Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Regarding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Case of Cardiac Arrest among the Population in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION: For cardiac arrest victims, providing high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a fundamental component of initial care, especially in out-of-hospital settings. We sought to assess the knowledge of nonmedically trained individuals about CPR in case of cardiac arrest in the population of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey containing 22 questions was administered to individuals aged ≥ 18 years who were not health-care providers. The sample comprised residents of Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The survey included knowledge about the signs of cardiac arrest, previous experiences with CPR, knowledge of basic life support (BLS), and concerns related to CPR. RESULTS: This study examined responses from 480 people to assess their knowledge of CPR. More than one-half were female, and only 33% were male. Only 36.04% reported having received CPR training. In the event of a family member's cardiac arrest, more than 90% state that they would perform CPR. If a family member suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, more than 70% would call an ambulance immediately, whereas only 48% would call an ambulance if the same thing happened to a stranger. Fear of making a mistake was the most common reason for not performing CPR (70.63%). The media was the most common source of CPR training. Women were more aware of the warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest than men. Women were also more likely than men to perform CPR or call for assistance. Furthermore, women were significantly more likely than men to discontinue CPR on a sudden cardiac arrest patient for fear of stopping a working heart or being contaminated by blood or vomit. Few respondents were willing to undergo CPR training; students, homemakers, and retired people were more willing to be trained in CPR than others. CONCLUSION: In the Saudi Arabian province of Jazan, nonmedically trained people demonstrated a low level of CPR training and knowledge. We believe that making BLS courses available to the general public will increase CPR awareness and understanding among adults and increase survival rates in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Résumé Introduction:Pour les victimes d'un arrêt cardiaque, la prestation d'une réanimation cardiorespiratoire (RCP) de haute qualité est un élément fondamental de lains, notamment en milieu extra-hospitalier. Nous avons cherché à évaluer les connaissances des personnes non formées médicalement sur la RCP en cas d'insuffisance cardiaque. arrestation dans la population de Jazan, Arabie Saoudite.Matériels et méthodes:Une enquête transversale contenant 22 questions a été administrée personnes âgées de ≥ 18 ans qui n'étaient pas des prestataires de soins de santé. L'échantillon comprenait des résidents de Jazan, en Arabie saoudite. L'enquête comprenait connaissance des signes d'arrêt cardiaque, expériences antérieures avec la RCR, connaissance du maintien de la vie de base (BLS) et préoccupations liées à RCR.Résultats:Cette étude a examiné les réponses de 480 personnes pour évaluer leur connaissance de la RCR. Plus de la moitié étaient des femmes, et seulement 33 % étaient des hommes. Seulement 36,04 % ont déclaré avoir reçu une formation en RCR. En cas d'arrêt cardiaque d'un membre de la famille, plus de 90 % déclarent qu'ils effectueraient la RCR. Si un membre de la famille subissait un arrêt cardiaque soudain, plus de 70 % appelleraient une ambulance immédiatement, alors que seulement 48% appelleraient une ambulance si la même chose arrivait à un étranger. La peur de faire une erreur était la raison la plus courante pour ne pas pratiquer la RCR (70,63 %). Les médias étaient la source la plus courante de formation en RCR. Les femmes étaient plus conscientes des signes avant-coureurs d'arrêt cardiaque soudain que les hommes. Les femmes étaient également plus susceptibles que les hommes d'effectuer une RCR ou d'appeler à l'aide. Par ailleurs, les femmes étaient significativement plus susceptibles que les hommes d'interrompre la RCR sur un patient en arrêt cardiaque soudain de peur d'arrêter un cœur qui fonctionnait ou d'être contaminé par du sang ou des vomissures. Peu de répondants étaient disposés à suivre une formation en RCR; les étudiants, les femmes au foyer et les retraités étaient plus disposés à suivre une formation en RCR que d'autres.Conclusion:Dans la province saoudienne de Jazan, des personnes non formées médicalement ont démontré une faible niveau de formation et de connaissances en RCR. Nous pensons que rendre les cours BLS accessibles au grand public augmentera la sensibilisation à la RCP et la compréhension chez les adultes et augmenter les taux de survie en cas d'arrêt cardiaque soudain.

Knowledge and attitude toward biological warfare among health-related students: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey.

Purpose: Many types of research have been published on the history of biological warfare, the agents used, and the medical implications. However, no studies measure how people are aware of the magnitude of these health problems and international threats. The present study aimed to produce and make background about biological warfare information for health college students to be used as a basis for future studies or research and prepare the hospitals' bases for similar disasters. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among undergraduate students (N = 626) enrolled in health-related colleges at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. A preliminary survey of 30 participants was then undertaken to improve the questionnaire's understanding and validity. The questionnaire encompassed three primary sections, including (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) knowledge, and (3) awareness. Sociodemographic characteristics consisted of age, gender, college type, academic level, and specialty. All data were gathered using an online self-reported questionnaire using Google Forms and participants were recruited using a random sampling strategy. Results: The total participants were 626 students; 514 were females, whereas 112 were males. Knowledge and attitude indices were 3.8650 ± 0.48 and 4.06 ± 0.51 (maximum is 5). The indices showed variable statistical differences among sociodemographic factors. With adjusted and crude odds ratios of 0.53 and 0.54, attitude score is the sole significant (P = 0.05) predictor of knowledge as analyzed using logistic regression. Conclusion: The results of the present study are the first of their kind in the region and can be used to shape public awareness among specialists and decision-makers, especially in light of the recent pandemic.

Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin, a Bioactive Compound of Turmeric, in Prevention of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes through the Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

This study evaluates the anti-diabetic potential and underlying mechanisms of curcumin in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, negative control (diabetic group), diabetic group receiving glibenclamide (positive control group), and curcumin plus STZ (treatment group). The anti-diabetic activities of curcumin were examined at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight through physiological, biochemical, and histopathological analysis. Compared to the normal control group rats, elevated levels of glucose, creatinine, urea, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) and low levels of insulin were found in the negative control rats. Curcumin treatment showed a significant decrease in these parameters and an increase in insulin level as compared to negative control rats. In negative control rats, a reduced level of antioxidant enzymes and an increased level of lipid peroxidation and inflammatory marker levels were noticed. Oral administration of curcumin significantly ameliorated such changes. From histopathological findings, it was noted that diabetic rats showed changes in the kidney tissue architecture, including the infiltration of inflammatory cells, congestion, and fibrosis, while oral administration of curcumin significantly reduced these changes. Expression of IL-6 and TNF-α protein was high in diabetic rats as compared to the curcumin treatment groups. Hence, based on biochemical and histopathological findings, this study delivers a scientific suggestion that curcumin could be a suitable remedy in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Assessment of Knowledge and Practice of Ergonomics among Dental Practitioners in Riyadh City in Saudi Arabia.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the knowledge and practice of ergonomics among dental practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among dental practitioners through Google Forms. Link of the questionnaire was sent through social media and e-mail. The questionnaire was focused on the awareness of ergonomics and practice of ergonomics during dental practice. Results: About 97.9% of participants are aware of different operating positions. About 71.7% of participants rate their operating procedure chair positions as good. 52.5% admit they feel numb fingers while working. Many questions were statistically significant according to educational qualification and type of practice (P < 0.050. Conclusion: Majority of the study population were aware of proper chair positions, correct operating procedures and were practicing four-handed dentistry, maintained proper back support while working, and even performed stretching exercises during clinical working hours.

Clinical Aspects of Drug-Drug Interaction and Drug Nephrotoxicity at Renal Organic Cation Transporters 2 (OCT2) and Multidrug and Toxin Exclusion 1, and 2-K (MATE1/MATE2-K).

The organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) belongs to the SLC22 family, while the multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 and 2-K (MATE1/MATE2-K) belong to the SLC47 family, are localized to the basolateral and apical membrane of human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells, respectively. They are polyspecific transporters that enable the transit of structurally diversified drugs with overlapping selectivity across plasma membranes. OCT2 and MATE1/2-K are critically involved in renal secretion, pharmacokinetics (PK), and toxicity of cationic drugs. Drug-drug interactions (DDIs) at OCT2 and/or MATE1/2-K have been shown to result in clinical impacts on PK, therapeutic efficacy and are probably involved in the renal accumulation of drugs. Sites of OCT2 and MATE1/2-K expression and function play an essential role in the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of drugs, such as cisplatin. Thus, knowing the sites (basolateral vs. apical) of the interaction of two drugs at transporters is essential to understanding whether this interaction helps prevent or enhance drug-induced nephrotoxicity. In this work, an overview of OCT2 and MATE1/2-K is presented. Primary structure, membrane location, functional properties, and clinical impact of OCT2 and MATE1/2-K are presented. In addition, clinical aspects of DDIs in OCT2 and MATE1/2-K and their involvement in drug nephrotoxicity are compiled.

Tamsulosin alters the pharmacokinetics of metformin via inhibition of renal multidrug and toxin extrusion protein 1 and organic cation transporter 2 in rats.

Among the endocrine and metabolic disorders, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common progressive diseases related to aging. Metformin and tamsulosin as the first-choice drug for patients with T2DM and BPH, respectively, are often co-administered to male patients with T2DM and BPH. However, whether concomitantly administering metformin and tamsulosin leads to drug-drug interactions (DDIs) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin on the pharmacokinetics of metformin and explore the relevant underlying mechanism. The plasma, urine, and tissue concentrations of metformin were analyzed using HPLC, and metformin cell uptake was analyzed using LC-MS/MS. In addition, western blotting was used to investigate the expression of Oct1, Oct2, and Mate1. As demonstrated by comparison with metformin alone, tamsulosin significantly increased the area under concentration-time curves (AUC0-t), the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the decreased 24 h cumulative urinary excretion of metformin after single or multiple-dose administration in rats, as well as increased the kidney tissue concentration of metformin after multiple-dose. In addition, tamsulosin treatment significantly inhibited the expression of Mate1 and Oct2 in rat kidneys, but Oct1 and Mate1 did not show a significant difference in the liver. Consistently, tamsulosin inhibited OCT2 and MATE1 expressions and decreased metformin uptake in HEK293 cells. Notably, serum LCA level in the co-administration group was increased by 34% and 39% after multiple-dose (7 and 14 consecutive days, respectively) administration compared to the metformin alone group. Altogether, our data suggest that tamsulosin could increase systemic exposure and reduce excretion of metformin via inhibiting Oct2 and Mate1-mediated transport cooperatively.

Assessments of right ventricular strain using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging following kidney transplantation.

Although kidney transplantation (KT) has been shown to ameliorate adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling associated with end stage kidney disease, its effects on the right ventricle have not been well studied. Recently, strain imaging has been shown to be a sensitive measure of early subclinical myocardial dysfunction. Using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we examined the effects of KT on right ventricular (RV) strain parameters. In a cohort of 81 patients (39 patients underwent KT and 42 patients remained on dialysis as control group), cardiac MRI studies were obtained at baseline and at 1 year follow-up. There were no significant differences in RV strain values between the groups at baseline. After 1 year, RV strain values did not significantly change in patients who received KT, and changes in RV strain over 1 year were not significantly different between the KT and the dialysis groups. Given the previously demonstrated improvement in LV strain post-KT, the current study suggests that RV and LV remodelling post-KT may have different mechanisms. Further studies elucidating the effects of KT on RV remodelling are needed.

How Relevant is Obstetrician and Gynecologist Gender to Women in Saudi Arabia?

BACKGROUND: The patient-doctor relationship is one of the most important factors in determining the outcome of healthcare. The first step in establishing this relationship is choosing a physician. This study sought to identify patient preferences concerning the gender of their obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) physician and the effect of religion and society on these choices. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the OB-GYN outpatient clinics at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah between February 2017 and June 2017. A total of 227 female patients were recruited. Eligible were women ages 18 years or older who had attended the clinic at least three times. A 30-item questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: Significantly, more female doctors were preferred for pelvic examination in lower income group (p=0.003), while male doctors were preferred for surgery (p=0.010) in higher income group. Significantly more male doctors were preferred for pelvic examination and gynecological surgery in >35-year age group (p=0.015 and p=0.017, respectively). With regard to predictors, embarrassment was the most significant factor reported for not choosing a male obstetrician/gynecologist (OB-GYN) in the younger age group. Nearly three-quarters (71.2%) of respondents with age ≤35 reported embarrassment as a factor for not choosing a male OB-GYN; 79.7% of this subgroup indicated that female doctors were more knowledgeable about women's health issues. CONCLUSION: Participants expressed a strong preference for female providers overall, although some women preferred male providers during certain circumstances (gynecologic surgery). Despite these gender preferences, more important to women in their choice of OB-GYN provider was the doctor's experience, qualifications, and reputation. Such trends are consistent with those culturally similar countries and in line with trends worldwide. These findings have the potential to significantly impact the personal health for women in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East where religious and cultural traditions are so important in decision-making.

The Most Common Clinical Features of Kawasaki Disease Patients in King Abdulaziz Medical City.

Background Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute idiopathic vasculitis affecting the small and medium-sized arteries especially coronary artery (CA). it occurs in childhood mostly below five years of age. Objective This study aims to identify the most common clinical features among KD patients in King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 1/1/1982 to 31/12/2018. Methods A case series study was conducted in all KD patients that were admitted to the King Abdulaziz Medical City from 1/1/1982 to 31/12/2018 except those who were diagnosed in other hospitals or whose diagnosis has later changed. The identification of patient was done by using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding for KD (ICD9 446.1). Our data consisted of the patient's file number, age at presentation, gender, whether the patients received IVIG treatment or not, number of days of fever before starting IVIG treatment, response to IVIG treatment, season in which the symptoms started and clinical features based on body's system.  Result The study included 18 patients, 11 males showed that (55.6%) of patients met the criteria of typical KD and most of them were less than five years old. In addition, most patients were reported to have polymorphous rash, cough, irritability, vomiting, and a murmur. All patients who received intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment which demonstrated an improvement even though those who started the treatment after 10 days of fever. Conclusion In typical KD patients, the distribution of the clinical features was almost identical. However, there were some variations in them among atypical KD patients. Moreover, Evan though KD in our region is not common as in Japan, the incidence of giant aneurism was higher. In addition to that, this study and other study conducted in Saudi Arabia found that screened patients reported tachycardia more than patients in Japan. Recommendation As KD is still idiopathic, we recommend more details to be collected from the patients, especially consanguinity as it is common in Saudi Arabia.

Cardiac MRI assessment of the right ventricle pre-and post-kidney transplant.

Worsening renal function in chronic kidney disease correlates with worsening right ventricular (RV) systolic function. We evaluated the association between kidney transplantation (KT) and RV structure and systolic function, and the relationships between RV and left ventricular (LV) changes, blood pressure, and specific cardiac biomarkers, in patients with end-stage kidney disease using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). In this prospective, multi-centre, cohort study, 39 adult patients on dialysis receiving KT and 42 patients eligible for, but not yet receiving KT, were recruited. CMR was performed at baseline, and repeated at 12 months. Among 81 patients (mean age 51 years, 30% female), RV end-diastolic volume index (RVEDVi), end-systolic volume index (RVESVi), mass index (RVMi), and ejection fraction (RVEF) did not change significantly within either the dialysis or KT group over 12 months (all p ≥ 0.10). There were no significant differences in the 12-month changes of these parameters between the dialysis and KT groups (all p ≥ 0.10). RVMI demonstrated positive correlations with NT-proBNP and systolic blood pressure, but not GDF-15, at baseline and at 12 months. Changes in RVEDVi, RVESVi, and RVEF were positively correlated with changes in LVEDVi, LVESVi, and LVEF, respectively over 12 months (Spearman r = 0.72, 0.52, and 0.41; all p < 0.001), but not mass index (Spearman r = 0.20, p = 0.078). In conclusion, there were no significant changes in RV mass, volumes, or systolic function 12 months after KT, as compared with continuation of dialysis. The associations between RV and LV remodeling may suggest similar underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms.

The inhibition of hepatic Pxr-Oatp2 pathway mediating decreased hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin in rats with high-fat diet-induced obesity.

PURPOSE: Obesity affecting drug pharmacokinetics results in the risk of the therapeutic failure or toxic side effects of drugs increasing. Unfortunately, the pharmacokinetic data in obese patients still lack for majority of drugs. Therefore, our study principally investigated the effect of obesity induced by high fat-diet (HFD) on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin and explored the underlying mechanism via the hepatic pregnane X receptor (Pxr)- organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (Oatp2) signaling pathway and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2) in rats. MAIN METHODS: Rats with obesity was induced by HFD for 4 weeks, and subsequently, the effect of obesity on the blood concentration, pharmacokinetic parameters and biliary excretion of rosuvastatin administrated intravenously and the hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin in the rat primary hepatocytes were evaluated. Additionally, in order to illuminate the underlying mechanism, the alterations of the mRNA expressions of Oatp2, Mrp2 and Pxr and the concentrations of lithocholic acid (LCA), glycine-LCA (GLCA) and taurine-LCA (TLCA) in liver were determined. KEY FINDINGS: The blood concentration of rosuvastatin that has great relationship with the muscle toxicity increased in rats with HFD-induced obesity, which could be principally ascribed to the decreased hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin that was mainly resulted from the inhibition of hepatic Pxr-Oatp2 pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: The decreased hepatic uptake of rosuvastatin causing the increase of the rosuvastatin concentration in blood under the condition of HFD-induced obesity provides a cue for clinicians to reduce the rosuvastatin dose for obese patients to avoid the occurrence risk of the muscle toxicity of rosuvastatin.

Anesthetic management in tetralogy of fallot with pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries in pediatric patients: One year experience.

BACKGROUND: Unlike the typical tetralogy of fallot (TOF), the presence of pulmonary atresia and major aortopulmonary collaterals is recognized as a rare but severe variant of TOF. The objective was to describe the perioperative anesthetic management of pediatric patients who underwent unifocalization procedure and to describe their postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted among pediatric patients who underwent unifocalization procedure at Prince Sultan Cardiac Center (PSCC) between October 2017 and October 2018. Unifocalization procedures were performed in a two-staged approach. Anesthetic management of both stages had similar concerns and challenges but with few peculiar issues. These included preoperative assessment, intraoperative management, vascular access, positioning, ventilation, optimizing hemodynamics, cardiopulmonary bypass monitoring, and postoperative management. RESULTS: A total of 19 unifocalization procedures were included. The average age was one year and 52.6% were females. Two patients (10.5%) arrived in theater already with intubated ventilation. Continuous mandatory ventilation was used in 11 (57.9%) patients while one-lung ventilation was used in the rest of patients. Approximately, 30% of patients encountered a stormy postoperative course, 52.6% underwent cardiopulmonary bypass with or without cross-clamping of the aorta, and 10.5% had reperfusion injury. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the major challenges of unifocalization, significantly low rates of morbidity and mortality were observed in our patients. A thorough familiarity of different airway and ventilation issues, besides meticulous hemodynamic and anesthetic management, is of paramount importance. The maintenance of hemodynamic stability, hemostasis, and proper ventilation is critical for the success of the operation.

QSPR Studies on the Octane Number of Toluene Primary Reference Fuel Based on the Electrotopological State Index.

The quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) models for predicting the octane number (ON) of toluene primary reference fuel (TPRF; blends of n-heptane, isooctane, and toluene) was investigated. The electrotopological state (E-state) index of TPRF components was computed and weight-summed to generate the quantitative descriptor of TPRF samples. The partial least squares (PLS) technique was used to build up the regression model between the ON and weight-summed E-state index of the investigated samples. The QSPR models for the research octane number (RON) and motor octane number (MON) of TPRF were built. The prediction performance of the obtained PLS models was assessed by the external test set validation and leave-one-out cross-validation. The validation results demonstrate that the proposed PLS models are feasible for predicting the ON, both RON and MON, of TPRF. In addition, several other QSPR models for the ON of TPRF were developed by employing the stepwise regression and Scheffé polynomials methods, and the prediction performance of these models were compared with that of the PLS models. The comparison result shows that the proposed PLS models are slightly better than multiple linear regression models and Scheffé models. It is demonstrated that the combination of the E-state index and PLS is an easy-to-use and promising method for studying and forecasting the ON of TPRF.

Occurrence of Diarrhea and Feeding Practices among Children below Two Years of Age in Southwestern Saudi Arabia.

Growing evidence suggests that feeding practices in early childhood play a major role in the occurrence of childhood diarrhea. However, there is a lack of information regarding feeding practices and its relationship with occurrences of diarrhea in young children from Saudi Arabia. The present study is aimed to measure the prevalence of diarrhea and assess its relationship with feeding practices among children between two months and two years of age in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in two large cities in the Aseer region in southwest Saudi Arabia. A total of 302 mothers attending well-baby clinics across six primary health centers were included. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Factors associated with diarrheal disease were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of diarrhea among children during the study period was 56.3% (95% CI: 50.7%-61.8%). Only 15.9% of children in our study were exclusively breastfed. The occurrence of diarrhea was significantly associated with age 7-12 months (aOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.42-4.91). We found that diarrhea was prevalent among children between two months and two years of age, and that exclusive breastfeeding was not a common practice in this region. Health education programs should be directed towards mothers to improve rates of breastfeeding, weaning practices, food hygiene, and childcare. Special attention and support should be provided for working mothers.

Knowledge and practices related to burn first aid among Majmaah community, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Burns in developing countries account for significant morbidity and mortality which have been shown by increasing burn first aid awareness. In general, flames, scalds, and contact burns are the most common causes, but in children scalds are the most common. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the general knowledge and practices related to burn first aid among Majmaah community. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional study. Data were collected in 2018 using convenience sampling technique. Saudi men and women age 18 years and older living in Majmaah were included in the study. Data were collected from 390 males and females. The sample size was collected using precision formula. Data were encoded into Microsoft Excel worksheets and imported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS®) software for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 390 individuals responded to the survey. Regarding the demographic data of the study participants, 49.2% were between 30 and 49 years old. Most of them were females (71.8%). Regarding burn first aid knowledge, 82.6% of the study participants knew that the first thing is to stop, drop, and roll when your clothes catch fire, 43.8% knew to apply cold water if hot oil spills on the hands, 41.0% knew that all burn injuries must be treated at hospital, whereas most of them 78.5% knew never to apply raw eggs or herbs to burn wounds. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of Majmaah community toward first aid is found to be low in spite of most of the respondents having a positive attitude toward first aid. The majority of the study participants (73.8%) were well-educated and had a bachelor's degree.

The effect of a short animated educational video on knowledge among glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational video in increasing knowledge among glaucoma patients and to determine the factors that may influence a patient's level of knowledge. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a pre-post intervention study on adult glaucoma patients attending the outpatient service at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital. The intervention tested was a short educational video that was edited specifically for this study. All patients completed a pre-video and post-video knowledge questionnaire; moreover, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were obtained. RESULTS: The total number of patients included was 196. The mean age of patients was 55.7±15.5 years. Overall, 55.1% were males, 29.6% were illiterate, 85.2% resided in an urban area, 62.8% had a low income, and 41.8% were unemployed. The mean pre-intervention knowledge score was 6 out of 17, and the post-intervention score was 11.1 (P≤0.001). Predictors of a poor knowledge score were old age (>60 years), female sex, illiteracy, rural residence, low income, unemployment, and a negative family history of glaucoma. CONCLUSION: The evaluated video intervention was effective in a short-term increase in knowledge among glaucoma patients. This tool may serve as an alternative to traditional educational methods.

Efeito de diferentes sistemas de obturação na resistência à fratura de raízes tratadas endodonticamente / The Influence of different obturation systems on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots

Objective: This study aimed to compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated roots filled by different obturation systems. Material and methods: Ninety-six maxillary central incisors were used and decoronated, retaining 12 mm of the roots. On the basis of obturation systems, the roots were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=24): Group1 (COGR): control group (unprepared, unfilled), Group 2 (AVGR): ActiV GP points/ActiV GP sealer, Group 3 (GPGR): Gutta percha points / AH plus sealer, and Group4 (GAGR): Gutta percha points/ActiV GP sealer. The last three groups were obturated with the single cone technique. The roots were then stored in 100% relative humidity at 37 °C for 2 weeks. A vertical compressive force was exerted in a universal testing machine until fracture occurred. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: Mean (SD) failure loads for groups ranged from 920.51 ± 210.37 to 1113.44 ± 489.42 N. The fracture resistance between the different study groups indicated no statistical difference (p>0.05). Conclusions: ActiV GP system did not exert a significant effect on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.(AU)

Objective: Comparar a resistência à fratura de raízes tratadas endodonticamente obturadas através de diferentes sistemas. Materiais e Métodos: Noventa e seis incisivos centrais superiores foram utilizados, tiveram as coroas removidas, restando 12 mm de raíz. De acordo com o sistema de obturação, as raízes foram divididas em 4 grupos (n=24): Grupo1 (COGR): grupo controle (sem preparo, sem preenchimento), Grupo2 (AVGR): cones ActiV GP / cimento ActiV GP, Grupo3 (GPGR): cones de guta percha / cimento AH plus, e Grupo4 (GAGR): cones de guta percha / cimento ActiV GP. Os últimos três grupos foram obturados através da técnica de cone único. As raízes foram armazenadas em 100% de umidade relativa a 37 °C durante 2 semanas. Uma força compressiva vertical foi aplicada através de uma máquina de ensaio universal até ocorrer fratura. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente através de ANOVA ­ 1 fator. Resultados: A carga média (SD) obtida no momento da falha variou entre 920.51 ± 210.37 até 1113.44 ± 489.42 N. A resistência à fratura entre os diferentes grupos estudados não indicaram diferença estatística. Conclusão: O sistema ActiV GP não exerceu um efeito significante na resistência à fratura em dentes tratados endodonticamente.(AU)

High school versus graduate entry in a Saudi medical school - is there any difference in academic performance and professionalism lapses?

BACKGROUND: King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) was the first university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offering both high school entry and graduate entry (GE) students into medical school. We compared the academic performance and professionalism lapses of high school entry and GE students who undertook the same curriculum and examinations in the College of Medicine, Riyadh, KSAU-HS. METHODS: Examination scores of 196 high school graduates and 54 GE students over a 4-year period (2010-2014) were used as a measure of academic achievement. For assessment of professionalism lapses, we compared the number of warning letters in both streams of students. RESULTS: In some pre-clinical courses, high school entry students performed significantly better than GE students. There was no significant difference in academic performance of high school entry and GE students in clinical rotations. GE students had a significantly greater number of warning letters per student as compared to high school entry students. DISCUSSION: This is the first Saudi study to compare the performance of high school entry and GE students in a medical school. Overall, both streams of students performed equally well with high school entry students performing better than GE students in a few pre-clinical courses. We compared professionalism lapses and found an increase in number of warning letters for GE students. More studies are needed to evaluate if there are differences in other assessments of professionalism between these two streams of students.

Staphylococcus pettenkoferi bacteremia: A case report and review of the literature.

Staphylococcus pettenkoferi is a relatively recently described coagulase-negative staphylococci species first described in 2002. Since then, nine additional cases of infection caused by this species have been reported in various countries around the world, including Germany, Belgium, France, South Korea, Italy, Brazil and Mexico. The present report describes a case of S pettenkoferi peripheral line-associated bacteremia. To our knowledge, the present report is the first description of human infection caused by S pettenkoferi in Canada. The present report also provides an overview of the laboratory detection of uncommon coagulase-negative staphylococci.

Le Staphylococcus pettenkoferi est une espèce de staphylocoque à coagulase négative qui a été décrit pour la première fois en 2002. Depuis, neuf autres cas d'infections causées par cette espèce ont été signalés dans divers pays du monde, y compris l'Allemagne, la Belgique, la France, la Corée du Sud, l'Italie, le Brésil et le Mexique. Le présent rapport décrit un cas de bactériémie à S pettenkoferi associée à un cathéter périphérique. En autant que les auteurs le sachent, il s'agit du premier rapport d'infection humaine à S pettenkoferi au Canada, qui donne également un aperçu de la détection en laboratoire de staphylocoques à coagulase négative rares.