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.
