The Effect of Wearing the Veil by Saudi Ladies on the Occurrence of Respiratory Diseases

It is customary in clinical practice and elsewhere to put on a mask for protection against infection, dust, and so forth. The veil, which is traditionally worn by women in many Muslim countries, especially in Saudi Arabia, may have a similar effect. The study was carried out during 1998–1999 in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Adult women were asked to answer a structured questionnaire related to the occurrence of respiratory tract problems and about veil wearing. Veil wearing was practiced by 58% of the sample. Respiratory infections and asthma were significantly more common in veils users (p < 0.00001 and p < 0.0003, respectively). This unexpected finding was probably secondary to infection. More and bigger studies are recommended.     

Lack of MERS Coronavirus Neutralizing Antibodies in Humans,Eastern Province,Saudi Arabia

We used a lentiviral vector bearing the viral spike protein to detect neutralizing antibodies against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in persons from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. None of the 268 samples tested displayed neutralizing activity, which suggests that MERS-CoV infections in humans are infrequent in this province.     

Fungal infection as a cause of skin disease in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: prevailing fungi and pattern of infection

A total of 4,294 clinically suspected cases of dermatomycoses belonging to 26 different nationalities were examined between April 1984 and April 1988. Fungi were demonstrated in routine potassium hydroxide/dimethyl sulfoxide mount in 3,814 cases (88.8%) and the etiology was determined by culture in 2,458 cases (57.2%). Tinea versicolor was the predominant fungal infection (30.9% of all infections). Onychomycosis and paronychia ranked second in prevalence (16.8%). Candidal onychomycosis was the most common type of infection. Scalp ringworm among children ranked third (15.3%), Microsporum canis was the main etiologic agent. Tinea pedis and tinea manuum ranked fourth in prevalence (13.2%). Tinea corporis represented 10.7% of infections and M. canis was the main agent. Tinea cruris accounted for 8.7% of infections and Epidermophyton floccosum was the most common agent. Cutaneous candidosis constituted 4.3% of infections. White piedra was seen in 6 cases (0.16%). Yeasts were proved not to be unimportant as a cause of disease of skin and nail in our study.     

Upper eyelid margin-to-corneal reflex distance in Arab boys

Background : The average value of some facial and ocular dimension varies with race, age and gender. The upper eyelid margin-to-corneal reflex distance (ULCRD) is used to define and quantify the degree of blepharoptosis. Evidence from previous studies indicates that both the vertical width of the palpebral fissure (VWPF) and the ULCRD are age-dependent. This study was carried out to investigate the average value of the ULCRD in Saudi Arabian boys and to determine the relationship between the ULCRD and the VWPF. This information will be useful in diagnosing and quantifying the degree of ptosis among Arabian boys. Methods : Measurements of the ULCRD and the VWPF were obtained from projected slide photographs taken of boys aged between six and 15 years. The measured distances were converted to actual values by multiplying by a constant magnification factor. Results : The average value of the ULCRD was 3.05 mm ± 0.79 while that of the VWPF was 8.83 mm ± 1.14. The ULCRD was directly proportional to the VWPF. Approximately 44.0 per cent of the variation in the ULCRD among our subjects was accounted for by the differences in the VWPF. The two variables were related by the equation: ULCRD = 0.45 VWPF -0.91. A maximum asymmetry of 1.0 mm was obtained between the ULCRD of the two eyes. Conclusions : The average value of the ULCRD of Arab boys is lower than previously reported averages obtained on predominantly Caucasian adult subjects. This finding may be related to age and racial differences. The ULCRD is closely related to the VWPF. Generally, the ULCRD is similar in both eyes. Asymmetry greater than 1.0 mm should be investigated further for evidence of blepharoptosis or exophthalmos.     

Is HLA-DRW 13 (W6) Associated with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy in Arab Patients?

Summary: In a study of 32 unrelated Arab patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), we compared the frequencies of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II alleles with those of unrelated healthy controls. A significant difference between the phenotypic frequencies in JME patients and controls was observed for DRW13, the split of DRW6 (37.5 vs 11% of controls). The strength of association as measured by the relative risk was 4.85 for this antigen (p = 0.002). The possible association of JME with HLA-DRW6 recently reported in Caucasians was confirmed in this study. This finding speaks for the homogeneity of the disease among Arabic and Caucasian JME patients. The existence of this association is evidence of a locus in the HLA region that influences expression of JME.     

Physicians’ knowledge and attitudes in Saudi Arabia regarding implantable cardiac defibrillators

Objectives

To evaluate knowledge and attitude of physicians involved in the management of patients with heart failure regarding implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

A Saudi Gastroenterology Association Position Statement on the Use of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alfa Antagonists for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The objective of this position statement from the Saudi Gastroenterology Association is to guide gastroenterologists on the use of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) antagonists for the treatment of the idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases, Crohn''s disease, and ulcerative colitis. In this article, we summarize the relevant literature regarding the safety and efficacy of TNF-α antagonists, highlight relevant safety concerns specific to the environment in Saudi Arabia, and provide specific recommendations for the use of these agents.     

Masticatory efficiency and muscular activity in removable partial dental prostheses with different cusp angles

Statement of problem

The loss of posterior teeth has a negative effect on the masticatory efficiency and activity of mastication muscles. How these muscles are affected by partial removable dental prostheses (PRDPs) with different cusp angles is unknown.