27 research outputs found
Periodontal implications of Salvadora persica L
No full textPeriodontal disease is a major public health problem throughout the world and is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. For periodontitis to develop, specific gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria must predominate in the subgingival microflora, but simple the presence of these bacteria is insufficient to cause periodontal disease as disease progression involves a complex, sequential relationship between infection, inflammation and tissue destruction. Treatment of periodontal disease targets inflammation through reduction of pathogenic bacteria, eliminating of pathogenic pockets, and use of mechanical debridement techniques along with chemically effective plaque-control agents. To treatment efficacy, disease management should be a holistic approach with medications that have proven antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.Popular concern about the side effects of synthetic drugs and the increasing antibiotic resistance is significant and growing. In the periodontal field, efforts to find natural antimicrobial agents for preventing and treating periodontal disease have been stepped up. Many communities use the Miswak, a chewing stick made from the roots, twigs, or stems of Salvadora persica L., as an oral health tool. Studies have indicated that the Miswak has both an antibacterial and an anti-inflammatory effect, conferred by benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), the major multi biologically active component. Hence, the overall aim of this thesis was to investigate the possible chemical effects of chewing sticks made from S. persica L., Miswak, in order to create optimum-use guidelines for the Miswak as a way of improving the treatment efficacy of periodontal disease.Study I, a double-blind, cross-over trial evaluated the efficacy of active and inactive S. persica L. on dental plaque, subgingival microbiota, and gingival inflammation in 24 patients with mild-to-moderate periodontitis. Clinical parameters were evaluated before and immediately after all experimental periods. Samples of subgingival plaque and gingival crevicular fluid were also taken. Plaque samples were analyzed with a DNA-DNA hybridization technique. Compared with pre-treatment values, populations of 16 bacterial species increases significantly in the group using a placebo inactive Miswak, (pViewing these results, we concluded that Miswak has a weak effect on the subginival microbiota of patients with periodontitis. Cutting a fresh Miswak tip each brushing time is necessary in order to attain a sufficient antibacterial effect. Claimed brushing frequencies with Miswak of five times a day should be considered for maximal effect. Results also showed that Miswak has an anti-inflammatory effect on the pro-inflammatory mediators secreted by gingival fibroblasts and oral keratinocytes. Since periodontitis is a hyper-inflammatory reaction to periodontal pathogens, a treatment that combines an anti-bacterial and an anti-inflammatory effect, like Miswak could be potentially new path of treating periodontitis in a non-synthetic, natural manner.List of scientific papersI. Chemical effects of Salvadora persica chewing sticks made of Salvadorapersica. Albabtain R, Ibrahim L, Bhangra S, Rosengren A, Gustafsson A. Int J Dent Hyg. 2018 Nov;16(4):535-540. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12359 II. Investigations of a possible chemical effect of Salvadora persica chewing sticks. Albabtain R, Azeem M, Wondimu Z, Lindberg T, Borg-Karlson AK, Gustafsson A. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:2576548. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2576548 III. The anti-inflammatory effect of Salvadora Persica on interleukin-1β stimulated gingival fibroblasts and oral keratinocytes. Albabtain R, Bahammam M, Boström E, Gustafsson A. [Submitted]</p
Role of computed tomography in COVID-19 emergent conditions: A review article
Get PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic has strained global healthcare systems, highlighting challenges in diagnosing and managing the disease while ensuring patient safety. Aim: This review evaluates the role of computed tomography (CT) in identifying COVID-19-related emergent conditions, emphasizing its diagnostic significance beyond conventional reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review on CT imaging's effectiveness in detecting pulmonary involvement in COVID-19 patients, comparing its findings with those of RT-PCR and other imaging modalities. Results: CT scans reveal characteristic features of COVID-19 pneumonia, including bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidations, which can occur even when RT-PCR tests yield negative results. The integration of CT imaging has enhanced early diagnosis and informed clinical decision-making, particularly in emergency settings. Conclusion: CT imaging plays a critical role in managing COVID-19, aiding in the early detection of pulmonary complications and facilitating appropriate patient triage. However, its effectiveness is influenced by pandemic prevalence trends and clinical context, necessitating a multi-faceted diagnostic approach. A standardized strategy incorporating CT imaging alongside RT-PCR testing is essential for improving patient outcomes during pandemic surges
Long-term disabilities after traumatic head injury (THI): a retrospective analysis from a large level-I trauma center in Saudi Arabia
No full textLong-term disabilities after traumatic head injury (THI): a retrospective analysis from a large level-I trauma center in Saudi Arabia
No full textAbstract Background Traumatic head injuries (THI) are a critical public health problem worldwide, with more than 10 million individuals affected every year. In Saudi Arabia (SA), the burden of THI is unknown even though injury is the leading cause of death and a major cause of disability. Therefore, we aim to estimate the prevalence of long-term of disabilities among survivors of THI treated at a large level-I trauma center in Riyadh. Methods The study included 258 patients, who were hospitalized due to a non-fatal THI between years 2005–2014. Patients (age = 16–60 years) were contacted via the phone and information about their Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) was ascertained. Univariate analyses were performed to examine patients’ characteristics and to estimate the prevalence of any disability. Logistic regression was used to evaluate independent predictors of long-term disability. Results Respondents were relatively young (mean age = 24.8; SD = 9.8), predominantly males (92.7%) and the majority sustained THI following traffic crashes (91.4%). The average time since the injury was 6.8 years (range = 3–12, SD = 2.6). Close to third of the sample (32.5%) reported at least some limitations in ADL or IADL. Regression analysis suggests that a one-unit increase in Revised Trauma Scale (RTS) was associated with 31% lower odds of disability adjusting for other covariates. While responders with a below high school education were 4.7 times more likely to report a disability than those with at least a college degree (P < 0.05). Conclusions THI was associated with significant limitations in various aspects of everyday life. The magnitude and impact of THI in Saudi Arabia requires public health measures to prevent these injuries and to improve their health outcomes. Advocates may use these findings to educate the public about secondary and tertiary prevention and elicit support from policymakers to facilitate interventions toward reducing THI’s associated disabilities
Non-traumatic headache as an emergent conditions-role of MRI: A review article
Get PDFBackground: Non-traumatic headaches are a prevalent neurological issue in emergency departments, affecting about 1–4% of patients. These headaches can be classified as primary or secondary, with the latter posing a risk of severe complications. Neuroimaging is critical for identifying secondary headache causes, with CT traditionally used to reveal abnormalities in 13–15% of patients. MRI offers superior soft tissue imaging without ionizing radiation, yet its use in emergency settings remains under-explored. Risk scoring systems have been developed to guide imaging decisions, focusing on patient age, neurological deficits, and other symptoms as predictors of intracranial pathology. Aim: This review aims to evaluate the role of MRI in diagnosing non-traumatic headaches in emergency settings and to analyze clinical guidelines for its appropriate use. Methods: A retrospective investigation was conducted on emergency patients presenting with non-traumatic headaches, analyzing MRI findings, demographics, and clinical presentations. Results: MRI identified significant abnormalities in approximately 20% of patients. Factors such as age, smoking status, and signs of infection correlated with abnormal findings, while a history of migraine appeared protective. The predictive model for identifying significant imaging outcomes showed limited clinical utility. Conclusion: MRI is a valuable tool in assessing non-traumatic headaches in emergency departments, particularly in high-risk patients. 
112 The association between rehabilitation services and health outcomes: a retrospective analysis of traumatic brain injuries (tbi) in riyadh, saudi arabia
No full textOutcomes of road traffic injuries before and after the implementation of a camera ticketing system: a retrospective study from a large trauma center in Saudi Arabia
No full textOutcomes of common general surgery procedures for patients discharged over weekends at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia
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