Exploration of Workplace Bullying among Nurses: A Focus on Clinical Settings.

PURPOSE: Healthcare practitioners in Saudi Arabia sometimes experience workplace bullying (WPB). However, more research on this issue must be carried out in the country. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WPB and how individual factors among nurses contribute to different experiences of WPB in clinical settings. METHODS: This cross-sectional quantitative study occurred among registered nurses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire was used, and nurses filled it out via a Google survey that included sociodemographic details such as age, gender, education, and the WBS to gauge the prevalence of workplace bullying in hospital settings. RESULTS: Of 416 nurses, 58.7% were aged between 31 and 40, and 76.9% were women. The prevalence of WPB was found to be 54.8%. WPB was higher among middle-aged nurses, men, charge/managerial nurses, nurses with higher education, those with 3 to 6 years of experience, and those working in specialty units. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the nurses had experienced WPB at some point. Middle-aged nurses, especially men with higher education and more experience in specialty units, were the most common victims of WPB compared to other registered nurses.

The Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Paracetamol and Ibuprofen Administration Among Saudi Parents in the Makkah Region.

Introduction Paracetamol and ibuprofen, widely used for pediatric fever and pain, are safe when administered correctly. However, the caregiver's lack of understanding poses risks such as overdose. Addressing knowledge gaps is crucial due to reported variations in over-the-counter medication practices. "Fever phobia" underscores parental anxiety, stressing the ongoing need for research in this healthcare domain. Methodology This is a descriptive cross-sectional design targeting Saudi parents and caregivers from the Makkah region who have children aged 0-10 years. Data was collected via a self-administered validated online questionnaire in the Arabic language using a convenient sampling technique. The data was cleaned in Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 29 (IBM Inc., Armonk, New York). Results Our study included 449 parents and caregivers in the Makkah Region, of whom 337 (75.1%) were female, 179 (39.9%) were aged 18-29, and 425 (94.7%) were Saudi nationals. Knowledge assessment revealed gaps; e.g., only 86 (26.6%) identified baby weight as a dosage factor. Attitudes varied, with 152 (47.1%) associating paracetamol/ibuprofen with liver harm. Logistic regression showed no significant predictors for high-level knowledge, positive attitudes, or good practices, except for gender-influencing good practices (p=0.035, aOR=1.839). Significantly, males exhibited better practices regarding using of paracetamol. Conclusion Our study highlights knowledge gaps among parents and caregivers in the Makkah Region regarding pediatric fever management with paracetamol and ibuprofen. Attitudes varied, and gender significantly influenced good practices, with males demonstrating better adherence to the proper practice of managing children using paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Patients Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background Hypertension (HTN) is a global health issue as it causes significant mortality and morbidity among the worldwide population. Various treatments are available, but many patients are unable to control the disease. There are various factors like medication non-adherence and lifestyle habits that contribute to this problem. There is a need for evidence-based interventions to address HTN effectively, especially in regions like Saudi Arabia, where there is limited data on uncontrolled HTN. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of uncontrolled HTN and contributing factors to poor blood pressure control among patients in Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methodology An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using an interviewer-administered questionnaire among all patients aged 18 years and above who have uncontrolled HTN and who visited the PHCs of Riyadh's first health cluster in Saudi Arabia. Data was cleaned in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS 29. Results The study comprised 516 patients with HTN. The majority were males (53.1%, n=274) compared to females (46.9%, n=242), with an average age of 58 years (SD=10.5). Notably, most patients were obese (63.2%, n=326), and 62.4% (n=322) had uncontrolled HTN. Multivariate analysis identified sociodemographic factors like higher education (p-value = 0.013, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.795) as protective against uncontrolled HTN, while employment (p-value = 0.031, AOR = 1.786) increased the risk of uncontrolled HTN. Risk factors such as smoking (p-value = 0.001, AOR = 3.011) and salt restriction (p-value = 0.021, AOR = 0.643) significantly influenced HTN control. Management-related predictors like stopping medication after feeling better (p-value = 0.001, AOR = 3.196) were also found significant. Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of uncontrolled HTN, especially among males and obese individuals. Sociodemographic factors like higher education were protective, while employment increased the risk of the disease. Further, smoking, salt restriction, and medication adherence significantly impacted HTN control, highlighting the importance of tailored interventions.

Prevalence of Parent-Reported Food Allergies Among Children in Saudi Arabia.

(1) Background: Food allergy (FA) is an immune-mediated hypersensitivity to foods, significantly contributing to childhood morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and influencing factors of parent-reported FAs among children in Saudi Arabia. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a validated parental questionnaire distributed across all regions of Saudi Arabia. Data from 2130 participants were collected and analyzed using SPSS v. 26 and Prism software v. 10.3.0. (3) Results: Parent-reported FA prevalence was 15.2%. Egg was the most common allergen (6.2%), followed by tree nuts (4.1%), peanuts (4.0%), milk (3.8%), and sesame (3.2%). Significant geographical variations were observed, with the western region having the highest burden (p < 0.001). Older children had higher rates of shellfish and fish allergies. Parental allergies and co-existing asthma/drug allergies were positively associated with childhood FAs. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights a substantial burden of parent-reported FAs in Saudi Arabia, with regional variations in food allergen distribution. Parental allergies and co-existing allergic conditions may influence FA risk.

Stroke Knowledge and Response Among the General Population in Saudi Arabia: A Population-Based Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke, a condition that disrupts brain function and can result in long-lasting clinical symptoms or death, remains a substantial global health concern. General awareness of stroke leads to a proper response to stroke, pursuit of medical treatment, and a better outcome. Our study aims to explore how the general Saudi Arabian population responds to stroke, investigate the relationship between stroke knowledge and appropriate actions, and identify the most relied upon medical information source about stroke among the public. By highlighting these aspects, we aspire to contribute to the development of effective stroke prevention and management strategies in Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: This descriptive, cross-sectional, web-based study was carried out across multiple regions in Saudi Arabia. Data collection involved a validated online questionnaire (STAT) in Arabic, targeting adults aged 18 and older. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The study included 390 participants. Notable findings emerged regarding the recognition of stroke symptoms and the factors influencing this recognition. A substantial proportion of respondents correctly identified visual disturbances (55.9%), motor impairment (39.5%), cardiac symptoms (56.2%), sensory symptoms (32.8%), chest pain (62.6%), and arm weakness (36.7%) as indicators requiring immediate medical attention. However, there were lower correct response rates for symptoms such as sudden dizziness (22.8%), confusion (16.9%), difficulty understanding (27.9%), and urinary symptoms (26.9%). Older individuals and retirees generally scored higher in correctly identifying these symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights a commendable level of awareness of certain stroke symptoms, such as visual disturbances and chest pain, among the general population of Saudi Arabia. Nonetheless, notable gaps remain in recognizing other symptoms, such as sudden dizziness and confusion. This identification gap presents a clear opportunity for targeted educational initiatives that are essential to improving public recognition of these symptoms. By addressing these gaps, we aim to enhance the response to stroke incidents, potentially improving outcomes and reducing morbidity rates.

Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Pediatric Ear Infections in the Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND:  Pediatric ear infections constitute a significant public health concern worldwide, adversely impacting children's health and well-being. Parents play a crucial role in prevention, ensuring timely healthcare access, and therefore minimizing potential complications. This study aims to assess parental knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards pediatric ear infections in Makkah region. METHODOLOGY:  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi parents who were ≥18 years old and lived in Makkah region. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 319 participants through social media platforms; data were collected from June to September 2023 via an online self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, along with knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to pediatric ear infections. RESULTS:  A total of 319 parents were included in the study. The majority of the participants were female 228 (71.5%), and 208 (65.2%) had a university education level. The most common age groups were 18-30 years and 31-40 years. More than half of the participants (167, 52.4%) demonstrated adequate knowledge regarding pediatric ear infections. Positive attitudes and practices were reported by 183 (57.4%) and 285 (89.3%) of participants, respectively. Adequate knowledge was significantly higher among participants with younger ages (p<0.05). It was found that having a younger age (18-30 years) was an independent predictor of good knowledge (OR: 1.26 (1.96-3.65), p=0.009) and positive practice (OR: 1.53 (1.01-2.33), p=0.045). CONCLUSION:  We found that the majority of parents in Makkah region had a good level of knowledge regarding childhood ear infections, with an overall positive attitude and practice. The study revealed that younger parents had superior knowledge and younger age was an independent predictor for good knowledge and positive attitude.

Orientational Effects and Molecular-Scale Thermoelectricity Control.

The orientational effect concept in a molecular-scale junction is established for asymmetric junctions, which requires the fulfillment of two conditions: (1) design of an asymmetric molecule with strong distinct terminal end groups and (2) construction of a doubly asymmetric junction by placing an asymmetric molecule in an asymmetric junction to form a multicomponent system such as Au/Zn-TPP+M/Au. Here, we demonstrate that molecular-scale junctions that satisfy the conditions of these effects can manifest Seebeck coefficients whose sign fluctuates depending on the orientation of the molecule within the asymmetric junction in a complete theoretical investigation. Three anthracene-based compounds are investigated in three different scenarios, one of which displays a bithermoelectric behavior due to the presence of strong anchor groups, including pyridyl and thioacetate. This bithermoelectricity demonstration implies that if molecules with alternating orientations can be placed between an asymmetric source and drain, they can be potentially utilized for increasing the thermovoltage in molecular-scale thermoelectric energy generators (TEGs).

Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Help in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Globally, mental disorders have become a significant burden, affecting a substantial number of individuals. Accessing mental health services is crucial for effective treatment and improving outcomes. However, significant barriers to seeking health services can impede access and contribute to the treatment gap. This systematic review aims to identify and analyze the perceived barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive search was conducted among four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Science Direct) to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2023. Studies that investigated barriers that could prevent psychiatric patients from seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia were included. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to identify common themes and barriers. The review included a total of six studies that examined barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. The identified barriers encompassed a range of factors, including stigma, lack of awareness, concerns about confidentiality, limited availability of services, negative attitudes toward professional help, and cultural and religious beliefs. The lack of knowledge, as well as the negative attitude toward mental health care, was a perceived barrier to help-seeking in most studies. Furthermore, stigma was consistently reported as a predominant barrier, preventing individuals from seeking mental health care. This systematic review highlights the barriers to seeking mental health services in Saudi Arabia. Addressing these barriers is essential for improving access to mental healthcare and reducing the treatment gap. Strategies should focus on destigmatization efforts, increasing awareness, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, providing culturally appropriate care, and addressing structural limitations. By implementing these strategies, healthcare systems can improve access to mental health care and the overall well-being of individuals experiencing mental disorders in Saudi Arabia.

The utility of serum glucose potassium ratio as a predictive factor for haemorrhagic transformation, stroke recurrence, and mortality among ischemic stroke patients.

Background and Objective: Glucose-Potassium Ratio (GPR) has emerged as a biomarker in several pathophysiological conditions. However, the association between GPR and long-term outcomes in stroke patients has not been investigated. Our study evaluated the applicability of baseline GPR as a predictive prognostic tool for clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: The multicenter retrospective cohort study included acute-subacute adult ischemic stroke patients who had their baseline serum GPR levels measured. Eligible patients were categorized into two sub-cohorts based on the baseline GPR levels (<1.67 vs. ≥ 1.67). The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day hemorrhagic transformation, while stroke recurrence, and all-cause mortality within twelve months, were considered secondary. Results: Among 4083 patients screened, 1047 were included in the current study. In comparison with GPR < 1.67 group, patients with ≥ 1.67 GPR had a significantly higher ratio of all-cause mortality within twelve months (aHR 2.07 [95 % CI 1.21-3.75] p = 0.01), and higher ratio of 30-day hemorrhagic transformation but failed to reach the statistical significance (aHR 1.60 [95 % CI 0.95-2.79], p = 0.08). Conclusion: Overall, baseline GPR serum is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality within twelve months in patients with acute and subacute ischemic stroke. Further clinical studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Exploring the association between microscopic colitis and celiac disease: A comprehensive analysis using the national in-patient data (2016-2019).

BACKGROUND: Several investigations suggested correlation between microscopic colitis (MC) and celiac disease (CD). This study aimed to examine this relationship using large-sized, population-based data with adequate control for confounding factors. METHODS: This study employed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database over 4 years (2016-2019). Patients with/without MC in the presence/absence of CD were identified through ICD-10 codes. Univariate and multi-variate analyses involving odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 26,836,118 patients were analyzed. Of whom, 6,836 patients had MC (n = 179 with CD and n = 6,657 without CD). The mean hospital stay was not significantly different between both groups (5.42 ± 5.44 days vs. 4.95 ± 4.66 days, P = 0.202). The univariate analysis revealed a significant association between MC and CD (OR = 22.69, 95% [19.55, 26.33], P < 0.0001). In the multi-variate analysis, which adjusted for potential confounders including age, race, hospital region, hospital teaching status, ZIP income, smoking status, alcohol overuse, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, lipidemia-related disorders, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, and selected auto-immune diseases, the association remained significant (OR = 15.71, 95% CI [13.52, 18.25], P < 0.0001). Moreover, in patients with MC, the presence of CD emerged as a significant, independent variable of in-hospital mortality in univariate (OR = 2.87, 95% [1.14, 7.21], P = 0.025) and multi-variate (OR = 3.37, 95% CI [1.32, 8.60], P = 0.011) analyses. CONCLUSION: This study establishes a probable link between MC and CD, backed by both univariate and multi-variate analyses, while also identifying CD as an independent risk factor for increased mortality among MC patients. These findings need to be validated in real-world clinical studies.

Voice Disorders Among Teachers in Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background Voice disorders (VD) pose significant challenges for teachers as they impact their professional and personal lives. Teaching requires extensive use of the voice, making teachers particularly susceptible to vocal health issues. VD can hinder the quality of education. Objectives This study aimed to comprehensively explore the prevalence, associated factors, and impact of VD among teachers and their health-seeking behavior regarding VD. Methodology A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Taif City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), between November and December 2023. The data were collected through a questionnaire covering demographic variables, occupational factors, voice-related symptoms, associated health conditions, and the impact of VD. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics version 26 (IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), and chi-squared tests were used to assess associations. Results The study involved 568 teachers, 61.8% of whom had VD. The study identified significant associations between VD and demographic characteristics, habits, and teaching-related variables. Age, gender, teaching subject, class size, and weekly teaching load were associated with the prevalence of VD. Hoarseness, throat pain, and throat dryness were prevalent symptoms among teachers with VD. The impact of VD on teachers was evident, with a considerable proportion reporting work absenteeism (28.7%) and even contemplating retirement due to voice problems (6.3%). Conclusion This study offers a nuanced understanding of VD among teachers in the Taif region, emphasizing the complex interplay of demographic, symptomatic, and behavioral factors. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including awareness campaigns, preventive strategies, and streamlined healthcare access, to address the unique challenges that different subgroups of teachers face. Future research should further explore longitudinal trajectories and objective measures to enhance our understanding of VD in educational settings.

A High-Performance Cr2O3/CaCO3 Nanocomposite Catalyst for Rapid Hydrogen Generation from NaBH4.

This study aims to prepare new nanocomposites consisting of Cr2O3/CaCO3 as a catalyst for improved hydrogen production from NaBH4 methanolysis. The new nanocomposite possesses nanoparticles with the compositional formula Cr2-xCaxO3 (x = 0, 0.3, and 0.6). These samples were prepared using the sol-gel method, which comprises gelatin fuel. The structure of the new composites was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and X-ray spectroscopy (XPS). The XRD data showed the rhombohedral crystallinity of the studied samples, and the average crystal size was 25 nm. The FTIR measurements represented the absorption bands of Cr2O3 and CaO. The ESEM micrographs of the Cr2O3 showed the spherical shape of the Cr2O3 nanoparticles. The XPS measurements proved the desired oxidation states of the Cr2-xCaxO3 nanoparticles. The optical band gap of Cr2O3 is 3.0 eV, and calcium doping causes a reduction to 2.5 and 1.3 eV at 15.0 and 30.0% doping ratios. The methanolysis of NaBH4 involved accelerated H2 production when using Cr2-xCaxO3 as a catalyst. Furthermore, the Cr1.7Ca0.3O3 catalyst had the highest hydrogen generation rate, with a value of 12,750 mL/g/min.

Retraction: Fahr Disease: A Rare Cause of First-Time Seizure in the Emergency Department.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19965.].

Intraoperative Fibrinous Reaction During Phacoemulsification With Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation.

This is a case report of a 67-year-old female who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and developed a rare fibrinous reaction intraoperatively. During surgery, the patient experienced poor dilation and iris tissue prolapse. Phacoemulsification and IOL insertion into the capsular bag were performed. A fibrinous reaction was noticed at the end of surgery and was managed excellently with triamcinolone. Postoperatively, the patient achieved visual acuity of 20/20, with no flare or fibrinous reaction observed on slit lamp examination. This case report highlights the possible related mechanisms of such an event, as well as clinical management and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of complications, close follow-up and prompt initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy are essential. Further studies are needed to investigate the predisposing factors for developing fibrinous reactions during cataract extraction.

Prevalence and determinants of community members utilizing preventive services offered by family physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Early detection and prevention of diseases can reduce morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. There is need to assess the utilization of preventive services for common chronic diseases, cancers, and vaccinations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and sequence of utilization of preventive services for common chronic diseases, cancers, and vaccinations in addition to exploring community perspectives on these services. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey, which was conducted at primary healthcare centers in Prince Sultan Military Medical City covering Riyadh region from October 2022 to January 2023. The study used a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from attendees aged 18 years and older, focusing on the utilization of eight preventive services (blood glucose testing, blood pressure measurement, cholesterol testing, screening for breast cancer, screening for cervical cancer, screening for colorectal cancer, screening for prostate cancer, and flu and pneumococcal vaccines). Descriptive statistics of the study were reported in frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to assess association between outcome variables. Results: Participants were mostly married and had a higher educational degree. However, a considerable number is not accessing primary healthcare services regularly. The results showed that the rate of utilizing preventive services was as follows: blood pressure screening (91%), blood glucose testing (72%), cholesterol testing (65.8%), vaccination utilization (39.5%), breast cancer screening (8%), prostate cancer screening (4.6%), colon cancer screening (4.2%), and least utilized was cervical cancer screening with frequency of (3%). Conclusion: The results underscore the importance of increasing awareness and accessibility of primary healthcare services to promote better health outcomes in the region.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Awareness of and Attitudes Toward Epistaxis.

Epistaxis, commonly known as nasal bleeding, ranks among the most prevalent emergencies encountered in otorhinolaryngology. The etiology of epistaxis is multifaceted, arising from both local and systemic factors. In Saudi Arabia, a country with a relatively high prevalence of epistaxis, understanding the level of awareness and attitudes toward first aid management of epistaxis is of paramount importance. This systematic review aims to bridge this knowledge gap by evaluating the awareness of and attitudes toward epistaxis first aid in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive electronic search was executed across PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases, encompassing studies published between January 2015 and July 2023. The study included exclusively cross-sectional studies, assessing awareness and attitude toward epistaxis first aid in Saudi Arabia across all populations and studies in English. The 17 selected studies were all published after October 2017, with three published in the year of this systematic review (2023). Sample sizes exhibited substantial variability, ranging from 57 to 2,441 individuals. Despite widespread awareness of epistaxis, the general population often disregards it as a minor health issue. This discrepancy highlights the importance of addressing epistaxis seriously, given the potential for severe bleeding as a medical emergency. The review of 17 studies revealed significant variations in epistaxis awareness levels, influenced by factors such as age, gender, and varying sample sizes. Notably, higher awareness levels were observed in studies involving the general Saudi population and those employing self-administered questionnaires. The average awareness and knowledge of epistaxis and its management among Saudi residents were moderate, with an estimated awareness level of 63%. A large-scale epidemiological survey, considering sociodemographic factors, is recommended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of epistaxis awareness.

Cross-Sectional Assessment of Dermatologists' Knowledge and Attitude Towards Isotretinoin-Related Ocular Side Effects in Aseer, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, which includes the hair follicle, hair shaft and sebaceous gland. The only treatment that has an effect on all the main aetiological causes of acne is isotretinoin. However, it may have a variety of negative side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of dermatologists regarding ocular effects following isotretinoin prescribing in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY: An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2022 to investigate dermatologists' knowledge and attitude regarding isotretinoin-related ocular side effects in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited using convenience and snowball sampling methods. RESULTS: A total of 48 dermatologists were included in this survey. The age distribution ranged from 25 to over 60 years. Sixteen (37.5%) were aged 31-40 years, 29 (60.4%) were male and 20 (41.7%) were specialists. All dermatologists reported that it can cause dry eye, 32 (66.7%) reported that it can cause contact lens intolerance, 10 (20.8%) reported that it can cause a decrease in dark adaptation and two (4.2%) thought that it can cause ectopia lentis and retinoblastoma. Regarding attitude, 43 (87.5%) thought that a course of isotretinoin is not recommended if the patient has recently undergone refractive surgery, 30 (62.5%) always inform patients about ocular side effects, 31 (72.9%) do not consider referring patients for ophthalmic examinations before initiating isotretinoin, 12 (25.0%) always prescribe lubricant eye drops, 15 (31.3%) always ask patients about recent refractive surgery, 17 (35.4%) always warn patients about avoiding refractive surgery during isotretinoin use and 19 (39.6%) always inform patients concerning discomfort with contact lenses. CONCLUSIONS: The survey reveals that dermatologists in Aseer, Saudi Arabia, generally have good knowledge of isotretinoin related to some ocular side effects, especially dry eye and contact lens intolerance. However, there is some variation in their practices with regard to patient education, referrals for ophthalmic examinations, the use of lubricant eye drops and refractive surgery during isotretinoin treatment. Thus, dermatologists should receive educational training on the safety profile of isotretinoin while managing acne vulgaris.

Zaxinone mimics (MiZax) efficiently promote growth and production of potato and strawberry plants under desert climate conditions.

Climate changes and the rapid expanding human population have become critical concerns for global food security. One of the promising solutions is the employment of plant growth regulators (PGRs) for increasing crop yield and overcoming adverse growth conditions, such as desert climate. Recently, the apocarotenoid zaxinone and its two mimics (MiZax3 and MiZax5) have shown a promising growth-promoting activity in cereals and vegetable crops under greenhouse and field conditions. Herein, we further investigated the effect of MiZax3 and MiZax5, at different concentrations (5 and 10 µM in 2021; 2.5 and 5 µM in 2022), on the growth and yield of the two valuable vegetable crops, potato and strawberry, in the Kingdom of Saudi of Arabia. Application of both MiZax significantly increased plant agronomic traits, yield components and total yield, in five independent field trials from 2021 to 2022. Remarkably, the amount of applied MiZax was far less than humic acid, a widely applied commercial compound used here for comparison. Hence, our results indicate that MiZax are very promising PGRs that can be applied to promote the growth and yield of vegetable crops even under desert conditions and at relatively low concentrations.

Synthesis of Sulfur@g-C3N4 and CuS@g-C3N4 Catalysts for Hydrogen Production from Sodium Borohydride.

In this work, the S@g-C3N4 and CuS@g-C3N4 catalysts were prepared via the polycondensation process. The structural properties of these samples were completed on XRD, FTIR and ESEM techniques. The XRD pattern of S@g-C3N4 presents a sharp peak at 27.2° and a weak peak at 13.01° and the reflections of CuS belong to the hexagonal phase. The interplanar distance decreased from 0.328 to 0.319 nm that facilitate charge carrier separation and promoting H2 generation. FTIR data revealed the structural change according to absorption bands of g-C3N4. ESEM images of S@g-C3N4 exhibited the described layered sheet structure for g-C3N4 materials and CuS@g-C3N4 demonstrated that the sheet materials were fragmented throughout the growth process. The data of BET revealed a higher surface area (55 m2/g) for the CuS-g-C3N4 nanosheet. The UV-vis absorption spectrum of S@g-C3N4 showed a strong peak at 322 nm, which weakened after the growth of CuS at g-C3N4. The PL emission data showed a peak at 441 nm, which correlated with electron-hole pair recombination. The data of hydrogen evolution showed improved performance for the CuS@g-C3N4 catalyst (5227 mL/g·min). Moreover, the activation energy was determined for S@g-C3N4 and CuS@g-C3N4, which showed a lowering from 47.33 ± 0.02 to 41.15 ± 0.02 KJ/mol.

Preparation and Optical Properties of PVDF-CaFe2O4 Polymer Nanocomposite Films.

In this work, a synthesis technique for highly homogeneous PVDF-CaFe2O4 polymer films direct from solution was developed. The structural characterizations were conducted using XRD, FTIR, and ESEM experimental techniques. The XRD characteristic peaks of CaFe2O4 nanoparticles revealed a polycrystalline structure. The average crystallite size for CaFe2O4 was calculated to be 17.0 nm. ESEM micrographs of PVDF nanocomposites containing 0.0, 0.25, 0.75, and 1.0 wt% of CaFe2O4 showed smooth surface topography. The direct Edir and indirect Eind band gap energies for the PVDF-CaFe2O4 nanocomposites were decreased with the additions of 0.0-1.0 wt% CaFe2O4. In addition, the refractive index (n0) increased from 3.38 to 10.36, and energy gaps (Eg) decreased from 5.50 to 4.95 eV. The nonlinear refractive index (n2) for the PVDF-CaFe2O4 nanocomposites was improved with the addition of CaFe2O4 nanoparticles, exceeding those reported in the literature for PVC, PVA, and PMMA nanocomposites. Therefore, the PVDF-CaFe2O4 nanocomposites are expected to take the lead in optoelectronic applications because of their unusual optical properties.