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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Attitude and Willingness to Get COVID-19 Vaccines by a Community Pharmacist in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Community pharmacists play a key role as vaccinators for COVID-19. They can reduce the burden of the disease worldwide. Objective: This study used a cross-sectional questionnaire to determine whether the Saudi Arabian public was willing to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine via community pharmacists. Results: The questionnaire focused on the satisfaction, concerns, and opinions towards providing vaccination by community pharmacists. The study featured 415 individuals aged 18 and older (eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine). Of the participants in this study, 58.1% were aged 18-25, with 55.4% female. Most participants (72.8%) have not been exposed to COVID-19 and are not aware of the approval of COVID-19 vaccination by community pharmacists. Of the 415 complete questionnaires, 45% believed that community pharmacists are not experienced in administering vaccines. However, 63% of participants are satisfied with getting the COVID-19 vaccination by a community pharmacist if no other option is available. More than 68% of the respondents agree that community pharmacies should expand their health care services to include vaccinations, prescriptions, checkups, and other forms of preventative medicine. Discussion: The availability of community pharmacist-administered vaccination in Saudi Arabia could be a significant factor in the success of the country's vaccination program. This study may serve as a model to expand the role of pharmacists in other countries' vaccination programs.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women's Attitudes and Fears Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of severe maternal and fetal complications. Mass vaccination is considered a promising solution to successfully combat the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes vaccinating of pregnant and breastfeeding women. The success of a vaccine is determined not only by its efficacy, but also by its acceptability. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the acceptability and reluctance of pregnant and breastfeeding women to receive COVID-19 vaccination in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from March 2022-beginning to June 2022-end. Using an online self-administered questionnaire with a convenience sampling technique, we assessed women for pregnancy, gravidity, parity, high-risk pregnancy, trimester of pregnancy, and current or planned breastfeeding. Furthermore, we assessed patients with preexisting chronic illnesses. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic data and items drawn from Goncu Ayhan et al, including vaccination history, perception of risk related to the COVID-19 pandemic, impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and acceptance and attitude toward future COVID-19 vaccination. Results: A total of 854 women (615 pregnant and 192 breastfeeding women) were included. Predictors of COVID-19 vaccination acceptance were found in women with a high level of education, those who lived with an elderly family member, and had close contact with a COVID-19-positive person. The reasons for declining vaccination included COVID-19 diagnosis during pregnancy and concerns about side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 503 (58.9%) women believed that COVID-19 vaccines had the potential to harm their babies. Only 415 (48.6%) agreed they would take the COVID-19 vaccine if it were recommended for pregnant women. Conclusion: Pregnant and breastfeeding women fear COVID-19 vaccination due to safety concerns for their babies. COVID-19 vaccine acceptance varies among pregnant and breastfeeding women, regardless of whether they receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Our study underlines the importance of public education campaigns to improve the overall quality of information on COVID-19 vaccination, particularly among pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Polymeric/Dextran Wafer Dressings as Promising Long-Acting Delivery Systems for Curcumin Topical Delivery and Enhancing Wound Healing in Male Wistar Albino Rats.

Curcumin is the main active constituent in turmeric, and it is one of the biopolyphenolic compounds. A cumulative body of research supports the use of curcumin in the treatment of wounds, yet poor water solubility and lack of therapeutic dose determination hamper its use for this therapeutic purpose. This work aimed at preparing novel curcumin wafer dressings to provide a favorable environment for wound healing. Hybrid synthetic (PVA, PVP, HPMC, and CMC) and biodegradable (sodium alginate and dextran) polymers were employed to prepare wafer dressings loaded with incremental three doses (2, 10, and 20 mg) of curcumin per a wafer dressing. The solvent casting method was used to prepare the dressings. Dimension, surface pH, mechanical properties, DSC, FTIR, XRD, erosion time, and in vitro release were studied. Skin wound healing assay was studied in Wistar albino rats. Six curcumin-loaded wafers were successfully prepared with good mechanical properties. Curcumin was dispersed in an amorphous/molecular form, as evidenced by thermal (DSC) and spectral (FTIR and XRD) analyses. Prolonged curcumin release (>24 h) was recorded for F6 (10 mg curcumin) and F7 (20 mg curcumin). Wound healing rate constants and time for 50% wound closure (T1/2) were estimated from a semi-log wound diameter versus time curve. A superior healing rate (up to 3-fold faster) was recorded for curcumin-loaded wafer dressings containing 10 mg (F6) with T1/2 of 7 days compared to 20 days for the placebo-treated group. These results warrant using the selected curcumin-loaded wafer dressing for safer and faster wound closure.

Rizatriptan-Loaded Oral Fast Dissolving Films: Design and Characterizations.

Rizatriptan (RZT) is an efficient anti-migraine drug which belongs to the class of selective 5 HT (1B/1D) serotonin receptor agonists. Nevertheless, RZT elicits several adverse effects and RZT nasal sprays have a limited half-life, requiring repeated doses that could cause patient noncompliance or harm to the nasopharynx and cilia. The current research aimed to develop orally disintegrating films (ODFs) of RZT employing maltodextrin (MTX) and pullulan (PUL) as film-forming polymers, as well as propylene glycol (PG) as a plasticizer. The ODFs were prepared by solvent casting method (SCM). The technique was optimized using Box-Behnken design (BBD), contemplating the ratios of PUL: MTX and different levels of PG (%) as factor variables. The influence of these factors was systematically analyzed on the selected dependent variables, including film thickness, disintegration time (D-time), folding endurance (FE), tensile strength (TS), percent elongation (%E), moisture content (%), and water uptake (%). In addition, the surface morphology, solid state analysis, drug content uniformity (%), drug release (%), and pH of the RZT-ODFs were also studied. The results demonstrated a satisfactory stable RZT-ODFs formulation that exhibited surface homogeneity and amorphous RZT in films with no discernible interactions between the model drug and polymeric materials. The optimized film showed a rapid D-time of 16 s and remarkable mechanical features. The in vitro dissolution kinetics showed that 100% RZT was released from optimized film compared to 61% RZT released from conventional RZT formulation in the initial 5 min. An animal pharmacokinetic (PK) investigation revealed that RZT-ODFs had a shorter time to achieve peak plasma concentration (Tmax), a higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and area under the curve (AUC0-t) than traditional oral mini capsules. These findings proposed a progressive approach for developing anti-migraine drugs that could be useful in reducing the complications of dysphagia in geriatric and pediatric sufferers.

Medical Students' Perception Regarding the Re-emerging Monkeypox Virus: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION:  The recent multi-nation outbreaks of human monkeypox in non-endemic areas have created an emerging public health issue. Medical students who will become future healthcare providers are directly associated with community people and can easily sensitize the general population, so it is crucial to assess their degree of knowledge and attitudes regarding recently emerging infections or pathogens. However, studies on medical students' perception of the monkeypox virus are scarce in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the monkeypox virus-related knowledge and attitudes among medical students in the country. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2022 among undergraduate medical students at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward the monkeypox virus. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed. RESULTS: A total of 314 medical students were recruited for this study. The findings from this study showed that the vast majority of medical students (72%) had poor knowledge about the monkeypox virus. Respondents' age, grade point average (GPA), fathers' education level, and training received about the monkeypox virus were significantly associated with the level of knowledge about the monkeypox virus (p < 0.05). Nearly half of the respondents (45.9%) agreed that the monkeypox virus could be transmitted to Saudi Arabia. Overall, this study showed that the awareness levels regarding the monkeypox virus were significantly higher among seniors as compared to junior students. CONCLUSION: The study found poor knowledge of the monkeypox virus among currently enrolled medical students in the country's highest-ranked medical school. This finding emphasizes the urgent need to increase their knowledge because controlling outbreaks requires significant cooperation from knowledgeable and skilled healthcare providers.

Domestic Saudi Arabian Travellers' Understanding about COVID-19 and Its Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data on Saudi domestic air travellers' understanding regarding COVID-19 and their attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccination. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess Saudi domestic air travellers' understanding regarding COVID-19 and attitude towards mandating the COVID-19 vaccination for travellers. METHODS: A survey using a self-administered, structured, and closed-ended questionnaire was conducted among domestic air travellers in Saudi Arabia. Participants' socio-demographic information, travel history, health status, and attitudes and willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccination were collected and analysed. RESULTS: Of the 2236 respondents who participated in the survey, 542 (24.25%) had a history of COVID-19, 803 (35.9%) were exposed to a COVID-19 case, 1425 (63.7%) were concerned about catching COVID-19 during air travel, 796 (35.6%) thought the COVID-19 vaccination should be obligatory for travellers, 1105 (49.4%) thought it should be optional, and 335 (15.0%) thought the vaccination was unnecessary. Being of the male gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.14-1.69), being concerned about contracting COVID-19 (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.12-2.10) and frequent travelling (aOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-3.40) were predictors of vaccination uptake. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that although domestic Saudi travellers were concerned about COVID-19 infection, vaccine hesitancy was prevalent among them.

Community Pharmacists' Perceptions towards the Misuse and Abuse of Pregabalin: A Cross-Sectional Study from Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Pregabalin is a first-line therapy for neuropathic pain and for chronic pain. It has abuse potential. This study was conducted to assess community pharmacists' perceptions towards pregabalin abuse and misuse in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia, and identify predictors and associated factors. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire following a self-administrative study was conducted across community pharmacies in the Aseer region (Abha, Khamis Mushait, Mahayel, Sarat Abeeda, Ahad-Rufaida, and Bishah). A total of 206 respondents from community pharmacists participated in the study. Over the last six months, 136 respondents (66.0%) suspected pregabalin abuse in community pharmacies; male dominance in pregabalin abusers was also recorded (n = 165, 80.1%). Additionally, 40 (19.4%) respondents stated that a prescription was not issued for pregabalin demands. Over half (61.7%) of community pharmacists recorded an increased change in pregabalin abuse compared to the previous year. This is the first study to explore pharmacists' perceptions in the community of the Aseer region towards customers' misuse and abuse of pregabalin. Further monitoring and regulations on the prescribing and procurement of pregabalin are needed to avoid abuse.