Estimation of an Individual Stature Using Foot, Foot Outlines and Footprint Measurements in Adult Saudi Population

Identification of an individual is considered one of the fundamental challenges for forensic scientists, especially from dismembered and mutilated body parts. To limit the pool of conceivable suspects in the forensic investigation process, footprints and foot outlines found at the crime scene are used to ease estimation of stature. The current study aimed to estimate individual stature using foot, foot outline and footprint measurements in a Saudi Arabian population. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on two hundred healthy medical students from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. Stature measurements and eight foot, foot outline and footprint measurements were taken from both sides. Saudi adult males were significantly taller than Saudi females. All measurement values were significantly higher in adult males than in adult females. Most measurements were considered to be positively correlated with stature in both sexes. Regression equations and multiple regression equations for stature determination from all measurements in both male and females on both sides were created. This study has demonstrated the reliability and utility of foot, foot outline and footprint measurements in stature estimation in a Saudi Arabian population that comparable standards developed from foot bones.

Root Resorption of Adjacent Teeth Associated with Maxillary Canine Impaction in the Saudi Arabian Population: A Cross-Sectional Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Study

This study aimed to identify the location of root resorption in relation to an impacted maxillary canine and grade its severity using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the Saudi Arabian population. Materials and Methods: CBCT scans of 169 patients with maxillary canine impaction were evaluated. The location and the severity of root resorption of the affected tooth in relation to the impacted maxillary canine were recorded for each patient. Results: a total 204 impacted maxillary canines caused root resorption in 218 adjacent teeth. Maximum root resorption was present in 63.3% of the apical one-third of the root and 37.6% of the palatal surfaces. There was mild root resorption in 55%, moderate in 10% and severe in 35%. There was no statistically significant difference between the gender, age, type of impaction, side of impaction, and the number, location, or degree of root resorption. Multiple logistic regression models showed significant association (p = 0.024) between gender, type of impaction, and root resorption. A significant correlation was found between the level and the surface of the root resorption (p = 0.018). Conclusion: In the Saudi population, apical one-third root levels and palatal surfaces were primarily involved in root resorption caused by impacted canines. The females with bilateral canine impaction were more likely affected by root resorption.

Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Intention among the Saudi Arabian Population: A Cross-Sectional Survey

The long-term solution to managing the current COVID-19 pandemic is through mass immunization of the population. However, uncertainty or unwillingness to receive the vaccine could be a barrier in attaining sufficient vaccine coverage. Therefore, understanding the psychology of the population towards the vaccines against COVID-19 is of paramount importance. Our study was aimed at determining the predictors of COVID-19 vaccine intention in the Saudi Arabian population. A structured questionnaire guided by the ‘Report of the SAGE working group on vaccine hesitancy’ was administered during a span of two months among the general population from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. In total, 879 out of 1600 subjects responded and completed the survey (response rate 54.9%). About 56 percent of the participants intended to be vaccinated. The predictors of a higher intention to vaccinate included those 50 years of age or older, male subjects, people suffering from systemic disease/s, subjects who were not previously infected with COVID-19, those who follow the updates about COVID-19 vaccines, and adults with a higher level of anxiety about contracting coronavirus (p < 0.05). Results from our study and other similar studies can aid policy makers and stakeholders in planning effective strategies based on the changing behavior of the population.