Unveiling risk factors and sandfly ecology in cutaneous leishmaniasis-endemic areas of the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) remains a significant public health challenge in the Asir region of southwest Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with CL transmission through a case-control questionnaire and to investigate the local sandfly population as potential vectors.

Method: From June to December 2022, sandflies were collected using paper traps from four CL-endemic locations: Khamis Mushait, Belhamr, Mahayel, and Rijal Almaa.

Prostate radiotherapy in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: A systematic review and -analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Introduction: The incidence of synchronous metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) is rising with the increasing use of next-generation imaging. Local radiotherapy (RT) was shown to improve survival in patients with mHSPC; however, new data require a re-assessment of the indication and value of local RT in mHSPC.

Methods: In this prospectively registered systematic review and -analysis (CRD42025648251), we searched MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar in March 2025 for phase 3 RCTs evaluating the addition of RT to systemic therapy to improve OS in mHSPC patients.

Biomechanical and Occlusal Factors Influencing the Longevity of Single-Unit Restorations: A Comprehensive Review.

The long-term success of single-unit restorations is a key objective in restorative dentistry; however, failure rates remain significant due to multiple contributing factors, including inadequate tooth preparation, inappropriate material selection, bonding deficiencies, and occlusal mismanagement. This narrative review aimed to critically assess clinical studies and systematic reviews published between 2000 and 2024 that explored the biomechanical and occlusal determinants affecting the longevity of tooth-supported crowns. A structured search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, supplemented by manual reference screening.

Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose loaded with Asphaltum Punjabianum (Shilajit) nanofibrous mats for potential cartilage regeneration applications.

Current developments in tissue engineering methods and conventional implants continue to face challenges in tackling the complex avascular characteristics of articular cartilage, hindering effective repair and tissue regeneration. To overcome these challenges, this study primarily aims to achieve a synergistic solution by processing Asphaltum Punjabianum (Shilajit) incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanofibrous mats through electrospinning. The processed electrospun fibers were comprehensively analyzed through scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), antimicrobial assay, degradation studies, surface roughness measurements, rheological studies, and assessment of cell viability.

RIGHT VENTRICULAR DYSFUNCTION AS A MORTALITY DETERMINANT FOR PATIENTS WITH CARDIOGENIC SHOCK INDUCED BY ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION.

Background: Cardiogenic shock (CS) secondary to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a major cause of in-hospital mortality. With the addition of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), it is associated with poorer outcomes. This study examines the impact of RVD on mortality in CS-AMI patients, highlighting the importance of early RVD identification and tailored management.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Saudi Arabia: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, exerting a substantial impact on sexual and reproductive health, with a high oncogenic potential leading to various malignancies. The prevalence of HPV in Saudi Arabia ranges from 9% to 43%, with types 16, 18, and 45 being the most common high-risk strains. Despite the availability of effective vaccines such as Gardasil 9, Gardasil, and Cervarix, proper awareness and vaccination rates remain low in Saudi Arabia.

Comparative Analysis of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Left Main Disease Stratification by Angiographic SYNTAX Score.

Using the SYNTAX score (SS) for decision-making between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) revascularization is under scrutiny. This study investigated the clinical outcomes of LMCA revascularization stratified by SS. This multicenter study included 2138 patients recruited between 2015 and 2020 who underwent LMCA disease revascularization using PCI or CABG and were categorized based on their SS into three groups: low (≤22), intermediate (23-32), and high (≥33).

The Prevalence of Depression Among Parkinson's Disease Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Aim: Depression is thought to affect up to half of Parkinson's patients at some point during their illness, while anxiety is reported by about 40% of PD patients. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: The study involved Saudi Arabian citizens and residents aged 40 or older with PD, who completed internet-survey (including online and email-based data collection) or telephone-survey by trained interviewers.

Distinguishing abiotic corrosion from two types of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) using a new electrochemical biofilm/MIC test kit.

Biofilms can cause biofouling, water quality deterioration, and transmission of infectious diseases. They are also responsible for microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) which can cause leaks, resulting in environmental disasters. A new disposable biofilm/MIC test kit was demonstrated to distinguish abiotic corrosion of carbon steel from MIC.

Advancements in Minimally Invasive Techniques in Pediatric Dentistry: A Review.

Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) has revolutionized pediatric dental care by emphasizing the preservation of healthy tooth structures, reducing treatment-related trauma, and improving patient compliance. This narrative review explores advancements in MID techniques, including silver diamine fluoride (SDF), resin infiltration, atraumatic restorative treatment (ART), bioactive materials, laser-assisted therapies, and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. These approaches prioritize early diagnosis, prevention, and conservative management, aligning with patient-centered and sustainable practices.

Machine learning-based prognostic model for 30-day mortality prediction in Sepsis-3.

Background: Sepsis poses a critical threat to hospitalized patients, particularly those in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Rapid identification of Sepsis is crucial for improving survival rates. Machine learning techniques offer advantages over traditional methods for predicting outcomes.

Prevalence, severity, and risk factors of eczema among young children and adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A national cross-sectional study, 2019.

Background: Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease with a significant global health burden. Eczema has a significant impact on quality of life.

Objective: We aimed to estimate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors associated with eczema among schoolchildren in Saudi Arabia.

Curcumin-loaded soluplus® based ternary solid dispersions with enhanced solubility, dissolution and antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities.

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) has emerged to be an outstanding strategy among multiple options available for improving solubility and consequently biological activity. Interestingly several binary SD systems continue to exhibit insufficient solubility over time. Therefore, the goal of current research was to design ternary amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of hydrophobic model drug curcumin (CUR) to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate in turn, presenting enhanced anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Leveraging machine learning to enhance postoperative risk assessment in coronary artery bypass grafting patients with unprotected left main disease: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Risk stratification for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease is essential for informed decision-making. This study explored the potential of machine learning (ML) methods to identify key risk factors associated with mortality in this patient group.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 866 patients from the Gulf Left Main Registry who presented between 2015 and 2019.

Impact of preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump on outcomes in coronary artery bypass grafting for unprotected left-main coronary artery disease.

Background: Preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) could improve operative outcomes by augmenting the diastolic coronary blood flow. Data on preoperative IABP use in patients with left-main coronary artery (LMCA) disease are limited. This study aimed to characterize patients who received preoperative IABP before CABG for LMCA and evaluate its effect on postoperative outcomes.

Photobiomodulation in Orthodontics: Mechanisms and Clinical Efficacy for Faster Tooth Movement.

Accelerated orthodontics has revolutionized traditional dental practices by employing innovative techniques to expedite tooth movement and enhance treatment outcomes. Among these advancements, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a promising adjunctive method that offers a non-invasive and efficient approach to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. By harnessing the power of low-level lasers, LLLT aims to stimulate cellular activity, promote bone remodeling, and reduce treatment duration, thereby revolutionizing the landscape of orthodontic care.

Improved pediatric ICU mortality prediction for respiratory diseases: machine learning and data subdivision insights.

The growing concern of pediatric mortality demands heightened preparedness in clinical settings, especially within intensive care units (ICUs). As respiratory-related admissions account for a substantial portion of pediatric illnesses, there is a pressing need to predict ICU mortality in these cases. This study based on data from 1188 patients, addresses this imperative using machine learning techniques and investigating different class balancing methods for pediatric ICU mortality prediction.

Advances in nano sensors for monitoring and optimal performance enhancement in photovoltaic cells.

Nanosensors have gained significant attention in recent years for improving energy conversion and storage performance in solar cells. These nanosensors, typically made from nanoparticles or nanowires, can be embedded within the solar cell to monitor parameters like temperature and light intensity. By monitoring these parameters, nanosensors provide real-time feedback and control to optimize the efficiency and performance of the solar cell.

Utilization of Shock Team and Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in the Management of Cardiogenic Shock in Northern Ontario.

Background: Despite advancements in critical care and coronary revascularization, cardiogenic shock (CS) outcomes remain poor. Implementing a shock team and use of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) have been associated with improved CS outcomes, but its feasibility in remote and rural areas remains unknown.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with CS who required mechanical circulatory support (MCS) at Health Sciences North, Sudbury, Ontario.

A lightweight and robust authentication scheme for the healthcare system using public cloud server.

Cloud computing is vital in various applications, such as healthcare, transportation, governance, and mobile computing. When using a public cloud server, it is mandatory to be secured from all known threats because a minor attacker's disturbance severely threatens the whole system. A public cloud server is posed with numerous threats; an adversary can easily enter the server to access sensitive information, especially for the healthcare industry, which offers services to patients, researchers, labs, and hospitals in a flexible way with minimal operational costs.

Retraction: Urinary Bladder Hernia: A Rare Cause of Urinary Frequency.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20993.

Nanomaterials Connected to Bioreceptors to Introduce Efficient Biosensing Strategy for Diagnosis of the TORCH Infections: A Critical Review.

TORCH infection is a significant risk factor for severe fetal damage, especially congenital malformations. Screening pregnant women for TORCH pathogens could reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and prevent birth defects. Hence, timely identification and inhibition of TORCH infections are effective ways to successfully prevent them in pregnant women.

Synchronous carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass graft: Four case reports.

Background: One of the major perioperative complications for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is stroke. The risk of perioperative stroke after CABG is approximately 2%. Carotid stenosis (CS) is considered an independent predictor of perioperative stroke risk in CABG patients.