non-significant improvements of neck disability index and side flexion on both sides noted at all timelines except (all P > 0.05), a significant improvement at posttest day 5 (P = 0.015) among three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both PIR and LASER treatment have been effective in reducing pain-pressure threshold and pain intensity in the management of muscle trigger point pain. Long-term studies are warranted to further validate the effectiveness of these modalities in the management of upper Trapezius trigger point pain.

Risk Associated with Malaria Infection in Tihama Qahtan, Aseer Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: 2006-2007.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2004, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pursued a policy of malaria elimination. The distribution of malaria at this time was constrained to regions located in the South Western part of the country. The present study aimed to understand the risk of malaria infection and factors associated with these events between March 2006 and August 2007 in one part of Aseer region. METHODS: The study was carried out in Tihama Qahtan area in the far southeastern part of Aseer, historically the most malaria endemic area of this region. The area covers 54 villages served by three primary health care centres (Wadi Alhayah, Alfarsha and Albuqaa). Malaria cases were detected using passive case detection (PCD) at the three health centres for 18 months from March 2006, each positive case was investigated using patient and household level enquiries. In addition, four cross-sectional surveys in 12 villages were undertaken using rapid diagnostic tests within the catchments of each health centre coinciding with malaria transmission seasons. RESULTS: Among 1840 individuals examined in the PCD survey, 49 (2.7%) were positive for malaria, most were Plasmodium falciparum cases and one was a P. vivax case. The majority of these infections were likely to have been acquired outside of the area and represent imported cases, including those from the neighboring region of Jazan. Among the 18 locally acquired cases, the majority were adult males who slept outdoors. 3623 individuals were screened during the cross-sectional surveys, 16 (0.44%) were positive and infections only detected during peak, potential transmission periods. CONCLUSION: There was evidence of local malaria transmission in the Tihama Qahtan area in 2006-2007, however prevalence and incidence of new infections was very low, making the future ambitions of elimination biologically feasible. The constant source of imported infections must be considered in the area's elimination ambitions, alongside strong behavioural community messages about sleeping outdoors unprotected and travel to malaria endemic areas outside the region.

Insomnia among non-depressed multiple sclerosis patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is a common problem that affects approximately 50% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), who suffer from sleep disturbances. In general, persons with insomnia are at a higher risk of developing depression. This study was conducted to assess insomnia among non-depressed MS patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: Based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), those who scored 4 or less for depression out of 598 MS patients were selected (n = 112). A cross-sectional study was conducted to interview 112 non-depressed MS patients in order to assess insomnia among them. A data collection sheet has been designed by the researchers. It comprised socio-demographic variables (e.g., gender, age, area of residence, and marital status) and clinical variables (disease duration, age at disease onset, previous diagnosis of depression, and used antidepressant drugs). Insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), while severity of illness was assessed using the Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS). RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (64.3%) were females, and 62 (55.4%) were married. Their mean age was 32.6 years (SD = 8.9), ranging from 15 to 56 years. As for educational level, 64 (57.1%) had a Bachelor degree. The mean age at disease onset was 26 years (SD = 8.9). The mean duration of illness was 1.9 years. Symptoms of insomnia were present among 14 patients (12.5%). No statistical significance was found between the mean PDSS of insomnia and non-insomnia patients. Significant differences were present between insomnia and non-insomnia patients as regards their education level (P = 0.005) and use of antidepressant drugs (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of insomnia among non-depressed MS patients is low. Insomnia is associated with educational and use of antidepressants. Further research is needed to assess severity of different types of insomnia among depressed and non-depressed MS patients.

Acute intestinal schistosomiasis among school-aged children presented to King Abdullah Hospital, Bisha province, Saudi Arabia: A Case Series.

Acute intestinal schistosomiasis is one of the clinical manifestations of infection with S. mansoni fluke. School aged-children are most at risk for this infection. To present cases of acute intestinal schistosomiasis among school-aged children attending the pediatric unit at King Abdullah Hospital, Bisha province, southwest of Saudi Arabia. This was a retrospective case study of nine school aged-children who were diagnosed with intestinal schistosomiasis in 2015. Data regarding clinical presentation, development of infections, diagnosis and management were recorded. Direct microscopical examination of stool sample for detection of S. mansoni egg's had been applied as a diagnostic tool. Laboratory findings were obtained to assess the severity of the infection. Nine children (7 boys and 2 girls) having acute intestinal schistosomiasis were reviewed. The age of the children were between six to 13 years old [mean 8.8 ± 2.17 years (SD)]. The duration of signs and symptoms prior to admission ranged from three to 21 days [mean 9.0 ± 5.8 days (SD)]. Most of the patients (n=7) presented with fever associated with abdominal pain followed by vomiting and cough. Four patients have a family history of intestinal schistosomiasis. Children had history of water contact for playing and swimming purposes. Infected children were treated with praziquantel (PZQ) oral dose of 20 mg/kg every eight hours for a day. None of the children presented late complications of schistosomiasis after three months follow up. The existence of intestinal schistosomiasis among school aged-children in Bisha suburb is alarming. The severity of the clinical manifestations of acute intestinal schistosomiasis were non-specific and varied that need of high expectation of physicians to diagnosis such disease. Obtaining of patients travelling history to endemic areas and visiting of infested water resources are necessary for detection of schistosomiasis cases.

Genetic Traits in the Liver Anatomy Between Parents and Children: An Analysis of Liver Transplant Recipients and Living Donors.

BACKGROUND: To date, no significant similarities in the anatomy of the hepatic vasculature have been observed between blood-related individuals. However, we have frequently encountered anatomic similarities between parents and their children; thus, we performed an analysis of the genetic traits in the anatomy of the liver. METHODS: The study cohort was 330 adult cases of living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT), in which the donor-recipient relationship was child to parent. The subjects underwent LDLT from January 2013 to December 2014. Preoperative dynamic computerized tomographic scans were used to classify the anatomy of the hepatic vasculature. RESULTS: Portal vein (PV) anatomy was classified as typical and 2 variant types. PV anatomy combinations in donor and recipient were typical in 232 subjects, variant in 16, and typical-variant in 82. The PV concordance rate was 75.2%, and the contingency coefficient was 0.130 (P = .017). Hepatic artery (HA) anatomy was classified as typical and 4 variant types. HA anatomy combinations in donor and recipient were typical in 167 subjects, variant in 33, and typical-variant in 130. The HA concordance rate was 60.6%, and the contingency coefficient was 0.058 (P = .294). The sizable inferior right hepatic vein in donor and recipient was present in 44 subjects, absent in 160, and discordant in 126; its concordance rate was 61.8% and contingency coefficient 0.133 (P = .014). CONCLUSIONS: There may be a shared but weak genetic trait between parents and children regarding the anatomy of the PV and inferior hepatic vein. This information may be helpful when LDLT is performed between 1st-degree relatives.

Prevalence of hyponatremia among patients who used indapamide and hydrochlorothiazide: a single center retrospective study.

Hyponatremia is the most frequently encountered electrolyte abnormality among hospitalized patients and thiazide users. In this large single-center retrospective study, we aim to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hyponatremia among patients at the King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first such study in Saudi Arabia. A chart review was done for the years 2011-2012 of all admitted Saudi patients at KAMC who were treated with indapamide and hydrochlorothiazide. A total of 2000 patients were included [1237 females (629 indapamide and 608 hydrochlorothiazide) and 762 males (371 indapamide and 391 hydrochlorothiazide)]. Majority of the patients had type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with an overall prevalence of 72.2%. The overall prevalence of hyponatremia, regardless of severity, in the indapamide group was 37.3% versus 38.7% in the hydrochlorothiazide group. Stratification for age revealed that older patients had relatively higher levels of sodium (Na) as compared with younger patients, and this inverse association was significant (R = - 0.123; P <0.001). Increasing age, female gender and presence of T2DM were the significant risk factors for hyponatremia, explaining the 4.7% of the variance perceived (P <0.001). Our study suggests that the prevalence of hyponatremia among Saudi thiazide users is relatively high, and more so for the elderly and for those with T2DM. Early identification of this condition is important and caution should be exercised while prescribing thiazide drugs, particularly to those who are most at risk of developing hyponatremia to prevent related complications.

The effect of monomer/polymer mixing ratio, time between mixing and packing of heat cured acrylic resin denture base material and bond assisting agents on the bond strength to acrylic resin denture teeth.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of varying the monomer/polymer mixing ratio, the time from mixing to packing heat cured acrylic resin and the effect of two bond assisting agents on the strength of the bond between denture base acrylic resin and acrylic resin denture teeth. Statistical differences were found in bond strength with monomer/polymer ratio and time between mixing and packing with one of the heat cured resins investigated. The benefit of using the bonding agents was not demonstrated.

Prevalence and distribution of anopheline mosquitoes in malaria endemic areas of Asir region, Saudi Arabia.

To study the prevalence of anopheline mosquitoes, over 180 sites were sampled in malaria-endemic areas of Asir region, Saudi Arabia, during June 1999-April 2001. A total of 7085 larval and 754 adult female Anopheles spp. specimens were collected. Seven species were identified: An. dthali, An. rupicolus, An. sergentii, An. arabiensis, An. multicolor, An. turkhudi and An. pretoriensis. Both An. arabiensis and An. sergentii are known vectors of malaria in the region. An. dthali occurred in all sites and was the most abundant species. An. turkhudi was collected in low numbers as larvae only. An. multicolor and An. pretoriensis were recorded for the first time in Asir region. An. sergentii is a species of the northern areas of the region, whereas An. arabiensis was more prevalent in the south.