This study provides evidence of the situation in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Saudi government has taken significant action in response to the outbreak by putting in place measures ...to restrict the ability of the virus to spread. Cases, recoveries, and deaths were meticulously documented using MOH and/or WHO official sources. Our findings indicate that the number of confirmed cases and fatalities between May 2020 to November 2021 has decreased significantly, and the rate of recovery has been consistently strong. Furthermore, our study examined the rates of new cases and deaths in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Overall, our findings indicate a moderate link between new cases and death rates due to the country’s rigorous control during the pandemic and availability of an advanced health care system. In addition, our study documented the country’s nationwide vaccination campaign conducted with locations set up in many major cities. As of May 2022, a total of 64 million doses of the vaccine had been delivered to citizens and anyone with permanent residency in the country to control the spread of the disease. According to the data that has been given in this study, advanced health care system, widespread immunization efforts, and public awareness campaigns in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were effective in limiting the virus's capacity to spread further during COVID-19 pandemic.
Broad evidence points out that women workers in Saudi Arabia face a range of inequitable work practices despite continued efforts for gender equality. The study aims to assess the satisfaction of ...Saudi women working in the health sector among certain factors in the work environment, factors that enable them to gain opportunities and benefits and make decisions.
This is a cross-sectional study, which involved the use of closed-ended surveys on 261 Saudi women working in the healthcare sector.
Most of the females were aged between 25 and 34 years (59%) and more than half of them worked in the governmental sector (53%). Fifty-eight percent of the females hold clinical jobs, 25% of the administrative jobs were 37% of them have more than 19 years of working experience. The finding showed a significant association between female workers in health sector satisfaction with factors related to the workplace environment, training, and development, and their involvement in decision-making.
Most women felt empowered when they received equitable tasks and were able to reach managerial-level positions in their organizations. Establishing a positive work environment characterized by opportunities has the potential to enhance women workers' satisfaction.
In this study, a sensing device employing a gold-coated quartz tuning fork (QTF) modified with a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of L-cysteine was evaluated for the sensitive detection of Cu2+ ions in ...aqueous solutions. Three copper (II) salts, CuSO4, CuCl2, and Cu(NO3)2, at four different concentrations (10−12, 10−10, 10−8, and 10−6 M) in small (100 μL) water sample amounts were each used as analytes to investigate the influence of their counterions in the detection of the Cu2+ ions. It was found that, among the counterions, the sulfate anion had the largest effect upon the detection of Cu2+ in water, in the following order: SO42− > Cl− > NO3−. The lower limit of detection of the Cu2+ ions detected was in the 10−12 M range. The frequency shifts measured with the QTFs relative to deionized water were inversely proportional to the concentration/mass of the analytes. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to understand the effect of the counterions on the respective electronic interaction energies for the apparent host–guest binding of the analytes with L-cysteine and with gold surface-bound L-cysteine molecules. Gas phase (both with and uncorrected BSSE) and solution phase interaction energies (ΔIE) calculated at the B3LYP/LANL2DZ and ωB97XD levels of theory showed that the stability for the complexes were in the following order: L-cysteine⊃CuSO4 > L-cysteine⊃CuCl2 > L-cysteine⊃Cu(NO3)2, which supports our experimental findings, as they were in the same order as the experimentally observed order for the copper salts tested: CuSO4 > CuCl2 > Cu(NO3)2.
Coronavirus (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been identified as a deadly pandemic. The genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 is performed using a ...reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique for identifying viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) in infected patients. However, the RT-PCR diagnostic technique is manually laborious and expensive; therefore, it is not readily accessible in every laboratory. Methodological simplification is crucial to combat the ongoing pandemic by introducing quick, efficient, and affordable diagnostic methods. Here, we report how microcantilever sensors offer promising opportunities for rapid COVID-19 detection. Our first attempt was to capture the single-stranded complementary DNA of SARS-CoV-2 through DNA hybridization. Therefore, the microcantilever surface was immobilized with an oligonucleotide probe and detected using complementary target DNA hybridization by a shift in microcantilever resonance frequency. Our results show that microcantilever sensors can discriminate between complementary and noncomplementary target DNA on a micro to nanoscale. Additionally, the microcantilever sensors’ aptitude toward partial complementary DNA determines their potential to identify new variants of coronavirus. Therefore, microcantilever sensing could be a vital tool in the effort to extinguish the spreading COVID-19 pandemic.
In recent years, the countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have experienced alarming increases in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity. This updated systematic ...review sought to measure the prevalence and determinants of obesity and overweight among children and adolescents in MENA countries. A literature search for relevant observational studies published in English was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Saudi Digital Library. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Twenty-one published articles during the past five years were included in the systematic review. Varied approaches were used to diagnose childhood overweight and obesity, including the International Obesity Taskforce (IOTF), Centre for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and Saudi Growth Pattern Curves. We found that the combined prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in the Middle East is up to 49.4%, depending on the methods applied in their studies. Risk factors identified were age, male gender, lack of sufficient physical activity, consumption of fried food, perceived stress level, number of family members, family size, mother's occupation, education level, family history of obesity, high energy consumption from carbohydrates, ≥2 hours spent on watching television on weekend days with overweight, and always eating breakfast while watching television with obesity. The results of this review indicate that the issue of childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity in the Middle East is substantial and concerning. Most of the risk factors identified are modifiable and, if given appropriate attention, could significantly reduce the burden of associated chronic complications.
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly spreading infection that is on the rise. New variants are continuously appearing with variable degrees of lethality and infectivity. The ...extensive work since the start of the pandemic has led to the evolution of COVID-19 vaccines with varying mechanisms. We aim to determine real-world data by looking at the different clinical outcomes associated with COVID-19 vaccination, focusing on the rate of hospitalization, severity, and mortality. Methodology: A retrospective observational study included 624 patients with COVID-19 infection who were hospitalized at King Fahad Hospital of the University and King Fahad Military Medical City between April and July 2021. The cohort was divided into 3 groups: unvaccinated, partially vaccinated (PV), and fully vaccinated (FV). The severity and outcome of COVID-19 disease were compared among the three groups. Among the vaccinated group, we studied the effect of vaccine type on the severity and outcome of COVID-19 disease. Results: We found that 70.4% of patients with COVID-19 disease who required hospitalization were unvaccinated. Un- vaccination was a significant predictor of critical COVID-19 disease (OR 2.31; P <0.001), whereas full vaccination was associated with significantly milder disease severity (OR 0.36; P 0.01). Moreover, un-vaccination status was an independent predictor of longer hospitalization (OR 3.0; P <0.001), a higher requirement for ICU admission (OR 4.7; P <0.001), mechanical ventilation (OR 3.6; P <0.001), and death (OR 4.8; P <0.001), whereas the FV group had a lower risk of ICU admission (OR 0.49; P 0.045). Unvaccinated patients with comorbidities had worse severity and outcome of COVID-19 infection (P<0.05). Both vaccine types (Pfizer and AstraZeneca) had similar protective effects against the worst outcomes of COVID-19 disease. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination has been shown to be effective in reducing hospitalization, the severity of COVID-19 infection, and improving outcomes, especially in high-risk group patients. COVID-19 vaccination programs should continue to improve the outcome of such a disease. Keywords: COVID-19 disease, COVID-19 vaccine, severity, outcome, mortality
Background: Allergy is a widespread universal public health challenge that can result in serious complications. The incidences of allergy are continuously on the rise resulting in morbidity and ...mortality in all age groups. Thus, a clear knowledge of the prevalence of the spectrum of allergic diseases and the accurate identification of environmental triggers is crucial. Aim: The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence, types, risk factors of allergic disorders among students of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University (PSAU) Saudi Arabia. This study may provide useful information for development of a strategic public health plan for optimal management of allergies. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, students were surveyed by an electronic questionnaires and results were analysed and compared. Five hundred adult students (330 males, 170 females) belonging to various colleges at PSAU, participated in this study. Results: Analysis of data from the self-administered questionnaire show that 59% of participants suffered from some type of allergy. The most prevalent type of allergy among participants was of respiratory tract (41%), followed by skin allergy (36%), Gastrointestinal tract (GIT)allergy (14%) and least number of cases were of eye allergy (9%). Fifty five percent cases of allergies were due to environmental triggers, 35% were food allergy, and 10% were animal allergy cases. For food allergy, the most common (59%) allergens were fruits, nuts and vegetables, 26% cases were of fish allergy, 10% of cases were of allergy to milk and the least number of cases (5%) were of allergy to wheat. Conclusion: The prevalence of allergies is high in PSAU and students. Adequate measures should be taken to reduce and manage the rising prevalence of allergies before the problem escalates any further.
Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is an intracellular protozoon that causes toxoplasmosis in one-third of the world's population. During pregnancy, the prevalence of toxoplasmosis rises during the second ...and third trimesters causing abortion and a mild mononucleosis-like syndrome. Normally, progesterone rises during pregnancy, but in the case of toxoplasmosis, the body raises prolactin to inhibit T. gondii. The present study investigated the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii infection (toxoplasmosis) and the concentration of both prolactin and progesterone in infected pregnant women. A systematic review approach was conducted to research the aim of this study. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched using the following keywords “Toxoplasma gondii” or “T.gondii” AND “protozoon” OR “toxoplasmosis” OR “animals” OR “prolactin” OR “progesterone.” Only primary studies were included, whereas reviews and non-experimental studies were excluded. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were, therefore, reviewed in the present study. The six studies showed a reverse relationship between prolactin and progesterone, such that if one increases the other drops. Furthermore, Toxoplasmosis increased progesterone levels, which results in the suppression of prolactin levels. Thus, toxoplasmosis-induced progesterone secretion has an antagonistic effect on prolactin levels. Since prolactin strongly elicits innate and adaptive immune responses, toxoplasmosis-induced progesterone release dampens the immune response of the host and enhances susceptibility to severe toxoplasmosis.
Micromechanical sensors, in which the sensor response is created as a result of molecular interactions on the sensors’ surfaces, have been employed as a powerful technique for rapid and sensitive ...detection of low concentrations of chemical and biological materials. In the study reported herein, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-coated microcantilever (MCL) sensors were used to detect the vapors of volatile alcohols (methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol) at three different concentrations. A vapor generator was used to generate and flow the alcohol vapor onto the PMMA coated MCL surface in a closed system chamber. The vapor adsorption onto the MCL surface results in a rapid and measurable deflection of the MCL. No significant deflections of the uncoated MCL occurred when the different vapors were passed through into the microcantilever chamber. Linear concentration–deflection responses were observed, with the highest sensitivity shown with methanol, followed by ethanol and then isopropanol. Density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical calculations were conducted to estimate the electronic interaction energies (ΔIE) between the alcohol molecules and MMA and two different model tetrameric segments of PMMA. The computed ΔIEs were in the same order as the experimentally observed order: methanol > ethanol > isopropanol.
Purpose: Broad evidence points out that women workers in Saudi Arabia face a range of inequitable work practices despite continued efforts for gender equality. The study aims to assess the ...satisfaction of Saudi women working in the health sector among certain factors in the work environment, factors that enable them to gain opportunities and benefits and make decisions. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which involved the use of closed-ended surveys on 261 Saudi women working in the healthcare sector. Results: Most of the females were aged between 25 and 34 years (59%) and more than half of them worked in the governmental sector (53%). Fifty-eight percent of the females hold clinical jobs, 25% of the administrative jobs were 37% of them have more than 19 years of working experience. The finding showed a significant association between female workers in health sector satisfaction with factors related to the workplace environment, training, and development, and their involvement in decision-making. Conclusion: Most women felt empowered when they received equitable tasks and were able to reach managerial-level positions in their organizations. Establishing a positive work environment characterized by opportunities has the potential to enhance women workers' satisfaction. Keywords: satisfaction, woman, education, training, opportunities
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