Effect of different finishing and polishing systems on surface properties of universal single shade resin-based composites.

BACKGROUND: Recently, universal single-shade resin composites have become increasingly available in the dental market. The modification of their composition can have an inadvertent effect on their physical and surface properties, and subsequently determinantal effect on their clinical function and longevity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different finishing and polishing (F/P) systems on surface roughness (Ra), surface gloss (GU), and Vickers microhardness (VMH) of universal single-shade RBCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four commercial RBCs were used; the universal single-shade RBCs were Omnichroma, Charisma® Diamond ONE, and Vittra APS Unique, and a conventional nanocomposite Filtek™ Z250 XT was used as a control. The 3 F/P systems were Sof-Lex™ XT, Enhance®/PoGo®, and Diacomp® Plus Twist. A total of 160 discs were used for the 3 F/P system groups for all RBCs (n = 10). After F/P, the Ra, GU, and VMH were assessed. The data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA at p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the four RBCs and the 3 F/P systems (p < .000). Omnichroma showed the lowest Ra and acceptable GU, but the lowest VMH. Charisma showed the highest Ra, acceptable GU, and VMH. Vittra showed acceptable Ra, GU, and VMH and Filtek showed the highest GU, VMH, and acceptable Ra. CONCLUSION: Although conventional nanohybrid RBC (Filtek Z250 XT) showed better GU and VMH values, the universal single-shade RBCs demonstrated comparable surface properties. The highest GU & VMH and lowest Ra were achieved by Diacomp followed by Enhance and Soflex.

Retraction: Intracranial Osteoma: Unusual Etiology of Chronic Daily Headaches.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21488.].

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Awareness and Practice of the Use of Supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc in Managing Wounds Among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction The intricate connection between nutrition and compromised wound healing exposes patients to heightened risks of pressure ulcers, infections, and delayed recovery from wounds or traumatic injuries. In-depth scientific investigations have shed light on the potential of specialized nutritional supplements, combined with regular wound care, to significantly boost the management of pressure ulcers and the wound healing process. The study focuses on supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc due to their established roles in wound healing, aiming to assess the awareness and practice of healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia regarding these essential nutrients for effective wound management. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess awareness and practice among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia regarding the use of supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc in managing wounds. Methods This study adopts a cross-sectional research design to explore the dynamics to assess the awareness and practice among healthcare workers about the use of supplemental Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc in managing wounds in Saudi Arabia. The research methodology encompasses developing and validating a questionnaire, data collection, and subsequent analysis. Thorough statistical analyses, encompassing descriptive statistics, validated assessment scales, and inferential statistics, were conducted using SPSS and Microsoft Excel to explore intricacy prevalence and severity relationships with various factors, maintaining a statistical power of 80% at a cutoff value of 0.05. Result In a cross-sectional survey of 510 healthcare professionals, the socio-demographic analysis revealed a predominant hospital workplace (61.56%), with pharmacists representing 10.19%, and comprehensive tabulation of response rates and p-values, while the knowledge and awareness assessment demonstrated varied understanding and perceptions of wound care supplements, including frequent encounters with pressure ulcers or wounds (36.5%), diverse awareness levels for Vitamin C, Arginine, and Zinc, with the collaboration and communication dynamics among healthcare workers, detailed in tabulated response rates and p-values. Conclusion The findings reveal a diverse understanding landscape, with varying levels of awareness, perceived effectiveness, and confidence in applying these supplements.

A Study on the Awareness and Perceptions Regarding Monosodium Glutamate and its Potential Health Effects Amongst the Urban Population of Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common global food additive in processed foods, influences flavors and textures due to its chemical complexity and nutritional intricacy. Despite an annual production of 1.9 million tons and historical safety concerns, the multifaceted impact on health, ranging from metabolic disorders to neurological and cardiovascular implications, necessitates ongoing research for informed consumption and balanced dietary practices. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study investigates MSG-associated intricacies among Saudi Arabia's urban population. The research included questionnaire development, translation, and cultural adaptation, and was validated by nutrition experts. A sample size of 420 was calculated for a 95% confidence level. Data collection occurred from September 13 to October 31, 2023, and ethical considerations were ensured. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests, regression analysis, and SPSS, explored intricacy relationships. Results The MSG intricacy study in Saudi Arabia's urban population, involving 420 respondents, showed statistically significant correlations (P < 0.05) in demographics. The key findings indicate an awareness of the impact of MSG on health, its associations with various conditions, and strong support for its exclusion from foods. Region, gender, age, and social status correlations highlighted diverse perspectives. The Western province showed the highest response rate at 42.61%, prompting regional awareness questions. Gender dynamics showed that 90.47% of the respondents were females, emphasizing potential gender-specific concerns. Concentration among ages 20-30 (61.9%) underscored generational factors. While commendable baseline awareness was noted, 73.09% of the participants believing MSG is harmful prompts further investigation. Emotional responses, including happiness (25.95%) and frustration (18.33%), highlight the complexity of the individuals' experiences, emphasizing the need for tailored communication strategies. Conclusion The MSG intricacy study in Saudi Arabia's urban population reveals insights into knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, emphasizing the need for nuanced interventions considering regional and emotional differences. The findings underscore health concerns, supporting regulations, and knowledge impact on behavior. This survey serves as a valuable tool for informed public discourse and decision-making in the unique socio-cultural context of urban Saudi Arabia.

Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Perception and Its Relation to Personal Lifestyle Among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction Risk perception is the key component of many health behavior changes. This study identified the deliberative sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk perception among young females during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its implication on their willingness to lifestyle change in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. This cross­sectional study using self­administered online questionnaires was conducted to reach a total of 797 female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results Eighty-six percent of participants showed moderate SCD risk perception, with a mean score of 20.4±4.4. Ninety-six percent of participants had ≥1 established SCD risk factor. A family history of cardiovascular disease and SCD was the most commonly reported risk factor (75.5%), followed by physical inactivity (75.4%). Nearly 60% of participants showed a high willingness to change personal lifestyle behaviors, however, the presence of risk factors did not significantly enhance their willingness tochange in order to control these risk factors. Conclusions This study identifies the deliberative SCD risk perception among young Saudi women and raises the need for preventive health care programs that enhance healthy behaviors among students at high risk, to minimize cardiovascular diseases and fatalities.

Intracranial Osteoma: Unusual Etiology of Chronic Daily Headaches.

Headache is one of the most frequent complaints in the outpatient department. The types of headaches can be broadly classified into primary and secondary. The primary headaches have benign intrinsic causes and include tension, migraine, and cluster headaches. A detailed history and appropriate physical examination are essential in assessing patients with headaches.  We present the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented to our primary care clinic with three days history of worsening frontal headache. She had been experiencing this headache daily for the last three months; however, the current episode is more severe. The headache episode was not associated with fever, neck stiffness, or loss of consciousness. She often became nauseated with the headache. There was no history of weakness, numbness, or visual disturbances with the headache. There was no family history of migraine headaches. On examination, no focal neurological deficit was noted. The head CT scan showed the presence of two highly hyperdense foci in the frontotemporal region, one of them was related to the dura. Such foci were not causing midline shift or brain edema. The preliminary diagnosis was calcified meningioma. Surgical excision of the lesions was planned. The patient underwent right craniotomy under general anesthesia. The two osseous lesions were observed and successfully resected. Histopathological examination of the lesions was consistent with osteoma. Intracranial osteoma is a very rare benign neoplasm of the mature bone tissue. The typical clinical manifestation of intracranial osteoma is a chronic headache. Head CT shows a well-defined, hyperdense structure. However, this is often mistaken as calcified meningioma.

Knowledge, attitude and compliance of infection control guidelines among dental faculty members and students in KSU.

BACKGROUND: Infection is one of the most crucial problems in health care services worldwide. It is considered one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality associated with clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge, attitude, and compliance with recommended infection control guidelines among dental faculty members and students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain information regarding knowledge, attitude, and compliance with recommended infection control guidelines. The sample (n = 317) comprised of dental faculty members and students (3rd, 4th and 5th year) in both male and female campuses of College of Dentistry (KSU). This questionnaire contained three parts (knowledge, attitude, and compliance) and was distributed to the participants. After validation of the survey, data were collected, entered and analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: A total of 317 dental faculty members and students participated in this study. Out of the total study subjects, 141 (44.5%) were female and 176 (55.5%) were male. A comparison between dental faculty members and students was made based on their knowledge, attitude, and compliance, which resulted in almost equal percentages of knowledge (49.6, 49.0% respectively). In addition, it revealed that faculty members' attitude toward infection control in the dental clinic was more positive compared to their compliance with the infection control guidelines (70.6, 65.2% respectively) while with the students it was vice versa (67.2, 69.6% respectively). There is no statistically significant difference in the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty members and students regarding infection control guidelines (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that dental undergraduate student and faculty members at KSU demonstrated a good adherence to infection control guidelines. On the other hand, there was a lack in the knowledge of the basics of infection control standards.