A Cytological Study of Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Among Electronic Cigarette Smokers in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara.

Objective This study aims to determine how electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use contributes to the spread of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and to assess the potential cellular proliferative activity it may produce. Methodology In Madinah, a case-control study was conducted between October 2022 and March 2023. Two oral cytologic smear samples were collected from each of the 500 volunteers; 250 consumers of electronic cigarettes and 250 non-smokers each provided two samples. To detect cytological changes and HPV infection, these samples were stained using Papanicolaou and immunocytochemical techniques. Results Twelve (4.8%) of the electronic cigarettes exhibited cytological atypia, while only one (0.4%) of the nonsmokers' group did. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) was detected in eight (3.2%) of the e-cigarette users, but it was only found in two (0.8%) of the nonsmokers (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion Electronic cigarette smoking increases the likelihood of contracting HPV and developing cytological atypia, both of which, if left untreated, can contribute to the development of precancerous and cancerous lesions in the mouth.

Genomic Characterization of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Tertiary Hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalised and non-hospitalised patients. Genomic analysis was used to gain further insight into the molecular characteristics of UPEC isolates from Saudi Arabia. A total of 165 isolates were collected from patients with UTIs between May 2019 and September 2020 from two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) were performed using the VITEK system. Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates (n = 48) were selected for whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis. In silico analysis revealed that the most common sequence types detected were ST131 (39.6%), ST1193 (12.5%), ST73 (10.4%), and ST10 (8.3%). Our finding showed that blaCTX-M-15 gene was detected in the majority of ESBL isolates (79.2%), followed by blaCTX-M-27 (12.5%) and blaCTX-M-8 (2.1%). ST131 carried blaCTX-M-15 or blaCTX-M-27, and all ST73 and ST1193 carried blaCTX-M-15. The relatively high proportion of ST1193 in this study was notable as a newly emerged lineage in the region, which warrants further monitoring.

Pyogenic Psoas Abscess in a Patient With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Case Report.

A psoas abscess, a rare and clinically significant entity, poses diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific presentation and diverse etiologies. This case report explores a compelling instance of a 58-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic low back pain diagnosed with a large pyogenic psoas abscess. The patient presented with worsening right-sided lower back pain, fever, and chills. Clinical examination revealed lumbar tenderness and limited spinal mobility. Laboratory results indicated elevated inflammatory markers. Computed tomography identified a large abscess involving the right iliopsoas. A working diagnosis of pyogenic psoas abscess was established, prompting surgical intervention. This case emphasizes the diagnostic complexity of a psoas abscess, particularly in individuals with predisposing factors. Successful management, involving advanced imaging, targeted antibiotics, and minimally invasive interventions, underscores the efficacy of a multidisciplinary approach. Heightened clinical suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and tailored interventions are crucial for navigating the complexities of this condition successfully.

Saudi cultural adaptation of the "compliance questionnaire of Rheumatology" for Rheumatoid arthritis patients on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

PURPOSE: This study aims to develop a valid and reliable Arabic version of the Compliance Questionnaire on Rheumatology (CQR-A) and to explore the impact of demographic factors on compliance. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out at the outpatient clinics of rheumatology in King Fahad hospital (KFH) in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, from May 2019 to October 2019. Initially, the original version was culturally adapted to an Arabic version by forward translation, backward translation, committee review of both the Arabic and the original versions, and lastly, pre-testing. Then, seventy-two rheumatoid arthritis patients were recruited to evaluate the reliability and validity of the CQR-A. Reliability was assessed by the test-retest method with a two-week interval through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The criterion validity of the CQR-A was assessed through Pearson correlation of pharmacy refill and CQR-A. The content validity index (CVI) was used to determine content validity. Multiple regression analysis was done to evaluate the effect of demographic factors on compliance. RESULTS: The CQR-A has adequate reliability and validity. The ICC = 0.757 with a 95% CI ranging from 0.579 to 0.860, p < 0.001, Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.788. Pearson correlation coefficient was found to be (r = 0.338, p = 0.013). The individual content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.67 to 1.00, and the average scale content validity index (S-CVI/Ave) = 0.91. Education was the only significant predictor of compliance amongst the demographic factors with R2 of 0.158. CONCLUSION: The Arabic version of the Compliance Questionnaire on Rheumatology (CQR-A) is a reliable and valid clinical tool to assess compliance in Arabic speaking patients.