Prevalence of Hypertension in Hail Region, KSA: in a Comprehensive Survey

Hypertension is a global pandemic; thus, the purpose of this study was to estimate the current prevalence of hypertension in Hail Region, KSA. The study used a cross-sectional survey of Saudi civilian, included 5000 individuals selected from 30 primary health care centers (PHCs) in Hail Region. The results shows that the overall prevalence of hypertension in Hail was 30.2%. The prevalence of male was 30.8% and female was 29.6% (P <0.0001). The risk of hypertension increases with the increase of age, as well as, with increasing of body mass index (BMI) and this was found to be statistically significant p < 0.0001. The results designate that Hypertension is a chief health problem in Hail Region that necessitate urgent intervention control measures. Improved community-based awareness and prevention efforts are strongly needed to address the modifiable factors

Recent Developments in Production and Biotechnological Applications of C-Phycocyanin

An extensive range of pigments including phycobiliproteins are present in algae. C-phycocyanin (C-PC), a phycobiliprotein, is one of the key pigments of Spirulina, a microalgae used in many countries as a dietary supplement. Algal pigments have massive commercial value as natural colorants in nutraceutical, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, besides their health benefits. At present, increasing awareness of harmful effects of synthetic compounds and inclination of community towards the usage of natural products have led to the exploitation of microalgae as a source of natural pigments/colors. This review describes recent findings about the sources and production of C-PC, with emphasis on specific techniques for extraction and purification, along with potential industrial applications in diagnostics, foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries

Prevalence of Obesity in Hail Region, KSA: In a Comprehensive Survey

Background. Obesity contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. We, therefore, aimed to provide epidemiological data on the prevalence of obesity in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methodology. Data were collected during cross-sectional survey which included 5000 Saudi selected from 30 primary health care centers (PHCs) in Hail Region. Results. The overall prevalence of obesity in Hail was 63.6%. Moreover, the prevalence of males was 56.2% and the prevalence of females was 71%. Conclusion. Obesity is prevalent in the Hail Region which necessitates urgent interventions including health education

ISSN 2347-954X (Print) Community Based screening for Susceptibility to Renal Failure (RF) among Relatives of diagnosed patients with RF in Hail region

Abstract: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the susceptibility for renal failure among relatives of those with renal failure in Hail region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study included first degree relatives of 100 Saudi patients with renal failure who has regular dialysis in dialysis center at King Khalid Hospital in Hail city, KSA. About 466 participants were selected for this study. In results of the 400 individuals, CKD was indicated in 40/400 (10%) patients. Of the 40 patients with CKD, 36/40 (90%) were with GFR levels 60 to 31 ml/min/1.73m 2 and the remaining 4/40 (10%) were with GFR levels 30 to 20 ml/min/1.73m 2 . In conclusion the susceptibility for CKD and subsequent renal failure is high among relatives of patients with kidney failure in Hail Region, KSA

A Multi-Point Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles among Clinical Isolates of Gram-Negative Bacteria Recovered from Major Ha’il Hospitals, Saudi Arabia

The devastating nosocomial resistance is an on-going global concern. Surveillance of resistance is crucial for efficient patient care. This study was aimed to conduct a surveillance in four major Ha’il Hospitals from September to December 2020. Using a multipoint program, records of 621 non-duplicate Gram-negative cultures were tested across 21 drugs belonging to different categories. Major species were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 187, 30%), E. coli (n = 151, 24.5%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, (n = 84, 13.6%), Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 82, 13.3%), and Proteus mirabilis (n = 46, 7%). Based on recent resistance classifications, A. baumanni, P. aeruginosa, and enteric bacteria were defined as pan-resistant, extremely resistant, and multi-drug resistant, respectively. A. baumannii (35%) and K. pneumoniae (23%) dominated among coinfections in SARS-CoV2 patients. The “other Gram-negative bacteria” (n = 77, 12.5%) from diverse sources showed unique species-specific resistance patterns, while sharing a common Gram-negative resistance profile. Among these, Providencia stuartii was reported for the first time in Ha’il. In addition, specimen source, age, and gender differences played significant roles in susceptibility. Overall infection rates were 30% in ICU, 17.5% in medical wards, and 13.5% in COVID-19 zones, mostly in male (59%) senior (54%) patients. In ICU, infections were caused by P. mirabilis (52%), A. baumannii (49%), P. aeruginosa (41%), K. pneumoniae (24%), and E. coli (21%), and most of the respiratory infections were caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae and UTI by K. pneumoniae and E. coli. While impressive IC, hospital performances, and alternative treatment options still exist, the spread of resistant Gram-negative bacteria is concerning especially in geriatric patients. The high selective SARS-CoV2 coinfection by A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, unlike the low global rates, warrants further vertical studies. Attributes of resistances are multifactorial in Saudi Arabia because of its global partnership as the largest economic and pilgrimage hub with close social and cultural ties in the region, especially during conflicts and political unrests. However, introduction of advanced inter-laboratory networks for genome-based surveillances is expected to reduce nosocomial resistances