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Objective: To compare outcomes in terms of the Bleeding index, Gingival Index and Orthodontic Plaque Index with videographic and plaque disclosing tablets versus verbal instructions in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment. Methods: This randomized control study was conducted at King Khalid University, Dept. of Orthodontics. Adult orthodontic patients are recruited from outpatient orthodontic clinics who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and total 60 participants were randomly allocated to three groups. Subjects having > 2 mm of clinical attachment loss, pregnant and lactating females, any history of periodontal therapy within the last six months, and any consumption of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs within the last month were excluded. The outcomes in terms of the Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index with videographic and plaque-disclosing tablets(PDT) versus verbal instructions' were recorded using a standardized technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.00. Results: The study involved 60 participants with a maximum mean age of 21.15 ± 6.27 in the verbal respondent group with higher proportion of men. There was no significant difference found between the three groups and genders for baseline and after-treatment mean scores for Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index. However, pre-and post-interventional changes were evaluated using a paired t-test, which produced statistically significant results for the verbal, video, and PDT groups in lower jaw as well as the video and PDT groups in the upper jaw. Simple linear regression model suggests that video plays a significant role in improving oral hygiene, and the video group is more effective in educating about oral hygiene. Conclusion: In conclusion, videographic and PDT methods appear to be effective in improving oral hygiene outcomes in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment.

Objective: To compare outcomes in terms of the Bleeding index, Gingival Index and Orthodontic Plaque Index with videographic and plaque disclosing tablets versus verbal instructions in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment. Methods: This randomized control study was conducted at King Khalid University, Dept. of Orthodontics. Adult orthodontic patients are recruited from outpatient orthodontic clinics who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and total 60 participants were randomly allocated to three groups. Subjects having > 2 mm of clinical attachment loss, pregnant and lactating females, any history of periodontal therapy within the last six months, and any consumption of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs within the last month were excluded. The outcomes in terms of the Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index with videographic and plaque-disclosing tablets(PDT) versus verbal instructions' were recorded using a standardized technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.00. Results: The study involved 60 participants with a maximum mean age of 21.15 ± 6.27 in the verbal respondent group with higher proportion of men. There was no significant difference found between the three groups and genders for baseline and after-treatment mean scores for Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index. However, pre-and post-interventional changes were evaluated using a paired t-test, which produced statistically significant results for the verbal, video, and PDT groups in lower jaw as well as the video and PDT groups in the upper jaw. Simple linear regression model suggests that video plays a significant role in improving oral hygiene, and the video group is more effective in educating about oral hygiene. Conclusion: In conclusion, videographic and PDT methods appear to be effective in improving oral hygiene outcomes in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment.

Objective: To compare outcomes in terms of the Bleeding index, Gingival Index and Orthodontic Plaque Index with videographic and plaque disclosing tablets versus verbal instructions in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment. Methods: This randomized control study was conducted at King Khalid University, Dept. of Orthodontics. Adult orthodontic patients are recruited from outpatient orthodontic clinics who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and total 60 participants were randomly allocated to three groups. Subjects having > 2 mm of clinical attachment loss, pregnant and lactating females, any history of periodontal therapy within the last six months, and any consumption of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs within the last month were excluded. The outcomes in terms of the Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index with videographic and plaque-disclosing tablets(PDT) versus verbal instructions' were recorded using a standardized technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.00. Results: The study involved 60 participants with a maximum mean age of 21.15 ± 6.27 in the verbal respondent group with higher proportion of men. There was no significant difference found between the three groups and genders for baseline and after-treatment mean scores for Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, and Orthodontic Plaque Index. However, pre-and post-interventional changes were evaluated using a paired t-test, which produced statistically significant results for the verbal, video, and PDT groups in lower jaw as well as the video and PDT groups in the upper jaw. Simple linear regression model suggests that video plays a significant role in improving oral hygiene, and the video group is more effective in educating about oral hygiene. Conclusion: In conclusion, videographic and PDT methods appear to be effective in improving oral hygiene outcomes in adult orthodontic patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment.

The eradication rates for Helicobacter pylori globally are decreasing with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria all over the world, including Saudi Arabia. There is no current consensus on the management of H. pylori in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Gastroenterology Association developed these practice guidelines after reviewing the local and regional studies on the management of H. pylori. The aim was to establish recommendations to guide healthcare providers in managing H. pylori in Saudi Arabia. Experts in the areas of H. pylori management and microbiology were invited to write these guidelines. A literature search was performed, and all authors participated in writing and reviewing the guidelines. In addition, international guidelines and consensus reports were reviewed to bridge the gap in knowledge when local and regional data were unavailable. There is limited local data on treatment of H. pylori. The rate of clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance is high; therefore, standard triple therapy for 10–14 days is no longer recommended in the treatment of H. pylori unless antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. Based on the available data, bismuth quadruple therapy for 10–14 days is considered the best first-line and second-line therapy. Culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be considered following two treatment failures. These recommendations are intended to provide the most relevant evidence-based guidelines for the management of H. pylori infection in Saudi Arabia. The working group recommends further studies to explore more therapeutic options to eradicate H. pylori.

BACKGROUND: Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among children worldwide. Although natural waters pose a risk of drowning in low-income countries, swimming pools are more prevalent in high-income countries. In Saudi Arabia, injuries and drowning are a significant threat to population health. Local data is limited, which affects an understanding of the extent of the burden and the development of prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE: Determine the epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of drowning among children. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Patients admitted to the tertiary care unit of a hospital in Riyadh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data was collected on children who drowned (age 0-14) between January 2015 and August 2020. Cases were identified from the electronic health record system where the diagnosis was drowning. Differences in characteristics and outcomes between nonfatal cases with no neurological damage and fatal cases with neurological damage were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Drowning mortality and morbidity. SAMPLE SIZE: 99. RESULTS: Of the 99 drowning cases, 22 (22.2%) had a fatal outcome or resulted in neurological damage. The most-reported drowning site was private pools (82%). The majority of cases involved children younger than the age of two (54%). Eighty-four cases (84.8%) occurred on holidays. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 61 (61.6%) of cases. A significant association was found between the delay in initiating resuscitation and an unfavorable outcome (P

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a mystified cryptic virus has challenged the mankind that has brought life to a standstill. Catastrophic loss of life, perplexed healthcare system and the downfall of global economy are some of the outcomes of this pandemic. Humans are raging a war with an unknown enemy. Infections, irrespective of age and gender, and more so in comorbidities are escalating at an alarming rate. Cardiovascular diseases, are the leading cause of death globally with an estimate of 31% of deaths worldwide out of which nearly 85% are due to heart attacks and stroke. Theoretically and practically, researchers have observed that persons with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are comparatively more vulnerable to the COVID-19 infection. Moreover, they have studied the data between less severe and more severe cases, survivors and non survivors, intensive care unit (ICU) patients and non ICU patients, to analyse the relationship and the influence of COVID-19 on cardiovascular health of an individual, further the risk of susceptibility to submit to the virus. This review aims to provide a comprehensive particular on the possible effects, either direct or indirect, of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular heath of an individual.

Abstract This within subject clinical experiment assessed oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment and their relationships with personality characteristics. 50 patients (26 females and 24 males; mean age = 27.62 ± 8.25 years, SE = 1.17, 95% CI = 24.71–29.89 years) were assessed before and after treatment with Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Treatment clinical success was evaluated according defined clinical guidelines. Oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment were measured via the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Personality features were measured via the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Probability of α = .05 was utilized to identify significant findings. Females scored less OHIP scores after treatment (had less negative impacts) in comparison to baseline OHIP scores (t = 3.782, df = 25, P = .001, 95% CI of mean difference = 2.750–9.327). Among males, openness scores (R2 = .911, B = 5.235, 95% CI for B = 0.062–10.407, t = 2.601, P = .048) were able to predict OHIP scores before treatment; meanwhile, extraversion (R2 = .959, B = − 8.224, 95% CI for B = − 14.605–1.843, t = − 3.313, P = .021), openness (R2 = .959, B = 21.795, 95% CI for B = 10.737–32.853, t = 5.067, P = .004), and conscientiousness (R2 = .959, B = 10.293, 95% CI for B = 4.796–15.790, t = 4.813, P = .005) scores were useful to predict OHIP scores after treatment (R2 = .959, P .05). These findings demonstrate that oral health impacts of Invisalign orthodontic treatment and personality profiles contribution to oral health impacts were different between genders.

Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniais (ACL) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, respectively, are endemic vector-borne diseases in southern Saudi Arabia. In 2021, an outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred in the province of Asir. The main objective of our investigation was to analyze the epidemiological features of CL in southern Saudi Arabia. The ministry of health recorded 194 CL patients between January and December 2021 from the Asir province. Our findings showed that the majority of CL patients (87.1%) originated from the governorates of Khamis-Mushait and Abha. Most of the patients were males (62.3%). While CL affected all age groups, those under 13 years old were the most affected (38.1%). For both genders, CL patients were mostly Saudi citizens (90.7%) compared to non-Saudi expatriates. The majority of CL patients (75.2%) suffered from a single lesion, and the majority of lesions (61.3%) were located on the face. The seasonal prevalence of CL showed two peaks, a small one in July–August and a larger one in March. Of a total of 194 Giemsa slides samples, 188 showed positive amplification of Leishmania ITS1 gene. Based on PCR-RFLP and PCR-HMR, 183 patients showed positive amplification of L. tropica and five patients showed positive amplification of L. major. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a clear distinct separation between L. major and L. tropica sequences. Our results provided strong evidence of the pre-domination of L. tropica, the main etiological agent of ACL in Asir province. We reported for the first time the presence of L. major, an etiological agent of ZCL in the study areas. The co-circulation of ACL and ZCL highlighted the complexity of the epidemiology of CL in southern Saudi Arabia, and subsequently, further studies to identify competent vectors and reservoir hosts for the establishment of control strategies are needed.

Backgroud/purpose: Palatal rugae (PR) are situated in the anterior part of the hard palate and possess unique and stable characteristics that can be used in human identification. Their pattern of orientation is established early in life and remains stable thereafter. The purposes of this study were to convert PRP into alphanumeric codes in order to generate scanable Quick Response (QR) codes, to demonstrate uniqueness of PRP using the codes in the study population, and to determine the sexual dimorphism of PRP in the study population. Materials and methods: Orthodontic dental casts of 256 Saudi male and female patients were photographed after ensuring standardization. Individual rugae characteristics, strength and their displacement from incisive papilla and midpalatine raphe were recorded in the form of an alphanumeric code which was subsequently converted to a QR code. Computer assisted check was performed for possible match in the 256 alpha numeric codes while QR codes were scanned using a bar code scanner to determine uniqueness. Sexual dimorphism of palatal rugae (PR) was also analysed. Results: All alphanumeric codes of the study population were unique. Mean number of PR in males and females differed significantly (P = 0.0001). Differences in rugae characteristics and strengths in males and females were also present. Conclusion: The alphanumeric and QR code of the rugae pattern are unique for each individual and can be used for digital record keeping and person identification. A high degree of sexual dimorphism in PR exists in the studied Arab population studied.

The present studies were undertaken to develop solvent-free solid dispersions (SDs) for poorly soluble anti-inflammatory drugs mefenamic acid (MA) and flufenamic acid (FFA) in order to enhance their in vitro dissolution rate and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. The SDs of MA and FFA were prepared using microwaves irradiation (MW) technique. Different carriers such as Pluronic F127® (PL), Eudragit EPO® (EPO), polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and Gelucire 50/13 (GLU) were used for the preparation of SDs. Prepared MW irradiated SDs were characterized physicochemically using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical characteristics and drug release profile of SDs were compared with pure drugs. The results of DSC, TGA, FT-IR, PXRD and SEM showed that SDs were successfully prepared. In vitro dissolution rate of MA and FFA was remarkably enhanced by SDs in comparison with pure MA and FFA. The SDs of MA and FFA prepared using PEG 400 showed higher drug release profile in comparison with those prepared using PL, EPO or GLU. The dissolution efficiency for MA-PEG SD and FFA-PEG SD was obtained as 61.40 and 59.18%, respectively. Optimized SDs were also evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory effects in male Wistar rats. The results showed significant % inhibition by MA-PEG (87.74% after 4 h) and FFA-PEG SDs (81.76% after 4 h) in comparison with pure MA (68.09% after 4 h) and pure FFA (55.27% after 4 h) (P