Public Awareness regarding Common Eye Diseases among Saudi Adults in Riyadh City: A Quantitative Study

Aim. The current study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of eye disease and awareness of eye care among the Saudi adults and to explore existing eye-related misconceptions in the community. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh city during May and June 2016. A self-administered anonymous online questionnaire was used to explore the most common misconceptions related to eye diseases and eye care. Results. Out of 1000 individuals, only 711 (71.1%) participant responses were received. The participants’ acceptable knowledge (score ≥50%) was high about the eye problem in diabetes (88.6%), ocular trauma (81.2%), and other general eye diseases (91.3%), whereas low about refractive errors (63%), pediatric eye problems (51.5%), and glaucoma (14.8%). The variation in knowledge about specific ocular morbidities was significant (p&lt;0.001). The majority of participants reported sources of information about the common eye diseases and eye care encountered from the community, internet-based resources, and social media. Conclusions. The majority of the participants had awareness about the common eye diseases, whereas low percentage of participant’s awareness about specific condition of eye diseases. Public eye health awareness should be more focused on social media and the internet to be able to cover the younger individuals of the community.</jats:p

A study on the prospects of vacuum gamma irradiation to enhance crosslinking for 3D-Printing PLA/MCC biocomposite filaments

3D-printing or Additive Manufacturing (AM) has been growing as a rapid manufacturing process for many different applications, with Poly (Lactic Acid) as one of the most used materials for 3D-printing. PLA shows great promise for many applications to achieve the goals of the SDGs due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility but lacks when it comes to mechanical strength and thermal resistance. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) fibers were introduced as a reinforcement to PLA. The biocomposite filaments were irradiated in a vacuum to enhance the crosslinking. Gamma-ray irradiation in a vacuum has successfully shown signs of crosslinking by increasing the tensile strength and thermal stability of the biocomposite, indicating an enhancement for PLA/MCC for various applications. On the other hand, changes in thermal properties also indicated that irradiation may reduce the processability of the composite, so it is necessary to study the conditions under which the mechanical properties and processability are compatible

Risk Factors and Characterization of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Jordan (Preprint)

BACKGROUND There is controversial information about the sequelae of COVID-19 after recovery, or post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Despite the considerable number of studies on COVID-19, proportionally, there is a scarcity of literature addressing PCS, particularly the risk factors causing this syndrome. Determining the prevalence, most common manifestations of PCS, and the possible related risk factors is an important issue. OBJECTIVE To fill these gaps, the aim of this study was to detect the prevalence and risk factors for the development of PCS, and to identify the symptoms and their relation to the sociodemographic and medical characteristics of patients who survived COVID-19 after more than 3 months from onset of illness throughout Jordan. METHODS A cross-sectional, online questionnaire–based study was conducted. This questionnaire was posted to the association of “My experience with COVID-19” in Jordan. Sociodemographic and COVID-19 illness information was collected from 657 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 at least 3 months after the illness started. RESULTS The PCS prevalence was 71.9%, including patients who experienced at least one PCS symptom. The most common symptoms included dyspnea, fatigue, taste and smell impairment, cough, and depression. Six factors were found to significantly increase the risk of PCS: being female (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% CI 1.409-2.856), aged ≥30 years (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16-2.33), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.978, 95% CI 1.08-8.21), hypertension (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.118-4.423), respiratory disease (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.21-4.501), and neuropsychological disturbance during illness (OR 3.79, 95% CI 2.574-5.573). These patients also showed a significantly higher rate of PCS than their counter groups. Therefore, females, aged ≥30 years, comorbidity, and neuropsychological disturbance during illness are considered to be risk factors for PCS. CONCLUSIONS The PCS prevalence is high in Jordan, particularly among certain populations such as females; aged ≥30 years; those with a neuropsychological disturbance during illness; and having a comorbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases, which were associated with a significantly higher risk for the development of PCS manifestations. In other words, these populations should be considered as a risk group for PCS occurrence. Therefore, COVID-19 infection treatment should not only be administered during the acute episode but should continue for several months after recovery of the patient. In addition, the PCS period will require further scientific study and investigation along with early interventions, including rehabilitation. Therefore, we now have to start the steps in preparing for this unavoidable problem to improve the health care system and enhance the management of patients during the PCS period. Psychological and medical support is highly recommended during and after a COVID-19 episode, particularly for the high-risk groups. </sec

Risk Factors and Characterization of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Jordan

Background There is controversial information about the sequelae of COVID-19 after recovery, or post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). Despite the considerable number of studies on COVID-19, proportionally, there is a scarcity of literature addressing PCS, particularly the risk factors causing this syndrome. Determining the prevalence, most common manifestations of PCS, and the possible related risk factors is an important issue. Objective To fill these gaps, the aim of this study was to detect the prevalence and risk factors for the development of PCS, and to identify the symptoms and their relation to the sociodemographic and medical characteristics of patients who survived COVID-19 after more than 3 months from onset of illness throughout Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional, online questionnaire–based study was conducted. This questionnaire was posted to the association of “My experience with COVID-19” in Jordan. Sociodemographic and COVID-19 illness information was collected from 657 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 at least 3 months after the illness started. Results The PCS prevalence was 71.9%, including patients who experienced at least one PCS symptom. The most common symptoms included dyspnea, fatigue, taste and smell impairment, cough, and depression. Six factors were found to significantly increase the risk of PCS: being female (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% CI 1.409-2.856), aged ≥30 years (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.16-2.33), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.978, 95% CI 1.08-8.21), hypertension (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.118-4.423), respiratory disease (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.21-4.501), and neuropsychological disturbance during illness (OR 3.79, 95% CI 2.574-5.573). These patients also showed a significantly higher rate of PCS than their counter groups. Therefore, females, aged ≥30 years, comorbidity, and neuropsychological disturbance during illness are considered to be risk factors for PCS. Conclusions The PCS prevalence is high in Jordan, particularly among certain populations such as females; aged ≥30 years; those with a neuropsychological disturbance during illness; and having a comorbidity such as diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases, which were associated with a significantly higher risk for the development of PCS manifestations. In other words, these populations should be considered as a risk group for PCS occurrence. Therefore, COVID-19 infection treatment should not only be administered during the acute episode but should continue for several months after recovery of the patient. In addition, the PCS period will require further scientific study and investigation along with early interventions, including rehabilitation. Therefore, we now have to start the steps in preparing for this unavoidable problem to improve the health care system and enhance the management of patients during the PCS period. Psychological and medical support is highly recommended during and after a COVID-19 episode, particularly for the high-risk groups. </jats:sec

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population