Exploring women's perception and attitude towards antidepressant use: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization reports that depression affects more than 280 million people globally. Women are approximately 50% more likely to experience depression compared to men. Depression during pregnancy leads to deterioration of the mother's and the fetus's health. We aim to explore women's perceptions and attitudes toward using antidepressants and to identify the factors that influence decision-making regarding antidepressant use. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey, employing a convenience sampling method, was conducted on a university campus in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The survey was developed by the investigators and validated by health practitioners. Answers were reported using a 5-point Likert scale. The responses were summed up to give a total score for each respondent. Respondents who scored above or equal 75% of the total score was considered positive perception or favorable attitude. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing participants' perception and attitude toward taking antidepressants. RESULTS: A total of 991 subjects were surveyed. The majority of women had negative perceptions and favorable attitudes towards using antidepressants during pregnancy reaching 64%. While women with positive perceptions and favorable attitudes represented about 20% of the study subjects. Participants reported that social stigma, religious beliefs, and fear of addiction significantly influenced their attitudes toward antidepressant use. CONCLUSIONS: This study explores women's perceptions of depression and antidepressant use, revealing that a significant proportion of Saudi women have a negative perception. The research emphasizes the need for tailored awareness programs to promote informed decision-making regarding antidepressant usage among Saudi women.

Comparing knowledge, attitudes, and practices in cardiovascular disease prevention and health promotion between community and hospital pharmacists in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Saudi Arabia is one of the leading nations in the world in terms of the high frequency of chronic diseases and their associated risk factors. Knowledge and awareness are crucial for pharmacists to play an active role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The current study assessed the pharmacists' knowledge, attitude, and practice to determine the potential differences with respect to their respective practice settings toward CVD prevention and related health promotions. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study targeted the registered pharmacists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire was prepared, and the link was circulated through various social media platforms. Descriptive statistics, multivariate linear regression analysis and chi square test were used to analyze the data accordingly. Results: A total of 324 pharmacists were included in the study. Among these, 157 (48.4 %) were community pharmacists, and the remaining were hospital pharmacists (51.6 %). No significant differences in knowledge scores were observed between community and hospital pharmacists. The mean attitude score among community and hospital pharmacists was found to be 26.40 ± 5.125 and 25.09 ± 5.393 respectively, which was statistically significant (p = 0.026). Similarly, the total practice scores across the settings were statistically significant (p = 0.02). Gender plays a significant role in terms of knowledge scores among both community and hospital pharmacists (p = 0.016 & 0.029). Gender, professional practice experience, and number of prescriptions handled and prescriptions with CVD medications showed significant differences in the distribution of positive attitudes and good practice frequency between community and hospital pharmacists. Conclusion: It is evident that there is a deficiency in knowledge among hospital pharmacists compared to community pharmacists. Which indicates that there is a need for a rigorous continuous pharmacy education covering the fundamental aspects of CVD primary prevention and health promotion among pharmacists, given more focus on hospital pharmacists.

Silymarin Encapsulated Liposomal Formulation: An Effective Treatment Modality against Copper Toxicity Associated Liver Dysfunction and Neurobehavioral Abnormalities in Wistar Rats.

Wilson's disease causes copper accumulation in the liver and extrahepatic organs. The available therapies aim to lower copper levels by various means. However, a potent drug that can repair the damaged liver and brain tissue is needed. Silymarin has hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties. However, poor oral bioavailability reduces its efficacy. In this study, a "thin film hydration method" was used for synthesizing silymarin-encapsulated liposome nanoparticles (SLNPs) and evaluated them against copper toxicity, associated liver dysfunction and neurobehavioral abnormalities in Wistar rats. After copper toxicity induction, serological and behavioral assays were conducted to evaluate treatment approaches. Histological examination of the diseased rats revealed severe hepatocyte necrosis and neuronal vacuolation. These cellular degenerations were mild in rats treated with SLNPs and a combination of zinc and SLNPs (ZSLNPs). SLNPs also decreased liver enzymes and enhanced rats' spatial memory significantly (p = 0.006) in the diseased rats. During forced swim tests, SLNPs treated rats exhibited a 60-s reduction in the immobility period, indicating reduced depression. ZSLNPs were significantly more effective than traditional zinc therapy in decreasing the immobility period (p = 0.0008) and reducing liver enzymes, but not in improving spatial memory. Overall, SLNPs enhanced oral silymarin administration and managed copper toxicity symptoms.

Targeted Drug Administration onto Cancer Cells Using Hyaluronic Acid-Quercetin-Conjugated Silver Nanoparticles.

Quercetin (QtN) displays low systemic bioavailability caused by poor water solubility and instability. Consequently, it exerts limited anticancer action in vivo. One solution to increase the anticancer efficacy of QtN is the use of appropriate functionalized nanocarriers that preferentially target and deliver the drug to the tumor location. Herein, a direct advanced method was designed to develop water-soluble hyaluronic acid (HA)-QtN-conjugated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). HA-QtN reduced silver nitrate (AgNO3) while acting as a stabilizing agent to produce AgNPs. Further, HA-QtN#AgNPs served as an anchor for folate/folic acid (FA) conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The resulting PEG-FA-HA-QtN#AgNPs (further abbreviated as PF/HA-QtN#AgNPs) were characterized both in vitro and ex vivo. Physical characterizations included UV-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size (PS) and zeta potential (ZP) measurements, and biopharmaceutical evaluations. The biopharmaceutical evaluations included analyses of the cytotoxic effects on the HeLa and Caco-2 cancer cell lines using the MTT assay; cellular drug intake into cancer cells using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy; and blood compatibility using an automatic hematology analyzer, a diode array spectrophotometer, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The prepared hybrid delivery nanosystem was hemocompatible and more oncocytotoxic than the free, pure QtN. Therefore, PF/HA-QtN#AgNPs represent a smart nano-based drug delivery system (NDDS) and could be a promising oncotherapeutic option if the data are validated in vivo.

Knowledge, attitude and preparedness of healthcare students toward basic life support at King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, millions of people die of sudden cardiac arrest every year. A well-timed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases the possibility of survival by two- to fourfolds. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and preparedness of health care students toward basic life support (BLS) at King Khalid University. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the health care students of King Khalid University from August to October 2020. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. RESULRS: The total number of participants was 346. Overall, the participant's knowledge regarding the BLS was inadequate. Majority of the participants were not aware of the acronyms used in BLS. The level of education has a significant impact on the knowledge, whereas gender has no significant impact on the knowledge. The answers to the attitude and the preparedness items were also not satisfying. Lack of knowledge is one of the common reasons for not performing BLS. Periodical training program and refresher courses were the most recommended methods to increase the knowledge toward the BLS. CONCLUSION: It is evident from the current study that there is a lack of knowledge and preparedness toward BLS among most health care students. It is recommended to incorporate more BLS training and refresher courses in the health care college curricula.

Plasma pharmacokinetics, pulmonary disposition, and safety of subcutaneous gamithromycin in alpacas.

The study objective was to determine the disposition of gamithromycin in plasma, peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells in alpacas. A single subcutaneous injection of gamithromycin (6.6 mg/kg) was administered to six healthy adult alpacas. At various time points after administration, gamithromycin concentrations were analyzed via LC-MS/MS in plasma, PMNs, PELF, and BAL cells until Day 14 post-injection. Plasma gamithromycin concentrations were measured in all six alpacas; the remaining three body compartments were analyzed in four alpacas. Gamithromycin rapidly concentrated in blood PMNs, BAL cells, and PELF. Shorter Tmax , and lower Cmax, and AUC were observed in plasma than in the other three compartments. Cmax was highest in BAL cells (26001.80 ± 12400.00 ng/ml) and PMNs (2573.00 ± 963.30 ng/ml) compared to PELF (660.80 ± 413.70 ng/ml) and plasma (452.30 ± 196.20 ng/ml). Mean terminal half-lives were 72.60 ± 14.10 h in plasma, 56.60 ± 10.60 h in PELF, 62.80 ± 85.30 h in PMNs, and 93.60 ± 124.80 h in BAL cells. No injection site reactions occurred. One alpaca developed colic but no other adverse reactions were noted. Overall, gamithromycin was highly concentrated in white blood cells and pulmonary fluids/cells. Clinical utilization of gamithromycin in alpacas should be done with caution until further investigation of potential for colic.

Dental Composites with Magnesium Doped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Prevent Secondary Caries in the Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Model.

Antibacterial restorative materials against caries-causing bacteria are highly preferred among high-risk patients, such as the elderly, and patients with metabolic diseases such as diabetes. This study aimed to enhance the antibacterial potential of resin composite with Magnesium-doped Zinc oxide (Mg-doped ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) and to look for their effectiveness in the alloxan-induced diabetic model. Hexagonal Mg-doped ZnO NPs (22.3 nm diameter) were synthesized by co-precipitation method and characterized through ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. The Mg-doped ZnO NPs (1, 2.5 and 5% w/w) were then evaluated for antibacterial activity using a closed system in vitro biofilm model. Significant enhancement in the antibacterial properties was observed in composites with 1% Mg-doped ZnO compared to composites with bare ZnO reinforced NPs (Streptococcus mutans, p = 0.0005; Enterococcus faecalis, p = 0.0074, Saliva microcosm, p < 0.0001; Diabetic Saliva microcosm, p < 0.0001). At 1−2.5% Mg-doped ZnO NPs concentration, compressive strength and biocompatibility of composites were not affected. The pH buffering effect was also achieved at these concentrations, hence not allowing optimal conditions for the anaerobic bacteria to grow. Furthermore, composites with Mg-doped ZnO prevented secondary caries formation in the secondary caries model of alloxan-induced diabetes. Therefore, Mg-doped ZnO NPs are highly recommended as an antibacterial agent for resin composites to avoid biofilm and subsequent secondary caries formation in high-risk patients.

Treatment intensification in type 2 diabetes management after the failure of two oral hypoglycemic agents: A non-interventional comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: The safety and efficacy of treatment approaches in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after the failure of two oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) was studied. METHODS: A combination of the ambispective study was conducted between June 2013 to June 2014 at the Asir Diabetes Center, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Patients with poorly controlled T2DM who were administered two OHAs for at least 6 months and had HbA1c levels greater than 7.0% were included. Subjects were treated with three OHAs (Group I), biphasic insulin and metformin (Group II), two existing OHAs and basal insulin (Group III), and insulin monotherapy (Group IV). Relevant data were collected at baseline at the interval of 3 months for one year. RESULTS: Amongst 255 patients enrolled, 20.8, 29.8, 32.5, and 16.8% were in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The mean (Glycated hemoglobin) HbA1c levels were decreased significantly in the groups where insulin was an add-on therapy with the OHAs. Acceptable level of HbA1C (7 %) was significantly higher amongst patients in groups II and III, whereas hypoglycemic events were higher in Group IV. CONCLUSION: Insulin as add-on therapy with OHAs is an option for the management of T2DM where glycemic control is insufficient with two OHAs.

PHARMACOKINETICS OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED FLUNIXIN MEGLUMINE IN AFRICAN (LOXODONTA AFRICANA) AND ASIAN (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) ELEPHANTS.

Flunixin meglumine is the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat elephants; however, no pharmacokinetic study for flunixin has yet been conducted in these species, and dosages used range widely. Pharmacokinetic parameters of flunixin were determined in African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants after single-dose oral administration of 0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg flunixin paste in each species. Elephant compliance to oral administration of banamine was occasionally challenging, especially among older, female African elephants. After administration of 0.8 mg/kg flunixin, mean serum concentrations peaked in approximately 1.3 hr at 2.1 ± 0.8 µg/ml for Asian (n = 8) and 2.8 hr at 2.5 ± 0.7 µg/ml for African (n = 8) elephants. Dosages of 1.5 mg/kg flunixin resulted in mean serum concentration peaks of 7.2 ± 1.5 µg/ml in Asian elephants (n = 7) and 4.4 ± 0.7 µg/ml in African elephants (n = 6). However, multiple-dose trials using 1.1 mg/kg flunixin resulted in peak serum concentrations that were again less in Asian than African elephants (2.7 µg/ml versus 4.4 µg/ml, respectively). Asian elephants consistently had lower time to maximal concentration, greater area under the curve, and longer mean residence times compared with African elephants. In other species, flunixin is excreted unchanged primarily via hepatic routes with small amounts in the urine. Asian elephants may engage in some level of enterohepatic recycling of flunixin, as was previously reported for phenylbutazone. This study supports that different oral dosing regimens should be used for Asian (1.0 mg/kg SID) and African (1.2 mg/kg SID) elephants, and oral administration techniques used should ensure complete dosage delivery.

Protective effects of rutin and chlorogenic acid against antihypoxic conditions in mice.

Almost all plants contain polyphenols. Literature shows that polyphenols exhibit many biological activities. Little has known about their protective effects against hypoxia-induced lethality. The protective effects of rutin (1) and chlorogenic acid (2) against hypoxia conditions in mice were determined by three different experimental models. Antihypoxic activity was especially pronounced in asphytic hypoxia. Both compounds (1&2) showed statistically significant (p>0.05) activities respect to the control. Compound (1) significantly prolonged the latency for death with respect to control (39.20±8.70 vs. 13.20±2.58min, p<0.001). Compound (1) was the most effective compound in circulatory hypoxia. It significantly prolonged the latency for death with respect to control (14.44±2.82 vs. 9.82±0.79 min, p<0.01). On the other hand, Chlorogenic acid (2) at a dose of 100 mg kg-1 kept mice alive for 12.76±1.30min (p>0.05). None of two phenolic acids had any activity in haemic hypoxia when compared to control.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of polyphenols from Feijoa fruit and leaves.

Many pharmacological activities have been reported from plants polyphenols. The aim of this study was to investigate anti inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of polyphenols from Feijoa sellowiana fruit and leaves. For the anti-inflammatory activity evaluation, inhibition of carrageenan induced edema was used. While for the evaluation of antinociceptive activity of the extract, writhing and hot plate tests in mice were used. Impairment in mouse coordination was evaluated by rota-rode test. Carrageenan induced edema was significantly inhibited by the extract at 50-400 mg kg-1 doses, when comparison was made with control group. The extract of leaf at the dose of 50 mg kg-1 i.p. the activity was equipotent with diclofenac (p>0.05). Extract reduced the writhing count in 50-400 mg kg-1 of doses. Fruit extract showed higher activity than diclofenac (p<0.001) at 400 mg kg-1 doses. In all tested doses, the extract significantly augmented the pain threshold in hot plate thermal test. No locomotor impairment in mice was induced by the extract at any tested doses. Extract was safe and didnot demonstrate any noxiousness up to 1 g kg-1 .This study indicates the potential therapeutic use of Feijoa as a potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive agent.

Formulation and evaluation of Ocimum basilicum-based emulgel for wound healing using animal model.

The main aim of the topically applied drugs is to provide local drug contact to the skin and minimize general absorption of drugs. Ocimum basilicum (OB) is popular for folk medicines, having official acceptance in many countries. The aim of this study was to formulate and evaluate the efficacy of topical application of OB-based emulgel on wound healing in animal model. The prepared formulations (OB emulgel) were assessed for FTIR analysis, stability studies, physical appearance, rheological behavior, spreadability, patch/sensitivity test and in vitro drug release. The in vivo wound healing effect was evaluated and compared with commercially available Silver Sulfadiazine cream Quench® in wound-induced rabbits by macroscopic and histopathological evidence. The OB extract/drug was compatible with the selected polymer and other excipients and indicated the suitability of the polymers/excipients for preparation of topical emulgel. The formulated OB emulgel exhibited good physical properties. The release profile of emulgel was satisfactory and released 81.71 ± 1.7% of the drug in 250 min. In vivo wound healing studies showed that OB emulgel exhibited the highest percent wound contraction similar to the commercial product (p > 0.05). This activity was statistically significant (p < 0.05) in comparison to control. Histopathological assessment showed marked improvement in the skin histological architecture after 16 days of OB emulgel treatment. In conclusion, the data demonstrated here signify the prospective of 5% OB emulgel as an innovative therapeutic approach in wound healing.

Comparative evaluation of biphasic insulin with metformin and triple oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) in type 2 diabetes patients.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of secondary failure to oral hypoglycemic agents among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients ranges from 30 to 60%. The alternative approaches to overcome this issue are either switching to triple oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) or intensifying the regimen by adding insulin. OBJECTIVE: To compare the glycemic control achieved with biphasic insulin plus metformin and triple OHA in T2DM patients who were not adequately controlled with two OHA regimen. METHODS: A qualitative prospective study was conducted at Asir diabetes center, Abha, KSA. Poorly controlled T2DM patients with two OHA for at least 1 year with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) >7.0% were included. Subjects were divided into group I (a third OHA was added to the existing two OHA regimen) and group II (switched over to Biphasic insulin and metformin). At baseline and 3-month intervals, level of HbA1C, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Postprandial Plasma Glucose (PPG), Blood Pressure (BP), lipid profile and hypoglycemic episodes were obtained and evaluated for one year. RESULTS: 41.1% of patients were in group I and 58.9% were in group II. At the end of the study, there was a significant reduction in HbA1c in group II subjects comparing to group I (8.18 ± 1.32 vs 8.79 ± 1.81, p = 0.0238). FPG and PPG were improved also in group II. The mean body weight increased from baseline in group II is +4.48 kg and decreased from baseline in group I (-0.46 kg). 11.3% from group I and 23.7% from group II reported hypoglycaemic incidences. CONCLUSION: Biphasic insulin and metformin regimen could be an appropriate therapeutic option for achieving good glycemic control compared with triple OHA in patients with two OHA failure.

Attitudes and Practices of Female University Students in Saudi Arabia Regarding the Cosmetic Use of Careprost (Bimatoprost) Eye Drops.

Background and objective Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (0.03%) is used for the treatment of ocular hypertension. However, one of the side effects of this prescription is that it causes overgrowth of eyelashes, causing hypertrichosis. Therefore, the Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution was rebranded to be used for cosmetic purposes. This study aims to assess the awareness and practices of female university students regarding the use of Careprost (Bimatoprost, Latisse, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) for cosmetic purposes. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among female students at Bisha University, including those from medical and non-medical colleges, spanning from November 2022 to February 2023. All participants who completed the study questionnaire were considered for analysis, but those who had missing answers were excluded from the study. The total number of participants was 305, representing an 81.2% response rate out of the 376 surveys distributed. Results A total of 305 students completed the survey, with approximately 132 (54.5%) from the medical college and 173 (65.3%) from the non-medical college. Approximately 32 (24.2%) of participants from the medical college and 51 (29.4%) from the non-medical college understood that Bimatoprost drops can be used for the elongation of eyelashes. More than half of the participants were not aware of the side effects of Careprost (0.03%), including 65 (49.2%) medical students and 108 (62.7%) non-medical students. In total, 42 (13.77%) of the participants believed that Careprost (0.03%) could be administered without a prescription. Among the participants, 75 (24.59%) reported that they had previously used Careprost (0.03%) eye drops. Additionally, more than one-fourth of the participants (83, 27.2%) thought that Careprost (0.03%) could be used for eyelash elongation. Conclusions This study revealed that female university students had a poor level of awareness and practices about the cosmetic uses of Careprost (0.03%) eye drops for eyelashes. A better awareness level was noted regarding the side effects of Careprost drops, which may have contributed to a low utilization rate among female students.

Examining factors influencing public knowledge and practice of proper face mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on people's quality of life worldwide. Appropriate use of facemasks is an important checkpoint in containing the spread of infection, which was believed to provide the desired level of protection and preserve the community. Given the relative novelty of facemask use in the general population, it is imperative to prioritize the promotion of appropriate facemask utilization and identify factors that may contribute to poor adherence. Aim: This study assessed the factors that determined facemask use among the public. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between November 2020 and January 2021. The current study explored the factors such as demographic characteristics influencing the knowledge and practice of proper use of facemasks. The study included a total of 198 participants. The results were derived through binomial logistic regression analysis to determine the relationship between the demographic characteristics and responses. Results: The key findings of the study which are crucial in developing targeted intervention strategies to enhance the responsible use and disposal of facemasks are gender, income and employment. A significant difference was found between male and female participants regarding a positive approach to using facemasks, such as washing their hands (P = 0.042). In addition, homemakers differed significantly from students, regarding the correct usage of facemasks (P = 0.026). The study participants were aware that hand hygiene is essential when putting on and removing facemasks. Despite wearing facemasks properly, adult participants possessed less knowledge about the hazards of reusing facemasks and appropriate disposal (OR = 0.202, 95% CI [0.032-1.298]). Conclusion: The present research identified gender, income, and employment as the primary attributes that play a pivotal role in the formulation of focused intervention tactics aimed at improving the cautious use and appropriate disposal of facemasks. It is essential to implement nationwide awareness activities, such as information campaigns, to enhance knowledge. Health authorities should establish a functional infrastructure for the collection and disposal of used facemasks by the general public, starting with the dissemination of knowledge. Moreover, the results of the present study have significant implications for health preventive programs aimed at preparing for future pandemics, since they highlight the specific demographic groups that should be prioritized in the development of such policies. Furthermore, it is advisable to integrate these interventional initiatives with national health polices to promote preparedness for handling future pandemics.

Public Perception towards Vaccines as Preventive Measures against a Twindemic (Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19): A Cross-Sectional Study from the Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

This study aimed to evaluate Saudi Arabian public perceptions toward influenza and COVID-19 immunization during the flu season. A cross-sectional self-administered, structured, and closed-questionnaire online survey was conducted on the general public. A total of 422 people willingly participated in the survey using several social media platforms from 15 May to 15 July 2021. Residents of Saudi Arabia aged 18 or older (eligible for COVID-19 vaccination) were included in the study and willing to answer questionnaires. The 422 participants who agreed to participate in the study completed the questionnaire. Thirty-seven percent of the participants were youth (18-25 years). More than 80% of the participants in the study agreed or strongly agreed that flu and COVID-19 vaccines must be mandatory for all populations. At the same time, 42.4% considered that the COVID-19 vaccine might positively impact the public and the economy in the future. Participants confirmed to have had COVID-19 or the flu since the beginning of the outbreak totaled 21.3%. Of the participants, 54% had sufficient knowledge about vaccine types and safety. Most of our participants (54.9%) agreed that preventive measures were still required, even with the existence of vaccines. Our study provides an overview of COVID-19's influence on Saudi Arabia during the flu season. The Saudi Arabian government should consider preventive efforts to strengthen confidence in the health advantages offered by prospective immunization to prevent a twindemic of influenza and COVID-19.

Parasomnias and Associated Factors Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background and aim Parasomnias are a group of sleep-related movements or emotions like sleepwalking, sleep talking, teeth grinding (Bruxism), nocturnal enuresis (sleep enuresis), sleep terrors (night terrors), sleep-related eating disorder (SRED), nightmare disorder, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), and confusional arousals. Parasomnias are more common in children than in adults. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of different parasomnias among university students in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it aimed to study the relationship between different parasomnias and gender-associated sleep disorders, mental disorders, and other medical diseases, stress, substance use, and medications. Methods This study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey-based study. The target population for this study is university students from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Parasomnia was defined as having at least one of the 11 disorders (over the past six months). Data was collected through an online survey. The survey was distributed on different online platforms to collect data from other regions of Saudi Arabia. The study took place between August and November 2022. Results Among 1,296 participants, 934 (72.1%) were female, and 1,071 (82.6%) were aged 19-24 years. A total of 1054 (81, 3%) participants reported having at least one parasomnia disorder. The most prevalent parasomnias were sleep talking 656 (50.6%), nightmares 650 (50.2%), and confusional arousals 524 (40.4%). The least prevalent parasomnia was sleep-related eating disorder 98 (7.6%). Among participants, 580 (44.8%) had a family history of parasomnia, 439 (33.9%) were diagnosed with sleep disorders, 296 (22.8%) were diagnosed with mental illnesses, and 92 (7.1%) had other medical diseases. Conclusion Parasomnias are prevalent among university students in Saudi Arabia. Parasomnias were higher in female students and in students with a family history of parasomnia. Parasomnias in adults might be a chronic or recurrent disorder. Parasomnias are significantly associated with psychological stress, depression, and anxiety disorders.

Revolutionizing Drug Delivery and Therapeutics: The Biomedical Applications of Conductive Polymers and Composites-Based Systems.

The first conductive polymers (CPs) were developed during the 1970s as a unique class of organic substances with properties that are electrically and optically comparable to those of inorganic semiconductors and metals while also exhibiting the desirable traits of conventional polymers. CPs have become a subject of intensive research due to their exceptional qualities, such as high mechanical and optical properties, tunable electrical characteristics, ease of synthesis and fabrication, and higher environmental stability than traditional inorganic materials. Although conducting polymers have several limitations in their pure state, coupling with other materials helps overcome these drawbacks. Owing to the fact that various types of tissues are responsive to stimuli and electrical fields has made these smart biomaterials attractive for a range of medical and biological applications. For various applications, including the delivery of drugs, biosensors, biomedical implants, and tissue engineering, electrical CPs and composites have attracted significant interest in both research and industry. These bimodalities can be programmed to respond to both internal and external stimuli. Additionally, these smart biomaterials have the ability to deliver drugs in various concentrations and at an extensive range. This review briefly discusses the commonly used CPs, composites, and their synthesis processes. Further highlights the importance of these materials in drug delivery along with their applicability in various delivery systems.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Cervical Cancer Prevention and Screening among Female Pharmacy Students at a Public University in a Southern Region of Saudi Arabia.

Despite the availability of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and screening facilities at various health centers in Saudi Arabia, the annual death rate due to cervical cancer is high. Therefore, knowledge and awareness are essential for self-care and educating others, particularly among healthcare students. The present descriptive, cross-sectional study explored female pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to cervical cancer. A total of 140 students participated in the survey. The survey was conducted for the period between April 2022 to September 2023. We observed a good knowledge score and positive attitudes among 8.5% and 93.5% of participants, respectively. A total of 10% of the study participants reported good practice scores. Most participants had never been screened for cervical cancer (94.3%). Among the non-screened subjects, feeling healthy and lacking information were the participants' significant reasons for not screening for cervical cancer. A positive history of cancer related to smoking significantly impacted the knowledge score (p = 0.050). The current study reveals that healthcare awareness programs for cervical cancer and HPV vaccination are necessary at the level of educational institutions to improve public health.

Patient Safety Culture in the Southern Region of Saudi Arabia: A Survey among Community Pharmacies.

Measuring patient safety culture in the community pharmacy can help with identifying areas for development. The current study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, electronic survey conducted among pharmacists working in community pharmacies located in the southern region of Saudi Arabia. The community pharmacy version of the "Pharmacy Survey on Patient Safety Culture" (PSOPSC) was used to collect data. The positive response rate (PRR) was calculated as per the guidance provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Based on the PRR, two least-achieved items (<25%) were taken for further analysis to identify the possible predictors. A sum of 195 pharmacists were included in this study and most of them were working in chain pharmacies. The highest PRRs were observed with teamwork (94.99), and patient counseling (94.13), followed by physical space and environment (93.07). The lowest PRRs were observed with staffing, work pressure, and pace (47.70), followed by communication openness (72.60). Specific characteristics, such as experience and the number of working hours, are significantly related to a poor PRR. The current study results indicate that the scope for improving patient safety exists in various areas of community pharmacies. However, it is necessary to prioritize the need based on a positive response rate.