Impact of Denture Use on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Yemeni Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND We used the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire to evaluate the association between sociodemographic variables and oral health-related quality of life in 241 wearers of removable partial or complete dentures attending a single center in Yemen. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 241 partial dentures (PD) and complete dentures (CD) wearers were enrolled from the Department of Prosthodontics at the Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University, and the University of Science and Technology. Data were collected before the commencement of denture wearing and after 3-6 months of denture use. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic information and denture type, and another for the OHIP to assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), oral health impact profile scale comprises 7 subscales, each evaluating different aspects of oral health and functionality. Descriptive statistics were calculated for participants. Independent t tests were performed to compare different patient groups, focusing on PD and CD wearers. Paired-sample t tests were used to examine changes within patient groups before and after removable denture use. RESULTS Among all participants, 67.6% were male, wearers of CDs were 74.6% male, PDs were 58.3%, and was consistent for CD (71.0%) and PD (72.8%) wearers. The wearing prostheses significantly impacted the OHRQoL of patients using both PDs and CDs (P<0.01). Among CD wearers, 4 of these subscales (3-6) were statistically significant, but the handicaps subscale showed evident reductions in physical pain after treatment among PD wearers. CONCLUSIONS Wearing dentures positively affects the OHRQoL of patients, influencing various aspects of their health, including functional, physical, psychological, and social well-being.

A Systematic Review of Publications on Perceptions and Management of Chronic Medical Conditions Using Telemedicine Remote Consultations by Primary Healthcare Professionals April 2020 to December 2021 During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Telemedicine technologies allow distribution of health-related services and information and can include electronic and telecommunication technologies, remote patient and clinician contact, referral and prescribing, patient education, and monitoring. This systematic review aimed to evaluate publications on the perceptions and management of chronic medical conditions using telehealth remote consultations by primary healthcare professionals between April 2020 and December 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic databases, including Cinhal, PubMed, Science Direct, and ProQuest were searched to extract qualitative studies relevant to the topic. Inclusion criteria were developed based on the Population, Exposure, and Outcomes scoping framework. The target population was healthcare professionals working in primary care settings. Included studies encompassed various types of telemedicine, such as synchronous telemedicine, video conferencing, telephone conversations, and smart devices. Eight studies were included. Synchronous telemedicine was highly effective in ensuring the continuity of care and treatment, providing patients with convenience, improved access to treatment, and earlier disease management. Video conferencing and telephone consultations were the most common methods used. Challenges included concerns about patient privacy, technology literacy, and acceptance. Telemedicine was commended for its ability to provide access to immediate expert medical advice and eliminate the need for long-distance travel, contributing to increased patient compliance. Synchronous telemedicine is a promising solution for managing chronic conditions during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, offering benefits to patients and healthcare professionals. To maximize its potential, concerns regarding patient privacy, confidentiality, and technology literacy need to be addressed. Proper legislation and regulations are required for long-term success of telemedicine, making it a valuable component of healthcare systems.

Activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome 2 associated with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a rare Palestinian case report.

Histiocytic necrotic lymphadenitis (HNL), also known as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), is a rare local lymphadenopathy with a benign course and clinical manifestations such as fever, lymphadenopathy, rash, hepatosplenomegaly, central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, and hemophilic cell syndrome. It was first identified by Japanese pathologists Kikuchi and Fujimoto. KFD damages the meninges, the brain parenchyma, and peripheral nerves in addition to the CNS. Neurological symptoms may even be the most obvious clinical manifestations or initial symptoms of the disease. Case presentation: We present a unique case of a 7-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome 2 (APDS 2) associated with KFD, a HNL during a workup for fever without a focus and cervical lymphadenopathy. Conclusion: Highlighted the unique relationship between two uncommon conditions and stressed the significance of adding KFD to the list of possible diagnoses for lymphadenopathy in APDS 2. Furthermore, we demonstrate that patients with APDS 2 may exhibit low immunoglobulin M levels.

Simultaneous Bilateral Neck of Femur Fracture After Spiritual Therapy.

Bilateral simultaneous fracture of the neck of the femur is an extremely rare injury; out of the reported cases, 50% are caused by electrical shock. We reported a rare case of simultaneous bilateral femur neck fracture caused by electrical shock as a part of spiritual therapy. The patient underwent bilateral open reduction and internal fixation with cannulated screws. Unfortunately, the fixation failed, and the patient underwent bilateral total hip arthroplasty. The patient was satisfied with the outcome at the final follow-up.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of oral cancer prevention among students, interns, and faculty members at the college of dentistry of Jazan University.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer awareness among current and future dental practitioners plays a substantial role in the early detection and prevention of oral cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of oral cancer prevention (OCP) among oral health practitioners in the College of Dentistry at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, and to determine factors that facilitate, or limit practices related to oral cancer prevention. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey was done among dental students (n = 274), interns (n = 81), and faculty members (n = 117) in the College of Dentistry at Jazan University between May 2019 to February 2020. The questionnaire was developed in English and modified from a previously validated and published questionnaire into Arabic. It covered every KAP of oral cancer prevention that was useful in accomplishing the study's objectives. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the factors associated with the practice of oral cancer prevention in the past year. RESULTS: Only 29.7% reported having participated in any OCP activities in the past 12 months while about 42% and 53% of participants referred suspected oral cancer patients to the departments of maxillofacial surgery and oral medicine, respectively. Most of the participants had poor knowledge (71.9%), unfavourable attitudes towards OCP (83.6%) and poor levels of practice (62.9%). The study found that the attitude of the participants was significant in influencing their practices of OCP in the previous 12 months, after adjusting for all other factors. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OCP among the sample population was poor. The survey findings suggest that oral health practitioners in Jazan are inexperienced in the methods to adopt for prevention and early detection of oral cancer, despite the high prevalence of oral cancer among province residents. Further research should investigate effective educational strategies and training for improving the participation of students, interns, and faculty members in oral cancer prevention activities.

Factors Associated with Participation in Research Activities among Oral Health Providers in Jazan, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at quantifying participation in dental research-related activities reported by the Saudi Ministry of Health-associated oral healthcare providers in Jazan and to investigate its association with sociodemographic and professional characteristics, as well as practitioners' perceptions of the Research and Development (R&D) index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online cross-sectional questionnaire was sent to oral health providers in Jazan using a convenience sampling technique. The questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics and the 16 items of the R&D index. One-way ANOVA and t-tests were used to establish factors associated with R&D index scores. Multiple regression analyses with adjusted effects were conducted to identify the significant predictors for the factors associated with participation in dental research. RESULTS: In total, 113 study participants completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 56.5%. Just over half (53.1%) of the participants were working in primary healthcare centers, and 46.9% were working in hospitals. Most of the study samples were dentists (92.0%), while a small percentage were dental hygienists (4.4%) and assistants (3.4%). The sample's participation in dental research was low with a mean of 3.57 (standard deviation = 3.69). The R&D support (p<0.001) and intentions (p = 0.050) significantly predicted the providers' participation in dental research. CONCLUSION: The current study found that R&D support and intention significantly predicted the providers' participation in dental research. Hence, it is recommended that comprehensive educational and training programs on dental research be developed that focus on the increase and implement it in their practice. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides insights into factors and obstacles that influence dental research, which may be useful for future investigations.

Factors associated with the use of fashion braces of the Saudi Arabian Youth: application of the Health Belief Model.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the fact that fashion braces (FBs) have been in the spotlight in recent years among both orthodontists and the general public in several countries, there is still limited evidence regarding FBs. The aim was to identify health-related behaviors in using FBs by considering the Health Belief Model (HBM). METHODS: A cross-sectional study with a random sampling technique was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The data was obtained from different middle and high schools students, and first-year students at Jazan University. The questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics and 27 items to examine the constructs of the HBM. Chi Square test was carried out to establish the factors associated with using, the intention to use, and previous knowledge on the use of fashion braces. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the factors associated with the use of fashion braces. RESULTS: 406 study participants completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 88.3%. Majority of respondents were males (52.2%) and > 19 years old (44.3%). Only 9.9% students had used the FBs. However, 25.7% of students had the intention to use them. The perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and cues to action constructs scores were fair with the mean values of 15.38 (SD = 9.4), 28.17 (SD = 10.8) and 6.65 (SD = 2.50), respectively. However, the perceived barrier score was high with the mean values of 22.14 (SD = 7.50), and lower score of self-efficacy with mean of 8.73 (SD = 3.30). Gender, age, monthly income (family), and education level were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the use of fashion braces among the study's participants. Based on the results of logistic regression analysis family income, perceived susceptibility, and risk severity constructs predict the use of fashion braces in the study's sample. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that the family income, perceived susceptibility, and risk severity of students significantly influence the use of fashion braces. Hence, it is recommended that researchers should investigate effective educational strategies and programs for improving young people's knowledge about fashion braces and focus more on low family income students so that their using of fashion brace will be decreased.

Factors Associated with Infection-Control Behavior of Dental Health-Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting COVID-19-infection prevention and control (IPC) among a sample of dental health-care workers (DHCWs) in Saudi Arabia and to examine their behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs to better understand their views about COVID-19 IPC. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was administered among DHCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling. A questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics and the 43 items from the TPB construct. One-way ANOVA and Independent sample t-tests were used to establish factors associated with TPB-construct scores. Multiple regression analyses with adjusted effects were used to identify significant predictors for intention from attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control variables. The significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 324 study participants completed the questionnaire for a response rate of 40.5%. The majority of respondents were male (59.8%) and aged 25-30 years (32.7%), followed by 31-35 years (31.2%). Only 28.4% reported having participated in IPC activities. With a mean of 41.60±6.26), it was evident that study participants had a favorable attitudes toward COVID-19 IPC. Subjective norms and perceived behavioral control subscale scores were low, with the means of 28.95±5.44) and 34.89±6.49), respectively. The constructs of attitude toward behavior (p<0.001) and subjective norms (p<0.001) significantly predicted the DHCWs' intention to practice COVID-19 IPC behavior, accounting for 44.3% of the variance. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that the attitudes and subjective norms of DHCWs significantly predicted their intentions regarding COVID-19 IPC behavior. As such, it is recommended that comprehensive education and training programs on infection control pertaining to COVID-19 be implemented among DHCWs in Saudi Arabia so that their attitudes and behavior toward infection prevention are amplified.

Parental neglect of feeding in obese individuals. A review of scientific evidence and its application among Saudi population.

Human beings encountered malnutrition during the twentieth century and obesity in the very next century. This is how the future will look when the present becomes a slice of history. Obesity is threatening the healthy being of many youngsters throughout the world. Environmental influences have indicated to effect even genetically safe subjects among which parental neglect seems to be most alarming. Two extensively and globally investigated variables, the feeding style and the physical activity, provide some hope in its prevention. Despite the high rise of obesity prevalence in Saudi Arabia, there is scant research on these topics. The purpose of this review is to present a comprehensive assessment of these 2-obesity associated parental variables. The composed literature could provide an insight to the dominant surge of obesity in the Arab nations and stimulate research on current parenting practices in the Kingdom.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Oral Health Promotion among Oral Health Providers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

AIM: This study was to establish a baseline level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oral health promotion (OHP) among oral health providers in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study also described and evaluated the factors that facilitate or limit the practice of OHP and examined the relationship between the level of knowledge and attitude that practitioners have of OHP and their OHP practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire included demographic questions and questions on the KAP of oral health promotion. Out of 365 questionnaires that were disseminated, 106 questionnaires were fully completed. Cross- tabulation was conducted to establish factors associated with KAP scores. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors that were associated with the practice of OHP. RESULTS: The baseline level of oral health providers' knowledge and attitude toward OHP was fair. Only a few providers have integrated OHP into their practice. Age of participants was significantly associated with knowledge of OHP among the providers. Also, there was a significant difference in mean attitude scores toward OHP by education level. The practice of OHP was significantly related to education level and facility type. CONCLUSION: Further research focusing on different cities or geographical regions in the KSA is needed to validate this finding. Also, the finding supports the need for continuous training in OHP to ensure that health providers understand and apply OHP practices in their work. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Due to the scarcity of data that measure OHP among oral health providers in the KSA, proper education and training programs by governmental authorities are difficult to implement. This study will provide baseline measures for future investigations for academicians and practitioners, alike.

Uptake of influenza vaccination, awareness and its associated barriers among medical students of a University Hospital in Central Saudi Arabia.

Outbreaks of influenza epidemics are common but influenza vaccination is sub-optimal among the healthcare staff including the medical students. The study aims to assess the rate of vaccine uptake among medical students, its associated barriers and levels of awareness. A cross sectional study was done at a University Hospital in Saudi Arabia on 421 medical students by self administered questionnaire from February to March 2015. The immunization rate of seasonal influenza vaccine was just 20.7% in 2015, while it was 57% for cumulative of previous three-year period. The intended uptake among those offered vaccination was 68%. The significant determinants of vaccine uptake were clinical years of medical study (p<0.05) and previous history of vaccination (p<0.0001). The major sources influencing vaccine uptake decision were health department guidelines, medical training, social and media influence. Barriers of vaccination constituted, assumption of not being at risk of influenza (37.9%), vaccine side effects (28.9%), questioned effectiveness of the vaccine (14.5%), and inability to allocate time (11%). Knowledge levels were unsatisfactory and males scored lower (5.4±1.7) than females (6.5±1.4) out of total score of 9. Both knowledge and uptake of annual influenza vaccination was inadequate. Policy makers can formulate strategies with a focus on larger coverage of medical students.

2ß- and 16ß-hydroxylase activity of CYP11A1 and direct stimulatory effect of estrogens on pregnenolone formation.

The biosynthesis of steroid hormones in vertebrates is initiated by the cytochrome P450 CYP11A1, which performs the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol thereby producing pregnenolone. In this study, we report a direct stimulatory effect of the estrogens estradiol and estrone onto the pregnenolone formation in a reconstituted in vitro system consisting of purified CYP11A1 and its natural redox partners. We demonstrated the formation of new products from 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during the in vitro reaction catalyzed by CYP11A1. In addition, we also established an Escherichia coli-based whole-cell biocatalytic system consisting of CYP11A1 and its redox partners to obtain sufficient yields of products for NMR-characterization. Our results indicate that CYP11A1, in addition to the previously described 6ß-hydroxylase activity, possesses a 2ß-hydroxylase activity towards DOC and androstenedione as well as a 16ß-hydroxylase activity towards DHEA. We also showed that CYP11A1 is able to perform the 6ß-hydroxylation of testosterone, a reaction that has been predominantly attributed to CYP3A4. Our results are the first evidence that sex hormones positively regulate the overall production of steroid hormones suggesting the need to reassess the role of CYP11A1 in steroid hormone biosynthesis and its substrate-dependent mechanistic properties.

A steroidogenic pathway for sulfonated steroids: the metabolism of pregnenolone sulfate.

In many tissues sulfonated steroids exceed the concentration of free steroids and recently they were also shown to fulfill important physiological functions. While it was previously demonstrated that cholesterol sulfate (CS) is converted by CYP11A1 to pregnenolone sulfate (PregS), further conversion of PregS has not been studied in detail. To investigate whether a steroidogenic pathway for sulfonated steroids exists similar to the one described for free steroids, we examined the interaction of PregS with CYP17A1 in a reconstituted in-vitro system. Difference spectroscopy revealed a Kd-value of 74.8±4.2µM for the CYP17A1-PregS complex, which is 2.5-fold higher compared to the CYP17A1-pregnenolone (Preg) complex. Mass spectrometry experiments proved for the first time that PregS is hydroxylated by CYP17A1 at position C17, identically to pregnenolone. A higher Km- and a lower kcat-value for CYP17A1 using PregS compared with Preg were observed, indicating a 40% reduced catalytic efficiency when using the sulfonated steroid. Furthermore, we analyzed whether the presence of cytochrome b5 (b5) has an influence on the CYP17A1 dependent conversion of PregS, as was demonstrated for Preg. Interestingly, with 17OH-PregS no scission of the 17,20-carbon-carbon bond occurs, when b5 is added to the reconstituted in-vitro system, while b5 promotes the formation of DHEA from 17OH-Preg. When using human SOAT-HEK293 cells expressing CYP17A1 and CPR, we could confirm that PregS is metabolized to 17OH-PregS, strengthening the potential physiological meaning of a pathway for sulfonated steroids.

Efficacy of peginterferon α-2a and predictors of response in HBeAg-negative, genotype D-naive patients.

BACKGROUND: Peginterferon (PEG-IFN) α-2a has been shown to induce a sustained virologic response (SVR) in 20-30% of "hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)"-negative patients. AIM: To determine the safety and efficacy of PEG-IFN α-2a in HBeAg-negative, genotype D-naive patients and to analyze the predictors of response. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized trial was conducted at four hospitals. A total of 35 consecutive HBeAg-negative naive genotype D patients received PEG-IFN α-2a for 48 weeks. RESULTS: Based on a cutoff of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <400 copies ml(-1), an early virologic response (EVR) at week 12, end of treatment virologic response (ETVR) at week 48, and SVR at week 72 were achieved by 3 (9%), 9 (26%), and 8 patients (23%), respectively. The EVR rate improved to 43%, ETVR to 49%, and SVR to 57%, when a HBV DNA cutoff level of <20,000 copies ml(-1) was used. Pretreatment HBsAg level was not a predictor for SVR on univariate analysis, but correlated with decline in HBV DNA levels at weeks 48 and 72. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, low body weight, high alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low HBV DNA, and low triglyceride levels were identified as baseline predictors of SVR. CONCLUSION: HBeAg-negative genotype D-naive patients treated with PEG-IFN α-2a achieved SVR in 23 (HBV <400 copies ml(-1)) and 57% (HBV <20,000 copies ml(-1)) of patients, a better response than previously reported that might be related to the absence of drug resistance in these naive patients. Pretreatment predictors of SVR were low body weight, high ALT, low HBV DNA, and low triglycerides.