Riyadh City Research Articles

Correlation between aboveground vegetation composition and soil seed bank of Raudhat desert habitat: a case study of Raudhat Alkhafs, Saudi Arabia

Plant diversity in arid environments is very important for ecosystem function and services. Raudhat habitat is among the most important ecosystems in the arid regions which is characterized by its rich biodiversity and specific environmental conditions. The present study aims to characterize plant communities and soil seed banks of the Raudhat Alkhafs, northeast of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Vegetation composition was analyzed during the winter-spring and summer-fall seasons. Soil samples were collected from each site for seed bank analysis through seedling emergence techniques and for chemical and physical analyses. Eighty-three plant species were recorded (50.6% perennial and 49.4% annual plants). Among 30 plant families, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Boraginaceae, and Fabaceae were frequent (50.6%). Therophytes are distinguished as major (45.8%) because of their ability to tolerate arid environments, high reproduction rate, ecological flexibility, and genetic plasticity. Vegetation analysis showed three plant communities in the winter-spring season dominated by Plantago ciliata, Calotropis procera, and Heliotropium ramosissimum, while in the summer-fall season, Calotropis procera dominated one community, while two other plant communities were dominated by Heliotropium ramosissimum. During the winter-spring season, Heliotropium ramosissimum community revealed the highest species richness (Simpson index = 0.92) and evenness (Shannon-evenness = 0.83). These variations among the two seasons in the species composition can be ascribed to the climatic conditions. For plant communities identified during the winter-spring season, the soil analysis revealed significant variations in salinity, soil texture, water holding capacity, H2CO3, K, and Na contents. However, the communities identified in the summer-fall season showed significant variations in salinity, soil texture, and Cl, and Mg contents. Regarding the soil seed bank, 22 plant species were identified in the soil samples, mainly annuals. The density of the seed bank ranged from 156 to 1339 seeds/m2. Trigonella stellata Forssk. attained the highest number of seeds in the soil (1628 seeds/m2), followed by Plantago ciliata (1000 seeds/m2) and Poa annua (889 seeds/m2). About 45% of the plant species recorded in the present study were not identified in the soil seed bank earlier in Raudhat Alkhafs. The low correlation between the aboveground vegetation and the soil seed bank of the northern part of the studied region revealed the degradation of the habitat which could be due to overgrazing and anthropogenic activities. Based on the obtained results, the sites of AlKhafs-North need immediate restoration and rehabilitation to conserve this very important biodiversity site.

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Low and Ultra-Low Ejection Fraction: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Center

The data about pregnancy while having a low ejection fraction are scarce, since pregnancy is not recommended for women with an ejection fraction of less than 30%. There is an increased risk of obstetrical complications and adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. Pregnancy is a rough journey for this group of patients. However, a successful pregnancy can be achieved when cardiac complications are managed during pregnancy. The early recognition of women at risk of cardiovascular events and early referral can optimize the maternal and neonatal outcomes with close collaboration between the maternal-fetal medicine specialist and the cardiologist. The study’s aim was to assess the experience of our tertiary center with regard to the adverse maternal outcome for women with an ejection fraction ≤ 30% compared to those with an EF > 30% in our tertiary center. The fetal and obstetric outcome for pregnancies with an EF ≤ 30% was compared to that for pregnancies with an EF > 30%. Methodology: After receiving the approval of the local Ethical Board Review, a retrospective study was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in the city of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our study population included women with cardiomyopathy (acquired or congenital) who were followed up or delivered in KFSHRC from the period of January 2004 till March 2020. Cases were identified by reviewing the database from the Cardiac Center Echocardiograph and maternal fetal medicine unit. The data on the maternal and fetal outcome were gathered from the hospital medical records. An adverse maternal outcome included: death, hospitalization due to decompensated heart failure, and worsening cardiovascular status during pregnancy. Adverse fetal outcomes included: miscarriages, termination of pregnancy, FGR, and placental insufficiency. Obstetrics complications included: complications related to the mode of delivery, antepartum hemorrhage, postpartum hemorrhage, or preeclampsia. Results: Our study included 44 subjects, examining the differences between those with an ejection fraction greater than 30 (n = 21 subjects) and those with an ejection fraction less than or equal to 30 (n = 23) with respect to demographics, co-morbidities, and outcomes (maternal, pregnancy, fetal, ultrasound, and baby). There was no evidence of any differences in the demographics. From among the co-morbidities, there was a statistically higher rate of dilated cardiomyopathy and lower rate of rheumatic heart disease in those with a lower ejection fraction. Also, women with a lower ejection fraction tended to deliver through a means other than simple vaginal delivery. There was a significant association (p = 0.0296) indicating that individuals with a lower ejection fraction tended to have a lower gestational age at delivery. The information on whether the pregnancy resulted in a live birth was available for all but one of the mothers. Across all the mothers, 32 (74%) resulted in a live birth and 11 did not. The percentage of pregnancies resulting in a live birth in the group for which the ejection fraction was greater than 30 was 90% and that in the group for which the ejection fraction was less than or equal to 30 was 59% (p = 0.0339). From among the ultrasound and baby outcomes, only the rate of the babies being discharged alive differed statistically between the two ejection fraction groups, with those mothers having a lower ejection fraction experiencing fewer babies being discharged alive (p = 0.0310). Conclusions: In conclusion, women with a low ejection fraction are at an increased risk of maternal-fetal complications. In our study, the lower the EF (≤30) the worse were the fetal and neonatal outcomes; however, in terms of the maternal outcomes, it was the same whether the EF was low or ultra-low. Yet, these groups of patients need to be counseled about the facts of poor obstetrical outcomes with an emphasis on preconceptual counseling.

Knockdown-resistant mutations in head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) collected from schoolchildren in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Head lice infestation remains one of the most common child problems. This problem is not only attributed to the ability of head lice to spread rapidly but also because of the head lice resistance that develops from incomplete or improper treatment. Pyrethroids are a group of medications that have been widely used for the treatment of head lice. However, in recent years, several countries reported knockdown resistance (kdr). The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of pyrethroid-resistant mutations in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. To do that, Sanger sequencing was employed to find the frequency of mutated alleles in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel gene (VSSC). The result showed that the frequency of the resistant alleles in T917I was 0.83. In addition, three new mutations (L920F, V966F, and F967L) were detected in the examined samples. These findings highlight the significant prevalence of pyrethroid-resistant mutations, which may be attributed to the cultural and tourism openness that leads to the abundance of numerous job opportunities for different workforces from all around the world.

Patients' views and experiences of the first community pharmacy-based medication therapy management clinic in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): A qualitative study.

This qualitative study aimed to describe patients' experiences of a community pharmacy (CP)-based medication therapy management program (MTM). Qualitative, semistructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients with uncontrolled diabetes who received care at a CP-based MTM clinic. Interviews were conducted in the MTM clinic of Health Kingdom CP in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by a research pharmacist using an interview guide. Data collection was continued until data saturation. All interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically. A total of 16 patients, of whom more than half were male, were interviewed between October 2021 and March 2022. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 52.0 ± 8.9 years, whereas the mean number of years since the first diagnosis of diabetes was 11.2 ± 7.3 years. Three main themes emerged from the interviews: perceived benefits and outcomes of the program, factors driving positive patient experiences, and challenges and recommendations for enhancing MTM service. Generally, patients were satisfied with the quality of advanced care that they received at the clinic and recognized the importance of the pharmacist's role. Furthermore, the program was perceived by patients as an opportunity to transition to a healthier lifestyle. Patients also highlighted a few barriers related to follow-up, such as accessibility, and issues with the service, such as long waiting times. Finally, there were some suggestions for patient improvement. These include expanding the clinic space, initiating educational and follow-up messages, and cooperating with other specialists as required. Patients received the MTM program very positively with noticeable health benefits. Barriers to effective follow-up and care should be addressed before implementing this service in wider community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The Use of PediSTAT Application by Paramedics Working in Saudi Arabia to Reduce the Risk of Medication Error for Pediatric Patients.

This study aimed to assess and compare the rates of medication error (ME) using the PediSTAT application compared to the conventional method of calculating the correct dose and determining the appropriate route of medication administration for common pediatric emergencies. A prospective cross-sectional study design was used for the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was distributed to certified paramedics holding a bachelor's degrees or higher and working in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Alternate simple random sampling was used to recruit the participants into two groups using the same questionnaire: the PediSTAT group and the conventional method group. The questionnaire contained four pediatric emergency vignettes: cardiac arrest, asthma exacerbation, seizures, and hypoglycemia. A total of 63 participants agreed to the study. Almost 80% of them were males, 81% held bachelor's degrees, and 87% were certified in pediatric resuscitation courses. The findings of the study showed that the use of the PediSTAT application increased accuracy and reduced the risk of ME for common pediatric emergencies. This was shown to be statistically significant for asthma medication dose (p-value < 0.001, 95% CI 0.034-0.352), midazolam dose (p-value = 0.012, 95% CI 0.030-0.764), and hypoglycemia medication dose (p-value < 0.001, 95% CI 0.046, 0.452). The study findings supported the use of standardized precalculated applications such as PediSTAT, which was shown to reduce the risk of ME in prehospital care for pediatric emergencies.

Role of laparoscopic surgery in blunt abdominal trauma; retrospective analysis in a tertiary trauma center

PurposeTrauma is a significant health concern globally and is one of the leading causes of illness and death. The laparoscopic approach has gained popularity in trauma care since its inception, becoming increasingly favored for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study aims to reduce unnecessary laparotomies and assess the effectiveness of laparoscopy in managing patients with blunt abdominal trauma.MethodsThe study is a descriptive retrospective study using the medical records of patients with blunt abdominal trauma who were managed with laparoscopy in the Department of General Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh. The study period was from 2019 to 2023 and included patients > 18 years with abdominal blunt injury, hemodynamically stable patients, and responding to resuscitation. The relationship between laparoscopic procedures according to the patient’s demographic and characteristics was conducted using the Fischer Exact test and independent sample t-test. Values were considered significant with a p-value of less than 0.05.ResultsIn this study, 74 patients were included, with 94.6% being males. The average age of the patients was 36.3 years (standard deviation of 12.5 years). The primary cause of trauma was motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), accounting for 91.9% of cases. The most common surgical approach used was laparotomy, performed in 71.6% of patients. Additionally, CT scans revealed that solid organ injuries were the most frequently detected type of injury, occurring in 41.9% of cases. Following surgery, 78.4% of the patients underwent therapeutic procedures after laparotomy, while 37.8% received therapeutic interventions post-laparoscopy.ConclusionWhile laparoscopic techniques have been used for decades in abdominal surgeries, a consensus on their effectiveness and accuracy in diagnosing blunt abdominal injuries in trauma settings is still lacking. Laparoscopy is considered safe and feasible for hemodynamically stable patients, and our findings suggest it is equally effective in trauma cases for those who can tolerate the procedure. We recommend conducting further studies with larger sample sizes and more variables to provide sufficient data to accurately assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy in trauma situations.

The Impact of Roaming Driving Practice on Enhancing Job Commitment to The Application to Employees of The Ministry of Defense in Riyadh

The study aimed to identify the impact of roaming driving practice on enhancing job commitment to the application to employees of the Ministry of Defense in the city of Riyadh, the researcher used the descriptive analytical approach to achieve the objectives of the research and prove its hypotheses, the study relied in collecting its primary data on the simple random sample method, where the questionnaire tool was used and distributed electronically to a sample of the research community consisting of Employees of the Ministry of Defense in Riyadh, which numbered (2345), including (2040) employees, equivalent to (87%) and (305) officials and leaders, equivalent to (13%) of the study population. A simple random sample of (100) individuals was selected from the officials and leaders of the Ministry of Defense (305) individuals, representing (32.8%) of the total study population covered by the research. All questionnaires were retrieved and all of them were valid for statistical analysis, representing (100%) of the total questionnaires that were distributed. The researcher used SPSS software to analyze the study data. In light of this, the study reached a number of results, the most important of which are: The existence of a positive moral effect of the practice of roaming driving on enhancing the job commitment of employees of the Ministry of Defense in the city of Riyadh, the results of the analysis revealed a positive relationship between the two variables and that the practice of roaming driving affects the enhancement of the job commitment of the ministry’s employees by 79%. The results of the study also confirmed that there is a statistically significant positive moral effect of the practice of roaming driving attributed to variables (time management, motivation, decision-making, obstacles to driving roaming) on enhancing job commitment, and that these variables affect the enhancement of the job commitment of the ministry’s employees by 74%, 86%, 82%, and 66%, respectively. In light of the results, the researcher recommended the need to conduct more studies that link roaming leadership and job commitment in both the government and private sectors, compare them, benefit from the results issued and weigh the best levels shown by the results. Keywords: roaming leadership, job commitment, time management, motivation, decision-making.

Health-Related Quality of Life among Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: MS is a relatively common neurological disease in Saudi Arabia had been increased in prevalence. MS is the most common disease that can cause neurologic disability in patients. Thus, it demands concern knowing the impact of MS on health-related quality of life, disease's progress in those patients can impact the quality of life, so it is important to assess the HRQOL. Methods: This study aimed to determine the impact of multiple sclerosis on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients in Saudi Arabia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from April 2nd, 2023, to May 15th, 2023. The tool used in the collection of data was divided into two parts. Part I included two sections socio-demographic data and illness information. Part II was related to the HRQOL questionnaire (MSQOL-54). The sample included in the study was 300 MS patients. Result: This study evaluated 173 females (57.7%) and 127 males (42.3%). Less than half of them (44%) belonged to the age group 25-34 years, and 11% of them were categorized as belonging to the age group of over 44 years. 65% of studied MS patients showed RRMS, while 49 (16.3%) had secondary and primary PMS for both, and only 7 (2.3%) for Progressive-relapsing MS. average score for the studied MS patient PHC, MHC, and overall quality of life were 56.43 ± 17.65, 56.88 ± 22.0, and 69.69 ± 18.14, respectively. Conclusion and recommendation: In conclusion, the results of this study provide evidence of a strong interaction between the disease and the physical and mental categories of HRQOL in patients with MS. Also, those patients suffering from impairments in their QOL. Furthermore, health-related quality of life was significantly affected by socio-demographic factors including gender, age, marital status, and employment status, as well as by illness information such as disease duration, number of relapses, and route of medication. Also, this study showed that HRQOL in PwMS is not related to education level and subtype of MS. It recommended conducting health education sessions for patients in disease, treatment, and complication. Also, recommended providing comprehensive care in regular assessment of HRQOL.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with diabetic retinopathy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalent types and clinical characteristics of DR among Saudi patients aged 50 years and above with diabetes who presented to various departments at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (KAMC-R). Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 305 patients with diabetic retinopathy previously diagnosed and documented. Data were collected from available electronic records from January 2018 to December 2020 following diagnosis. Results: The prevalence of different types of DR was as follows: background retinopathy (54.43%), proliferative retinopathy (23.93%), pre-proliferative retinopathy (18.36%), and advanced ophthalmic disease and/or maculopathy (3.28%). Among the affected patients, 53.11% were male, and 46.89% of the patients were female. The mean age and HbA1c were 64.29 ± 8.33 years and 8.55 ± 1.61 percent, respectively. The most prevalent comorbidity was hyperlipidemia (89.2%), followed by hypertension (87.9%) The least common comorbidity was nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which was present in only seven cases (2.3%). There was a significant association between DR types and HbA1c levels, as patients with maculopathy exhibited the highest HbA1C levels (p-value=0.021). Conclusion: The most common type of DR among patients seen at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) was background retinopathy. Significant risk factors for DR were hyperlipidemia and hypertension. However, due to the homogeneity of the study population, further studies are needed to identify potential patterns in different settings and patient groups.

The willingness to pay for healthcare at time of crisis: a contingent valuation study among Saudi individuals

ABSTRACT Background and aims COVID-19 put healthcare systems around the world under significant pressure, and led to a global recession. In response, governments implemented aid programmes to stimulate their economies. This, along with the outbreak of war in Ukraine, complicated the economic situation. All of this may have ramifications on people’s access to essential healthcare services. This study aims to investigate the willingness to pay for healthcare among Saudi individuals at time of economic downturn. Methods Questionnaires were used to collect data from 600 individuals across six provinces of Riyadh City between December 2017 and January 2018. The data were elicited using a closed ended format. A probit regression and marginal effects analyses were used to analyze the data. Results and conclusion The results showed just over half the sample were willing to pay, suggesting that countries should give careful consideration to whether and when to involve people in financing healthcare services at time of economic turmoil. The results could be used by policymakers in decisions around funding allocation and priority setting.

Application of hypertension clinical guidelines among family medicine doctors in primary health care centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Background: Effective management of hypertension relies on adherence to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) among healthcare providers. However, adherence to hypertension CPGs and the factors influencing it among primary care physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, remain poorly understood. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge, application, and determinants of adherence to hypertension CPGs among primary care physicians working in Prince Sultan Military Medical City (PSMMC) and its affiliated primary health care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive sample of 211 primary care physicians was enrolled, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, adherence to hypertension CPGs, and barriers to guideline application. Descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests were used for data analysis. Results: The demographic profile of participants revealed a comprehensive representation of age, marital status, nationality, job title, qualification, and years of practice. The majority of participants demonstrated acceptable levels of knowledge (76.3%) and application (89.1%) of hypertension CPGs. However, barriers related to patient nonadherence to lifestyle modifications and medications were reported, highlighting challenges in implementing guideline recommendations in clinical practice. Significant associations were found between nationality, job title, qualification, and adherence to CPGs, with non-Saudi nationality and junior physicians exhibiting higher rates of unacceptable knowledge and application. Moreover, differences in adherence were observed among physicians following different hypertension CPGs. Conclusion: While primary care physicians in Riyadh demonstrate a strong foundation in evidence-based hypertension management, addressing barriers and disparities in adherence to CPGs requires targeted interventions and collaborative efforts. Promoting a culture of evidence-based practice, enhancing patient education and engagement strategies, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are essential steps toward improving hypertension control and prevention in the region.

Shear wave velocity profiling of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, utilizing the multi-channel analysis of surface waves method

Abstract Geotechnical site characterization is very important for construction purposes. This study has been conducted in Diriyah area northwest of Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, using the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) method for site characterization through shear wave velocity profiling to 30 m depth. Nineteen MASW lines were carried out in various directions and lengths through the area. The entire process was meticulously parameterized to extract shear wave velocity for subsurface characteristics. MASW results revealed four distinct velocity zones based on National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. Fill material was approximately half a meter thick and was classified as very dense soil. The second layer exhibited velocities ranging from 800 to 1,500 m/s, indicating weathered and highly fractured limestone. The third layer showed velocities varying from 1,500 to 1,800 m/s, representing slightly weathered limestone. The fourth layer displayed high velocities ranging from 1,800 to 3,600 m/s, indicating hard and compact limestone rocks. Geotechnical boreholes were drilled down to depths of 10–35 m. These boreholes exposed the geological model that consisted of fill material (silty sand with gravel), followed by highly to moderately weathered limestone with vugs and cracks, and finally, massive limestone rock. Analysis of shear wave velocities identified weak zones, particularly fractured and weathered limestone rocks extending to 12 m in depth. Sinkholes of circular, elongated, and/or conical shapes were observed within this depth range. Moreover, some sinkholes were detected at depths greater than 12 m in specific locations (sites 1, 6, 9, 11, and 17). These sinkholes agreed with the previous study. These results highlight the need for targeted ground improvement methods, such as grouting or underpinning, particularly for construction over weaker zones. Accurate site classification and effective risk management are crucial for addressing these geotechnical and seismic challenges.

Association of Anti-Smith, Anti-Ro, and Anti-ribonucleoprotein Combination With Accelerated Development of Lupus Nephritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Saudi Arabia.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting multiple organs. Lupus nephritis (LN), one of its serious complications, is characterized by proteinuria and renal dysfunction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between a specific antibody profile (anti-Smith [anti-Sm], anti-Ro, and anti-ribonucleoprotein [anti-RNP]) and the time to develop LN in SLE patients. A retrospective, single-center cohort study was conducted at King Fahad Medical City (KFMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and included 128 patients with LN who visited the Rheumatology Clinic between 2014 and 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: a positive serological profile group, which included patients positive for all three antibodies (anti-Sm, anti-Ro, and anti-RNP), and a negative serological profile group (which included patients with at least one negative antibody result). Data on demographics, antibody profiles, time to proteinuria development, and LN classification were analyzed. The time to develop proteinuria from the initial diagnosis of LN to the first detection of proteinuria exceeding 500 mg was categorized into less than 1 year, 1-5 years, 6-10 years, and more than 10 years. Our findings revealed that a substantial proportion (95%) of patients positive for all three antibodies (anti-Sm, anti-Ro, and anti-RNP) had a significantly higher likelihood of developing proteinuria within the first five years of their SLE diagnosis, compared to 89.66% of patients with a negative serological profile. The findings suggest that the presence of anti-Sm, anti-Ro, and anti-RNP antibodies is associated with a higher risk of early LN development, specifically within five years after initial SLE diagnosis. Regular monitoring and proactive management of high-risk patients can reduce the burden of LN and its complications.

Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Rehabilitation Center in Saudi Arabia.

Background The safety and adverse effects (AEs) associated with approved COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) require further examination, particularly as there is limited information available for MS patients in Saudi Arabia. This study sought to investigate the reported AEs of COVID-19 vaccines among MS patients admitted to a major rehabilitation center in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted from January 2023 to March 2024 at Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City (SBAHC) in Riyadh. All MS patients registered in the electronic medical records were invited to participate in face-to-face or phone interviews. A total of 108 MS patients were surveyed, and data were collected on demographic information, MS-related history (including disease duration, presenting symptoms, and relapses), COVID-19 vaccination status (type, number of doses, and reported AEs), and exposure to disease-modifying therapies. Results Among the subjects, there were 58 males (53.7%) and 50 females (46.3%), with a mean age of 38.8 ± 9.7 years, ranging from 17 to 66 years. The relapsing-remitting type of MS was the most prevalent (n=53, 49%). The BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech was the most administered vaccine (n=58, 53.7%). Adverse events were reported by 56 (52%) participants, with the majority being mild (n=79, 73.3%). The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine from Oxford-AstraZeneca showed a significantly higher incidence of AEs (n=76, 70%) compared to other vaccines (p < 0.001). Binary logistic regression indicated that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine type was the most significant independent factor associated with COVID-19 vaccination AEs (odds risk 5.337, 95% confidence interval 0.022-18.980, p<0.001). Conclusions The safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines in this study is comparable to that of the general population, showing similar rates of mild and self-limiting AEs, with no serious or life-threatening reactions reported. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was notably linked to a higher incidence of AEs. These findings affirm the safety of COVID-19 immunization in MS patients and reinforce both local and international guidelines to promote vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intelligent Traffic Lights Control System: Riyadh City

Traffic congestion is one of the main problems facing Riyadh city's growth, which results in significant environmental pollution and makes transportation difficult. These factors not only generate material losses but also make daily living difficult for people. The principal reasons of traffic congestion in Riyadh include, but are not limited to, the rapid growth of the population. By 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims to have a population of 50-60 million, which will make traffic congestion worse if preventive measures are not taken. The development of an intelligent traffic lights control system is one strategy to address traffic issues. The purpose of traffic lights is to efficiently control vehicle traffic at intersections. These traffic signals typically operate in a preset order based on a fixed cycle period. Due to this design, vehicles on one side of the road must wait even while there are no automobiles on the other, making them intrinsically unable to effectively regulate traffic flow during atypical conditions. As a result, it becomes necessary to simulate traffic control algorithms in order to reduce the amount of stops, vehicle delays, etc. There is a chance to create a system that will meet these needs with fuzzy logic. We use fuzzy logic toolbox in MATLAB to design the intelligent traffic lights control system for an isolated traffic junction.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Adult Residents of Riyadh Regarding Sunstrokes.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of adult residents in the city of Riyadh regarding sunstrokes andidentify the preferred channel for spreading awareness about sunstrokes among this population. Methods This study employed an analytical cross-sectional design targeting Riyadh city residents aged 18 and older. A multistage random sampling technique was used, resulting in a sample size of 681 participants. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that included demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sunstrokes and preferred methods for obtaining information about sunstrokes. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). Results Out of 681 participants, nearly half demonstrated good knowledge about sunstrokes (48.8%). The majority exhibited excellent attitudes (85.5%), and two-thirds showed outstanding practices (68.6%). Attitude and practice scores were significantly associated with age, with higher mean ranks observed among older participants and a decline in scores in younger age groups. Regarding social status, widows had the highest mean ranks in knowledge (516.5) and practice (420), while married participants scored highest in attitude (387.85). Conclusion The study revealed that the participants had generally good knowledge about sunstrokes, and their attitudes and practices were notably high. The most frequently utilized sources of information were electronic platforms.

Maternal Complications and Perinatal outcome Associated with Un-booked Women in King Saud Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Numerous studies have revealed a strong correlation between un-booked mothers and poor maternal problems. Determining the impact of booking status on maternal and perinatal mortality was the aim of this study. Method: The research design in this research was a quantitative design, non-experimental descriptive comparative study. The was conducted in King Saud Medical City in Maternity Hospital in the Obstetrics Unit in Riyadh city, the population of the study were all un-booked and booked pregnant women in the hospital in the study duration. This study included 488 mothers in total which include all women eligible for inclusion in the study and presented during the study period from Sep to Dec 2023 in King Saud Medical City in Maternity Hospital in the Obstetrics Unit in Riyadh city. Results: This study included 488 patients in total (332 scheduled and 166 unscheduled). The difference in mean age between the two groups was statistically significant. The booking status correlation with parity and obstetric complications was statistically significant. Preeclampsia was 7.2% and PIH was 21.1% more common in un-booked mothers than in booked mothers (p values of 0.04 and 0.001, respectively). Compared to booked mothers, the percentage of emergency cesarean sections among un-booked respondents was greater at 6% versus 3.6%. Conclusion: Compared to booked mothers, un-booked mothers had worse intra-partum, maternal, and obstetric outcomes.

Temporal Variations, Air Quality, Heavy Metal Concentrations, and Environmental and Health Impacts of Atmospheric PM2.5 and PM10 in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) samples were collected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assess air quality, quantify, heavy metal concentrations, and evaluate related ecological and health risks. This study’s uniqueness stems from its focused and detailed analysis of PM pollution in Riyadh, including an extensive assessment of heavy metal concentrations across different PM sizes by applying diverse pollution and health indices. This brings to light critical health and ecological issues and provides foundation for targeted pollution control efforts in the region. The study focused on two PM size fractions, PM2.5 and PM10 and analyzed the presence of heavy metals, including iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), using inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. Results showed significantly higher levels of PM10 (223.12 ± 66.12 µg/m3) compared to PM2.5 (35.49 ± 9.63 µg/m3), suggesting that local dust is likely a primary source. Air quality varied from moderate to unhealthy, with PM10 posing substantial risks. Heavy metal concentrations in PM2.5 followed the order Fe (13.14 ± 11.66 ng/m3) &gt; As (2.87 ± 2.08 ng/m3) &gt; Cu (0.71 ± 0.51 ng/m3) &gt; Zn (0.66 ± 0.46 ng/m3) &gt; Cr 0.50 ± 0.23 ng/m3) &gt; Pb (0.14 ± 0.10 ng/m3) &gt; Ni (0.03 ± 0.04 ng/m3) &gt; Cd (0.004 ± 0.002 ng/m3) &gt; Ag (0.003 ± 0.003 ng/m3) &gt; Co (0.002 ± 0.004 ng/m3). In PM10, they followed the order Fe (743.18 ± 593.91 ng/m3) &gt; As (20.12 ± 13.03 ng/m3) &gt; Cu (10.97 ± 4.66 ng/m3) &gt; Zn (9.06 ± 5.50 ng/m3) &gt; Cr (37.5 ± 2.70 ng/m3) &gt; Ni (1.72 ± 01.54 ng/m3) &gt; Pb (1.11 ± 0.64 ng/m3) &gt; Co (0.25 ± 0.28 ng/m3) &gt; Ag (0.10 ± 0.26 ng/m3) &gt; Cd (0.04 ± 0.02 ng/m3). Enrichment factor analysis revealed elevated levels for the metals Cu, Zn, As, Ag, Cd, and Pb. Pollution indices indicated various contamination levels, with Ag and As showing particularly high contamination and ecological risks. The study highlighted significant health concerns, especially from As, which poses a substantial long-term carcinogenic threat. The findings emphasize the urgent need to reduce hazardous metal levels in Riyadh’s air, especially with high child exposure.

An 80 Gbps Integrated PDM‐OAM‐Enabled‐FSO Transmission for Implementing 5G Services Under Riyadh Weather Conditions

ABSTRACTThe surge in demand of high‐capacity wireless information transmission links has led to emergence of novel multiplexing techniques for free space optics (FSO) over the past few years. Two such important techniques are polarization division multiplexing (PDM) and orbital angular momentum (OAM) multiplexing. This article investigates the integration of PDM and OAM techniques in a FSO transmission system to enable 5G communication services in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Four OAM beams () of 2‐polarization states of a single frequency laser beam are used to transport 10 Gbps data independently. A total of 80 Gbps net transmission rate is achieved. The visibility data for Riyadh city are collected from Saudi Meteorological Department and the attenuation coefficient is calculated using Kim, Kruse, and Al‐Naboulsi attenuation models. The performance of all the PDM‐OAM modulated signals is compared for the three‐attenuation models in terms of bit error rate, eye diagrams, and Q Factor of the signal at the receiver. The results show that using Kim and Kruse models, with attenuation of 0.62 and 0.64 dB/km, the maximum range of 3.8 km is achieved. This is, however, reduced to 2.4 km using Al‐Naboulsi model having attenuation of 2.03 dB/km with acceptable limits of Q Factor (∼6 dB) and BER (∼9).

Field Study: In Health Centers and Hospitals, Infection Control and Awareness of Workers in All Specialties

This field study worked in hospitals and health centers to activate infection control standards in health facilities, and the importance of applying them to workers in health facilities even after health centers obtained the accreditation certificate for quality standards in health facilities (CPAHI). The questionnaire was created and sent electronically via social media, where 700 social questionnaires were distributed to people aged (23-58 years), men and women in the city Of Riyadh, and responses from 450 people were obtained via Google Drive.it is concluded the rate Of application Of infection control standards is high.