Appraising and comparing the role of autogenous periosteal graft as a barrier membrane in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis cases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Periodontal regeneration refers to procedures aimed at restitution of lost supporting tissue around the periodontally compromised tooth. Regenerative procedures very often include the use of barrier materials to encourage the growth of key surrounding tissues. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of autogenous periosteal graft as a barrier membrane for the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients. A total of four data bases MEDLINE (by PubMed), Cochrane database, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were explored to identify the studies in English up to December 2022. An additional hand search of relevant journals was also done. A team of three independent reviewers screened the retrieved articles using the inclusion criteria. Randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of autogenous periosteal grafts in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis cases were included in the study. A total of six relevant articles were recognized for data procurement. A total of 117 patients with 68 sites with an age range between 18 years and 55 years were selected. Outcome variables examined were pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), radiographic bone defect fill (BDF), gingival recession (GR), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Data were analyzed using Revman 5.3 software. The mean differences and 95% confidence interval were used to illustrate the estimate of effect size. There is an equal effect in both groups for the PI, GI, and BOP reduction. For PD reduction, the result was in the favor of periosteal graft with open flap debridement (OFD) group. For CAL gain, radiographic BDF and GR, results also favored the periosteal graft, but no statistically significant difference was found amongst the groups. Within the limitation of the study, it seems that the autogenous periosteal graft can be used successfully along with OFD to treat intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

Outcomes of biological therapy in patients with severe asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis in Saudi Arabia: patients with nasal polyps versus those without nasal polyps.

BACKGROUND: This study's purposes were to evaluate the impact of biological therapies on outcomes in patients with severe asthma (SA) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and to compare these effects among those with NP (CRSwNP) versus those without NP (CRSsNP) in the "real-world" setting in Saudi Arabian patients. METHODS: From March to September 2022, a retrospective observational cohort study was undertaken at the severe asthma clinics of the Armed Forces Hospital-Southern Region (AFHSR) and King Khalid University Hospital, Abha, Saudi Arabia, to delineate the effects of dupilumab therapy. Outcomes were assessed, including clinical outcomes, FEV1, and laboratory findings before and one year after dupilumab. Post-therapy effects were compared between CRSwNP and CRSsNP. RESULTS: Fifty subjects were enrolled, with a mean age of 46.56. There were 27 (54%) females and 23(46%) males. Significant improvements in clinical parameters (frequency of asthma exacerbations and hospitalizations, the use of OCs, anosmia, SNOTT-22, and the ACT), FEV1, and laboratory ones (serum IgE and eosinophilic count) were observed 6 and 12 months after using dupilumab (p < 0.001), respectively. However, after 12 months of dupilumab therapy, there were no significant differences between those with and without NP with regards to clinical (anosmia, ACT, and OCs use), laboratory (eosinophilic count, serum IgE level) parameters, and FEV1%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CRS experienced significant improvements in clinical, FEV1, and laboratory outcomes after dupilumab therapy. However, these improvements were not maintained when comparing CRSwNP with CRSsNP. There were no significant differences between those with and without NP regarding ACT and OCs use or laboratory (eosinophilic count, serum IgE level) parameters. Further prospective multicenter studies are warranted.

Bridge plating is an effective adjunct treatment for complex elbow instability.

BACKGROUND: Managing persistent elbow instability and chronic dislocations presents challenges despite traditional treatments. Supplementary methods like immobilization and various fixations, though common, can carry high complication rates. This study assesses the efficacy of bridge plating in treating complex elbow instability through a retrospective review of patients. Data on characteristics, treatment duration, range of motion, complications, and evaluation scores were analyzed, providing insights into outcomes complications associated with bridge plating. RESULTS: Eleven patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 80 ± 68 weeks postoperatively. The mean age was 53 ± 14 years and there were 5 females and 6 males. The mean body mass index was 38. Bridge plating was used for a spectrum of complex elbow injuries. The mean time from injury to bridge plating in acute cases was 29 ± 19 days and 344 ± 381 days in chronic cases. The mean duration of bridge plating was 121 ± 72 days. At the time of plate removal, mean intraoperative elbow motion was extension 58° ± 12°, flexion 107° ± 14°, supination 66° ± 23° and pronation 60° ± 26°. At the latest follow-up visit, mean elbow motion was extension 37° ± 22°, flexion 127° ± 17°, supination 72° ± 15°, and pronation 63° ± 18°. There were 6 complications (55%): heterotopic ossification, ulnar neuropathy, wound failure over the plate in a thin patient, an ulnar shaft periprosthetic fracture due to a seizure-induced fall, and persistent elbow subluxation despite bridge plate fixation. Finally, 1 patient sustained a fracture of a 3.5-mm locking bridge plate. One patient required a contracture release for persistent stiffness. Four of these complications can be directly attributed to the use of the bridge plate (36%). At final follow-up, the mean patient-rated elbow evaluation score was 34, with 0 indicating no pain and disability. The mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 66% for the 8 patients who had this available, with 100% being the best possible attainable score. CONCLUSION: Bridge plating effectively maintains joint reduction in selected complex elbow instability cases. However, patients with bridge plates often require a second surgery for removal and experience high rates of general complications because of the complexity of their condition.

Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters for Venous Thromboembolism in Adults With Trauma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Trauma is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Due to contraindications or delay in starting pharmacological prophylaxis among trauma patients with a high risk of bleeding, the inferior vena cava (IVC) filter has been utilized as alternative prevention for pulmonary embolism (PE). Albeit, its clinical efficacy has remained uncertain. Therefore, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic IVC filters in severely injured patients. Methods: Three databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane) were searched from August 1, 2012, to October 27, 2021. Independent reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessment. Relative risk (RR) at 95% confidence interval (CI) pooled in a randomized meta-analysis. A parallel clinical practice guideline committee assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach. The outcomes of interest included VTE, PE, deep venous thrombosis, mortality, and IVC filter complications. Results: We included 10 controlled studies (47 140 patients), of which 3 studies (310 patients) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 7 were observational studies (46 830 patients). IVC filters demonstrated no significant reduction in PE and fatal PE (RR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.06-1.28 and RR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.01-7.84, respectively) by pooling RCTs with low certainty. However, it demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of PE and fatal PE (RR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.55 and RR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.011-0.81, respectively) by pooling observational studies with very low certainty. IVC filter did not improve mortality in both RCTs and observational studies (RR, 1.44; 95% CI, 0.86-2.43 and RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.3-1.31, respectively). Conclusion: In trauma patients, moderate risk reduction of PE and fatal PE was demonstrated among observational data but not RCTs. The desirable effect is not robust to outweigh the undesirable effects associated with IVC filter complications. Current evidence suggests against routinely using prophylactic IVC filters.

Optimal entry point for antegrade and retrograde femoral intramedullary nails.

Surgical management of femoral shaft fractures with intramedullary nails has become the standard of care, with multiple options for entry point described, including piriformis entry, trochanter entry and retrograde femoral nails. Our present review describes the surgical anatomy of the proximal and distal femur and its relation to different entry points for intramedullary femoral nails. In addition, we reviewed relative indications for each technique, difficulties associated and possible complications.

Weighty Matters: The Obesity-Thyroid Nodule Connection Unveiling the Impact of Obesity on Thyroid Cancer Risk.

Background and Objectives: The effect of obesity on the development/progression of thyroid nodules with uncertain cytology is unknown. Therefore, our objective was to assess the role of body mass index (BMI) in predicting malignancy in patients with atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) nodules. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 113 patients with available BMI data and final histopathology of benign or differentiated thyroid cancer. Patients were classified into four groups based on BMI: <18.5 (underweight), 18.5-24.9 (normal weight), 25-29.9 (overweight), and ≥30 (obesity) kg/m2. The association between risk of malignancy and BMI was examined for all data and subgroups based on nodule size, sex, and age. Results: Overall, 44.2% were obese, 36.3% were ≥45 years, and 75.4% were women. Final pathological results showed malignant nodules in 52 patients (46%) and benign nodules in 61 patients (54%) (mean age: 41 ± 11.6 vs. 39.9 ± 11.7 years; p = 0.62). Men had more malignant nodules than benign nodules (32.7% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.05). Overall, no significant correlation was identified between the risk of thyroid cancer and BMI, and the risk of malignancy was not significantly different between obese men and women (p = 0.4). However, in individuals with BMI < 30 kg/m2 (non-obese group), malignant nodules were more frequent in men than in women (71% vs. 41%, p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed in mean nodule size between the benign and malignant groups. Furthermore, BMI was not related to increased risk of malignancy in multiple logistic regression models using all data, even after controlling for confounding variables (odds ratio, 0.99, 95% confidence interval: 0.93-1.06, p = 0.87) or when stratifying by sex. Conclusions: Our study showed no correlation between obesity and thyroid cancer in patients with AUS/FLUS. Moreover, men had more malignant nodules than benign nodules. Further well-designed prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Effectiveness of radiographs and computed tomography in evaluating primary elbow osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative radiographic assessment of osteophyte and loose body locations is critical in planning an arthroscopic débridement for primary elbow osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of radiographs and computed tomography (CT) in localizing osteophytes and loose bodies. METHODS: A consecutive series of 36 patients with primary elbow osteoarthritis was investigated with radiographs and multiaxial 2-dimensional CT prior to elbow arthroscopy. The location of osteophytes and loose bodies was assessed in 9 anatomic locations by 2 fellowship-trained upper extremity surgeons. The diagnostic effectiveness of both imaging modalities was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity and specificity and compared to the gold standard of elbow arthroscopy. Inter- and intrarater percentage agreement between the observations was calculated using Kappa score. RESULTS: The mean sensitivity for detecting osteophytes in the 9 different anatomic locations was 46% with radiographs and 98% with CT, whereas the mean specificity was 66% and 21% for radiographs and CT, respectively. The mean sensitivity and specificity for loose body detection with radiography were 49% and 89%, respectively, whereas CT had a mean sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 47%. The overall inter-rater percentage agreement between the surgeons in detecting osteophytes and loose bodies on radiographs was 80% and 85%, respectively, whereas on CT it was 95% for detecting osteophytes and 91% for loose bodies. CONCLUSION: CT has greater sensitivity than radiographs for the detection of osteophytes and loose bodies in primary elbow osteoarthritis. The lower specificity of CT may be due to this imaging modality's ability to detect small osteophytes and loose bodies that may not be readily identified during elbow arthroscopy. Radiographs have an inferior inter-rater percentage agreement compared with CT. CT is a valuable preoperative investigation to assist surgeons in identifying the location of osteophytes and loose bodies in patients undergoing surgery for primary elbow osteoarthritis.

Strategies of enhancing bone regenerate formation in distraction osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a commonly used technique in multiple orthopedic sub-specialties, including trauma, oncology and pediatrics. This technique aims to produce new bone formation in the distraction gap in a controlled manner. The issue with this technique has been the high risk of complications, one of which is poor regenerate formation during the distraction process. Although several factors (including patient and operative factors) and techniques (including surgical, mechanical and pharmacological) have been described to ensure successful regenerate formation during the process of DO, these factors are sometimes difficult to control clinically. Our aim from this review is to highlight the different factors that affect DO, modalities to assess the regenerate and review treatment options for poor regenerate in the distraction gap. In addition, we propose a management protocol derived from the available literature that can be used to facilitate the management of inadequate regenerate formation.

Adult Reconstructive Surgery: A High-Risk Profession for Work-Related Injuries.

BACKGROUND: Adult reconstructive surgery is an orthopedic subspecialty characterized by surgical tasks that are physical, repetitive, and require some degree of stamina from the surgeon. This can result strain and/or injury of the surgeon's musculoskeletal system. This study investigates the prevalence of work-related injuries among arthroplasty surgeons. METHODS: A modified version of the physical discomfort survey was sent to surgeon members of the Hip Society, the International Hip Society, and the Canadian Orthopedic Arthroplasty via email. One hundred and eighty-three surgeons completed the survey. RESULTS: Overall, 66.1% of the arthroplasty surgeons reported that they had experienced a work-related injury. The most common injuries that occurred were low back pain (28%), lateral epicondylitis of the elbow (14%), shoulder tendonitis (14%), lumbar disc herniation (13%), and wrist arthritis (12%). Overall, 27% of surgeons took time off from work because of the injury. As the number of disorders diagnosed increased, there was a significant increase in the incidence of requiring time off work because of the disorder (P < .001) and also exacerbation of a previously diagnosed disorder (P < .01). Factors that significantly increased the risk of the surgeon requiring time off because of the disorder were age >55 years, practicing for more than >20 years, and performing >100 total hip arthroplasty procedures per year (P < .05). In addition, 31% of the orthopedic surgeons surveyed required surgery for their injury. CONCLUSION: Although most studies concentrate on the importance of patient safety and thus the quality of the health care system, the surgeon's safety is also considered an integral part of this system's quality. This study highlights a high prevalence of musculoskeletal work-related injuries among arthroplasty surgeons and indicates the need for the identification of preventive measures directed toward improving the operative surgical environment and work ergonomics for the surgeons.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons: an OTA survey.

BACKGROUND: Occupational injuries and hazards have gained increased attention in the surgical community in general and in the orthopedic literature specifically. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders among orthopedic trauma surgeons and the impact of these injuries on the surgeons' practices. METHODS: We sent a modified version of the physical discomfort survey to surgeon members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) via email. Data were collected and descriptive statistics were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 86 surgeons completed the survey during the period of data collection; 84.9% were men, more than half were 45 years or older and 40.6% were in practice for 10 years or more. More than 66% of respondents reported a musculoskeletal disorder that was related to work; the most common was low back pain (29.3%). The number of body regions involved and disorders diagnosed was associated with increasing age and number of years in practice (p = 0.033). Time off work owing to these disorders was associated with working in a private setting (p = 0.045) and working in more than 1 institute (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, our study is the first to report a high percentage of orthopedic trauma surgeons sustaining occupational injuries some time in their careers. The high cost of management and rehabilitation of these injuries in addition to the related number of missed work days indicate the need for increased awareness and implementation of preventive measures.

CONTEXTE: Les blessures et les risques professionnels font l'objet d'une attention croissante dans le milieu chirurgical, plus précisément dans les articles scientifiques en orthopédie. Cette étude visait à évaluer la prévalence et les particularités des troubles musculosquelettiques chez les praticiens en chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique ainsi que les répercussions de ces blessures sur la pratique des chirurgiens touchés. MÉTHODES: Nous avons envoyé par courriel une version modifiée du sondage sur l'inconfort physique à des chirurgiens membres de l'Orthopaedic Trauma Association, ce qui nous a permis de recueillir des données et d'analyser des statistiques descriptives. RÉSULTATS: En tout, 86 chirurgiens ont répondu au questionnaire pendant la période de collecte de données. Parmi les répondants, 84,9 % étaient des hommes, plus de la moitié étaient âgés de 45 ans ou plus, et 40,6 % exerçaient depuis 10 ans ou plus. Plus de 66 % ont indiqué souffrir d'un trouble musculosquelettique lié à leur travail, le plus courant étant la lombalgie (29,3 %). Le nombre de parties du corps touchées et de troubles diagnostiqués était corrélé à l'âge et au nombre d'années d'exercice (p = 0,033). Les congés attribuables à ces troubles étaient associés au travail dans le privé (p = 0,045) et au travail dans plusieurs établissements (p = 0,009). CONCLUSION: À notre connaissance, notre étude est la première à faire état du pourcentage élevé de praticiens en chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique atteints de lésions professionnelles à un moment ou à un autre de leur carrière. Compte tenu du coût élevé de la prise en charge et de la réadaptation ainsi que du nombre de jours de congé de maladie associés à ces blessures, il semble nécessaire d'accroître la sensibilisation à ce sujet et d'entreprendre des mesures préventives.

Do not resuscitate: An expanding role for critical care response team.

BACKGROUND: Do not resuscitate (DNR) order is an important aspect of medical practice. Since the implementation of critical care response team (CCRT), frequently we have encountered with patients in the wards that should have been made DNR. Initiating DNR became an important part of CCRT activity. We were obliged to extended the role of CCRT - beyond managing seriously ill patients - in addressing the code status for patients after discussion with the managing teams. PURPOSE: We compare the trend of initiation of DNR orders in the regular ward before and after implementing CCRT. METHODS: Our hospital is 1200 bed tertiary care center. CCRT has been launched in January 1, 2008. The CCRT is 24/7 service led by in-house North American certified intensivists. Cohort analysis of prospectively collected data of 5406 CCRT activation from January 1, 2008, to September 30, 2013. Data before implementation of CCRT was available for 299 patients from the period of June 1, 2007, to December 31, 2007. A comparison made between the two groups (before and after implementation of CCRT) for demographic data and percentage of patients in whom DNR order initiated. RESULTS: Before CCRT implementation, 299 patients were attended by Intensive Care Unit physician for regular consultation, 41.1% were females and 52.4% were males with mean of age 58.44 ± 18.47 standard deviation (SD). DNR was initiated in 2.7% of patients. After CCRT implementation, 5904 CCRT activations, 47.6% females and 52.4% males with mean of age 59.17 ± 20.07 SD DNR initiated in 468 (7.9%) of cases. There was 5.2% increase in DNR orders initiation and completion after CCRT introduced to our institute.

Hip arthroscopy for the management of osteoid osteoma of the acetabulum: a systematic review of the literature and case report.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular osteoid osteoma (OO) causes irreversible joint damage. Its treatment of choice is radiofrequency ablation (RFA); however, some areas of the acetabulum are hard to access. Therefore, hip arthroscopy was used to treat this tumor. We aim to systematically review the literature with regards to arthroscopic management of acetabular OO, and to report a further case in which hip arthroscopy was used for treatment. METHODS: PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles relevant to the arthroscopic management of acetabular OO on December 2, 2014. All articles published on and before that date were reviewed, and studies which met our pre-determined inclusion criteria were included. Articles screening and data abstraction were done by two reviewers independently. We also presented a 31-year-old man with acetabular OO who underwent hip arthroscopy for the management of his tumor after failing to respond to medications and computed tomography scan (CT)-guided RFA. RESULTS: The initial search revealed 14 studies, of which ten met our inclusion criteria. A total of ten patients underwent hip arthroscopy for the management of acetabular OO. Only two patients were females, and the patients' age ranged from 7 to 47 years. Two patients underwent arthroscopic guided-RFA of the lesion, while the rest underwent excision. The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 2 years. Success rate was 100 %, and no recurrence was reported. Minor complications (transient impotence and perineal numbness) developed in one patient (10 %). Arthroscopic-guided RFA failed to eliminate the tumor in our additional case. A second trial of CT-guided RFA was successful in treating the patient's condition. CONCLUSIONS: Hip arthroscopy is an effective and safe option for the management of acetabular OO, with success rate exceeding 90 %. Studies of higher level of evidence are required.

Is the nodule location a predictive risk factor for cancer in AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules? A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) is a heterogeneous category of thyroid nodules with uncertain cytology and controversial management. This study aimed to assess the association between nodule location and malignancy risk and whether the location can be used as a predictive risk factor for cancer in AUS/FLUS nodules. METHODS: A cohort of 102 patients (79 [77.5%] women, 23 [22.5%] men) was retrospectively analyzed. Only patients with a final histopathology of benign or well-differentiated thyroid cancer and an available nodule location were included. Sociodemographic, histopathological, and sonographic data were statistically evaluated and correlated. RESULTS: Based on pathology findings, 54 (52.9%) and 48 (47.1%) nodules were benign and malignant, respectively. Most nodules were right-sided (54.9%). Considering the nodule location, 41.2% of nodules occupied the whole lobe, 20.6% only the lower pole, 15.7% only the upper pole, and 2.9% the isthmus. Cases with nodules occupying only the upper, middle, or lower pole showed significant associations with cancer risk (odds ratio, [95% confidence interval]: 2.6, [1.1-5.7]; 2.0, [1.0-4.7]; and 1.9, [1.0-3.9], respectively). Male sex and the presence of a peripheral halo were significantly associated with malignancy risk (3.3, [1.2-9.1], P = 0.014; and 2.7, [1.0-9.5], P = 0.049, respectively). Isthmic nodules had the highest malignancy level (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Nodule location is a promising predictor of malignancy in AUS/FLUS nodules. Furthermore, isthmic nodules had the highest malignancy level, emphasizing the significance of careful evaluation of these nodules. Further large prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

The impact of nodule size on malignancy risk in indeterminate thyroid nodules.

Background: The association between malignancy risk and nodule size in indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) remains controversial. Thus, we aimed to explore the impact of nodule size as a predictor of cancer in patients with ITNs. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed 113 patients who underwent surgical intervention for ITNs, comparing two groups based on nodule size (≥4 or <4 cm). The correlation between nodule size and malignancy risk was examined. Other variables of interest included demographics, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, type of surgery, and ultrasound features. Results: Of the 113 patients, 88.5% were aged <55 years, 76.1% were women, and 65.5% had nodules <4 cm. Mean nodule size was 3.4±2.3 cm. There was no significant correlation between malignancy risk and nodule size (P=0.55). An association was observed between <4 cm nodules and elevated TSH levels (P=0.03) and between ≥4 cm nodules and the presence of hypervascularity (P=0.04). Nodules <4 cm were more likely to have extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, and positive margins than those ≥4 cm; however, this was not significant. Conclusions: Our findings showed no association between nodule size and malignancy risk, suggesting that size alone is not a predictor of cancer development. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these results.

Radiographic assessment of maxillary sinus membrane and lateral wall thickness using cone-beam CT in different facial types in southwestern Saudi Arabia.

The anatomy of the edentulous posterior maxilla and maxillary sinus possess unique challenges in implant dentistry. The purpose of this study was to assess maxillary sinus membrane thickness (MT) and lateral wall thickness (LWT) in different facial index profiles and to describe the clinical implications. A retrospective image analysis of 75 CBCT scans was done, which yielded a total of 150 sinus images. The facial index was calculated as per the formula given in the text and grouped as euryprosopic, mesoprosopic and leptoprosopic. The images obtained were of 36 women (48%) and 39 men (52%), with maximum subjects in 30-39 years age group. MT and LWT were measured at three different points on the radiograph at every 3mm from the base of the sinus floor in premolar and molar regions of each image. Results showed females had significant differences from males in LWT in both premolar and molar regions (p = 0.018 and 0.032 respectively). Subjects in 40-49 years of age had significant differences (p = 0.021) in MT in premolar region only. Also, difference in MT in premolar and molar regions were also statistically significant. Lastly, the present study did not find any statistically significant difference in MT and LWT in all three facial indices groups. It can be concluded that different facial indices have no positive correlation with maxillary sinus membrane thickness and lateral wall thickness. Hence, surgical complications are avoidable with proper detailed knowledge and appropriate identification of the anatomic structures characteristic to the maxillary sinus.

Gauging the Awareness of Physicians in Saudi Arabia Regarding Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer.

Background The prevalence of obesity and thyroid cancer (TC) is increasing worldwide, and obesity is a risk factor for TC. Objectives This study aimed to elucidate physicians' awareness of obesity as a risk factor for TC. Materials and methods A cross-sectional, self-report online questionnaire was distributed to physicians in all regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data and questions concerning the risk factors for TC, including obesity. Results A total of 310 physicians participated in this study. Of the respondents, 35.8% (n = 111) were aged 30-40 years, 40.6% (n = 126) were board certified, and 52.3% (n = 162) had >10 years of experience. Only 36.8% (n = 114) of respondents were familiar with the relationship between obesity and TC risk (P < 0.001). In terms of knowledge of obesity as a risk factor for TC, a significant difference was observed for the following sociodemographic characteristics: sex, educational attainment, and years of experience. A significant difference was also observed with awareness of other risk factors for TC. Conclusions In light of the limited awareness of the correlation between obesity and TC, the most effective approach to address these misconceptions would be to implement diverse and ongoing medical education initiatives.

Assessment of Primary Healthcare Providers' Knowledge and Practices in Addressing Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia and Gout in the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction and aim Gout, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, arises from hyperuricemia, a condition where elevated levels of uric acid lead to the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. Nevertheless, it's important to note that not all cases of hyperuricemia result in gout. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, targeting primary healthcare physicians (PHPs) specializing in family medicine and general practice. The study utilized a modified electronic questionnaire, inspired by similar studies and aligned with recent guidelines, to assess PHPs' knowledge and practices concerning asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AH) and gout. The questionnaire encompassed the PHPs' demographic data and their knowledge and practices for AH and gout management. Results Out of 201 participating PHPs, the majority were male (68.2%), predominantly aged 25-34 years (73.1%), and practicing as general practitioners (61.2%). A significant proportion of PHPs had less than five years of experience (63.7%). In terms of education, 36.8% attended continuing medical education (CME) on AH or gout, and 66.7% were aware of the related management guidelines. The study revealed that the total knowledge score among PHPs averaged 5.18 out of seven, indicating a moderate level of knowledge. However, their practice level was moderate, with a mean practice score of 6.75 out of 12. The study also found no significant differences in knowledge scores based on gender, age, or years of experience, but significant variations were noted based on medical specialty. Conclusion There is a moderate level of knowledge and practice among PHPs in managing AH and gout in the Asir region. Despite adequate knowledge levels, there appears to be a gap in implementing this knowledge into practice, particularly in long-term management strategies. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing medical education and specialized training programs to bridge these gaps. The study provides a valuable framework for identifying and addressing similar challenges in other regions and medical practices.

Current controversies in the management of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules.

The management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules remains debatable as their malignancy is difficult to establish. Most nodules have benign postoperative histology, but an accurate assessment of their proclivity for malignant transformation is crucial. Numerous studies have investigated the effects of various tools, including clinical, radiological, and cytological features, as well as biochemical and molecular markers, on the management of these heterogeneous nodules. Collectively, strategies aim to treat malignant nodules and avoid unnecessary surgery for asymptomatic benign nodules. Currently, no clear guidelines for the optimal management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules exist to determine whether a conservative approach with long-term observation or surgical intervention should be selected. Thus, personalized approaches have been recommended. Large-scale multicenter prospective studies are needed to elucidate controversial issues. As this topic has not been comprehensively covered based on publications from the Gulf region, this review aims to shed light on remaining controversies.

Management of axillary hidradenitis suppurativa: A case report.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a rare, chronic, and recurrent skin disease that affects the pilosebaceous-apocrine unit. Its diagnosis is challenging and it usually manifests in advanced stages due to a lack of knowledge about this entity. To date, there are no standardized therapeutic protocols available for its management. We present a case of a 22-year-old woman with the left axillary hidradenitis suppurativa and underwent surgical treatment successfully. This report emphasizes the importance of educational programs among primary care professionals and public awareness campaigns about this disease, which is under-reported in our community, to avoid physical and psychological complications.

Structures, band gaps, and formation energies of highly stable phases of inorganic ABX3 halides: A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Tl; B = Be, Mg, Ca, Ge, Sr, Sn, Pb; and X = F, Cl, Br, I.

Recently, halide perovskites have attracted a substantial attention. Although the focus was mostly on hybrid ones with organic polyatomic cations and with inadequate stability, there is a sizable inorganic halide space that is not well explored and may be more stable than hybrid perovskites. In this work, a robust automated framework is used to calculate the essential properties of the highly stable phases of 168 inorganic halide perovskites. The considered space of ABX3 compounds consists of A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Tl, B = Be, Mg, Ca, Ge, Sr, Sn, Pb, and X = F, Cl, Br, I. The targeted properties are the structure, the formation energy to assess stability, and the energy gap for potential applicability. The calculations are carried out using the density functional theory (DFT) integrated with the precision library of Standard Solid-State Pseudopotentials (SSSP) for structure relaxation and PseudoDojo for energy gap calculation. Furthermore, we adopted a very sufficient and robust random sampling to identify the highly stable phases. The results illustrated that only 118 of the possible 168 compounds are formidable and have reliable results. The remaining 50 compounds are either not formidable or suffer from computational inconsistencies.