Performance of CURB-65 and ISARIC 4C mortality scores for hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection in Saudi Arabia.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic continues with new waves that could persist with the arrival of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, the availability of validated and effective triage tools is the cornerstone for proper clinical management. Thus, this study aimed to assess the validity of the ISARIC-4C score as a triage tool for hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia and to compare its performance with the CURB-65 score. Material and methods: This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted between March 2020 and May 2021 at KFHU, Saudi Arabia, using 542 confirmed COVID-19 patient data on the variables relevant to the application of the ISARIC-4C mortality score and the CURB-65 score. Chi-square and t-tests were employed to study the significance of the CURB-65 score and the ISARIC-4C score variables considering the ICU requirements and the mortality of COVID-19 hospitalized patients. In addition, logistic regression was used to predict the variables related to COVID-19 mortality. In addition, the diagnostic accuracy of both scores was validated by calculating sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Youden's J indices (YJI). Results: ROC analysis showed an AUC value of 0.834 [95% CI; 0.800-0.865]) for the CURB-65 score and 0.809 [95% CI; 0.773-0.841]) for the ISARIC-4C score. The sensitivity for CURB-65 and ISARIC-4C is 75% and 85.71%, respectively, while the specificity was 82.31% and 62.66%, respectively. The difference between AUCs was 0.025 (95% [CI; -0.0203-0.0704], p = 0.2795). Conclusion: Study results support external validation of the ISARIC-4C score in predicting the mortality risk of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the CURB-65 and ISARIC-4C scores showed comparable performance with good consistent discrimination and are suitable for clinical utility as triage tools for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Visualizing highly cited scientific output of Indian physiotherapists: A bibliometric study.

Background: Physiotherapy research supports the advancement of evidence-based practice and development of a highly skilled workforce. This study aims to visualize highly cited scientific output of Indian physiotherapists from 1999 to 2018. Methods: A descriptive study design was adopted to visualize highly cited scientific output of Indian physiotherapists using the Web of Science (WoS) database from 1999 to 2018. A search was carried out using the following term "((TS=(physiotherapy) OR TS=("physical rehabilitation") OR TS=("physical therapy")) AND AD=(India))Indexes=SCI-EXPANDED, SSCI, A&HCI, CPCI-S, CPCI-SSH, ESCI, CCR-EXPANDED, IC Timespan=1999-2018". Data collected were analyzed using Incites from WoS and VOSviewer software. Results:  A total of 489 articles were published between 1999 and 2018, with a peak of 103 in 2016 with 2420 citations. A decline in publication count was observed after 2016. The journal International Journal of Physiotherapy published the highest number of articles (n=35). Manipal University (n=26) was found to be the most active institution for physiotherapy research in India, as determined by producing the most articles. Indian physiotherapists published the highest number of research articles in collaboration with US authors (n=24). Conclusion: There is an increasing trend in the scientific output of Indian physiotherapists over the past two decades; however, a decline is observed after 2016. It is recommended that research collaborations across the globe are increased and scientific output should be improved, leading to a higher number of citations. Future research should explore factors influencing scientific production of Indian physiotherapists and devise appropriate strategies to attain further improvement.

Assessment of the implementation of preventive measures by Iraqis people to reduce the spread of coviD-19 pandemic / Valoración de la implementación de medidas preventivas por parte del pueblo iraquí para reducir la propagación de la pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background and aim The new outbreak "Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)" happened in china is caused by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Consequently, it spreads across the globe and is affecting wellbeing frameworks and the global economy. This pandemic disease places a heavy burden on governments in general, so individuals must adhere to WHO's instructions to limit its spread. The current study was applied to find out the extent of commitment among the Iraqi people to the standards of prevention measures against the coronavirus. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was conducted with 1153 respondents widely in all governorates of Iraq to identify the commitment of the Iraqis to the preventive measures against COVID-19 in Iraq. This study covered the Iraqis in three main regions (Southern, middle, and Northern) for data collection. It was conducted between the 17th and 25th of March 2020, and Iraqis were administered with a structured questionnaire comprising of three domains. Results The results showed that the majority of the respondents (52%) were female, and most of them (42.3%) were observed between the age group of 31-40 years. About 82% of the respondents were residents of urban areas. Conclusion This study reveals the excellent implementation of preventive measures by the population. It is observed that the application of prevention standards in the countryside is less than in the city.(AU)

RESUMEN Antecedentes y objetivo El nuevo brote "Enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)" que sufrió en China es el problema del coronavirus 2 del síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2). En consecuencia, se extiende por todo el mundo y está afectando los marcos de bienestar y la economía global. Esta enfermedad pandémica supone una gran carga para los gobiernos en general, por lo que las personas deben cumplir con las instrucciones de la OMS para limitar su propagación. El estudio actual se aplicó para determinar el grado de compromiso entre el pueblo iraquí con los parámetros de medidas de prevención contra el coronavirus. Materiales y Métodos Se realizó un estudio transversal con 1153 encuestados en todas las provincias de Iraq para identificar el compromiso de los iraquíes con las medidas preventivas contra COVID-19 en Iraq. Este estudio cubrió a los iraquíes en tres regiones principales (sur, medio y norte) para la recopilación de datos. Se realizó entre el 17 y el 25 de marzo de 2020, y los iraquíes fueron administrados con un cuestionario estructurado que consta de tres dominios. Resultados los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de los encuestados (52%) eran mujeres, y la mayoría de ellos (42,3%) se observaron entre el grupo de edad de 31-40 años. Alrededor del 82% de los encuestados eran residentes de áreas urbanas. Conclusión Este estudio revela la excelente implementación de medidas preventivas por parte de la población. Se observa que la aplicación de normas de prevención en el campo es menor que en la ciudad.(AU)

Assessment of the implementation of preventive measures by Iraqis people to reduce the spread of coviD-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The new outbreak "Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)" happened in china is caused by severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Consequently, it spreads across the globe and is affecting wellbeing frameworks and the global economy. This pandemic disease places a heavy burden on governments in general, so individuals must adhere to WHO's instructions to limit its spread. The current study was applied to find out the extent of commitment among the Iraqi people to the standards of prevention measures against the coronavirus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted with 1153 respondents widely in all governorates of Iraq to identify the commitment of the Iraqis to the preventive measures against COVID-19 in Iraq. This study covered the Iraqis in three main regions (Southern, middle, and Northern) for data collection. It was conducted between the 17th and 25th of March 2020, and Iraqis were administered with a structured questionnaire comprising of three domains. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of the respondents (52%) were female, and most of them (42.3%) were observed between the age group of 31-40 years. About 82% of the respondents were residents of urban areas. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the excellent implementation of preventive measures by the population. It is observed that the application of prevention standards in the countryside is less than in the city.

Genetic disorder prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy termination practices among high consanguinity population, Saudi Arabia.

The prevalence of consanguineous marriage and genetic disorders are high in Saudi Arabia. There were records on the practices of Saudis toward prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy (TOP), however the sample sizes are small. This study has targeted the Saudi Arabian community and family history of genetic disorders to determine the practices toward PND and TOP. The cross-sectional survey was conducted among Saudis (n = 2761) to determine their practices toward reproductive-decision making. Regression analysis was conducted to identify the association of the limiting factors, relative merits and family history on the outcomes. Total of 2507 participants returned completed questionnaire. The practice towards PND (68%) were more favorable than TOP (33%). PND was found to be a good opportunity for early diagnosis and gives parent's choice. Education, history with affected baby, prior knowledge and religious belief were significant deciding factors of PND and TOP. Down syndrome (n = 161) and sickle cell anemia (n = 152) were commonly available genetic disorder among participant's family. Respondents with autistic cases in their family have higher acceptance rate for TOP. Non-consanguineous are more willing to consider TOP than consanguineous. Participants with abnormal fetus, aged of > 36 years, married and educated Saudis were more likely consider TOP. Though, religion is the most influencing factor for not accepting TOP, comparatively willingness to PND and TOP have increased recently. Awareness campaigns about PND and TOP may increase the chances of accepting prenatal genetic diagnosis.