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The prevalence of smart devices in our day-to-day activities increases the potential threat to our secret information. To counter these threats like unauthorized access and misuse of phones, only authorized users should be able to access the device. Authentication mechanism provide a secure way to safeguard the physical resources as well the information that is processed. Text-based passwords are the most common technique used for the authentication of devices, however, they are vulnerable to a certain type of attacks such as brute force, smudge and shoulder surfing attacks. Graphical Passwords (GPs) were introduced as an alternative for the conventional text-based authentication to overcome the potential threats. GPs use pictures and have been implemented in smart devices and workstations. Psychological studies reveal that humans can recognize images much easier and quicker than numeric and alphanumeric passwords, which become the basis for creating GPs. In this paper a novel Fractal-Based Authentication Technique (FBAT) has been proposed by implementing a Sierpinski triangle. In the FBAT scheme, the probability of password guessing is low making system resilient against abovementioned threats. Increasing fractal level makes the system stronger and provides security against attacks like shoulder surfing.
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Recent advances in aerial robotics and wireless transceivers have generated an enormous interest in networks constituted by multiple compact unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). UAV adhoc networks, i.e., aerial networks with dynamic topology and no centralized control, are found suitable for a unique set of applications, yet their operation is vulnerable to cyberattacks. In many applications, such as IoT networks or emergency failover networks, UAVs augment and provide support to the sensor nodes or mobile nodes in the ground network in data acquisition and also improve the overall network performance. In this situation, ensuring the security of the adhoc UAV network and the integrity of data is paramount to accomplishing network mission objectives. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to secure UAV adhoc networks, referred to as the blockchain-assisted security framework (BCSF). We demonstrate that the proposed system provides security without sacrificing the performance of the network through blockchain technology adopted to the priority of the message to be communicated over the adhoc UAV network. Theoretical analysis for computing average latency is performed based on queuing theory models followed by an evaluation of the proposed BCSF approach through simulations that establish the superior performance of the proposed methodology in terms of transaction delay, data secrecy, data recovery, and energy efficiency.
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Cadena de Bloques , Redes de Comunicación de Computadores , Seguridad Computacional , Dispositivos Aéreos No Tripulados , Tecnología Inalámbrica , AlgoritmosRESUMEN
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20502.].
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[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19551.].
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Introduction: Imposter syndrome is common among health disciplinary students, leading to serious consequences. However, the impact of imposter syndrome on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students has not been well researched. Objective: To report on the prevalence of imposter syndrome and assess its impacts on self-esteem and quitting intention among respiratory therapy students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A nonprobability cross-sectional questionnaire using the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was self-administered and distributed among respiratory therapy students between October 2022 and April 2023. Data analysis was performed using Descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Of the 1500 respiratory therapy students invited to participate in the study, 901 surveys were completed; and thus, included in the final analysis. Of whom, 92% were presented with imposter syndrome: 44% with moderate, 35% with frequent, and 13% with intense feelings. In addition, 60% of respiratory therapy students and interns experienced low self-esteem, while only 0.5% indicated high self-esteem. More than 50% of the study participants thought about quitting the respiratory therapy program, and 30% have been diagnosed with psychological disorders. Furthermore, there was a significant association between imposter syndrome and low self-esteem, p < 0.001. Factors associated with imposter syndrome and low self-esteem were family income (<0.005) and parents' education (<0.005), quitting intention (<0.005), and having been diagnosed with psychological disorders (<0.005). Genders, academic levels, and grade point average were not associated with either imposter syndrome or self-esteem (>0.005). Conclusion: Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem are prevalent among respiratory therapy students, both of which are associated with considering leaving the respiratory therapy program. Effective interventions should be implemented to ameliorate the symptoms imposter syndrome and low self-esteem; thus, improving the academic experience of respiratory therapy students.
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[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20118.].
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The role that vehicular fog computing based on the Fifth Generation (5G) can play in improving traffic management and motorist safety is growing quickly. The use of wireless technology within a vehicle raises issues of confidentiality and safety. Such concerns are optimal targets for conditional privacy-preserving authentication (CPPA) methods. However, current CPPA-based systems face a challenge when subjected to attacks from quantum computers. Because of the need for security and anti-piracy features in fog computing when using a 5G-enabled vehicle system, the L-CPPA scheme is proposed in this article. Using a fog server, secret keys are generated and transmitted to each registered car via a 5G-Base Station (5G-BS) in the proposed L-CPPA system. In the proposed L-CPPA method, the trusted authority, rather than the vehicle's Onboard Unit (OBU), stores the vehicle's master secret data to each fog server. Finally, the computation cost of the suggested L-CPPA system regards message signing, single verification and batch verification is 694.161 ms, 60.118 ms, and 1348.218 ms, respectively. Meanwhile, the communication cost is 7757 bytes.
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Privacidad , Telemedicina , Seguridad Computacional , Confidencialidad , Tecnología InalámbricaRESUMEN
Objective: To test the feasibility and reproducibility of a handheld ultrasound device (HUD) compared to a standard ultrasound machine for muscle thickness measurements in healthy participants. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was designed where two novice operators tested the thickness of the vastus lateralis, rectus femoris, and vastus intermedius muscles on recruited asymptomatic participants with no history of muscle diseases. The anterior-posterior thickness of each muscle was measured three times per operator to evaluate intra-operator reproducibility and using two machines to evaluate inter-system reproducibility. Scanning started using the HUD followed by the standard system. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and simple linear regression were used to test for reproducibility and proportional bias respectively. Results: A total of 33 male participants volunteered to take part in this study with a mean age of 22.7 years (6.8). Intra-operator reproducibility was almost perfect for both operators on both machines (ICC > 0.80). The measurements difference percentage between the machines ranged from 1.8% to 6.6% and inter-system reproducibility ICC ranged from 0.815 to 0.927 showing excellent reproducibility. Inter-operator reproducibility was poor to moderate on both machines (ICC: 0.522-0.849). Regression analysis showed no proportional bias in the measurements. All measurements were completed successfully using the HUD. Conclusion: The HUD demonstrated excellent accuracy compared to the standard ultrasound machine for measuring thigh muscle thickness.
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Text Classification problem has been thoroughly studied in information retrieval problems and data mining tasks. It is beneficial in multiple tasks including medical diagnose health and care department, targeted marketing, entertainment industry, and group filtering processes. A recent innovation in both data mining and natural language processing gained the attention of researchers from all over the world to develop automated systems for text classification. NLP allows categorizing documents containing different texts. A huge amount of data is generated on social media sites through social media users. Three datasets have been used for experimental purposes including the COVID-19 fake news dataset, COVID-19 English tweet dataset, and extremist-non-extremist dataset which contain news blogs, posts, and tweets related to coronavirus and hate speech. Transfer learning approaches do not experiment on COVID-19 fake news and extremist-non-extremist datasets. Therefore, the proposed work applied transfer learning classification models on both these datasets to check the performance of transfer learning models. Models are trained and evaluated on the accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. Heat maps are also generated for every model. In the end, future directions are proposed.
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COVID-19 , Desinformación , Humanos , Aprendizaje Automático , Procesamiento de Lenguaje Natural , SARS-CoV-2RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Rebamipide (REB) is quinolinone derivative compound, which is used for the treatment of stomach ulcers. OBJECTIVE: The development of four spectrophotometric methods for quantification of REB and its impurity and degradation product: the debenzoylated isomer of REB (DER). METHODS: Method A is ratio difference spectrophotometry where 254 and 291 nm were selected for REB and 320 and 355 nm were selected for DER, allowing spectral discrimination for both. Method B is derivative ratio spectrophotometry, where the peak amplitudes of the first derivative of ratio spectra at 261 and 350.2 nm for REB and DER, respectively, are determined. Method C is a second derivative approach, which allows quantification of both REB and DER at 337 and 340 nm, respectively. Method D is mean centering of ratio spectra, where electronic absorption spectra of REB and DER were recorded and divided by a suitable divisor from DER and REB, respectively, and then the mean center is represented by the ratio spectrum so obtained. RESULTS: The proposed methods are simple, selective, and sensitive in the quantification of REB and DER. These methods were validated according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. Statistical analyses performed on the findings from the suggested methods and those obtained from reported methods revealed high accuracy and good precision. CONCLUSION: The developed and validated methods are useful for quality control assay in routine analyses. HIGHLIGHTS: First derivative, second derivative, derivative ratio, and mean centering methods for quantification of REM and DER. These methods are useful for analysis of REB in pharmaceutical dosage form.
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Quinolonas , Alanina/análogos & derivados , Espectrofotometría , ComprimidosRESUMEN
Among health care professionals, dentists are more prone to infection due to their direct contact with blood and saliva. This study highlights the level of compliance with infection control measures among dental students; and linked this to their knowledge and attitudes regarding infection control measures and proper vaccinations. The study is a multi-centre analytical cross-sectional survey. The sample size was 969 clinical years' students from governmental and private dental colleges in Sudan and Saudi Arabia. A pre-coded, pre-tested, and anonymous questionnaire consisted of seven categories of knowledge, attitude, awareness, and practices, including 40 questions, was answered. The study has linked knowledge, attitude, and practice in dental clinics with possible COVID-19 transmission in dental clinics. The results showed that the use of some Personal Protective Equipment was low in Sudan and moderate in Saudi Arabia (statistically significant, p < 0.001). Moderate percentage of Hepatitis B vaccination status, with low percentage of Post HBV serology, was reported (p < 0.001). The percentages of major causes of percutaneous and/or eye exposure/injury, for examples, were as follows: anesthesia (33.3-62.7%, p 0.006) and suture needle (17.5-39.4%, p 0.037). In conclusion, dental students in the present study had good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding infection control in general, but showed moderate compliance with the recommended infection control guidelines.
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COVID-19 , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/prevención & control , Estudios Transversales , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Control de Infecciones , Pandemias/prevención & control , Estudiantes de Odontología , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents around 85% of all known types of liver cancers and is estimated to be the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The current study assessed the preventive efficacy of isatin on diethylnitrosamine (DENA)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats and investigated the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. HCC was initiated by intraperitoneal injection of DENA (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks, followed by oral 2-AAF (20 mg/kg) every other day for three successive weeks. Oral isatin or vehicle (control) was administered at 25 mg/kg for 20 weeks during and following HCC induction. Isatin ameliorated the deleterious effects of DENA/2-AAF on liver function as evidenced by reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, albumin, and liver tumor biomarkers (CA19.9 and AFP) compared to control DENA/2-AAF-treated rats. Histopathological evaluations demonstrated that isatin-mediated protection against hepatocarcinogenesis was accompanied by a decline in hepatic lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase expression. Isatin treatment also upregulated expression of the major stress-response transcription factor Nrf2 and the detoxifying enzymes NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase and glutathione-S-transferase alpha 2 and downregulated expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. Moreover, isatin significantly reduced the DENA/2-AAF-induced decrease in hepatic expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and the DENA/2-AAF-induced increases in pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic factors (TNF-α, NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, p53, and caspase 3). Thus, it can be concluded that isatin may protect against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis by enhancing cellular antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification mechanisms, in part through upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
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Background The nature and extent of the relation between body mass index (BMI) score and the risk of Musculoskeletal (MSK) injury are still unclear, with few studies investigating. So, the purpose of this study was to assess the association between BMI scores and MSK injury and to see if the site of MSK injury is affected by a specific BMI score. In addition, the risk of MSK injuries was compared among different adult age groups. Methods The study population included all patients above 18 years old with musculoskeletal injuries between January 2009 and December 2019 at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). The estimated sample size was 377. The study subjects were distributed according to their BMI into four categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese). Also, they were divided according to their age into young adults, middle age, and older adults. Each MSK injury was identified by its location as upper extremity, axial skeleton, or lower extremity. Results Only gender and age were significantly related to the site of injury, with P-values (0.018) and (0.001), respectively. As for the BMI category, its relation with the site of injury was nonsignificant (P-value: 0.092). The younger age group (≤ 35) has a significantly higher chance to be injured in the upper extremities compared with the older adults (≥ 56) (P-value = 0.014). While the axial skeleton (especially the lower back) was the most common site of injury in obese, overweight, and underweight categories, patients with normal BMI have lower extremities as their most common site of injury. Conclusion Although a higher BMI is associated with an increased risk of MSK injury, the difference in the BMI score seems to not effect the site of injury. By contrast, both gender and age group have a significant relationship with the site of MSK injury.
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ABSTRACT: Evaluating students' professional training satisfaction with operative dentistry teaching and curriculum can help identify their educational needs and improve the quality of the education imparted. This study aimed to assess the professional training satisfaction of senior undergraduate dental students in Saudi Arabia from the operative dentistry course teaching and its curriculum at different levels and among genders.A total of 193 (109 male, 56.48%; and 84 female, 43.52%) students participated in the survey. The respondents were at the 10th, 11th, and 12th levels of the Operative Dentistry course in a ratio of 34.2%, 32.1%, and 33.7%, respectively. Data were collected from survey items (18 questions) covering 6 areas: learning objectives, course materials, content relevance, instructor knowledge, instructor delivery and style, and facility and environment. Descriptive and analytical tests were performed using SPSS Software 19, with the significance level set at 0.05.A high level of satisfaction was seen among level 10 (68.18%), 11 (79.03%), and 12 (86.15%) students. A significant statistical difference was observed among level 10 students with a low level of satisfaction and a high level of satisfaction (Pâ=â.045). The percentage of satisfaction increased with the level. A high level of satisfaction was seen among male (78.90%) and female (76.19%) students, with a total satisfaction level of 77.72%.Continuous evaluation and assessment of teaching and curriculum can be a tool to improve the quality of education imparted, especially in clinical courses such as operative dentistry. This helps to prepare students for their professional life as healthcare providers. The role of teaching skills related to amalgam must be re-evaluated. It is recommended to include student representation and participation in course development committees, as they are the final recipients of the educational process.
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Operatoria Dental/educación , Educación en Odontología/métodos , Satisfacción Personal , Estudiantes de Odontología/psicología , Curriculum , Educación en Odontología/estadística & datos numéricos , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas , Arabia Saudita , Estudiantes de Odontología/estadística & datos numéricos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/estadística & datos numéricos , Enseñanza/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) have seen a surge in value in the recent past and appeared as a useful investment opportunity for traders. However, their short term profitability using algorithmic trading strategies remains unanswered. In this work, we focus on the short term profitability of BTC against the euro and the yen for an eight-year period using seven trading algorithms over trading periods of length 15 and 30 days. We use the classical buy and hold (BH) as a benchmark strategy. Rather surprisingly, we found that on average, the yen is more profitable than BTC and the euro; however the answer also depends on the choice of algorithm. Reservation price algorithms result in 7.5% and 10% of average returns over 15 and 30 days respectively which is the highest for all the algorithms for the three assets. For BTC, all algorithms outperform the BH strategy. We also analyze the effect of transaction fee on the profitability of algorithms for BTC and observe that for trading period of length 15 no trading strategy is profitable for BTC. For trading period of length 30, only two strategies are profitable.
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Healthcare workers have reported a certain segment of geriatric patients that are suffering from abuse/neglect, which in turn has been associated with anxiety, depression, and helplessness in the individual. Family caregivers (blood relations), being the most common perpetrators of elder abuse and neglect (EAN), have also been shown to respond to sensitization if the type of EAN and the interventions are appropriate. This study was aimed to comparatively analyze the influence of intervention (psychotherapeutic sensitization of FCG) upon long-term (24 months) treatment maintenance and satisfaction in elderly neglected patients. One hundred and fifty patients (aged 41-80 years) suffering from elder neglect (EN) (self-confession) and their respective FCGs, fulfilling the study criteria, participated in this longitudinal 2-year study. The patients were randomly distributed (simple random, convenient) in two equal groups (75 each), namely Group (GP) A (control) and GP B (test). A standardized, complete denture treatment was initiated for all the participants. Both the FCGs and the patients of GP B were sensitized (psychotherapeutic education) for EN, while there was no such intervention in GP A. The influence of such intervention was measured for denture maintenance [denture plaque index (DPI) scores] and treatment satisfaction (10-point visual analog scale). Absolute/relative frequencies and means were major calculations during data analysis. Differences between the groups for any treatment compliance parameter was done through the unpaired t-test, while Karl Pearson's test determined the level of relationship between variables (p-value < 0.05). Decrease in mean DPI scores (suggesting improvement) was seen among patients in GP A from 1 month (m = 2.92) to 24 months (m = 2.77). A negligible increase in DPI scores was observed among patients of GP B from 1 month (m = 1.38) to 24 months (m = 1.44). Differences in mean values between the two groups were statistically significant at 24-month intervals, while the relationship between the variables was nonsignificant. FCG sensitization through psychotherapeutic education shows a long-term positive influence on the treatment compliance (maintenance and satisfaction). Identifying the existence of EAN among geriatric patients, followed by psychotherapeutic education of FCGs is recommended for routine medical and dental long-duration treatment procedures.
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Methamphetamine is the second most commonly abused drug worldwide. It is a sympathomimetic agent that works by inhibiting the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Methamphetamine use is associated with early mortality, and cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of increased mortality. We discuss the case of a 41-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with a sudden abdominal pain of eight hours' duration. The pain was located in the epigastric area with radiation to the back. Upon examination, the patient appeared agitated and diaphoretic. His pupils were dilated bilaterally. His vital signs included tachycardia (120 bpm), tachypnea (24 bpm), hypertension (150/90 mmHg), and normal temperature (36.9 â). Abdominal examination revealed a soft and lax abdomen with no tenderness. His bowel sounds were normal. Given the physical signs, a toxicology screen was conducted and was positive for methamphetamine use. The patient reported that he used recreational drugs occasionally and admitted that the abdominal pain developed a few hours following methamphetamine use. The patient was treated with fluid resuscitation, analgesic, antihypertension medications, and anticoagulant therapy. The patient had significant improvement in his condition within 48 hours with complete resolution of the abdominal pain. Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection is a very rare clinical condition. This case report highlights the importance of recognizing the cardiovascular adverse effects that may develop after methamphetamine use.
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Urinary tract infection is a common medical condition encountered in outpatient clinics and emergency departments. Recurrence of urinary tract infections is common. The recurrence can arise from behavioral, mechanical, and physiological factors. Urachal anomalies are very rare congenital clinical entities. We present the case of a 41-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with dysuria, frequency, urgency, and incontinence. There was no history of fever or flank pain. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities. Initial laboratory markers were within the normal range. However, urinalysis findings showed numerous white blood cells and positive leukocyte esterase and nitrite. While these findings are suggestive of acute simple cystitis, the patient had a concerning history of recurrent urinary tract infections. The urology team advised performing an abdominal computed tomography scan to rule out any structural abnormalities. The patient underwent a computed tomography scan, which demonstrated the presence of a fluid-filled structure arising from the dome of the bladder and extending superiorly toward the umbilicus, representing a vesicourachal diverticulum. The patient underwent surgical resection after antibiotic therapy. The vesicourachal diverticulum is a very rare type of urinary tract anomalies. The case highlights the importance of considering congenital urachal anomalies in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections. A computed tomography scan can make the diagnosis of such anomalies with high accuracy.
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Small intestinal obstruction is a common surgical emergency that has a wide range of underlying etiologies. The most frequent causes of small intestinal obstruction include adhesions, hernias, and malignancies. The diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction is primarily dependent on the clinical findings, but imaging investigations are crucial to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the complications. We report the case of a middle-aged woman with a complaint of abdominal pain for one week that was associated with abdominal distension and decreased bowel motion. Examination of the abdomen showed a distended abdomen. There was generalized tenderness, but no guarding or rigidity was noted. Initial laboratory investigation showed no derangement in the basic hematological and biochemical parameters. Abdominal CT was performed, which showed a segment of jejunojejunal intussusception causing a small intestinal obstruction. There was a well-defined, oval-shaped fat-attenuation mass lesion acting as a lead-point. Such radiological findings conferred the diagnosis of jejunojejunal intussusception due to jejunal lipoma. The patient underwent laparotomy, which confirmed the radiological finding. The intussusception was reduced, but a gangrenous intestine was observed. Resection of the affected intestine was performed, followed by a primary anastomosis. The patient recovered with no complications. Following the operation, oral feeding was started gradually according to the patient's tolerance. She was discharged after 10 days of hospitalization. At the follow-up visit after three months, the patient had no active symptoms. This case illustrated a rare etiology of small intestinal obstruction due to gastrointestinal lipoma. A computed tomography scan is strongly advised to reach the diagnosis and identify the lead points.
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AIM: The study is aimed to assess the effect of 3 Saudi-traditional types of mouth rinses (Karadah, Myrrh, salted water) on the microleakage of composite and glass-ionomer restorations subjected to thermal cycling and cyclic loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Class V cavities in both buccal and lingual surfaces of eighty extracted premolars were restored with both nano-filled composite and glass-ionomer restoratives. Half the number of restored teeth (group 1, n = 40) were subjected to further thermal cycling and cyclic loading to mimic the in-service functional stresses. The rest of the teeth were left as control with no functional simulation (group 2, n = 40). Teeth of each group were then stored wet for one month in 4 subgroups (n = 10) according to the storage media (distilled water, salted water, Myrrh and Karadah extracts). Following wet ageing, all teeth were immersed in methylene blue solution for 24 hrs, followed by sectioning in Bucco-lingual direction. The microleakage was inspected using stereomicroscope and rated from 0-4 according to its penetration depth. The collected non-parametrical data was then analysed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis One-way ANOVA at α = 0.05. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference observed in microleakage between specimens treated with any of the mouthwashes for both glass ionomer and composite restorations in the presence and absence of thermal cycling and cyclic loading (p = 0.889). CONCLUSION: Given the results of the present study, the Saudi-traditional types of mouth rinses are not contributory to microleakage in aesthetic-based composite and glass-ionomer restorations.