Introduction: As early orthodontic intervention plays a crucial role in preventing many malocclusion problems, this cross-sectional study aims to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of the importance of early orthodontic treatment among the Saudi population. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness about the importance of early orthodontic intervention among Saudi people. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between July and December 2025 using a questionnaire distributed through social media. Saudi residents aged >= 18 years who provided consent were included. The instrument captured sociodemographic data and seven awareness items (score range 0-7), categorized as low (0-3), moderate (4-5), or high (6-7). Descriptive statistics summarized responses, and associations between awareness level and participant characteristics were tested (P <= 0.05). Results: A total of 561 participants completed the questionnaire; 74.7% were female, and the mean age was 32.3 +/- 12.6 years. Most respondents considered a beautiful smile important for a child's personality development (96.8%). Regarding malocclusion etiology, 64.9% correctly identified both heredity and deleterious oral habits. Only 43.7% recognized the need to assess space maintenance after premature primary tooth loss, while 39.6% believed no intervention was required. An orthodontist was selected as the preferred first consultant by 62.6%. Knowledge of the recommended timing of first orthodontic consultation was moderate; 41.2% selected age 7, and 10.0% were unsure. Most also agreed that age affects outcomes (72.2%) and growth-treatment possible (59.7%). Overall awareness was moderate in 43.7%, low in 29.2%, and high in 27.1%. Higher awareness was significantly associated with age (P = 0.0001), residential region (P = 0.004), and education level (P = 0.014), but not with gender, marital status, employment, or previous orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: Awareness of early orthodontic intervention among Saudi adults was predominantly moderate, with important misconceptions about space maintenance and consultation timing. Targeted public education and region-sensitive outreach are needed, particularly for younger and less educated groups.
Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of Benincasa hispida ethanolic extract (BHE) against d-galactose-induced neurotoxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, an in vitro model relevant to Alzheimer's disease. Materials and Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were cultured and differentiated using retinoic acid, followed by induction of neurotoxicity with d-galactose (300 & micro;M). Cells were pretreated with different concentrations of BHE. Cell viability was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. Oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes, including reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde assay, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and neurotransmitter-related enzymes, were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based methods. Results: D-galactose significantly reduced cell viability, increased LDH leakage, and elevated oxidative stress markers. Pretreatment with BHE dose-dependently improved cell viability, reduced LDH release, restored antioxidant enzyme levels, and reduced oxidative damage. Conclusion: BHE demonstrated significant neuroprotective and antioxidant effects against d-galactose-induced neuronal damage, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders.
Background: The number of measles cases among fully vaccinated individuals is still higher than expected because of vaccination. A retrospective cohort study was performed in this population using data collected over the course of 2 years - from January 2020 to December 2021 - to provide a detailed epidemiological and laboratory description of measles infections in symptomatic patients presenting to health care facilities throughout Somalia. Methods: In these patients, demographic information (e.g., age, sex, place of residence, available health care center type, socioeconomic status, past history of infections, etc.) and clinical characteristics were pulled from their respective medical records for further analyses. Results: Of all patients tested for measles, 1180 were positive (61.1% males; 38.9% females), with infants <1 year of age/children <15 years accounting for a majority (85%) of cases. Banadir had the highest prevalence of reported cases (n = 808, 68%), while the lowest were seen in the Galgaduud and Middle Shebelle provinces. Districts with the highest reporting rates were Daynile (n = 142, 12.0%), while the lowest were Moqokori (0.01%). Overall, 71.5% of the total population had detectable immunoglobulin (Ig)G or IgM antibodies present. Various indicators and characteristics (fever, skin rash, etc.) were analyzed for all individuals in this study, and were 100% positive. The infant morbidity rate has been reported at 0.10%. Conclusion: This report finds that measles is more prevalent among infants/domestic populations primarily due to decreased immune system capability, inadequacy to current vaccination programs, poor hygiene conditions, nutritional deficiencies, lack of medical access/facilities, and lack of knowledge about infectious diseases.
Background and Aims: Pharmacists are frontline workers available to patients and customers. The purpose of this study is to assess the role of clinical or infectious disease pharmacists as health professionals during the Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional face-to-face interviews were conducted in the Riyadh region, in 2022, using hospital pharmacies over a period of 6 months. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 26. Results: This study included 110 pharmacists, with 39% (n = 43) males and 60.1% (n = 67) females. In terms of experience, 20.9% (n = 23) had 1 year, 60.9% (n = 67) had 5-10 years, and 18.18% (n = 20) had 10-15 years. The pharmacists unanimously agreed (100%, n = 110) that the COVID-19 pandemic could be prevented or controlled through public education, advising, and informing. In addition, all pharmacists believed that clinical or infectious disease pharmacists play a crucial role in advising social distancing and avoiding crowded areas (100%, n = 110), educating the public on hygiene practices (100%, n = 110), informing about proper coughing and sneezing etiquette (100%, n = 110), explaining disease transmission (100%, n = 110). Some pharmacists (24.55%, n = 27) also provided home delivery of medications. Conclusion: According to the findings, all pharmacists agreed that COVID-19 is preventable and advising, informing, and educating the public helps in preventing COVID-19. The findings conclude that pharmacists' roles in Saudi Arabia have expanded beyond dispensing and patient counseling.
Aim: Aedes aegypti is a major vector for dengue and Zika. Rising resistance to synthetic pesticides has shifted focus toward botanical larvicides like piperine and lemongrass oil. However, these actives suffer from high hydrophobicity and environmental instability. This study aimed to develop stable, green nanoemulsions to enhance their delivery and larvicidal efficacy. Material and Methods: Active ingredients included piperine and lemongrass oil . The oil phase utilized olive oil, while Tween 80 and propylene glycol served as surfactant and co-surfactant. Distilled water formed the aqueous phase, with ethanol and methanol (S.D. Fine chemicals) used as analytical reagents. Triethanolamine and citric acid were employed for pH adjustment. Nine formulations (F1-F9) were designed using a 32 factorial model and prepared via low-energy emulsification followed by ultrasonication (650W, 20 kHz). Characterization was performed using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and UV-Vis spectrophotometry .Results and Discussion: Formulation F9 was identified as the lead system, containing 3.0% piperine and 3.0% lemongrass oil. It exhibited an optimal droplet size of 28.1 +/- 1.1 nm, a PDI of 0.165, and a zeta potential of -34.8 +/- 5.0 mV, indicating high colloidal stability. F9 demonstrated superior larvicidal potency with an LC50 of 28.5 mu g/mL and 89% mortality after 48 hours. The nano-sized droplets improved penetration and contact with the larval cuticle, leading to physiological disruption and gut paralysis. Conclusion: The study successfully optimized a dual-active nanoemulsion that provides a 2- to 4-fold increase in efficacy over free botanical extracts. These green nanoemulsions represent a sustainable, biodegradable, and highly effective alternative for integrated mosquito management.
Objective: Ranitidine hydrochloride (RH) is a commonly used antacid as an H-2 receptor antagonist, which shows the maximum absorption at the initial part of the small intestine. Moreover, colonic metabolism is also responsible for poor oral drug bioavailability, which leads to a poor patient compliance. To improve therapeutic action and patient compliance, it is required to design a formulation which can increase the retention of the drug into the upper part of along with sustain release action. Thus, the aim of the present work was to investigate the role of novel polysaccharides in combination in the development of floating mucoadhesive microspheres for localized drug delivery of RH specifically into the upper parts of gastrointestinal tract. Materials and Methods: Ranitidine HCl floating, mucoadhesive microspheres, were successfully developed by ionic gelation method. Results: The RBG3 was found to be best as it releases Ranitidine HCl 99.98 +/- 0.25% at the end of 14 h in a sustained manner. It was stable at 40 degrees C/75% RH during accelerated stability studies carried out as per the International Council for Harmonization guidelines. Conclusion: The floating mucoadhesive microspheres for localized drug delivery of RH were developed.
Introduction: Although less frequent than other varieties, melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that is responsible for most deaths from skin cancer. Since the prognosis is heavily influenced by the stage of diagnosis, early detection is crucial. Reducing morbidity and mortality requires raising public knowledge of melanoma risk factors, which include fair skin, ultraviolet radiation exposure, family history, and sunburn history. The population's capacity to identify worrisome skin lesions is equally significant, especially if they show signs of asymmetry, irregular boundaries, color fluctuation, diameter increase, or progression over time. However, there is still a knowledge and lesion recognition gap in many populations, particularly in areas with limited access to dermatological education. Objectives: The study is aimed to assess the population's awareness and knowledge regarding the risk factors of melanoma in Saudi Arabia and whether they are able to identify lesions requiring dermatological intervention. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire distributed to adults aged 18-65 years across Saudi Arabia, including both males and females. The questionnaire was disseminated via online platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Telegram, and X. It assessed knowledge of melanoma risk factors, awareness of preventive behaviors, and the ability to identify suspicious skin lesions using validated image-based scenarios. Demographic data were also collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses, and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between knowledge levels and demographic variables. The survey tool was piloted to ensure clarity and reliability. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was required from all participants before data collection. The minimum target sample size was 385, calculated using a standard formula based on prevalence estimation, a 95% confidence level, and a 5% margin of error. Results: Among 445 participants (mean age 28.9, 70.6% females), 86.3% had heard of skin cancer; however, only 56.4% demonstrated high-level knowledge, and 65.4% showed favorable attitudes. Preventive practice scores were low, with just 9.2% exhibiting high-level behaviors, 63.6% reported sunscreen use, and 71.9% would consult a healthcare professional for suspicious lesions. Recognition ability for suspicious lesions was limited: only 49.2% correctly identified the non-melanoma case. Significant predictors of higher knowledge and practice were female gender, younger age (22-24), higher secondary education, and student status (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Despite relatively high awareness, major gaps remain in knowledge depth, preventive practices, and lesion recognition. There is a marked knowledge-practice gap and uncertainty about the role of sunscreen in cancer prevention. Targeted educational campaigns are needed to improve public understanding and foster behavioral change, with special attention to young adults and females.
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with cardiometabolic disorders and is frequently complicated by suboptimal medication adherence, drug-related problems (DRPs), and inadequate lifestyle modification. Evidence describing the clinical impact of pharmacist-led interventions in NAFLD management remains limited. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of structured clinical pharmacist interventions on medication adherence, lifestyle behaviors, DRPs, and cardiometabolic outcomes in adults with NAFLD. Methods: A prospective observational interventional study was conducted over a 12-month follow-up period at a government general hospital, Anantapur. Adult patients with NAFLD (n = 379) received clinical pharmacistled interventions, including medication reconciliation using the best possible medication history approach, DRP identification based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification, physician-directed recommendations, and individualized counseling on medication use and lifestyle modification. Clinical, biochemical, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated at baseline and follow-up visits. Results: Pharmacist-led interventions were associated with significant improvements in adherence, knowledge, and lifestyle behaviors. A total of 48 clinically relevant DRPs were identified, with most pharmacist recommendations accepted by physicians. Significant improvements were observed in cardiometabolic parameters, including hemoglobin A1C (6.82 +/- 1.12 vs. 6.34 +/- 0.96, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P < 0.001), body mass index (P < 0.001), blood pressure, and Fatty Liver Index scores. Correlation analyses demonstrated significant associations between adherence, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Structured clinical pharmacist interventions improve medication safety, adherence, behavioral outcomes, and cardiometabolic risk indicators in NAFLD patients, supporting their integration into multidisciplinary care models.
Introduction: Serum fluorescent advanced glycation end-product (AGE) levels are independent predictors of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risks in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The present study aimed to estimate the impact of hemodialysis (HD), a common treatment modality, on serum fluorescent AGEs. Materials and Methods: 68 ESRD HD patients were included in the cross-sectional study, which had 37 non-diabetics and 31 diabetics. Serum fluorescence of total, Pentosidine, and low molecular weight (LMW) AGEs were measured pre- and post-HD. Results: Paired t-test comparisons showed significant decreases in post-HD fluorescence of total AGEs (by 1394.3 arbitrary units [AU]), Pentosidine (by 1028.5 AU), and LMW AGEs (by 328.2 AU); P < 0.001, compared to their pre-HD levels in the ESRD patients. Independent t-test comparisons showed significantly higher pre-HD total AGEs in non-diabetic than in diabetic ESRD patients (4639.9 AU vs. 3857.16 AU; P = 0.004). Pre-HD Pentosidine level was also significantly higher in non-diabetic than in diabetic ESRD patients (3072.97 AU vs. 2513.01 AU; P = 0.009) who took antidiabetic medications. Discussion: These findings demonstrate the positive impact of the given standard HD therapy in decreasing AGE levels and potentially, the AGE-associated risks. Lower pre-dialysis AGE levels observed in diabetic patients receiving antidiabetic therapy suggest a potential adjunctive protective effect that warrants further investigation. Conclusion: HD significantly reduces AGE levels in ESRD patients, underscoring its beneficial role in mitigating AGE-associated cardiovascular risk. The higher AGE levels in non-diabetic ESRD patients emphasize the need for subgroup-specific therapeutic strategies.
Introduction: Fenofibrate (FFB) is an anti-hyperlipidemic treatment that acts by lowering the lipid levels. A new constancy representing reversed-phase ultra-fast liquid chromatography system was planned for the evaluation of FFB within comparison to internal reference rosuvastatin (RS) calcium in pharmaceutical preparations. Materials and Methods: Mobile phase with a composition of 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile with pace 0.8 mL/min has been utilized for analyze of FFB in existence of inner standard RS calcium. Forced degradation experiments were conducted by subjecting FFB to a range of stress environments, including acidic, oxidative, basic, and thermal circumstances, to assess the stability that indicates efficacy of the technique. Results: Analytical procedure demonstrated excellent linearity across the concentration interval of 0.5-50 & micro;g/mL, described by the regression formula y = 0.1281x-00.0081 thru a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9998. The method exhibited high sensitivity, with the limit of quantification determined as 0.4327 & micro;g/mL and limits of detection calculated as 0.1427 & micro;g/mL. Conclusion: Overall, the validated technique demonstrated as reliable and appropriate for monotonous quantitative examination of FFB in tablet dosage forms, fulfilling all acceptance criteria specified under International Council for Harmonisation validation guidelines.
Objectives: The objective of the study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the ethyl acetate leaf extract of Moringa oleifera. Using a green synthesis approach, and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities relevant to diabetic management. Materials and Methods: AgNPs were prepared by reducing silver nitrate with M. oleifera Leaves ethyl acetate extract (MOET). Nanoparticle (NPs) formation and stability were confirmed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared, energy dispersive X-ray, transmission electron microscopy, Particle size analysis, and zeta potential. Antioxidant activity was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, while anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation. Results: MOET AgNPs showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 480 nm, confirming NPs formation. The AgNPs exhibited enhanced DPPH radical scavenging activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 141.42 mg/mL) compared with the crude extract, though lower than Vitamin C. FRAP assay indicated weak and variable reducing power. Moderate anti-inflammatory activity was observed in the protein denaturation assay (IC50 = 316.02 mg/mL), compared with diclofenac sodium. Conclusion: Green-synthesised M. oleifera AgNPs possess moderate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities attributed to phytochemical surface capping. Although less potent than standard drugs, they show potential as supportive agents for managing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with diabetes, warranting further optimization and in-vivo evaluation.
Background: Natural excipients are increasingly explored as alternatives to synthetic binders in pharmaceutical formulations due to their safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Plant-derived mucilage has shown potential as a binding agent. The current investigation was designed to isolate and characterize mucilage extracted from the Sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus) and evaluate its binding efficiency in paracetamol (PCM) tablet formulations compared with gum Acacia. Materials and Methods: Mucilage was isolated by hot maceration and characterised physiochemically. Morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystalline/amorphous nature by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and structural confirmation by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). PCM tablets were prepared by wet granulation using four graded concentrations of mucilage 3, 5, 10, and 15% w/v), which were employed in the formulation designated as HF1-HF4. Control tablets were prepared with gum Acacia at identical concentrations. Standard evaluation parameters for uncoated tablets were performed, followed by in vitro dissolution studies. Results: SEM revealed irregular particle shape and size of mucilage, PXRD and DSC indicated an amorphous nature, and FTIR confirmed polysaccharide presence. Among the formulations, HF1 (3%) and HF2 (5%) showed optimal binding efficiency, releasing 99% of the drug within 25-30 min. These results were superior to tablets prepared with gum Acacia at equivalent concentrations. Conclusion: Mucilage from H. annuus seed demonstrated excellent binding efficiency and favorable physicochemical properties, suggesting its potential as a promising natural excipient in conventional uncoated tablet dosage forms.
Background: Probiotics are helpful in treating conditions like diarrhea and eczema in infants. The lactic acid bacteria, from diverse sources, are of great importance as probiotics. The current study deals with the formulation development and optimization of oral probiotic drop of Bacillus coagulans for infants by the central composite design (CCD). Materials and Methods: Oral probiotic drops of B. coagulans for infants were manufactured with the help of fennel oil, pepsin enzyme, lecithin, and distilled water. The formula was optimized through CCD design and taken further for pepsin activity and viability assessment in SGF. Results: In this study, the CCD method was used to successfully design and optimize an oral probiotic drop of B. coagulans for newborns. The pepsin enzyme was discovered to be compatible with the B. coagulans spores. The emulsifier (lecithin) concentration and probe sonication time both had an impact on the responses (independent variables), droplet size (DS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). The researchers concluded that the ideal formulation of B. coagulans oral probiotic drop should be made with an emulsifier (lecithin) of 7 mg, with a probe sonication time of 10 min, and DS, PDI, and ZP measured at 161.24 nm, 0.219, and-33 mV, respectively. The optimized formulation shows about 50% of pepsin activity, viability of probiotic in simulated gastric fluid of 1 & times; 10(7) colony-forming unit (CFU), total viable count of formulation containing pepsin enzyme is 4.1 & times; 10(7) CFU, and total viable count of formulation without pepsin enzyme is 2.02 & times; 10(7) CFU. Finally, stability tests performed at room temperature highlighted a bacterial viability of 4.1 & times; 10(7) CFU and 4.04 & times; 10(7 )CFU after 1 and 3 months, respectively. Conclusion: The optimized formulation was demonstrated for the viability of the oral probiotic drop containing B. coagulans in simulated gastric conditions, pepsin activity, total viable count, and a 3-month stability study was performed.
Introduction: In dentistry, gingival and periodontal disorders are a primary source of suffering. All kinds of ozone reduce or treat the majority of the contributory and causative causes. All phases of gingival and periodontal disorders can benefit from ozone, which is well known for its antibacterial and tissue-regenerating qualities. Comparing and assessing the effectiveness of ozonated water (OW) and ozonated olive oil (OOO) as a supplement to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis is the goal of this study. Methods: A total of 30 systemically healthy patients aged 35-55 years with chronic periodontitis were enrolled for this study. After SRP, participants were randomly allocated to Group 1 (n = 15, OW irrigation) or Group 2 (n = 15, OOO application), with allocation managed by an independent researcher. Results: OW showed superior periodontal improvement at 3 months, with greater probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction (5.40 mm vs. 6.57 mm), better CAL gain (5.80 mm vs. 6.40 mm; P < 0.001), and improved gingival recession (0.33 mm vs. 0.57 mm; P = 0.015) compared to ozonated olive oil. Conclusion: This randomized clinical trial demonstrated that both OW and ozonated olive oil, when used as adjuncts to SRP, resulted in significant improvements in PPD and clinical attachment level within their respective groups after 3 months. However, the intergroup comparison revealed a significant difference with OW at 3 months, indicating that OW was effective in enhancing periodontal healing.
Introduction: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are widely accessible drugs that individuals can purchase without a prescription. While they offer convenience, the ease of access has contributed to a rise in self-medication practices. Self-medication, as defined by the World Health Organization, involves the use of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms or conditions without professional supervision. In Saudi Arabia, recent studies indicate a growing prevalence of self-medication due to factors such as limited access to healthcare services, long clinic wait times, and reliance on advice from non-medical sources. Despite the increasing trend, there remains a substantial gap in knowledge regarding the safe use, risks, and behavioral patterns related to OTC medication use. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of public awareness regarding OTC medications and to describe the patterns and purposes of their use among adults residing in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This study is an observational cross-sectional survey conducted across various regions in Saudi Arabia between July and December 2025. Adults aged 18 and older who could read, had internet access, and consented to participate were included in the study. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing participants' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding OTC medication. The questionnaire underwent a pilot test, and scoring was based on Bloom's cut-off criteria. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. Results: A total of 472 participants completed the survey (mean age 34.1 +/- 12.4 years; 56.4% female; 93.4% Saudi). OTC medicines were the preferred option for self-medication (36.2%). Most participants demonstrated high knowledge (75.8%), while attitudes were predominantly low (47.5%) or moderate (46.8%). Self-medication was commonly practiced, with 7.6% reporting always and 22.9% often self-medicating. Community pharmacies were the main source of medicines (70.1%), and pharmacists were frequently consulted for dosing (72.3%). Safety practices were mixed: 48.3% always checked expiry dates, and 35.8% always read package inserts. Medicine sharing was common (59.8% always/sometimes), and 15.7% reported exceeding recommended doses. Most participants had moderate misuse risk (93.9%), with 13.6% reporting side effects after self-medication. Conclusion: Despite high knowledge regarding OTC medication safety, self-medication behaviors and moderate misuse risk were highly prevalent, indicating the need for targeted interventions to improve safe OTC use and reinforce appropriate healthcare-seeking behavior.
Background and Objective: Pain is the most common and distressing condition among patients. Irrespective of age or gender, all patients, individuals, and children are responsive to painful stimulation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes toward Pain Management among Nurses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2024, among nurses working in a tertiary teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A 27-item questionnaire aimed to collect the knowledge and attitudes toward Pain Management among nurses was included. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science version 27 was used. Results: Majority of nurses were female (86.2%, n = 218), with more than half (56.5%, n = 143) aged between 25 and 28 years, and 34% (n = 86) having 2-5 years of experience. In terms of knowledge, most nurses recognized potential issues with analgesic use: 58.9% did not consider codeine suitable for a 10-year-old child, and 66.8% acknowledged that frequent exposure to analgesics can lead to addiction. Analgesic selection for pediatric patients was primarily guided by pain intensity (53.8%), with the child's age (33.6%) as a secondary consideration. Regarding non-pharmacological treatments for pediatric pain management, hypnosis was the most commonly cited option (37.2%, n = 94), followed by music therapy (12.3%, n = 31) and physical therapy (2.8%, n = 7). Conclusion: The findings concluded that variation exists in the knowledge of nurses toward pain management. Additional education on pain management is warranted.
Introduction: Dental pain is one of the most common causes of oral discomfort, often disrupting essential daily activities such as eating, working, and socializing. Its management usually involves both professional dental treatments and self-care remedies. Globally, self-medicating for a toothache is widespread, affecting 31-68% of adults, with rates reaching as high as 98% among university students. This behavior often includes using over-the-counter (OTC) medications and traditional home remedies, often with limited awareness of potential risks. The COVID-19 pandemic further reduced access to dental services, leading to increased reliance on self-care methods and highlighting the importance of alternative solutions such as teledentistry. Although global research has examined the connection between toothache pain, behavioral responses, and self-care practices, there is limited evidence in the Saudi Arabian context. Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between toothache pain and its impact on daily activities as well as to evaluate the prevalence, types, and perceived effectiveness of self-care practices among Saudi adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among adults aged 18 years and above residing in various regions of Saudi Arabia who have experienced a toothache within the past 12 months. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling through social media, dental clinic waiting areas, public events, and primary healthcare centers. A culturally adapted 21-item questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, pain severity (measured on a 0-10 numerical scale), behavioral responses, and self-care strategies. Pain levels were categorized according to Bloom's cut-off point. The minimum calculated sample size is 384 participants, based on a 50% prevalence estimate, 5% margin of error, and 95% confidence interval. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The findings from this study will help guide public health interventions and inform improved dental pain management strategies in Saudi Arabia. Results: Of the 324 respondents, the majority were female (78%) and Saudi (93%), predominantly aged 18-30 years, and residing in the Western Region. Moderate to severe pain was prevalent (64%), with significant interference in eating, sleeping, work/study, and social activities. Nearly threequarters reported psychological or emotional distress due to toothache, and a minority had work or educational absences. About 89% practiced self-treatment, most commonly using OTC analgesics (67%) and traditional home remedies (43%). Pharmacists, family, and online sources were primary channels for medication and advice. The perceived effectiveness of self-remedies was rated as somewhat or very effective by most participants, although inappropriate use and delayed dental consultation were highlighted as risks. 72.5% sought professional dental care, while barriers included improved symptoms, cost, fear, or time limitations. Conclusion: Toothache pain substantially disrupts daily functioning and is often managed through self-care, which is widespread and perceived as moderately effective but carries risks. Public health strategies should prioritize increasing awareness about safe practices, improving access to dental services, and encouraging timely professional assessment to mitigate the consequences of untreated oral pain in Saudi adults.
Aim: Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections present a significant challenge in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF), where Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly establish persistent airway colonization through biofilm formation. Biofilms confer enhanced tolerance to antibiotics and host defences, complicating infection management. So, the present study was aimed to investigate the antibacterial, antibiofilm, synergistic, and antioxidant potential of gabapentin, a second-generation neuroleptic drug, against the mentioned CF-associated pathogens. Materials and Methods: To find the antibacterial activity of the drug and its minimum inhibitory concentrations, agar diffusion assays were performed. Crystal violet assays were conducted to understand the biofilm prevention and eradication potentials of the drug. The synergic potential of the drug was analysed with ampicillin and rifampicin. To study the anti-oxidant activities of the drug, DPPH assay and catalase assay were performed. Results: The drug gabapentin shown promising antibacterial activities with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 250 g/mL for S. aureus and 125 g/mL for P. aeruginosa. It also inhibited the bacterial adhesion and early biofilm formation, and significantly disrupted mature biofilms, reducing S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilm mass by up to 86% and 82%, respectively, at 3X MIC. It also showed synergistic interactions with the tested antibiotics, ampicillin and rifampicin. Additionally, gabapentin exhibited notable antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The above-mentioned results suggest that gabapentin has multifunctional potential as an adjunctive therapeutic agent for managing biofilm-mediated, multidrug-resistant infections in paediatric cystic fibrosis, offering a promising strategy to improve clinical outcomes.
Background: A resistance to rifampicin drugs has been a problem since the era of chemotherapy. After dramatic outbreaks of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), including rifampicin in the early 1990s, resistance became recognized as a global problem. A global total of 206,030 people with multidrug and/or rifampicin-resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB) were detected and notified in 2019, a 10% increase from 186,883 in 2018. Globally, in 2019, 3.3% of new TB cases and 17.7% of previously treated cases had MDR/RR-TB. MDR/RR-TB still threatens the inhabitants of high TB burden countries in Africa. Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, represents one such affected area. The most important risk factor for the development of rifampicin resistance-TB is previous anti-TB therapy. Methods: This study was carried out to ascertain the prevalence of rifampicin resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) among TB treatment failures and relapse patients attending Mogadishu TB centers. This was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study of TB treatment failures and relapses that was based on secondary data collected from TB patients who attended Mogadishu TB clinics. The prevalence of rifampicin resistance in relation to age, gender, and geographic location was determined via the examination of this data. Results: A total of 52 patients from Mogadishu TB clinics were recruited, including 28 treatment failure patients and 24 relapse patients. The average age was 31.77 years, with a range of 14-68 years. There were 18 female patients (34.6%) and 34 male patients (65.4%). Rifampicin resistance MTB was found in 78.57 % of treatment failure patients. The prevalence of relapse patients was 54.17%. Conclusion: The prevalence of rifampicin resistance MTB in treatment failure and relapse patients was high. This study emphasizes the need to study the nation-wide prevalence of rifampicin resistance MTB in previously treated patients.
Introduction: In recent years, there has been great interest in the use of novel polymers with complex functions as emulsifiers and thickeners because of the gelling capacity of stable emulsions. Emulgel for dermatological use has several favorable properties, such as being thixotropic, greaseless, non-staining, easily spreadable, easily removable, emollient, having a long shelf life, transparent, and pleasing appearance. Objectives: To develop suitable topical gel formulations of valdecoxib using different gelling agents with permeation enhancers to reduce adverse drug reactions associated with oral formulations. Materials and Methods: A total of six, i.e., F1-F6, valdecoxib emulgel formulations were prepared using two different gelling agents in different concentrations, and the prepared formulations were further evaluated for various parameters. Results: The formulation F3 showed the overall best results. Valdecoxib emulgel formulations were successfully achieved.
