Comparative performance of liquid chromatography and spectrophotometry in determining metformin hydrochloride within pharmaceutical formulations.

The present study compared the performance of Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and UV-Vis spectrophotometry for the quantification of metformin hydrochloride in five commercially available metformin hydrochloride products with different strengths. The metformin hydrochloride was measured in the UHPLC with a mobile phase consisting of a mixture of 0.05 M phosphate buffer solution and methanol (35:65, v/v) with a pH of 3.6. Metformin hydrochloride was determined spectrophotometrically at 234 nm using a mixture of methanol and water as a blank. The methods' linearity for metformin hydrochloride was within the concentration range of (2.5-40 µg/ml) in both techniques. The validation process encompassed assessments of specificity, selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), the lower limit of detection (LLOD), robustness, and system suitability. For the UHPLC validation method, the repeatability and reproducibility (expressed as relative standard deviation) were less than 1.578 and 2.718 %, respectively. The LLOQ for metformin hydrochloride was 0.625 µg/ml, and the LLOD was 0.156 µg/ml. For the UV-Vis spectrophotometric validation method, the repeatability and reproducibility (stated as relative standard deviation) were less than 3.773 and 1.988 %, respectively. The percentage recovery results for the five brands of metformin hydrochloride tablets were (98-101 %) and (92-104 %) for the UHPLC and UV-Vis spectrophotometric methods, respectively. In conclusion, the described methodologies were successfully employed for the quantitative analysis of metformin hydrochloride in different pharmaceutical tablet products.

Obstetrics and gynecology patients' perceptions about bedside teaching at a Saudi teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Bedside teaching (BST) is a crucial component of medical education. It entails the interaction of students with patients in outpatient clinics and inpatient wards under the supervision of their tutors in order to improve the clinical skills of the students and, ultimately, patient outcomes. This teaching relies heavily on patients' willingness and cooperation. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) patients regarding the presence and participation of medical students in BST. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among OB/GYN patients at the outpatient clinics and inpatient wards at King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU) in Al-Khobar from January 1 to April 30, 2023. Data were collected online through the Google Drive survey tool using a validated and pilot tested questionnaire. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSS version 26.0. Chi-squared test was employed to test for association between two categorical variables. Multiple logistic regression model was used to determine variables associated with positive attitudes. RESULTS: A total of 507 patients completed online questionnaire. A highly positive patients' attitude was observed toward the presence and participation of medical students during BST with a mean score of 81.8 ± 10.4. The acceptance rates were higher for female students compared to male students (91.9% vs 61.7%) and for senior doctors compared to junior doctors (89.9% vs 58.9%). Patients who came to the outpatient clinics were also more likely to accept students' presence than those who went to hospital wards. Age, marital status, and previous clinic visits were positively associated with the acceptance level of the presence and involvement of medical students in BST without a significant difference. CONCLUSION: In general, patients had a good perception of medical students' engagement in their care and that the gender of the medical students/doctors and clinical setting could affect this perception. Raising patients' awareness of their valuable role in male medical students' and doctors' education should be raised, as this will increase their acceptance during BST.

Epidemiology, Causes, and Management of Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease: A Systematic Review.

Our comprehensive systematic review aimed to examine gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disorder that occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. It may manifest as either non-erosive reflux disease or erosive esophagitis. The activity depicts the assessment and medical management of GERD and emphasizes the interprofessional team's involvement to enhance care for people with this ailment. Data sources were PubMed/Medline and Embase. Our review investigated English-language articles (from 2014 to 2023) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Overall, there were seven articles. Surveys and analyses of national databases were the most widely used methods (n=7). The search identified 3,730 studies, and seven were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. Further understanding of GERD and treatment protocols may help improve evaluation and management in the future. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from GERD, a common clinical condition. Patients can be identified by symptoms that are both common and uncommon. For many GERD patients, acid suppression treatment reduces symptoms and avoids clinical complications. Our capacity to recognize and treat disease consequences has improved with the advancement of diagnostic and treatment methods. Here, we go into the etiology and consequences of GERD and offer details on the treatment strategy for this prevalent illness.

Seizure Analysis Presented to Emergency Department in Saudi Arabia: New VS Chronic Cases.

Background: Epilepsy, characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures, poses a significant global burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Accurate identification of underlying causes is vital for optimal intervention. However, studies reveal a lack of standardized approaches, potentially resulting in unnecessary investigations. Objective: We aimed to highlight the importance of avoiding unnecessary testing to minimize healthcare costs and resource waste. Methods: In the Emergency Department of King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFUH) in Alkhobar, a retrospective cross-sectional study encompassed 190 patients presenting with seizures from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological profile and distinguish clinical and demographic factors between new onset seizures and known cases. Results: The study included 190 epilepsy cases, with 51.1% known and 48.9% new onset. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were prominent (43.2%), and non-compliance (24.2%) was a leading cause. New onset seizures were associated with abnormal CT findings (p=0.025), drug use (74.2%), and intoxication (6.5%). Demographically, Saudis showed higher new onset prevalence (82.8%, p=0.001). Conclusion: The average length of stay was 5.93 hours, and the distribution of new vs. known cases was nearly equal among the 190 patients. Laboratory findings showed no significant associations with either group, mostly falling within the normal range. To optimize care further, we recommend continued refinement of protocols, emphasis on medication compliance.

The Effectiveness of Insulin Pump Therapy Versus Multiple Daily Injections in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in a Specialized Center in Riyadh.

Objectives: Comparison of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) with multiple daily injections (MDI) in achieving glycemic control in youths with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: Retrospective cohort study including 2 matched groups of youths with T1DM treated by CSII or MDI in a tertiary specialized children's hospital in Saudi Arabia. Children and adolescents aged up to 18 years, diagnosed with T1DM and using CSII or MDI, from the period 2016 to 2018. Patients on MDI were newly-diagnosed patients with T1DM who had the disease for only 1 year duration; all CSII patients had at least 1 to 2 years of T1DM but who had just started on pumps in the past 3 months. We excluded patients with other autoimmune diseases, non-ambulatory patients and those admitted to hospital for non-diabetes reasons. Primary outcome was HbA1c at 1, 2, and 3 years, with weight gain as a secondary outcome. Ambulatory glycemic profile was analyzed from a subset of patients using intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM). Results: A total of 168 youths with T1DM (n = 129 in the MDI group, n = 39 in the CSII group) were included. The CSII group consistently had lower HbA1c levels compared to the MDI group throughout a 3-year follow up period: 8.1% versus 10.1, P-value < .001 at 1 year, 7.5% versus 10.1% at 2 years, P-value < .001, 8.9% versus 10.3% at 3 years, P-value = .033. Body mass index significantly increased in both groups at 1 year, although greater in CSII group. In a subgroup using isCGM (n = 37 on MDI and n = 29 on CSII), the CSII group had a lower average blood glucose (194 mg/dL vs 228 mg/dL, P-value = .028) and a lower estimated HbA1c level (8.4% vs 9.6%, P-value = .022). Conclusion: Treatment with CSII resulted in lower HbA1c compared to MDI in our cohort, which was sustained over a 3-year period.

Saudi pharmacy students' perceived knowledge and attitude on their role in public health services.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the preparedness of pharmacy students to actively participate in public health services by examining their attitude towards and knowledge about the national public health programmes (NPHPs). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire survey of the students in Unaizah College of Pharmacy (UCP) and College of Pharmacy Main Campus (CPMC), Qassim University, between October 2019 and February 2020. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 100 out of 125 students responded to the questionnaire at a response rate of 80%. While the majority (77%) of the participants agreed on the necessity for pharmacists to know about the NPHPs, 71% reported they did not learn about National Health Policy in their pharmacy curriculum. Also, a small number of pharmacy students, at 16%, believed that their current knowledge about the NPHPs was sufficient or very sufficient. Lastly, 81% of the participants felt that they had an important or very important role to play in the NPHPs. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the participants expressed interest in more education on public health during their pharmacy education. Their interest supports the advancement of public health education to facilitate greater involvement of pharmacists in public health services.

The Effect of Sealer Application Methods on Voids Volume after Aging of Three Calcium Silicate-Based Sealers: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study.

During obturation, air voids are undesirable as they may provide shelter for microorganisms or passage for fluids. This study aimed to compare the occurrence of voids between three calcium silicate-based sealers (CSBSs) (MTA-Fillapex, BioRoot-RCS, Bio-C) and the change in their volume after aging. In addition, we aimed to compare voids when using two sealer application methods: lentulo-spiral (LS) and gutta-percha (GP) cone. Thirty extracted mandibular premolars (n = 30) were endodontically prepared and obturated using single GP cone (SGPC) technique. Each sealer was applied to 10 teeth (n = 10) using LS or GP. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to quantify the volume of root filling and voids before and after 8-week storage in a phosphate-rich medium. The percentage of root filling and voids were compared between the groups using a Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test with a Bonferroni correction. Before aging, the percentages of root filling volume after obturation were comparable with no significant differences between sealers (p = 0.325) or application methods (p = 0.950). After aging, the voids' volume increased significantly in all sealers (p ≤ 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between sealers (p = 0.302). In conclusion, voids in CSBSs may not reduce in size with aging; hence, SGPC should be carefully selected for suitable cases.

Sloughing Prostatic Tissue, a Rare Complication Post Rezum Therapy: A Case Report.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most prevalent urological disease in men that leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The clinical presentation is, most likely, obstructive symptoms such as intermittency, hesitancy and poor stream, due to the obstructive nature of the pathology. BPH treatment approach varies. However, they can be divided into two main approaches which are non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical methods usually started first, such as lifestyle modifications, watchful waiting, and medications. Hence, surgical intervention remains the mainstay of treatment to relieve clinical symptoms. Although transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard, management is shifting towards minimally invasive surgeries such as Rezum due to its good outcome and fewer adverse effects. We present a case of prostatic tissue sloughing, a rare complication post Rezum system therapy in a 50-year-old male.

Awareness and Level of Knowledge About Surgical Site Infections and Risks of Wound Infection Among Medical Physicians in King Abdulaziz University Hospital: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the leading causes of death, and its prevention is a key element of applying the concept of patient safety and quality care. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge about SSIs and risks of wound infection among medical physicians in King Abdulaziz University Hospital. METHODS: All surgical and medical consultants, specialists, residents, and medical interns were invited to participate in the study. A 20-Item multiple-choice questionnaire was developed by reviewing the previous literature and with the help of a group of certified surgeons to assess the level of knowledge in all participants. RESULTS: A total of 119 doctors were included in this study. Among all respondents, 92 (77.3%) were intern doctors, 16 (13.4%) were resident doctors, and 11 (9.2%) were specialist doctors. Moreover, 66 (55.5%) doctors knew the definition of SSI. Only one-quarter, that is, 30 (25.2%) doctors knew about the incidence of SSI. In addition, 8 doctors (6.7%) had good knowledge, 75 (63.0%) had fair knowledge, and 36 (30.2%) had poor knowledge regarding SSI according to this study. CONCLUSIONS: Level of knowledge about SSIs and risks of wound infections among medical physicians should be improved to ensure better wound care and quality care for the patients.