Systematic Review
The diagnostic accuracy of RT-PCR from self-collected saliva versus nasopharyngeal sampling. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve of the included studies. CI: confidence interval
Kim et al evaluate the diagnostic utility of self-collected saliva in coronavirus desease-19 (COVID-19) screening procedures. A total of 6 databases are reviewed from their inception. Sensitivity and specificity are measured by extracting items (true-positive, true-negative, false-positive and false-negative) from each paper. They evaluate the diagnostic accuracy based on Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies, version 2. They calculate the area under the curve (AUC) of summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve designed from diagnostic accuracy. The SROC method derives both sensitivity and specificity through meta-analysis. They concluded that naso/oropharyngeal swab tests are the most accurate and important diagnostic tools, but the saliva-based testing method also can be used as a suitable alternative test, with the advantages of increased patient convenience, efficient testing, and the need for fewer medical staff and resources. In particular, simple collecting method such as drooling or spitting without coughing would be effective in evaluating the symptomatic patients.
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Original Articles
Artificial intelligence in radiology. Are Saudi residents ready, prepared, and knowledgeable?
Khafaji et al assess the knowledge and perception of artificial intelligence (AI) among radiology residents across Saudi Arabia and assess their interest in learning about AI. An observational cross-sectional study carried out among radiology residents enrolling in the Saudi Board of Radiology, Saudi Arabia. An anonymized, self-administered questionnaire is distributed and responses are collected. The top 3 aspects of AI participants wants to learn are: clinical use of AI applications, advantages and limitations of AI applications, and technical methods. Approximately 43.5% of participants did not expect AI to affect job positions, while 42% anticipate that job positions will decrease. Approximately 53% expects a reduction in reporting workload, while 28% expects an increase in workload. They concluded that the exposure of radiologists to the use of AI is inadequate. It is imperative that AI is introduced to radiology trainees and that radiologists stay updated with advances in AI to be more knowledgeable on how to benefit from it.
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Distribution of physician’s specialty.
Knowledge and attitudes of physicians toward forensic psychiatry in Saudi Arabia
Alghamdi et al assess the knowledge and attitudes of physicians of different specialties, including psychiatrists, regarding forensic psychiatry to determine whether further modification or training is needed in the psychiatry residency program. This cross-sectional study is carried out using a 3-page, 3-section questionnaire containing 21 questions disseminated randomly online via Google forms using social media platforms. The 482 participants are residents, specialists, and consultants of various specialties. The study is conducted in various tertiary hospitals across Saudi Arabia. The most common age group is 25-35 years, comprising mostly Saudis (62.4%). Based on the results, “poor” and “good” knowledge of forensic psychiatry is identified in 89% and 11% of the physicians, while “negative” and “positive” attitudes is identified in 16.4% and 83.6% of the physicians. They concluded that the perspective of physicians regarding forensic psychiatry is found to be positive, but their knowledge of the topic seems to be lacking.
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Case Report
A limited form of granulomatosis with polyangiitis in an ulcerative colitis patient receiving sulfasalazine
A computerized tomography scan orbit coronal cut showing bulky right extra ocular muscles with enlarged optic nerve compared with his the left side (inflammatory process).
Alokaily et al discuss a case report of a 31-year-old lady who is known to have ulcerative colitis for 15 years and is on mesalazine. She is present with periorbital swelling, sinusitis, epistaxis, and is found to have positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody and anti-proteinase-3 of a high titer. Biopsy from the maxillary sinus shows chronic non-specific inflammation and biopsy from the periorbital fat reveals inflammation and granulomatous changes. She has no other organ involvement. She is diagnosed with a limited form of granumatosis and polyangiitis and treated with methotrexate and prednisolone. The symptoms disappears after treatment.
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