Najran Area Research Articles

Early Prediction of Breast Cancer by Genetic Screening Profile among Young Females in Najran area (Southern Saudi Arabia) 2022-/2024

Breast cancers constitutes a significant health problem globally, and the pursuit of powerful early detection techniques remains paramount. This study investigates the potential for early prediction of breast cancer among younger females inside the Najran place of Southern Saudi Arabia through the use of genetic screening profiles. The study aims to elucidate genetic markers related to breast cancer susceptibility in this precise demographic, imparting insights into the disorder's early detection and potential preventive measures. A complete literature assessment establishes the modern-day know-how of breast cancer etiology, genetic factors, and screening techniques, highlighting gaps in know-how concerning the genetic profile of young females in Najran. Methodologically, a cohort of younger females will go through genetic screening protocols, coupled with designated clinical checks, enabling the identity and analysis of genetic markers related to breast cancer predisposition. Statistical evaluation may be hired to correlate recognized genetic variants with the threat of growing breast cancer, bearing in mind the construction of predictive fashions. Findings from this research keep massive promise in advancing personalized medicinal drugs and informing focused screening packages, thereby contributing to the early detection and prevention techniques precise to the young girl population within the Najran place of Southern Saudi Arabia.

The level of services and facilities in tourist sites for people with disabilities (accessible tourism) in Najran region

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of services and facilities at tourist sites for individuals with disabilities (accessible tourism) in Najran region, as well as the disparities based on gender, type of disability, and nature of the visit. Methods: Following the survey approach, the descriptive method was employed to fulfill the study's goal. The researchers' study technique (an electronic questionnaire) was employed. After validating its validity and dependability in the Saudi context, it was reduced to (14) elements. It was applied to a sample of (111) male and female volunteers with impairments (sight, hearing, and motor). A stratified random sample was drawn from Najran area of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results: The results revealed that the level of services and facilities in tourist sites for individuals with disabilities (accessible tourism) was poor in Najran region. According to the answers of the study sample members, there are statistically significant differences in the level of services and facilities in tourist sites for people with disabilities (accessible tourism) in Najran region due to the type of disability variable in favor of visual disability and hearing disability. Furthermore, differences in the nature of the visit arose in favor of the nature of the visit with the center, although no statistically significant differences showed on the variable of gender. The study recommended that the authorities responsible for the tourism sector and tourism industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia adopt an organized and thoughtful strategic plan. The plan must work to make the services and facilities of accessible tourism of high quality by following effective methods to stimulate the accessible tourism movement in a way that meets the Kingdom’s ambitions and vision 2030.

Geotechnical aspects of alluvial soils at different depths under sodium chloride action in Najran region, Saudi Arabia: Field supported by laboratory tests

The current research study is aimed at studying the impact of sodium chloride on the performance of semi-arid soils in the Najran area of Saudi Arabia. Experimental work has been undertaken to investigate how adding salt to the semi-arid soil collected in the Najran area affects the boundaries of Atterberg, compaction characteristics, California bearing ratio, and shear strength. All testing was conducted on soil samples from different zones of the Najran area at varying depths of 1.5, 3, and 4.5 m along the soil profiles. The soil samples were analyzed individually and then compared with the same soil samples mixed with NaCl at different percentages of 5, 10, and 20% by weight of the dry soil. Using advanced techniques, such as the scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis, the stabilization process was examined. The findings revealed that NaCl significantly impacts the geotechnical characteristics of semi-arid soils. The maximum dry density increased from 1.995, 1.93, and 1.96 to 2.02, 1.99, and 2.03 g/cm3, and the optimal water content decreased from 9.47, 13.7, and 11.29 to 7.01, 9.58%, and 8.09% with 20% NaCl added at various depths, respectively. Shear resistance parameters were improved by adding 20% NaCl, where the soil cohesion increased from 0.1333, 0.0872, and 0.0533 to 0.1843, 0.1034, and 0.0372 kg/cm2, and the angle of internal friction increased from 24°, 25.5°, and 29° to 27.8°, 30°, and 33°, respectively. The liquid and plastic limits and, in turn, the plasticity index reduced as the added percentage of NaCl increased. Furthermore, the California bearing ratio percentages significantly increased and reached more than 50%. As a result, it is established that NaCl is an excellent stabilizer, especially at 20% concentration, and might be used as a sub-base substance in highway construction.

Correlation of iron levels with glycemia and microvascular complications among type II diabetes mellitus patients in Najran university hospital.

ABSTRACTBackground:Diabetes is influenced by changes in the body’s iron levels. Because iron deficiency anemia is common in diabetes, this study examines the link between iron, glycemic control, and complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods:The study is a cross-sectional study conducted from October 2019 to June 2020 at Najran university hospital in the Najran area, Saudi Arabia. All T2DM patients (N = 201) during the study were recruited by simple random sampling. A checklist was completed to extract the study variables from each patient’s medical record.Results:There is a positive poor correlation between hemoglobin (Hb) and diabetic foot (r = 0.186, P < 0.05), but not with other diabetic microvascular complications (i.e., retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy) or glycemic indicators fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C (i.e., FBS, RBS, and HbA1C). No link is found between ferritin and glycemic indicators or diabetic microvascular complications.Conclusion:The study suggests that particular attention be paid to regular monitoring of iron levels before modifying the treatment plans for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. It raises critical inquiry about the reality of iron role in diabetes mellitus either in pathogenesis or treatment. It recommends accurately assessing body iron status with careful interpretation for better clinical judgment, encouraging large-scale and long-term epidemiological as well as interventional trials examining the effect of lowering iron in controlling glycemia.

Characterization of Microschist Rocks under High Temperature at Najran Area of Saudi Arabia

Rocks’ physical, mechanical, and mineralogical properties are essential in the design process of underground applications. To understand changes in these rocks’ properties at high temperatures, numerous studies have been conducted on several rock types, with little being known about microschist rock. This paper presents experimental study on the physical (e.g., density and P-wave velocity), mechanical (uniaxial compressive strength (UCS)), and microstructural behavior of microschist rock at room temperature (22 °C) and at high temperatures, i.e., 400, 600, and 800 °C. The results indicated that as the temperature increases, the microschist’s color changed, and dry density decreased by 0.97% at 800 °C. Additionally, the average P-wave velocity of microschist decreased by 4.14, 7.07, and 34.23%, at 400, 600, and 800 °C, respectively. Similarly, at these temperatures, the UCS of the microschist decreased by 34.4, 56.9, and 80.1%, respectively. Further findings from microscopic studies reveal that the observed changes in physical and mechanical properties were due to the structural deformation of the microschist at high temperatures.

Incidence and profile of acute intoxication among adult population in Najran, Saudi Arabia: A retrospective study.

Acute poisoning is considered one of the most important medical emergencies, resulting in severe morbidity and mortality, and is an economic burden on governments. This study aimed to determine the extent of acute adult intoxication among the population located in the Najran area, Saudi Arabia, over the last 3 years (from January 2017 to December 2019). The study is a hospital-based retrospective observational study. The data of all acutely intoxicated adult patients were collected from patients' files of King Khalid Hospital, the main hospital in the Najran area. In this study, the total number of intoxicated patients was 852. Patients were divided into three groups according to their age: 15-25 years, 26-35 years and >35 years. Accidental intoxication was predominant (64.6%), especially with therapeutic drugs (60.2%), predominantly acetaminophen and amphetamine, which intoxicated 24.5% and 23.4% of the patients, respectively. Moreover, this study showed that 10.6% of patients were intoxicated with overdoses of alcohol, mostly among patients aged over 35 years. Furthermore, the present study revealed that 23.9% of patients were intoxicated with household chemicals, especially Clorox bleach or Flash. Patients presented with a wide range of symptoms; some were even asymptomatic. Overall, patients' outcomes were good; mortalities were few (1.2%), and most fatalities were found in patients aged over 35 years (60%). The present study showed that pharmaceutical drugs constituted the most common causative agents in acute intoxication. Household chemicals, especially Clorox bleach, Flash and pesticides, are highly implicated in the acute toxicity problem. Drug abuse, especially amphetamine and alcohol, still represents a great threat facing people from the Najran region. It is crucial to deliver effective public health education programmes to increase community awareness about the predisposing risk factors of acute toxicity, whether as overdoses or suicide attempts.

INVESTIGATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY VARIATIONS ALONG WADI NAJRAN, NAJRAN, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

This paper aims to determine the groundwater quality at Najran town and nearby villages, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Physical and chemical analyses have been carried out for seven groundwater samples collected from Najran area. This study indicates that the groundwater quality in the study area is fit for human purposes except at the Al Uraisa bore hole, which contain high amounts of total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) above the permissible limits of the World Health Organization standards. The groundwater is also fit for irrigation purpose and agricultural use.

Vitamin D Deficiency Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Najran Area, Saudi Arabia.

Vitamin D Deficiency Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Najran Area, Saudi Arabia.

Serum Ghrelin Levels in Saudi Obese Asthmatic School-Children-Correlation with Interleukin-4, Interleukin-5, and Interleukin-21.

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone with direct or indirect effects on obesity and asthma. More data are required to understand the effect of ghrelin on the control and pathogenesis of these diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate ghrelin levels in selected groups of children to identify the association between serum ghrelin, obesity, and the severity of asthma. The study included 401 school children selected from the Najran area and grouped into non-obese asthmatics, obese asthmatics, obese non-asthmatics and controls (non-obese non-asthmatics). Blood levels of ghrelin, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IL-21 were determined by ELISA. The mean ghrelin values were insignificantly increased in obese children compared with non-obese children. The highest blood ghrelin values were in the non-obese asthmatic group. Serum ghrelin, IL-4 and IL-21 levels were significantly increased in asthmatic children compared with non-asthmatic children (p < 0.05), and there were significant positive correlations between ghrelin and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-21 in asthmatic children. Furthermore, ghrelin, IL-4, and IL-21 levels were significantly higher in uncontrolled asthmatics compared with controlled-asthmatic children (p < 0.05). Asthma was the only significant risk factor for high ghrelin values. This study provides evidence supporting the anti-inflammatory role of ghrelin in the pathogenesis of asthma. Asthma might be considered as an important determinant of high ghrelin values in children.

Investigation of some Zoonotic Viruses at South Western of Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the most important countries as a source of horses in the world. This study was applied on the horses in Najran area, southwest Saudi Arabia. Horses were screened for three arthropods borne viral diseases; African horse sickness (AHS), West Nile Virus (WNV) and Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) as well as one bacterial disease, brucellosis. Ninety two blood samples were collected from seven horse stables in the period from March to November 2017. ELISA was used for detection of AHS, WNV and EIA, while Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was used for brucellosis. The results showed that 14 samples were positive for anti-WNV IgG with percent of 15.2%, while all samples were negative for anti-WNV IgM. Furthermore, 9.78%, of samples were positive for brucellosis. The infection was shown only in three stables, where horses are in close contact with ruminants. Horses were free of AHS and EIA. For the first time, brucellosis and WNV were detected in horse in Najran area of KSA. However, more investigations are required to further examine the brucellosis samples.

Assessment of groundwater quality in Southern Saudi Arabia: case study of Najran area

Groundwater is the most important source for domestic and agricultural usage. Surface water supplies are meager in Saudi Arabia; therefore, it depends on the available groundwater reserves. Twenty-two groundwater samples were collected from different locations in Najran area according to the standard protocol recommended by the American Public Health Association (APHA, 1995). The study physio-chemical parameters of groundwater including pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, and chloride parameters were measured and compared with the WHO standards. The results illustrate the concentration ranges of cations and anions as follows: pH (7.03–7.48), electrical conductivity (240–877 μS cm−1), total hardness (560–808 mg L−1), total dissolved solids (1287–1848 mg L−1), total alkalinity (107–183 mg L−1), Fe2+ (0.02–1.08 mg L−1), Cl− (341–601 mg L−1), Ca+2 (323–508 mg L−1), Mg+2 (132–316 mg L−1), and SO4 (250–680 mg L−1). Results indicate that the quality of groundwater in the study area is not suitable for drinking but can be safely used for agricultural purposes.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi women in Najran area towards breastfeeding during Ramadan.

Breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant feeding practice. Many factors influence breastfeeding, one of them is breastfeeding during Ramadan. The objective of our study was to assess the knowledge, practice and attitude of breastfeeding among women in Najran area, Saudi Arabia, during month of Ramadan. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a self-administrated questionnaire was conducted in June and July 2015. A total of 169 breastfeeding women visiting the Gynaecology Clinic in Najran University hospital were randomly recruited. Data were analysed by using statistical package for the social sciences version 20.0. Of the study population, 89.9% showed that they used to practice breastfeeding while fasting during the day in Ramadan (p < 0.000). The study revealed that 85.8% of the participants thought that fasting does not alter the nutritional composition of breast milk (p < 0.001). Around 80.5% stated that fasting has no adverse effect on the volume of breast milk and the growth of the infants during Ramadan. Women's knowledge about fasting and infant growth was significantly associated with their age and education (p value =0.011 and 0.031, respectively). To conclude, majority of the study population had positive knowledge, attitude and practice towards breastfeeding in Ramadan. Breastfeeding promotion programs are needed to provide support and advice to women regarding breastfeeding during Ramadan and improve their breastfeeding attitudes and knowledge which will lead to short- and long-term benefits for infants, mothers, environment, economy and the entire society.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi women in Najran area towards breastfeeding during Ramadan

Knowledge, attitude and practice of Saudi women in Najran area towards breastfeeding during Ramadan

Increase in Haemoglobin A2 Window among Healthy Children in Najran Area, Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION: A minor increase in hemoglobin (Hb) A2 is common in B thalassemia trait in which Hb A2 usually exceeds 3.5%. Other inherited and acquired disorders result in minor increases that do not often exceed 8%. The remarkable increase (>20%) in Hb A2 may refer to other structural variants that also migrate in the Hb A2 window. The aim of this study was to assess the increased Hb A2 levels and their incidence among schoolchildren in Najran city. AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the increased Hb A2 levels and their incidence among schoolchildren in Najran city. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 665 male students of Najran primary schools. All students were subjected to a full history taking and laboratory investigations including a complete blood count, peripheral blood smear examination, measurement of serum iron and ferritin levels, reticulocyte count, and alkaline Hb gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Four (0.60%) students had highly significant (P = 0.000) increased Hb A2 levels above 20%. Three of them descend to the same tribe. Two cases had mild anemia and the other two cases had normal Hb levels. All cases showed microcytosis and hypochromia with normal serum iron and ferritin levels. CONCLUSION: Alkaline Hb electrophoresis showed highly significant increased Hb A2 levels among school children with microcytosis and hypochromia. Further investigations are required to ensure whether this is an increase of Hb A2 or from other Hb variants that take the same window of Hb A2.

Determination of the Geotechnical Parameters of Soils Behavior for Safe Future Urban Development, Najran Area, Saudi Arabia: Implications for Settlements Mitigation

This paper deals with the geotechnical characterization of Sultana soils (Najran region, Saudi Arabia) by in situ and laboratory tests, for a project proposal for the construction of commercial and government buildings. Geotechnical parameters of the subsoil were analyzed with a view to using the soil as an earth construction material and as a foundation for buildings constructed on the grounds tested. The site was investigated by means of boreholes, trial pits, standard penetration tests, plate load tests, Seismological data, particle size analyses, modified Proctor Tests, Oedometer and direct shear tests. The study contains full description to the subsurface soil conditions and provides recommendations for collapse potential, foundation type, foundation depth, allowable net bearing capacity, estimation for the expected settlement. In this paper a review of the principal results of the in situ and laboratory investigations is described. Results of the study revealed that within the maximum depth of 10.0 m of boring, the soil was found to be composed of brown soil mixture of sand and clayey silt with little gravel, classified as (SM) and (SC) according to USCS classification and as (A-2-4) and A-2-6 according to AASHTO classification. The area was found to consist in general of collapsible soils, classified as collapsible alluvial soils. The results show that the collapse potential of the majority of semi-arid soils tested were classified as severe trouble soils and natural moisture content is an important factor influencing the collapse potential of the soil. In addition, the results of this study provide the parameters to evaluate the soil behavior and the geotechnical model for the foundation bearing capacity and soil settlements evaluation.

Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Monitoring and Mitigation of Geohazards in Najran Region, Saudi Arabia

Many sources of data (remote sensing and meteorological data, soils and groundwater samples) were used to estimate the magnitude of geological hazards, which are confirmed with field and laboratory investigation in Najran area, Kingdom Saudi Arabia. Najran area is one of these locations. It is subjected to a range of geo-hazards due to its intrinsic physiographic and geologic nature. Najran area is a growing urban and agricultural development region; however, some infrastructures have been constructed in vulnerable locations to geo-environmental hazards. The potential geo-hazards that may occur under desert conditions include sand accumulations, dune movement, mass westing and rock fall hazards, flash floods, sand stroom and problematic soils. The current study throws more light on all these geo-hazards in Najran area. Also, remediation methods for geo-hazard should be proposed to avoid these natural hazards. The present study is a trail to calculate and evaluate the drainage basins properties and potentiality using remote sensing and (GIS) tools. Twenty morphometric parameters were measured, in order to identify and evaluate flash flood hazards. Flash flood hazards in the Wadi Najran watershed is classified into three groups based on their morphometric parameters results; namely, highly, moderately and low slightly hazard degree. Our findings indicate that Najran area needs more attention and care. The Saudi Government has to join together with other people to reduce the resulting geological hazards.

Prevalence and risk factors of asthma symptoms in Saudi university students in Najran, southern border region of Saudi Arabia

Background: Asthma prevalence in adults is globally increasing with variations between and within countries. Data are lacking regarding the prevalence of asthma among adults in Najran area , the southern region of Saudi Arabia. Objectives: The study aimed at estimating the prevalence and risk factors for asthma symptoms in Najran University students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Najran University Saudi students during the academic year 2017–2018. A modified translated International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire was distributed to Najran University Saudi students, males and females aged 18 and above living in Najran for more than 1 year. Samples were taken using multistage random sampling. Results: A total of 418 participants (269 males and 149 females) with a mean age of 21.05 ± 1.56 were included in the study. The prevalence of asthma depending on the wheezing symptom in the past 12 months was 27% and physician-diagnosed asthma was 13.6%. Most of the asthmatic subjects (>85%) have intermittent symptoms. The first-degree family history, active tobacco smoking, allergic rhinitis (AR), dust, and smoke are the major risk factors for asthma symptoms. Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of self-reported asthma symptoms among adults in Najran University associated with a high prevalence of AR, which needs particular attention by the health stakeholders.

Prevalence and Determinants of Blood Pressure Control among Hypertensive Patients in Primary Care Centers, Najran, Saudi Arabia

Hypertension is a typical example of long-term condition posing formidable challenges to health care. Among hypertensive patients, insufficient adherence to drug therapy is one of the common causes of poor control of blood pressure. The objective of our study was to estimate the prevalence of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients and their determinants in primary care centers in Najran area. We conducted a retrospective analysis of administrative data from adult patients with hypertension followed in primary care clinics in Najran area. A representative sample of patients was randomly selected among eligible hypertensive patients from primary care clinics in Najran area. A total of 382 patients completed the survey and had data available for a 1 year medical record review. Their mean age was 62.71±14.16 years, 51.8% were male. The majority of the studied populations were married (96.6%). More than 50% of them were analphabetic (56.2%). The prevalence of patients with controlled blood pressure was 51.3% among the studied population despite ongoing hypertension treatments. Older age more than 60 years was a significant predictor of non-controlled hypertension. We conclude that targeted intervention to improve management of hypertension in primary care setting could make a substantial difference in the improvement of hypertensive patient prognosis.

Prevalence and Determinants of Blood Pressure Control Among Patients with Hypertension in Primary Care Settings, Najran Area, Saudi Arabia

Prevalence and Determinants of Blood Pressure Control Among Patients with Hypertension in Primary Care Settings, Najran Area, Saudi Arabia

Geotechnical Mapping of Najran Soils for Safe Urban Expansion, Najran Region, Saudi Arabia

One hundred eighty-three rotary-drilled boreholes from fifteen districts in Najran area, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were sampled and tested in the field and in laboratory to analyze the spatial variation in their geotechnical properties. Number of samples varied with the performed test including grain size distribution (668), Atterberg limits (24), moisture content (432), free swelling (49), direct shear strength (51), unconfined compression strength (37), and soil water chemistry of 168 samples were analyzed for Cl−, SO3−2, and CO3−), and 120 samples for pH. Descriptive statistics were appraised for clarifying the geotechnical variations among the districts and various AASHTO-classified soil types. GIS-based geostatistical kriging with minimum error achieved was used for preparing the spatial maps of the geotechnical parameters. Results showed that majority of soil samples were non-plastic. Hubuna district showed the larger LL (42%), PL (25%), and PI (20%) while Mefraq Al-Khamis recorded the lowest values of LL (23%), PL (19%), and PI (2%). Atterberg limits showed a northwestward increase to reach its maxima at Thar. Moisture content was larget in Khobash and showed local highs at Najran Al-Fahd and Al-Mashaliya.Fine sands prevailed north and east of Abu Shadad with local highs in Al-Mashaliya and Najran University. Silt and clay soils dominate in Najran Al-Fahd district. Local highs of free swelling were vivid at Abu Shadad, Khobash, Mefraq Al-Khamis, and Najran Al-Fahd districts. UCS showed largest in Najran University. Shear test friction angle showed lowest at Khobash and Abu Shadad districts dominated by coarse to medium sands and gravels and largest of 35° in Najran University and extends to Thar attaining the largest fine sand and gravel contents. Largest Cl− and SO3−2 contents characterized the districts of Thar, Al-Hosayniya and Hubuna while CO3− showed local high at Najran Al-Fahd district, the soils were acidic with pH lower than 5.5. Three main soil types according to AASHTO classification formed about 91% of the samples: A-1-b (56%), A-2-4 (23.5%), and A-3 (11.4%), were mapped and their geotechnical properties were characterized. Results can help efficient decision-making process to set proper management zones and prevent geotechnical risks where measures in the design and construction stages can be decided for future expansions and subsurface tunneling based on the district- and soil type-specific.