Developing a risk score for B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) ≥ 100 pg/ml levels: the suita study.

Background: Increased plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) serve as a biomarker for heart failure (HF). This study aimed to develop a risk score to predict elevated BNP levels using traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Methods And Results: We analyzed data from 2809 Japanese individuals aged ≥ 40 years from the Suita Study, a population-based prospective cohort.

Towards Characterizing the Download Cost of Cache-Aided Private Updating.

We consider the problem of privately updating a message out of messages from replicated and non-colluding databases where a user has an version of the message W^θ of length bits that differ from the current version Wθ in at most bits. The user also has a cache containing coded combinations of the messages (with a pre-specified structure), which are unknown to the databases (unknown prefetching). The cache contains linear combinations from all messages in the databases with r=lL being the caching ratio.

Frailty predicts recurrence after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with mesh cruroplasty for giant sliding hiatal hernia with severe reflux esophagitis in elderly patients: a multicenter retrospective study.

Purpose: Giant sliding hiatal hernias (HH) are prevalent in the elderly population (EP) and often present with multiple comorbidities and a high surgical risk. Frailty has been increasingly recognized as a predictor of surgical outcomes in the EP. This study assessed the rate of recurrent sliding HH following mesh cruroplasty and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF), and evaluated frailty as a potential risk factor of recurrence.

Phylogenomics and metabolic engineering reveal a conserved gene cluster in Solanaceae plants for withanolide biosynthesis.

Withanolides are steroidal lactones from nightshade (Solanaceae) plants with untapped drug potential due to limited availability of minor representatives caused by lack of biosynthetic pathway knowledge. Here, we combine phylogenomics with metabolic engineering to overcome this limitation. By sequencing the genome of the medicinal plant ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and comparing it with nine Solanaceae species, we discover a conserved withanolide biosynthesis gene cluster, consisting of two sub gene clusters with differing expression patterns.

The Association Between Fast Food Consumption and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are chronic conditions influenced by various factors, including diet. This study examined the association between fast food consumption and IBD risk through a case-control study and a meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence. We analyzed data from a hospital-based case-control study conducted in Riyadh.

Birth cohort-specific smoking patterns in Japan (1906-2004): a population-based study from the NC-CCAPH consortium.

Background: This study aimed to estimate Japan's age-specific history of smoking prevalence, initiation, cessation, and intensity by birth cohort, using data from multiple cohort studies.

Methods: We pooled data from eight eligible cohorts surveyed between 1989 and 2020 as part of the National Center Cohort Collaborative for Advancing Population Health (NC-CCAPH). An Age-Period-Cohort model was employed to estimate birth cohort- and sex-specific smoking patterns for individuals born between 1920 and 1999.

Machine Learning Model for Predicting Coronary Heart Disease Risk: Development and Validation Using Insights From a Japanese Population-Based Study.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identifying key risk factors is essential for effective risk assessment and prevention. A data-driven approach using machine learning (ML) offers advanced techniques to analyze complex, nonlinear, and high-dimensional datasets, uncovering novel predictors of CHD that go beyond the limitations of traditional models, which rely on predefined variables.

Early readmission after adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma. A retrospective study.

Purpose: Adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma (PHEO) presents a significant challenge due to the high incidence of early hospital readmission (ER). This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors of ER for PHEO within 30 days of adrenalectomy.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 346 patients > 18 years with unilateral PHEO who underwent adrenalectomy between September 2012 and September 2024.

Using the endoscopic snare to facilitate two-port laparoscopic appendectomy.

Background: Laparoscopic appendectomy is now the gold-standard treatment for acute appendicitis, requiring three ports for a classic procedure. Recent laparoscopy improvements aim to minimize surgical trauma and improve cosmetic quality through smaller, fewer portal incisions, such as two-port laparoscopic appendectomy, resulting in reduced postoperative pain. We aimed in this study to describe a novel technique to facilitate two-port laparoscopic appendectomy using the endoscopic snare.

Lipoprotein(a) Levels and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke: The Suita Study.

Aims: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) exhibits atherogenic and thrombogenic properties. We investigated the association between Lp(a) levels and the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke.

Methods: We used data from 5138 people ≥ 30 years old registered in the Suita Study, a Japanese population-based prospective cohort study.

Relationship between anogenital distance and testicular position in male infants with cryptorchidism with and without hypospadias.

Purpose: Anogenital distance (AGD) may indicate hypoverilization and subsequently serve as a predictor future reproduction. In both undescended testis with and without hypospadias, our goal was to study the relationship between testicular position and AGD.

Methods: From March 2021 to January 2023, this study was conducted on male infants with and without hypospadias and age-matched controls.

Expansion of the Stereochemical Space of Triterpenes by Mining Noncanonical Oxidosqualene Cyclases Across the Diversity of Green Plants.

Triterpenoids and steroids are structurally complex polycyclic natural products with potent biological functions, for example, as hormones. In all eukaryotes, the carbon skeletons of these compounds are generated by oxidosqualene cyclases, which carry out a polycyclization cascade to generate four or five rings with up to nine stereogenic centers in a targeted manner. The tight stereochemical control of this cascade reaction severely limits the stereochemical space accessible by known oxidosqualene cyclases.

Developing and Validating a New Atrial Fibrillation Risk Score Using Medical Examination Items in a Japanese Population - The Suita Study.

Background: The aim of this was to develop an atrial fibrillation (AF) risk score using items usually included in Japanese governmental health check-ups.

Methods And Results: We analyzed data from 6,476 Japanese participants registered in the Suita Study. At baseline, the participants were aged ≥30 years and were free from AF.

Mucosal advancement flap versus ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract for management of trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas in the elderly: a retrospective study.

Purpose: There is no consensus on the standard approach for trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas (TPAF) in the elderly population. The most commonly used sphincter-saving procedures are ligation of the inter-sphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) and mucosal advancement flap (MAF). We aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for recurrence and incontinence in elderly patients with TPAF using both approaches.

L- shape symphyseal autogenous bone block for alveolar ridge augmentation in anterior maxilla and mandible, a prospective single arm clinical study.

Background: Alveolar ridge augmentations are challenging procedures in dental implantology, especially in esthetic zone. 3D alveolar defects can be treated by guided bone regeneration (GBR), distraction osteogenesis, or bone blocks. This study introduces a new technique for 3D-alveolar ridge augmentation by using L-shape autogenous symphyseal bone block.

Empowering Women in the Saudi Health Sector: Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Interventions.

Introduction: Empowering women in Saudi Arabia has become a critical agenda, reflecting the nation's shifting societal and economic dynamics. This review highlighted recent policy initiatives, societal changes, and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the role of women in the Saudi health sector.

Methods: This scoping review explored academic literature and government reports related to gender equality and women's empowerment in the Saudi health sector to provide an overview of the advancements made and the challenges that remain.

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are chronic conditions with complex etiologies that may involve dietary factors. This study investigates the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and the risk of UC and CD, focusing on gender-specific differences.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study, comprising 158 UC patients (93 men and 65 women), 245 CD patients (167 men and 78 women), and 395 controls without IBD (256 men and 139 women), was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Treatment with Leflunomide in Conjunction with Glucocorticoids for Dogs with Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis Is Not Associated with Improved Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 93 Dogs from Australia (2017-2024).

Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) has a relatively high relapse rate compared to other immune-mediated diseases. Leflunomide is frequently used to treat dogs with IMPA in conjunction with prednisolone. This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of leflunomide as an adjunctive therapy to prednisolone in reducing relapse and mortality rates in dogs diagnosed with IMPA in Australia.

Lifestyle Behaviors of Childhood and Adolescence: Contributing Factors, Health Consequences, and Potential Interventions.

In this narrative review, we summarized evidence from peer-reviewed articles, published before February 2024, that investigated lifestyle behaviors among children (≤12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) representing different geographic descents. These behaviors included dietary patterns, screen time, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, oral hygiene, unsafe sex, and sleep duration and quality. We documented the significant impacts of parental, school, and sociodemographic factors on the adoption of numerous lifestyle behaviors in this age category.

Two institutes' experience in laparoendoscopic "rendezvous" technique for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for stones in the gallbladder and bile duct: a prospective randomized comparative clinical trial.

There is still disagreement on the best treatment option for cholecystocholedocholithiasis. Although there are some benefits to the single-step procedure, the "laparoendoscopic rendezvous" (LERV) technique that include a lower risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis and a shorter hospital stay, the standard technique is still the two-step approach for clearing the common bile duct (CBD) using ERCP and then performing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the LERV technique vs.

The association between antenatal coffee consumption and preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: A growing body of evidence has documented unfavorable maternal outcomes attributed to excessive antenatal coffee consumption. Preeclampsia is one of the most common hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, the association between antenatal coffee consumption and preeclampsia remains debatable.

The association between serum cholesterol levels and mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment in the Suita Study and evidence from other epidemiological studies.

Background: Serum cholesterols are well-documented markers of cardiovascular diseases; however, their association with cognitive well-being is uncertain. This study investigated the association between serum cholesterol levels and mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.

Methods: Epidemiological evidence on the role of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), non-HDL-C, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in cognitive impairment was highlighted.

Dairy Consumption and Inflammatory Bowel Disease among Arab Adults: A Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a complex disease with increasing global incidence and prevalence. Although dairy consumption has been linked to various chronic diseases, its relationship with IBD remains uncertain. Additionally, there is a lack of data on this topic from Arab countries.

The Rise of Virtual Health Care: Transforming the Health Care Landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Review Article.

The rise of virtual healthcare underscores the transformative influence of digital technologies in reshaping the healthcare landscape. As technology advances and the global demand for accessible and convenient healthcare services escalates, the virtual healthcare sector is gaining unprecedented momentum. Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, is actively embracing digital innovation in the healthcare sector.