Digital Commons Network^™

Impacting Competency In C-Ssrs Suicide Risk Screening On An Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, Fidelis Sangye

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Suicide remains a leading public health concern, and inconsistent application of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) may contribute to variability in suicide risk assessment and delayed intervention within inpatient psychiatric settings. The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized C-SSRS-guided educational intervention on staff competency in suicide risk screening. Guided by Lewin’s Change Theory and implemented using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, this quantitative pretest-posttest QI project was conducted on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit. The intervention consisted of a 25-minute instructor-led PowerPoint presentation on standardized C-SSRS administration and evidence-based suicide risk …

A Case Report Of Myocardial Infarction Complicated With Blood Pressure Fluctuations Caused By Pheochromocytoma, Huiping Li, Wei Yang, Yu Feng, You Zhang, Gan-Xin Yan, Chuanyu Gao

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

Pheochromocytoma typically presents with sustained or paroxysmal hypertension, but initial manifestation as acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is rare. Peri-procedural hemodynamic fluctuations are often dramatic, making diagnosis and management challenging. We report a 51-year-old male admitted with chest tightness for 17 days. Elevated troponin and coronary angiography showing multivessel disease with total occlusion of the mid-left anterior descending artery (LAD) led to a preliminary diagnosis of NSTEMI. During percutaneous coronary intervention, blood pressure surged to 240/130 mmHg; intravenous nitroprusside caused an instantaneous drop to 95/55 mmHg, with rapid rebound to >200 mmHg upon withdrawal, showing no clear temporal relationship …

Translational Reading Frame Predicts The Pathogenicity Of C-Terminal Frameshift Deletions In Mecp2, Jacky Guy, Elena Hein, Beatrice Alexander-Howden, Timur Von Bock Und Polach, Tricia Mathieson, Benjamin P Kleinstiver, Huda Y Zoghbi, Adrian Bird

Duncan NRI Faculty and Staff Publications

Mutations in the MECP2 gene cause the severe neurological disorder Rett syndrome. A cluster of frameshift-causing C-terminal deletions (CTDs) removes ~100 amino acids and accounts for approximately 10% of RTT-causing mutations. Their pathogenicity is unexpected because this C-terminal domain is dispensable in mice. Analysis of pathogenic and benign human MECP2 variants reveals that some individuals with apparently typical CTDs do not develop Rett syndrome, confirming that C-terminal truncations are not intrinsically pathogenic. Using human sequence data and mouse models we show that pathogenicity results from a marked reduction in MeCP2 levels and depends on the presence of a proline proline …

Malt1 Protease Inhibition Restrains Glioblastoma Progression By Reversing Tumor-Associated Macrophage-Dependent Immunosuppression In Mice, Juliana Hofstätter Azambuja, Saigopalakrishna Yerneni, Lisa Maurer, Hannah Crentsil, Gabriela Debom, Linda Klei, Mei Smyers, Chaim Sneiderman, Kristina Schwab, Rajesh Acharya, Aivi Nguyen, Josie Emery, John Little, Jeffrey Meridew, Yijen Lin Wu, Prasanna Ekambaram, Dong Hu, Pete Gough, John Bertin, Ari Melnick, Gary Kohanbash, Riyue Bao, Peter Lucas, Linda Mcallister-Lucas

College of Life Sciences Faculty Papers

MALT1 protease is an intracellular signaling molecule that promotes tumor progression via cancer cell-intrinsic and cancer cell-extrinsic mechanisms. MALT1 has been mostly studied in lymphocytes, and little is known about its role in tumor-associated macrophages. We show that MALT1 is expressed in glioblastoma (GBM)-associated macrophages. Mechanistically, GBM tumor cells induce a MALT1-NF-κB signaling axis in macrophages, leading to enhanced macrophage migration and polarization toward an immunosuppressive ('M2-like') phenotype. Inactivation of MALT1 protease promotes transcriptional reprogramming that reduces migration and restores a macrophage anti-tumor 'M1-like' phenotype. Preclinical in vivo analysis shows that MALT1 inhibitor treatment results in immuno-reactivity of GBM-associated macrophages …

E3 Ligase Rnf145 Regulates Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation Via The Pp2a-P70s6k Signaling Axis, Vijaya Kumar Gangipangi, Erin O. Curley, Deepak A. Deshpande, Pawan Sharma

Center for Translational Medicine Faculty Papers

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) is a key determinant of airway caliber and a major contributor to structural remodeling in obstructive lung diseases, including asthma and COPD. ASM proliferation is regulated by transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, including ubiquitin-dependent protein turnover mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases. Here, we investigated the role of the RING-type E3 ligase RNF145 in mitogenic signaling and ASM cell proliferation. Human ASM cells were transfected with RNF145 shRNA or treated with the E3 ligase inhibitor SMER3, followed by stimulation with fetal bovine serum (FBS) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). RNF145 knockdown or SMER3 treatment dose-dependently inhibited mitogen-induced ASM …

Enhancing Mental Health Support For Motor Vehicle Accident (Mva) Survivors Through Occupational Therapy (Ot)-Led Support Groups, Emma K. Gooden Ms

Occupational Therapy Doctorate Capstone Posters

This doctoral capstone project, completed during a 14-week Applied Leadership Experience (ALE) with Georgetown-Scott County EMS (GSCEMS), focused on the ACOTE target areas of Program Development and Advocacy by creating an evidence-based, trauma-informed, occupational therapy support group curriculum for motor vehicle accident (MVA) survivors. A literature review and needs assessment identified a significant gap in post-crash care, as many survivors experience long-term psychological challenges—including PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of driving, and disruptions in daily roles—despite care often emphasizing physical rehabilitation over emotional recovery. Drawing from observations of GSCEMS Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management meetings, current evidence, and ongoing …

Comparing Boost Ptv/Plans Made On The Initial Prone Whole-Breast Ct Vs A Near-Boost Supine Re-Simulation Ct In Hypo-Fractionated Wbi Using A 3-Field Photon Boost Technique, Daniel Garcia

Masters Projects

Purpose: To evaluate dosimetric differences between breast boost plans generated on an initial prone whole-breast computed tomography (CT) simulation and those generated on a near-boost supine re-simulation CT acquired closer to boost delivery.

Methods: Ten patients receiving hypo-fractionated whole-breast irradiation followed by a sequential boost were retrospectively analyzed. Boost plans were generated using a three-field photon technique on both the initial prone CT and a near-boost supine CT. Target volumes, target coverage metrics, conformity index (CI), and organ-at-risk (OAR) doses were compared using paired statistical analyses.

Results: Mean clinical target volume and planning target volume were significantly smaller on the …

Breast Cancer Knowledge, Awareness And Screening Practices Among Female Healthcare Workers In Al-Mukalla, Yemen, Wafa Al Shoaeeb, Ahmed M. Badheeb, Faisal Ahmed, Amen Bawazir, Abdulla Bin Nabhan, Mohammed Badheeb, Abdulkader Bayazid

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women worldwide and represents a significant burden for Yemeni women. Early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) and knowledge of risk factors and symptoms are crucial. This study aimed to assess awareness, knowledge and practice regarding BC risk factors, symptoms and BSE among female healthcare workers (HCWs) in Al-Mukalla, Yemen. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2022 at three public hospitals in Al-Mukalla, Yemen. A census sampling approach was used to recruit HCWs. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire covering breast awareness practices, risk …

A Retrospective Study Of The Impact Of Standard Versus Staggered Arc Arrangements In Vmat Planning For Localized Prostate Cancer., Samantha J. Arthur

Masters Projects

Purpose: To evaluate whether implementing a staggered beam arrangement in volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) improves treatment plan quality by enhancing normal tissue and organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Methods: Ten patients meeting the study inclusion criteria were retrospectively replanned using both a standard arc technique and a staggered arc arrangement. Both plans were generated using identical optimization objectives and planning parameters. Dosimetric comparisons were performed after normalizing both plans to equivalent planning target volume (PTV) coverage. Dose-volume metrics were evaluated for the PTV, rectum, bladder, and penile bulb.

Results: The staggered beam arrangement produced statistically …

Intouch Week Of August 10, 2026, New York Medical College

InTouch

• SOM Welcomes Class of 2030
• CSSC Brings Medicine to Life for High Schoolers
• Opening Doors to Medicine—Earlier and Wider
• Exchange Transfusion Linked to Better Outcomes in Severe Babesiosis
• 60 Seconds of Science Episode 1: Tick Safety
• Back to School Sale
• Student Spotlight: Learning the Power of Rehabilitation
• Alumni Spotlight: Tracking, Tracing, and Following the Evidence Is All in a Day’s Work for Andrew R. Guajardo, M.D. '13

Improving Response To Patient Alarms And Reducing Alarm Fatigue By Implementing An Alarm Fatigue Bundle Protocol In An Intermediate Care Unit At A Small Public Hospital, Christina Galvan

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract

Purpose: This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce alarm fatigue by implementing an alarm fatigue bundle protocol in an Intermediate Medical Unit (IMU) at a mall public hospital in Houston, Texas. The project aimed to achieve 80% compliance with daily electrode changes, improve alarm response times by 10%, reduce telemetry technician calls by 15%, and reduce alarm fatigue levels by 20%.

Background: Frequent non-actionable alarms can lead to desensitization, delayed responses, and missed alarms.

Methodology: The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Model guided implementation of the CEASE bundle, focusing on staff education and daily electrode changes. Daily audits assessed skin preparation and …

Frequency And Outcome Of Peg Tube Implantations In Hospitalized Parkinson's Disease Patients, Rachael M. Burke, Ruina He, Hikaru Kamo, Tejas R. Mehta, Anne Brooks, Adrianne Smiley, Michael S. Okun, Christopher W. Hess, Matthew A. Remz

Department of Neurology Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a known complication of Parkinson's Disease (PD). Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is a therapy for select patients with dysphagia. There is a paucity of information on the role of PEG in PD management.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency and outcomes of PEG tube implantations in hospitalized patients with PD.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of the PINC AI™ Healthcare Database of hospitalized PD patients between 2017 and 2023. PEG implantation, discharge status, and aspiration pneumonia (AP) diagnoses were collected and analyzed. The relationships between AP and PEG were evaluated using logistic regression. Generalized estimating …

Cigarette Smoke Induces Fasn-Dependent Fatty Acid Metabolic Rewiring To Drive Bladder Cancer Progression, Chandra Sekhar Amara, Danthasinghe Waduge Badrajee Piyarathna, Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal, Yuen San Chan, Karthik Reddy Kami Reddy, Chandra Shekar R Ambati, Mohammed Khurshidul Hassan, Pratik Shriwas, Tanmay Gandhi, Antrix Jain, Tanja Gangnus, Pooja Popli, Roshan Borkar, Sung Wook Kang, Silvia L Summers, Vasanta Putluri, Sandra L Grimm, Sharan Venkatesh, Ningxin Song, Erin H Seeley, Jenna Hedlich-Dwyer, Shu-Hsia Chen, Nupam P Mahajan, Abhinav K Jain, Lacey Elizabeth Dobrolecki, Gabrielle A Wells, Hugo Villanueva, Jenny Li, Xuefeng Liu, Roni J Bollag, Anna Malovannaya, Sung Yun Jung, Hyun-Sung Lee, Irfan A Asangani, Martha K Terris, Chad J Creighton, Leomar Y Ballester, Balasubramanyam Karanam, Suyu Liu, Minjae Lee, Rajeeva R Raju, M Minhaj Siddiqui, Livia S Eberlin, Ramakrishna Kommagani, Arun Sreekumar, Jianjun Gao, Nicolas L Young, H Courtney Hodges, Cristian Coarfa, Natalie R Gassman, Seth P Lerner, Yair Lotan, Nagireddy Putluri

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Cigarette smoke promotes bladder tumor growth by enhancing cancer cell survival and proliferation through smoke mediated carcinogens. FASN, a key enzyme in fatty acid synthesis, is dysregulated in many cancers and correlates with aggressive phenotypes. In this study, we demonstrate elevated fatty acid levels and FASN specifically in smokers with bladder cancer. Elevated FASN under smoke exposure imparted epigenetic alterations, particularly histone acetylation, impacts DNA repair and DNA-binding transcription factors which regulate metabolic pathways. Under cigarette smoke, bladder cancer cells undergo a metabolic shift, utilizing glutamine as a major carbon source through reductive carboxylation to fuel fatty acid biosynthesis via …

Understanding Brain Fog During Menopause, Cris Meier, Moth Huenemann, Ashley Yaugher, Cara Murray

All Current Publications

Brain fog is an inability to concentrate or think clearly and is a common symptom of perimenopause and early in the menopause phase. While not everyone who goes through menopause will have brain fog, it is a common symptom, and it can be helpful to understand why brain fog occurs. This fact sheet provides helpful information to understand brain fog and ideas you can use to manage it.

Vitamin D As A Candidate Host Susceptibility Factor In Sugar-Driven Oral Dysbiosis, Moldir Turaliyeva, Nuraly S. Akimbekov, Ilya Digel, Adil Y. Yerezhepov, Mohammed Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

Introduction: Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) represent a modifiable dietary factor that promotes oral dysbiosis by supplying fermentable sugars and generating low-pH conditions that favor acidogenic and acid-tolerant biofilms. Vitamin D plays a biologically significant role in oral host defense through regulation of the epithelial barrier, induction of antimicrobial peptides, immune modulation, inflammatory control, and mineral metabolism. However, the extent to which vitamin D modifies the SSB -oral microbiome -disease pathway in humans remains unclear.

Methods: This narrative-conceptual review employed structured evidence mapping. Relevant literature was identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection, with additional sources obtained via citation …

Potential Effects Of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation On Oral And Systemic Health Outcomes, Rahnuma Ahmad, Muhammad Noorani, Mainul Haque, Mohammed Razzaque

School of Medicine Publications

No abstract provided.

Bridging Fiscal Sustainability And Health Equity: A Policy Analysis Of California’S Healthcare Coverage Safeguards, Guadalupe Castaneda Martinez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Without structural policy intervention, approximately 4.6 million Californians remain at risk of being uninsured by 2030, worsening racial and ethnic health disparities and hospital uncompensated care burdens. This policy analysis advocates for a hybrid universal coverage model combining sliding-scale subsidies (California Senate Bill 78) with full-scope Medi-Cal expansion for all income-eligible residents regardless of legal status (California Assembly Bill 133). The framework relies on existing funding mechanisms, including the Managed Care Organization tax and the Health Care Affordability Reserve Fund. Comparative analysis indicates that market-only subsidies leave severe equity gaps, whereas immediate single-payer transitions pose substantial fiscal and administrative risks. …

Reduction Of Length Of Stay For Total Joint Replacement Patients, Melody C. Golden

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Prolonged LOS in the PACU for patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery contributes to inefficiencies in patient flow, delayed throughput, and increased resource utilization. At Hospital A, recent LOS averages exceed internal and regional benchmarks, indicating a need for process improvement.

Context: The PACU is a high-volume, fast-paced environment requiring coordination among nursing, physical therapy, anesthesia, and discharge planning teams. Variability in workflow, communication gaps, and inconsistent timing of key processes contribute to delays in discharge readiness.

Interventions: From May through July 31^st, 2026, a quality improvement project was implemented using the Baldrige Excellence …

Robustness Assessment Of Head And Neck Proton Therapy Plans Using Composite Synthetic Cts: A Preliminary Step Toward Ai Driven Anatomy Prediction Planning: A Retrospective Dosimetric Study., Ryan Michael Rodriguez

Masters Projects

Proton therapy is more commonly being utilized for head and neck cancer treatment due to its ability to reduce dose to the surrounding normal tissue. However, one of the biggest challenges in proton treatment is its sensitivity to changes in tissue density, often necessitating adaptive replanning. This study evaluated if incorporating additional synthetic CTs (sCT) datasets during robust optimization can create treatment plans that maintain target coverage and organ sparing despite anatomical changes better than the original nominal plan, thereby reducing the need for adaptive planning in head and neck proton treatment. Ten head and neck cancer patients who underwent …

Under The Surface: A Rare Case Of The En Coup De Sabre Subtype Of Linear Morphea In The Rio Grande Valley, Miguel Lopez, Jared Hensley, Maria Villegas

School of Medicine Publications

Localized scleroderma, also referred to as 'morphea,' is a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the superficial layers of the skin and is characterized by both erythematous and bruise-like lesions with signs of central skin tightening or sclerosis; deeper lesions may be identified as edematous, erythematous plaques in the absence of well-defined borders. A subtype named en coup de sabre (ECDS) exists in the classification of linear morphea and presents with a linear induration on either the face or scalp. Our patient is a 21-year-old Hispanic female initially residing outside of the South Texas region who experienced an onset of skin …

Bibliometric Analysis Of The Top 100 Most Cited Publications From Saudi Arabia Reveals The Predominance Of Medical Fields, Mahmoud Kandeel, Abdulla Al-Taher

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To explore the citation impact, journals, international collaborations, trends of research topics and gain more visibility for the Saudi contribution to the global scientific landscape. Methods: This bibliometric study analyzes the top 100 cited publications affiliated with Saudi Arabia in Scopus, from inception to January 2026. The extracted bibliometric indicators include total citation metrics, sources, collaboration maps, and co-occurrence networks of keywords and collaborations. Results: The results indicate a strong predominance for medicine and health sciences as the subjects of the most prolific and significant number of citations. A substantial proportion of the most cited papers originates from major …

Establishment Of A Specialized Pectus Clinic: Referral Patterns, Diagnostic Characteristics, And Early Management Experience At A University Hospital, Zeead M. Alghamdi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objectives: To describe the establishment and early impact of a dedicated pectus clinic at a university hospital, focusing on patient characteristics, referral pathways, clinical presentation, and initial management strategies. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at a university hospital between January 2020 and April 2025, with 153 patients included in the final analysis. Data collected included demographic characteristics, referral sources, clinical presentation, deformity type, and treatment options. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: The mean patient age was 18.3 (range 1–44) years, with males accounting for 83.9% of cases. Pectus carinatum was the most common diagnosis (48.1%), followed by …

Patterns And Determinants Of Medication Errors Across The Medication-Use Process: A 3-Year Retrospective Study In A Saudi Tertiary Hospital, Nawaf S. Alqurashi, Mazen S. Alshehri, Mohammed J. Almalki, Mustafa M. Muradkhudhari, Rozan M. Radwan, Mohammed M. Aldurdunji, Saleh A. Almazam, Ohood K. Almuzaini, Saad M. Wali

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To characterize medication errors across the full workflow and identify stage-specific predictors in a tertiary care setting. Medication errors remain a major global patient safety concern, with limited comprehensive analyses across all stages of the medication-use process in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using medication error reports from Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, between January 2023 and August 2025. Errors were classified by stage and severity using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention index. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors associated with each stage. Results: A total of 6,546 errors …

Gender Differences In Primary Care Utilization And Determinants Of General Practitioner Visits Among Saudi Females: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using World Health Survey In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia 2019, Ali M. Alzahrani, Holly C. Felix, Abdulrhman A. Alzhrani

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To document the number of visits Saudi adults have with general practitioners (GP) or family medicine doctors (FD), determine if there is an association between GP/FD visits and sex, and then identify factors associated with GP/FD visits among Saudi females. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the 2019 World Health Survey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSAWHS 2019), a nationally representative household survey. The outcome variable was number of visits to GP/FD. Survey-weighted negative binomial regression was applied. Results: From April to July 2019, 8,912 individuals participated in the KSAWHS 2019 individual questionnaire, of whom …

Patient Experiences And Safety Concerns Regarding Glp-1 Receptor Agonists For Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mansour A Tobaiqy, Sulafa T. Alqutub, Mohammed A. Alzahrani, Renad H. Alazwari, Faisal A. Asiri

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To evaluate the perceptions, experiences, and safety concerns of patients regarding the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Obesity is a significant public health issue. The newer anti-obesity medications: GLP-1 receptor agonists, with an increase in therapeutic options. However, little is known about the perceived benefits, safety, cost, and accessibility. Methods: Cross-sectional survey included adults who previously used at least 1 anti-obesity medication and conducted in 3 general hospitals in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during June 2025 to February 2026. The questionnaire was created after reviewing the current evidence and validated the contents. It included questions on demographic …

Patient Safety Culture Among Healthcare Professionals In Jeddah First Health Cluster: A Multi-Professional Cross-Sectional Study, Saad S. Alyazidi, Salah S. Alshagrawi

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: Patient safety culture (PSC) is essential to improve healthcare quality and reduce preventable harm. Despite ongoing healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia, there is limited evidence on healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of PSC in newly established health clusters. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCPs in 6 government hospitals within the Jeddah First Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered utilizing the Hospital Survey on PSC (HSOPSC). Descriptive measurement sand multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate perceptions of PSC and associated factors. Results: A total of 256 HCPs participated in the study. Overall, PSC was perceived as …

The Al-Bahah Paradox: Divergent Patterns Of Increased And Decreased Infectious Disease Incidence Relative To National Saudi Rates Over 12 Years Of Surveillance, Mohammed A. A. Alqumber

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To identify statistically significant deviations in notifiable infectious disease incidence between Al-Bahah region and national Saudi averages, and to generate hypotheses that may inform future epidemiological, microbiological, and public health investigations. Methods: In April 2026, a 12-year retrospective ecological study (2013–2024) was conducted using surveillance data from the Saudi Ministry of Health for 37 notifiable infectious diseases across 20 health regions. Cumulative incidence rates, standardized morbidity ratios (SMRs), and Z-tests compared observed cases in Al-Bahah against national estimates. Results: Overall incidence was 15.8% lower in Al-Bahah than nationally (86.42 versus 102.68; incidence rate ratios = 0.842; p …

Preoperative Urine Albumin-To-Creatinine Ratio Predicts Acute Kidney Injury After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, Ahmed M. Alkhunaizi, Jumana A. Al Naser, Khaled D. Algarni, Suhaib M. Ahmed, Amro M. Moubarak, Haralabos D. Parissis

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: To prospectively evaluate whether baseline urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) predicts acute kidney injury (AKI) and postoperative decline in kidney function in elective, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and explore the magnitude of effect across clinically relevant uACR strata. Preoperative uACR is a marker of glomerular endothelial dysfunction and systemic microvascular injury that may identify patients at increased risk for AKI after CABG. Methods: In this single-center prospective cohort study, 111 adults undergoing elective, isolated CABG between January 2020 and December 2024 were stratified by baseline uACR (< 30, 30–300, > 300 milligram/gram[mg/g]). The primary outcome was AKI defined by Kidney …

The Case For Gulf Region-Specific Peripheral Artery Disease Trials: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Hosaam H. Nasr, Faisal A. Almudaiheem

Saudi Medical Journal

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) research is globally underrepresented, with landmark trials like Best Endovascular Surgical Therapy for Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia and Bypass versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischemia of the Leg predominantly featuring white, Western populations. These studies fail to account for the unique clinical landscape of the Gulf region, where PAD prevalence reaches up to 13.7%. Gulf patients present at younger ages and face a disproportionately high diabetes burden, with regional prevalence near 18%, nearly double that of Europe. Beyond metabolic factors, the Gulf population exhibits distinct genetic architectures, including high rates of consanguinity and familial hypercholesterolemia. Because …

Meta-Analysis On The Effect Of Tai Chi Chuan On Human Biomechanics And Health From (2021–2025), Bijad S. Alqahtani, Husam A. Almalki

Saudi Medical Journal

Objective: Prior reviews emphasize overall health outcomes of Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) but rarely resolve the biomechanical intermediates (such as Center of Mass (CoM)–Center of Pressure (CoP) control, joint loading) that link practice to clinical function—knowledge that matters for balance, fall risk, and osteoarthritic knee load management. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to test the null hypothesis that TCC produces no improvement versus comparators in (i) biomechanical stability indices (mediolateral/anterior–posterior CoM–CoP separation; COP Root Mean Square RMS) and (ii) related clinical functions (such as Time up and go (TUG), Berg balance scale (BBS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis …