Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) is a medical university in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The university was established by the Ras Al Khaimah Human Development Foundation (RAK – HDF) under the leadership of Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Chancellor of the University. RAK-HDF is a joint venture of the Ras Al Khaimah Government, Al Ghurair Investments and ETA Ascon Group, Dubai.
Background: Career plateauing is an increasingly recognized workforce challenge in nursing, associated with reduced motivation, professional growth, and retention. While organizational support and role-related factors are known to influence nurses' work outcomes, their combined effect on career plateauing remains insufficiently explored, particularly in university hospital settings. Aim: This study aimed to examine the effect of perceived organizational support, role clarity, and role ambiguity on career plateauing among staff nurses working in university hospitals. Methods: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected from 210 staff nurses working in two Egyptian university hospitals using four validated instruments: a demographic data sheet, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, the Role Clarity and Role Ambiguity Questionnaire, and the Career Plateauing Scale. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses with SPSS version 27. Results: Most nurses reported moderate levels of organizational support (85.2%) and career plateauing (84.3%). Role ambiguity demonstrated a significant negative correlation with career plateauing (r = -0.441, p < 0.01), while organizational support and role clarity were positively associated with plateauing perceptions. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that role ambiguity was the strongest predictor of both hierarchical and job content plateauing (p < 0.001), followed by role clarity and organizational support. Conclusions: Reducing role ambiguity may alleviate perceptions of career plateauing among nurses. However, increased organizational support and role clarity alone may heighten awareness of limited advancement opportunities if not accompanied by tangible career development pathways. Nursing leaders should focus on clarifying roles while creating realistic and transparent opportunities for professional growth.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily associated with dopaminergic neuron loss and dopamine depletion in the brain. Despite the availability of several pharmacological treatments, effective management remains challenging due to the limited ability of most therapeutic agents to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Intranasal drug delivery (INDD) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive strategy to bypass the BBB and deliver drugs directly to the central nervous system through the olfactory and trigeminal pathways. This review summarizes and critically evaluates the various formulation-based approaches that have been explored for intranasal delivery of therapeutic agents in PD, including nanoemulsions, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes, nanomicelles, and in situ gels. Special emphasis is placed on their mechanisms of brain targeting, pharmacokinetic advantages, and therapeutic outcomes in preclinical and clinical studies. The potential of delivering both dopaminergic drugs and neuroprotective biomolecules—such as peptides, growth factors, insulin, and GLP-1 receptor agonists- via the intranasal route is also discussed. Overall, the review highlights INDD as a versatile and effective platform for enhancing brain delivery of PD therapeutics and paving the way for improved patient outcomes.
Inclisiran is a novel small interfering RNA therapeutic developed to lower lipid levels by targeting hepatic production of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Unlike monoclonal antibodies, Inclisiran silences messenger RNA expression, resulting in sustained reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with infrequent dosing. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and clinical applicability of Inclisiran across randomized controlled trials. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases up to December 2024. This meta-analysis updates the global evidence base by incorporating 14 randomized trials (> 13,000 participants) identified through December 2024. Beyond earlier syntheses, it provides pooled analyses of multiple lipid parameters, phenotype-stratified subgroup and sensitivity analyses, and meta-regression for baseline LDL-C and statin use, thereby offering the most comprehensive and clinically differentiated evaluation of inclisiran to date. The primary outcome was the mean change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients treated with Inclisiran compared to placebo. Data was pooled using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic, and publication bias was evaluated with funnel plot analysis. Inclisiran treatment resulted in a significant mean reduction of 44.9
The inflammatory skin condition known as diaper dermatitis (DD) often affects infants and preschoolers. Barrier preparations are commonly used in their management, but their effectiveness remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the extent to which barrier preparations reduce DD compared to a placebo or other therapies. To gather relevant information, we conducted electronic searches on databases such as Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Google Scholar for data extraction. We included studies based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-randomized controlled studies, and cohort studies. The collected data were analyzed using RevMan version 5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, London, United Kingdom) for Windows. This study included a total of six studies, comprising four randomized controlled trials and two cohort studies. The analysis focused on the incidence rates of dermatitis among both experimental and placebo groups across approximately four studies. A significant difference in dermatitis prevalence was observed between the intervention and placebo groups (odds ratio {ORs} = 0.77; confidence interval {CI} = 0.37-1.61; p = 0.0002), with notable heterogeneity noted (degrees of freedom {df} = 3; I2 = 79%). Among the six included studies, clotrimazole emerged as an effective management strategy, demonstrating minimal incidence rates of dermatitis compared to placebo. Additionally, zinc oxide (ZnO) paste showed effectiveness in managing diaper dermatitis among neonates. The use of diaper cream or moisturizers, along with soap, was found to be effective in preventing nappy rash. However, only one study reported no efficacy of petroleum jelly or Vaseline in reducing the severity and incidence of dermatitis symptoms. The effectiveness of barrier preparations in treating DD varies depending on the preparation and study design. Clotrimazole shows potential, especially for suspected fungal infections. To gain a deeper understanding of barrier preparations, identify the factors influencing their efficacy, and explore their role in high-risk patients, additional research is necessary.
Biomaterials and tissue engineering have undergone significant advances, particularly with the integration of nanoscience technology. Recent progress in nanostructured scaffolds and nanoparticle-based delivery systems has provided novel opportunities for tissue regeneration. However, the key challenges remain and must be addressed. These include the optimization of the long-term stability of nanoengineered constructs and addressing the concerns regarding nanotoxicity. Fine-tuned mechanical properties enable the adoption of vehicle-based targeted approaches to drug and gene delivery. However, much remains to be learned regarding the interactions between nanomaterials and tissues. Comprehensive safety assessments and standardized toxicity evaluations are essential for clinical translation. These emerging technologies combine the three-dimensional bioprinting of induced pluripotent stem cells with nanomaterials and new pathways for personalized medicine. Nanoengineered smart materials and biosensors have the potential to enable real-time monitoring of engineered tissues, which can pave the way for unparalleled advances in personalized therapies, particularly for chronic diseases. The bioactivity of nanomaterials offers new avenues for tissue regeneration. This review explores the status, successes, challenges, and future directions of biomaterials and tissue engineering, with a specific focus on nanoscience applications. Key areas for future research include nano-bio-interfaces, in situ tissue remodeling, and biofabrication techniques. These insights can guide researchers to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of nanoscience, related biomaterials, and tissue engineering. The integration of nanomaterials into tissue engineering is an emerging and advanced field that has significant implications for regenerative medicine.