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Introduction Forensic science has continually evolved, with innovations in DNA analysis techniques playing a pivotal role in improving the accuracy and reliability of criminal investigations. Short tandem repeats (STRs) have been a game-changer in forensic science, offering unique genetic markers to pinpoint individual identities. This study explores the application of STR DNA analysis to an unconventional source: coffee cups. Materials and methods In a study involving 16 unrelated, healthy individuals aged 26 to 32, DNA was investigated from coffee cups and mouth cavities, comparing the results to a previous coffee cup DNA study. Buccal swabs provided reference samples, air-dried for 10 minutes, and stored at 20°C. DNA quantification revealed a significant decrease in coffee cup samples (0.015 to 0.049 ng/µL) compared to the reference, with no DNA in negative controls. Some STR loci displayed inhibition and lower heterozygosity in the research samples. Ethical approval (REC 53-592) and adherence to the Declaration of Helsinki ensured ethical standards. This research highlights potential challenges in obtaining efficient DNA profiles from various sources. Results There was a significant variation in DNA concentrations among the different cup types, with ceramic cups yielding the highest concentrations. Moreover, the DNA profiling outcomes ranged from full profiles, which allow for precise individual identification, to partial profiles, which pose challenges for conclusive matches. These findings have profound implications for forensic science. The study demonstrates the potential of coffee cups as sources of DNA evidence in criminal investigations, even if partial profiles are obtained. Such evidence can assist in suspect identification, victim profiling, and corroborating witness statements. Conclusion This study highlights the application of STR DNA analysis for coffee cups, opening new avenues for forensic investigations and highlighting the need for continued research and development in this exciting field. This observation aligns with existing research on DNA recovery from various surfaces, and further research is warranted to refine the methodology, consider usage patterns, and address ethical and legal concerns regarding the collection and use of DNA evidence from common objects.
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A new era has begun in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders as a direct result of the significant developments that have been made in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). This abstract investigates the potential and impact that AI algorithms and robotic systems may have in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular problems. The field of cardiovascular treatments has been completely transformed by robotically assisted surgeries, which have enabled minimally invasive procedures with increased patient safety and decreased recovery time. The incorporation of AI algorithms into cardiovascular care has made early abnormality identification, risk classification, and tailored treatment planning significantly easier. However, problems including patient safety, data privacy, and smooth integration into existing healthcare systems need to be solved. This abstract places an emphasis on the necessity of collaboration and responsible implementation in order to fully harness the promise of robotics and AI in cardiovascular care, which will ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes and an enhanced quality of life.
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A pacemaker is a medical device commonly used to regulate a patient's heartbeat in cases where the heart's natural electrical impulses may be erratic or compromised. Failure of a pacemaker, or pacemaker malfunction, can be life-threatening and requires immediate action to prevent serious complications. This case report describes a 75-year-old male patient with a history of ventricular tachycardia, congestive heart failure, hypertension, and smoking who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of palpitations, dizziness, lightheadedness, and decreased level of alertness. The patient had a single-chamber pacemaker implanted two years prior to the current admission. Upon physical examination, the patient's pacemaker had failed, and he was diagnosed with pacemaker failure. Differential diagnoses were ranked from most likely to least likely, based on the patient's history and physical examination, and included pacemaker failure, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary embolism. Treatment included the replacement of the pacemaker, and the patient was discharged in stable condition.
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Introduction Population health is crucial to government planning. The 2030 national vision is transforming all Saudi sectors. The health sector revolution intends to boost life expectancy by reducing mortality due to road traffic accidents and morbidity due to chronic illness. Health services will change from treatment-based to person-centered and preventive care, empower the population, increase access to healthcare and improve service quality by offering high customer satisfaction. This study establishes a baseline assessment for public awareness, behavior, healthcare access, and quality. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Aseer region in southwestern Saudi Arabia in 2022, September and October. Using the Aseer region's 2.1 million people to calculate the sample needed, the minimal sample size was 664. The study used cluster random sampling and a structured self-administered questionnaire to meet health transformation strategy requirements. All study variables underwent descriptive and bivariate analysis. Result The survey received 1,381 responses, with 97.2% of participants being Saudi and 84.4% being male. 312 (22.6%) of participants self-reported their health status as weak; 615 (44.5%) self-reported as having a good health status; and 667 (48.3%) reported having high knowledge. 740 people (53.6%) said that health was very important in their daily lives. The evaluation rate for Ministry of Health services in primary healthcare centers was 585 (42.4%) medium and 398 (28.8%) media for inpatient services. Evaluation for surgical procedure availability was 388 (28.1%) media. The results showed there is a statistically significant relationship (p-value < 0.05) between health status and age, gender, knowledge, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. And there is a statistically significant relationship between the availability and quality of the health service profile, including inpatient, outpatient, and virtual care. Nationality appears to be statistically insignificant. Conclusion Health promotion is effective because people are health conscious. The importance of health and lifestyle presents a tremendous opportunity to incorporate health into all policies and improve the availability of healthy lifestyle options and surroundings to support healthy behaviors that will reduce preventable disease and risk mortality and morbidity. Health status was also linked to healthcare availability and quality.
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Introduction: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) include permanent pacemakers (PPMs), implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. They treat several cardiac issues and are dependent on batteries; however, similar to any medical equipment, they can fail. The prevalence and risk factors for CIED malfunction must be understood for earlier detection and better patient outcomes. Material and methods: A comprehensive search was conducted through electronic bibliographic sources (PubMed and Cochrane) until January 2023 in order to identify reviews, cohort studies and case reports pertaining to CIED. The primary outcome is the probability of CIED malfunction. The secondary outcome concerned significant risk factors. Two authors independently extracted articles by utilizing pre-established data fields. Using a random-effects model, the aggregated prevalence and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Results: The meta-analysis comprised eight review articles, twenty-two retrospective studies, and thirty-seven case reports from the systematic review. The eight review articles contained a CIED malfunction of 4.03 % (random-effects model). The pooled prevalence of CIED malfunction in the meta-analysis of 22 retrospective studies was 0.41 percent (using a fixed-effects model) and 8.01 percent (using a random-effects model). Moreover, age, pre-existing cardiac conditions, CIED type, lead placement, and medical device interactions all contributed to an increase in the heterogeneity (I2 = 98.90 %) of the risk of CIED malfunction. Conclusion: CIED malfunction is common and more likely to occur in elderly individuals and in certain types of CIED. Clinicians should focus on risk factors and closely monitor the patients with higher probability for CIED malfunction with short intervals.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Motivation is a power that directs employees toward achieving their special goals and the organization's objectives in general. Recently, motivation has been considered one of the most important issues in the workplace since each organization wants to get the most out of its resources, including its manpower. In Saudi Arabia, the Aseer Health Directorate like the other regions, has a monthly reward containing certification and online announcements of employee excellence via email and website. The annual ministry program has three levels: 10% in salary for employees who have received excellence certification from the general director, 20% if they add research, and 30% if they register a patent. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Aseer Central Hospital among healthcare providers (HCP) of all categories using structured interviews with three parts: socio-demographic, knowledge about criteria for excellence in the program, and opinion toward the program and its effects. The sample size was calculated using the total number of employees in the hospital, with 77 being the bare minimum required. The sampling method used was systematic random sampling with a list of statistical analyses from the SPSS statistical package (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The statistical analysis description for all variables was based on frequency and presence, followed by bivariate analysis. Results In the study, 103 participants who were physicians made up 28.2% of the sample, followed by nurses at 32%, and other health professionals at 39.8%. Males made up 64.1% and females 35.9%. While 55.3% of individuals claimed to be aware of the standards of excellence allowance, 44.7% of participants denied doing so. Around 7.8% of employees missed work or arrived late, compared to 92.2% who didn't, and 75% of those who had proof in their files received a pay cut or other penalty. The average employee's age was 33.5 years old, and 4.05% of them believed they performed better than their coworkers. An average of 4.43 employees believe that there will be more competition when the number of allowances increases. While the excellence allowance has a favorable effect as indicated by the 4.55 mean. With a mean of 2.47 and 2.45, the majority of employees, respectively, did not agree with the transparent and fair selection process. Conclusion The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the significance of rewarding and encouraging employees, as well as the positive impact of this system on increasing their performance and productivity in order to implement the health organization's strategy and improve healthcare delivery and quality. There is a high percentage of employees who are dissatisfied with the transparency and fairness of the selection criteria, and some of them believe that team performance should be improved rather than individual performance. So the recommendation is to improve the selection criteria, make them more specific and transparent, and increase the number of teams and individuals who can be enrolled to improve the healthcare delivery system.
