Review
Infectious Diseases
Selim Badur, Mansour Khalaf, Serdar Ozturk, Rajaa Al-Raddadi, Ashraf Amir, Fayssal Farahat, Atef Shibl
Summary: The outbreaks of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) associated with Hajj and Umrah pilgrimage events in Saudi Arabia have been well recognized. The introduction of broader immunization strategies for pilgrims has led to substantial declines in IMD cases. However, there is still the potential for future outbreaks within Saudi Arabia or in local populations via transmission from returning pilgrims. Compliance with visa/entry immunization regulations and the use of conjugated MenACWY vaccine can provide more robust protection for pilgrims.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Laurent Coudeville, Amine Amiche, Ashrafur Rahman, Julien Arino, Biao Tang, Ombeline Jollivet, Alp Dogu, Edward Thommes, Jianhong Wu
Summary: The study found that the Hajj pilgrimage has a significant impact on the transmission of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD), affecting both pilgrims and the local population. Quadrivalent ACWY vaccination was found to be highly effective in reducing the risk of outbreaks during Hajj.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Khalil Chikhaoui, Mohammed Elrashidy, Motaz Alfarraj, Ali H. Muqaibel, Rida Sadagah, Abdullah Sharqawi
Summary: This research introduces a solution that utilizes smartphone sensors to monitor Hajj and Umrah activities in real-time. By tracking the pilgrim's path and developing an algorithm, helpful instructions can be provided to improve the pilgrim experience. The proposed system was tested and validated with positive results, effectively extracting paths and monitoring different activities.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Abdulaziz Mushi, Alhanouf Aburas, Lamis Alabdullatif, Mariyyah Alburayh, Anas Khan
Summary: The study examined the prevalence and management of gastrointestinal symptoms among adult pilgrims during the 2019 Hajj, as well as their knowledge and practice regarding food and water safety. While most pilgrims demonstrated good knowledge and behavior, risky practices were identified, indicating the need for targeted interventions to reduce the burden of food and water-borne diseases during mass gatherings like the Hajj.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohd Khaled Shambour, Adnan Gutub
Summary: The research examines the technologies and their applications in the Hajj and Umrah system, categorizing studies into four main branches based on service areas, including studies of the holy sites, pre-arrival visitors, housing and services, and transportation and crowd management. These classified studies were analyzed in detail to provide improvements for current technologies and discuss unresolved issues that require further research.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Ahmad J. Showail
Summary: This paper classifies and summarizes research efforts over the past 33 years that have used information and communication technologies to address challenges related to Hajj and Umrah. The article lists over 30 technologies and proposes new technologies to address unresolved challenges.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Riad Alharbey, Ameen Banjar, Yahia Said, Mohamed Atri, Abdulrahman Alshdadi, Mohamed Abid
Summary: In this paper, a crowd management process based on artificial intelligence techniques is proposed to detect, track, and count human faces for efficient management in overcrowded areas. The improved Yolo v4 model is used for face detection and tracking, achieving good results in high-resolution images. The integration of adaptive attention mechanism further improves the model's performance. The proposed method is demonstrated to be efficient through extensive experimentation.
CMC-COMPUTERS MATERIALS & CONTINUA
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Edwin J. Asturias, Xilian Bai, Julie A. Bettinger, Ray Borrow, Delia Nais Castillo, Dominique A. Caugant, Grettel Chanto Chacon, Ener Cagri Dinleyici, Gabriela Echaniz-Aviles, Luis Garcia, Linda Glennie, Lee H. Harrison, Rebecca L. Howie, Mark Itsko, Jay Lucidarme, Jose Eduardo Oliva Marin, Henju Marjuki, Lucy A. McNamara, Mustapha M. Mustapha, Joan L. Robinson, Belkis Romeu, Manish Sadarangani, Xavier Saez-Llorens, Marco A. P. Safadi, David S. Stephens, James M. Stuart, Muhamed-Kheir Taha, Raymond S. W. Tsang, Julio Vazquez, Philippe De Wals
Summary: This review summarizes the recent Global Meningococcal Initiative (GMI) regional meeting, which focused on meningococcal disease in North America. Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) cases are monitored through passive and active surveillance networks. While IMD appears to be decreasing in many areas, there are regional variations and outbreaks among high-risk populations. Vaccination practices differ across North America, but overall vaccine uptake remains high.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Milagritos D. Tapia, Samba O. Sow, Abdi Naficy, Fatoumata Diallo, Fadima C. Haidara, Amol Chaudhari, Lionel Martellet, Awa Traore, Kelly Townsend-Payne, Ray Borrow, Nancy Hosken, Igor Smolenov, Sambhaji S. Pisal, F. Marc LaForce, Rajeev M. Dhere, Dhananjay Kapse, Yuxiao Tang, Mark R. Alderson, Prasad S. Kulkarni
Summary: This study in Mali investigated the efficacy of a new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine including serogroup X, showing higher antibody titers compared to the standard quadrivalent vaccine.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Abdulaziz Mushi, Mamdouh Bukhari, Talib Banasser, Anas Khan
Summary: This study investigated the carriage of Neisseria meningitidis among Umrah pilgrims in 2019 and identified low carriage rates but invasive serogroups. It is recommended that preventive measures for meningococcal disease among Umrah pilgrims should be regularly reviewed and updated to reduce the risk of disease and future outbreaks.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rose G. Bender, Jasmine Shen, Aleksandr Aravkin, Andre Arsene Bita Fouda, Ado M. Bwaka, Natalie C. Galles, Emily Haeuser, Simon I. Hay, Anderson Latt, Jason M. Mwenda, Emma L. B. Rogowski, Alyssa N. Sbarra, Reed J. D. Sorensen, Avina Vongpradith, Claire Wright, Peng Zheng, Jonathan F. Mosser, Hmwe H. Kyu
Summary: This modeling study estimated the coverage of the meningococcal A conjugate vaccine (MACV) in the African meningitis belt. The findings showed high coverage in some high-risk locations, but there are still gaps in immunization that require strengthening routine immunization systems.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Abdulaziz Mushi, Bander Balkhi, Andy Stergachis, Anas Khan
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and practices of Hajj pilgrims regarding medication storage and handling during the 2019 Hajj mass gathering. While most pilgrims reported receiving education on proper medication storage, inadequate knowledge and poor practices were identified among some pilgrims. Improving awareness and knowledge about appropriate medication storage and handling among Hajj pilgrims can help reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes during and after the mass gathering.
Article
Immunology
Lene Fogt Lundbo, Zitta Barrella Harboe, Hakon Sandholdt, Lars Smith-Hansen, Palle Valentiner-Branth, Steen Hoffmann, Thomas Benfield
Summary: A Danish case-control study found that certain comorbidities increased the risk of invasive meningococcal disease ranging from 2- to 40-fold. These comorbidities included renal disease, immunological disorders, liver disease, cancer, and solid organ transplantation. Vaccination and appropriate medical care may be necessary for these populations with increased risk.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Agustiningsih Agustiningsih, Irene Lorinda Indalao, Krisnanur A. A. Pangesti, Caecilia H. C. Sukowati, Ririn Ramadhany
Summary: This study describes the influenza infection among Indonesian pilgrims upon arrival and the genetic characterization of imported influenza A/H3N2 virus. Results show that 39.5% of the samples tested positive for influenza virus, with no detection of MERS-CoV. Mutations in the HA gene mainly occurred within antigenic sites A, B, and D. No mutations related to oseltamivir resistance were observed in the NA gene. These findings suggest continuous mutation of the influenza A/H3N2 virus over time.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Litjen (L. J) Tan, Marco Aurelio P. Safadi, Michael Horn, Cristina Regojo Balboa, Elena Moya, Jamie Schanbaum, Pedro Pimenta, Emma Lambert, Lamine Soumahoro, Woo-Yun Sohn, Teresa Bruce, Yara Ruiz Garcia
Summary: The survey found that pediatric vaccination rates, including meningococcal vaccination, have declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most parents believed it was important for their child to continue receiving recommended vaccines, around half of routine vaccine appointments were delayed or canceled. Additionally, 30% of meningitis vaccination appointments were postponed or canceled, with 21% of parents not intending to reschedule.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saber Yezli
Summary: Human exposure to a hot environment during the Hajj pilgrimage increases the risk of heat-related illnesses (HRIs) due to various factors including the climate, diversity of pilgrims, and their health behaviors. The pilgrims generally lack awareness of HRIs and engage in hazardous behaviors that increase their risk. Preventive plans for HRIs during Hajj should address these factors to reduce the burden of these illnesses, and lessons from the Hajj can inform preventive measures for HRIs on a global scale.
REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suliman A. A. Alsagaby, Naif Khalaf Alharbi, Fahad A. A. Alhumaydhi, Faisal Alsubaie, Mohammad Bosaeed, Abdulrhman Aljouie, Abdullah M. M. Assiri, Kanan Alshammari
Summary: This study is the first to report potential risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cancer patients pre- and post-vaccination from Saudi Arabia. Further investigations on these risk factors in a larger cohort are worthwhile to draw a definitive conclusion about their roles in predisposing cancer patients to the infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yaseen M. Arabi, Ayed Y. Asiri, Abdullah M. Assiri, Mashan L. Abdullah, Haya A. Aljami, Hanan H. Balkhy, Majed Al Jeraisy, Yasser Mandourah, Sameera AlJohani, Shmeylan Al Harbi, Hani A. Aziz Jokhdar, Ahmad M. Deeb, Ziad A. Memish, Jesna Jose, Sameeh Ghazal, Sarah Al Faraj, Ghaleb A. Al Mekhlafi, Nisreen Murad Sherbeeni, Fatehi Elnour Elzein, Frederick G. Hayden, Robert A. Fowler, Badriah M. AlMutairi, Abdulaziz Al-Dawood, Naif Khalaf Alharbi
Summary: This sub-study of the MIRACLE trial examined the heterogeneity of treatment effect of interferon-beta 1b and lopinavir-ritonavir in patients with MERS. The findings suggest that interferon-beta 1b and lopinavir-ritonavir can reduce mortality in patients with lower levels of certain cytokines, and early initiation of therapy is more effective.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ahmed A. Alahmari, Anas A. Khan, Fahad A. Alamri, Yasir S. Almuzaini, Faten A. Alradini, Emmad Almohamadi, Sami Alsaeedi, Sari Asiri, Wael Motair, Amr Almadah, Abdullah M. Assiri, Hani A. Jokhdar
Summary: This study evaluated the risk potential of COVID-19 among Hajj pilgrims, the effectiveness of preventive measures, and the potential effect of the Hajj ritual on the epidemiological situation in Saudi Arabia. The results showed that the Saudi mitigation plan successfully limited the risk of COVID-19 transmission during Hajj and contributed to global health security.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Najim Z. Alshahrani, Abdullah M. Assiri, Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Ranjit Sah
ANNALS OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saber Yezli, Altaf H. Khan, Yara M. Yassin, Anas A. Khan, Badriah M. Alotaibi, Abderrezak Bouchama
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between ambient temperature and mortality among Mecca residents and Hajj pilgrims. The findings revealed that pilgrims were more sensitive to high temperatures and had significantly higher mortality rates associated with hot temperatures compared to Mecca residents. These results suggest the need for precision public health measures to protect diverse populations from the impacts of high temperatures during mass gatherings.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Abdulaziz Mushi, Fuad Maashi, Nour M. Abdelmalek, Amnah H. Awam, Badriah M. Alotaibi
Summary: Mass gatherings, such as the Hajj pilgrimage, increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission. A study investigated the burden of undiagnosed and missed active pulmonary TB (PTB) among coughing Hajj pilgrims. It was found that both hospitalized and non-hospitalized pilgrims had a risk of TB, with comorbidities, close contacts with TB cases, cough in households, and previous TB treatment being identified as risk factors. The study highlights the importance of preventive measures to reduce the risk of TB during mass gatherings.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Abdullah Assiri, Ann Moen, Richard Brennan, Abdinasir Abubakar, Wasiq Khan, Ahmed Al Mandhari
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saber Yezli, Altaf H. Khan, Yara M. Yassin, Anas A. Khan, Badriah M. Alotaibi, Abderrezak Bouchama
Summary: This study focuses on the health effects of continuous exposure to high ambient temperatures on people living in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It reveals that extreme heat, higher than 38 degrees C, significantly increases the risk of mortality. This suggests that efforts should be made to accelerate individual adaptation to heat and reorganize society to mitigate the risks of high temperatures.
JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Sujoud Ghallab, Mashan Abdullah, Bisher Abuyassin, Ramesh Vishwakarma, Abderrezak Bouchama
Summary: This systematic review examined the demographic and clinical characteristics, biomarkers, therapy, and outcomes of heat stroke during the Muslim pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest that heat stroke can cause early multiorgan injury and may progress rapidly to organ failure and death if not recognized and treated promptly.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Abderrezak Bouchama, Mamoon Rashid, Shuja Shafi Malik, Saeed Al Mahri, Yara Yassin, Mashan Abdullah, Nour Abdulmalek, Fuad Maashi, Abdulaziz Mashi, Altaf Khan, Badriah Alotaibi, Cynthia Lehe, Sameer Mohammad, Haitham Alkadi, Deemah Al Waadani, Saber Yezli
Summary: An evolutionary heat shock response (HSR) protects most living species, including humans, from heat-induced macromolecular damage. However, its role in the pathogenesis of heat stroke is unknown. We examined the whole genome transcriptome in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of subjects who developed heat stroke versus those who did not. The findings reveal the molecular signature of heat stroke and suggest that a powerful HSR may not be sufficient to protect against heat injury.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Abdulaziz Mushi, Lamis Alabdullatif, Mariyyah Alburayh, Badriah M. Alotaibi, Anas Khan, Lloyd Walsh, Aiswarya Lekshmi, Andrew Walker, Jay Lucidarme, Ray Borrow
Summary: This study investigated the carriage and acquisition of Neisseria meningitidis among travelers to Hajj and found that the carriage and acquisition rates were low, but most isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin used for chemoprophylaxis. Therefore, a review of the current preventive measures for meningococcal disease during Hajj is needed.
TRAVEL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abdullah M. Assiri, Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq, Hani A. Jokhdar, Abdullah R. Algwizani, Ahmed M. Albarraq, Khalid H. Alanazi, Ahlam H. Alamri, Emad L. Almohammadi, Musallam Y. Abuhasan, Haleema A. Alserehi, Fatimah Z. Rebh, Amirah Alrossais, Eman Alawad, Salma AlBahrani
Summary: This study reports the clinical features and outcome of the first cases of monkeypox in Saudi Arabia. The cases were travel-related and involved heterosexual transmission. The clinical course was mild to moderate, with skin rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy as common symptoms.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aeshah Alsagheir, Samer Amer, Lamya Alzubaidi, Fasial Alenezi, Tareef Alamaa, Abdullah Asiri
Summary: The aim of this study was to explore and determine the prevalence of post-COVID-19 conditions (PCCs) among different age groups and to study the predictors of returning to pre-COVID-19 health status. A survey was conducted among 12,121 COVID-19 patients, and it was found that nearly half of them experienced PCCs, with cough, dyspnea, and fatigue being the most common symptoms among different age groups. Most cases required reassurance and health education, while a small percentage needed referral to primary health care centers.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saber Yezli, Yara Yassin, Sujoud Ghallab, Mashan Abdullah, Bisher Abuyassin, Ramesh Vishwakarma, Abderrezak Bouchama
Summary: Heat exhaustion is a common but often overlooked heat-related illness, affecting millions of people annually and expected to increase due to climate change. This systematic review aims to fill the gap in the literature by synthesizing available evidence on risk factors, symptoms, biomarkers, treatment options, and outcomes for heat exhaustion. The review focuses on heat exhaustion during the Muslim pilgrimage, where it is endemic. Ten studies were included, reporting over 1,194 cases of heat exhaustion. Elevated core temperature and cardiac stress were common features, and cooling and hydration therapy were effective in managing the condition, resulting in a low mortality rate. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in reducing complications and mortality.
REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
