Serological evidence of coronavirus infections in native hamadryas baboons (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas hamadryas) is the only indigenous species of non-human primates (NHP) found in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). There are no peer-reviewed publications on viral infections of the baboons of KSA. Apart from camels, other animals are likely sources of the novel Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV) for humans. We investigated evidence of highly pathogenic coronavirus infections including MERSCoV in a large group of commensal baboons accompanied by feral dogs, on the outskirts of Ta'if city, KSA, in February 2013. Fifty baboons (16 juveniles and 34 adults) were screened for serum antibodies to human coronaviruses (HCoV-043/-NL63/-229) and canine coronaviruses (CCoV-1-3) using direct Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique and for MERSCoV antibodies using Serum Neutralization Test (SNT). Of the 50 sampled baboons, 22% (n = 11) were seropositive to HCoVs, 10% (n = 5) were seropositive to CCoVs, while none had detectable MERSCoV antibodies. These findings bear potentially significant implications for public health, canine health and baboon conservation efforts, necessitating follow-up investigations and preventive measures at locations where baboons frequent human habitations, or are regarded as tourist attractions, in KSA.

Clinical evaluation of novel buccoadhesive film containing ketorolac in dental and post-oral surgery pain management.

Ketorolac tromethamine (KT), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was formulated in buccoadhesive film to overcome the limitations in the currently available routes of administration which in sequence will increase patients' compliance. The film was formulated using aqueous solvents by means of two bioadhesive polymers namely: hydroxylpropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and Carbopol 934. The prepared film was subjected to investigations for its physical and mechanical properties, swelling behavior, in vitro bioadhesion, and in vitro, in situ and in vivo release. Anti-inflammatory efficacy and analgesic activity of the prepared buccoadhesive film were investigated in rats using the hind-paw oedema test and the hot plate method. The analgesic efficacy and tolerability of a single 30 mg dose of KT formulated into the buccoadhesive film was clinically evaluated using a standard, widely accepted post-oral surgery pain model. In this study, the prepared film has been administrated to dental post-operative patients for relieving pain in dental hospital clinic. Results indicate that the concentration of KT in the oral cavity was maintained above 4.0 microg/ml for a period of at least 6 h. The buccal KT film was excellently tolerated in all patients and no complains of GI side effects were reported. It is concluded from this clinical evaluation that KT formulated into a buccoadhesive film is effective as a potent analgesic in dental and postoperative oral surgery in a single dose of 30 mg with minimal GI side effects.

Areca-nut chewing habit is a significant risk factor for metabolic syndrome: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Areca-nut (AN) chewing habit has been associated with oral diseases including oral cancer, oral submucous fibrosis and periodontal disease; however, some authors have reported that the AN-chewing abuse may also jeopardize the systemic health among its users. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to review any reported association between AN-chewing and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: To address the research question "Is there an association between areca-nut chewing habit and the MetS?" the MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched from 1991 up to and including April 2010. The search criteria included: human studies, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, areca nut (AN). Only articles published in English were included. RESULTS: Eight cohort studies were included in the review. The sample size of the selected studies ranged from 210 to 56,116 individuals (age range 15-83 years). The daily frequencies of AN-chewing reported by the users ranged between once a day to 76 times daily. The duration of use ranged from 6 years to ≥ 20 years. Two studies associated AN-chewing habit with hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes while five studies studies reported an association between AN-chewing and metabolic syndrome. Four studies related AN-chewing with obesity and an increased body mass index. Higher triacylglycerol levels were reported in one study among AN-chewers compared to non-chewers. Though the numbers of publications on this subject are limited, the available studies indicate that AN-chewing could be associated with the metabolic syndrome, and individually with two of the recognized components of the syndrome i.e. diabetes mellitus and central obesity.