Saudi Med J
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Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is still a threat to many healthcare settings worldwide. Clostridioides difficile epidemiology has changed over the last 20 years, largely due to the emergence of hypervirulent and antimicrobial-resistant C. difficile strains. ⋯ Moreover, the early detection of these infections and understanding their epidemiological behavior using accurate laboratory methods are the cornerstone to decreasing the incidence of C. difficile infection and preventing further spread. Although there is no consensus on the single best laboratory method for the diagnosis of C. difficile infection, the use of 2 or more techniques can improve diagnostic accuracy, and it is recommended.
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Meta Analysis
Epidemiology of lean/non-obese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To assess the prevalence and metabolic characteristics of lean/non-obese (L/NO) nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in China. ⋯ Prevalence of NAFLD was slightly lower among the L/NO-NAFLD Chinese population than the global level but has obviously increased recently. In addition, the metabolic profile of L/NO-NAFLD patients was generally better compared to OW/O-NAFLD patients.PROSPERO Reg. No.: CRD42022327240.
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Multicenter Study
Comparison of laboratory biomarkers for the prediction of in-hospital mortality and severity of acute pulmonary embolism: A multi-center study.
To assess the specificity and sensitivity of prognostic biomarkers in individuals diagnosed with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). ⋯ Multiple parameters have been implicated in the mortality and severity of PE. Our study revealed a statistically significant association between NLR, RDW, and PE mortality. These tests are easily accessible and may provide insights into the mortality associated with PE.
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and one of the most common causes of cancer deaths. In recent times, significant advancements have been made in elucidating the molecular alterations of the disease, and the results have been an improved understanding of CRC biology, as well as the discovery of biomarkers of diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance. ⋯ This dearth of molecular pathology data is aptly reflected in the paucity of molecular markers recommended for testing by the Saudi National Cancer Centre guidelines for CRC management. Large scale multi-institutional and multiregional translational studies are required to generate molecular data that would inform diagnostic, prognostic, and risk-stratification guidelines for Saudi CRC patients.
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Multicenter Study
COVID-19 vaccine in hemodialysis patients: Time for a boost.
To evaluate anti-spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels of hemodialysis patients and correlate them with the patients' demographic data and to evaluate these patients' need for a coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) vaccine booster. ⋯ The results show a dose-dependent association between IgG antibody levels and the number COVID-19 vaccines received. The study highlights the need for booster COVID-19 vaccination for patients on hemodialysis.