Medicine
-
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) pose a significant public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Jazan region. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding VBDs among the population of Jazan and to identify factors associated with these variables. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 642 adult residents of Jazan using a convenience random sampling technique. ⋯ The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and educational campaigns to address the identified gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Future research should focus on exploring the effectiveness of different intervention strategies and investigating the integration of VBD prevention and control measures into existing healthcare systems. By employing a multi-disciplinary approach, evidence-based strategies can be developed to prevent and control VBDs, ultimately improving public health outcomes in Jazan and other endemic regions worldwide.
-
Review Case Reports
Desmoid tumors of rectus abdominis: A case report and literature review.
Desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare soft tissue tumor that can occur anywhere in the body. Abdominal wall DT presents unique clinical challenges due to its distinctive manifestations, treatment modalities, and the lack of biomarkers for diagnosis and recurrence prediction, making clinical decisions exceedingly complex. ⋯ Abdominal wall DT treatment requires personalized plans from multidisciplinary team discussions. Genetic testing plays a crucial role in identifying novel biomarkers for abdominal wall DT. We have once again demonstrated the significant clinical significance of CTNNB1 mutations in the diagnosis and progression of abdominal wall DT. Additionally, genes such as CCND1, CYP3A4, SLIT1, RRM1, STIM1, ESR2, UGT1A1, among others, may also be closely associated with the progression of abdominal wall DT. Future research should delve deeper into and systematically evaluate the precise impact of these genetic mutations on treatment selection and prognosis for abdominal wall DT, in order to better guide patient management and treatment decisions.
-
Meta Analysis
Association between high uric acid and the risk of Parkinson's disease: A meta-analysis.
Uric acid, as an important antioxidant substance in human body, has attracted much attention in relation to the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the causal relationship between them is still controversial. We perform a meta-analysis to summarize the available evidence from cohort studies on the association between high uric acid and the risk of PD. ⋯ Our study confirms a significant association between high uric acid and the risk of PD, especially in men under 60 years old, and a dose-response trend of uric acid to reduce PD risk was also observed. Furthermore, LRRK2 mutation carriers are more likely to benefit from high uric acid than non-manifesting LRRK2 mutation carriers.
-
Observational Study
The efficacy of early extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for the treatment of 5 to 10 mm upper ureteral stones: An observational study.
This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) performed in the early period (within the first 24 hours). Data of patients who underwent SWL with a diagnosis of unilateral radiopaque 5 to 10 mm upper ureteral stones were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into 2 groups. ⋯ SFR within 1 month was higher in the early SWL group (85.5% vs 71.8% P = .036). In multivariate analysis, stone size, Hounsfield Units, and early SWL were predictive factors for SWL success. Performing SWL within the first 24 hours is highly effective in patients with symptomatic 5 to 10 mm upper ureteral stones.
-
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) frequently invades nearby lymph nodes, the liver, and lungs. The liver and lungs are also common anatomic sites for the first recurrence of CCA. However, metastasis to the brain is exceptionally rare. ⋯ This case highlights the unpredictable nature of metastatic patterns in CCA, where brain metastasis occurs very late, preceding locoregional recurrence in the liver. This challenges conventional expectations and underscores the need for vigilant surveillance and consideration of atypical metastatic sites in long-term survivors of CCA.