Saudi Med J
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To evaluate the relationship of the first and second mandibular molar roots to the inferior alveolar canal (IAC) and cortical plates using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Saudi population. Methods: Scans of 60 patients were collected retrospectively from the dental hospital database in King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Measurements of the right and left first and second mandibular molars for each dental root and the mandibular bone thickness were determined. The position of the IAC was estimated using axial, coronal, and sagittal views. Three examiners performed the measurements independently. ⋯ The mean distance between the root apices of the mandibular molars and the IAC ranged from 1.68-4.79 mm, whereas the mean distance from the outer surface of the buccal cortical plate to the buccal root surface ranged from 2.33-6.72 mm. Similarly, the mean distance from the outer surface of the lingual cortical plate to the lingual root surface ranged from 2.62-4.80 mm. Finally, the mean distance from the outer surface of the lingual cortical plate to the outer surface of the buccal cortical plate was 11.93-13.19 mm. Conclusion: The measurements reported in this study may be of value to practitioners treating Saudi patients, as they need to be familiar with the distance of the mandibular first and second molars in relation to the IAC and surrounding cortical plates to accurately assess and plan endodontic surgeries, surgical extractions, and implant placements.
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Multicenter Study
A novel diagnosis scoring model to predict invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in the intensive care unit.
To improve the quality of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) management for intensive care unit (ICU) patients using a practical diagnostic scoring model. ⋯ This study provides a novel diagnosis scoring model to predict IPA in ICU patients. Using this model, a more rapid diagnosis and treatment of IPA may be possible. The application of the diagnosis scoring should be preceded by specified pre-requisites.
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To evaluate the clinical presentations and immunohistochemical (IHC) properties of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and to compare them to internationally published data. ⋯ Gastrointestinal stromal tumors in our study demonstrates a major similar feature as the published international data. However, minor differences do exist in terms of clinical features and immunohistochemistry.
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To define the importance of biochemical and virological thresholds for the prediction of significant liver diseases. ⋯ Hepatitis B virus-DNA levels between 106 and 108 IU/mL and ALT levels of 2~3 x ULN might be considered to be good indicators for discriminating chronic hepatitis phase from chronic infection in hepatitis B e-antigen-positive chronic hepatitis. However, we think that the current biochemical, serological and molecular markers are inadequate for differentiating chronic hepatitis phase than chronic infection, and non-invasive test and/or liver histopathology should be carried out in selected cases.
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Observational Study
Services satisfaction of type 2 diabetic patients attending Arar's diabetic center, Saudi Arabia.
To determine type 2 diabetic patients' satisfaction with the services provided by the Diabetic Center, Arar, Saudi Arabia, and to assess the relationship between patients' satisfaction and their diabetic control. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study, carried out in 322 patients at the Arar Diabetic Center, Arar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between January and April 2018. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to include every second type 2 diabetic patient attending the center. We interviewed the type 2 diabetic patients using a predesigned questionnaire tested for validity and reliability. Results: The mean age of the studied population was 48.5±13.05. ⋯ Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was controlled in 64% of patients. There was a statistically significant association between patients' dissatisfaction and poor diabetic control. Conclusion: Two-thirds of the patients were satisfied with the services provided by the Diabetic Centres of Arar city, Saudi Arabia. The study recommends emphasis on patient education and addressing patient needs and worries.