Internet risks for children: Parents' perceptions and attitudes: An investigative study of the Saudi Context

Internet has become a part of our children’s daily activities at home and at school. The benefits of the Internet for children are huge and include education and entertainment. However, the same technologies also pose some risks that parents need to identify and guard against. A lack of awareness can cause children to encounter serious danger and become victims of Internet criminals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous research has been conducted in Saudi Arabia on parent’s awareness of the risks of Internet use to their children and how Saudi’s parents seek to mitigate those risks. This paper investigates the associations and correlations between what parents do and what children say about online risks. It compares and contrasts parents’ mediation strategies and their children’s online habits with the aim of investigating which parental mediation strategy has taken place to reduce the risk of online activity against children. The findings indicate a substantial gap between what children do online and what their parents know. The majority of parents are interested in monitoring their children’s online activities and collaborating with their children on those activities, but most parents also do not have a strategy for accomplishing this. The survey indicated an absence of collaboration between parents and children to ensure online safety. This is not a result of a lack of interest, but rather a result of a shortage of resources due to time constraints, and poor knowledge of the Internet, or lifestyle choices

Health Sciences Students’ Attitude, Perception, and Experience of Using Educational Simulation in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Simulation-based education (SBE) provides a safe, effective, and stimulating environment for training medical and healthcare students. This is especially valuable for skills that cannot be practiced on real patients due to ethical and practical reasons. We aimed to assess medical students’ attitude, perception, and experience of simulation-based medical education in Saudi Arabia. Method: A validated cross-sectional survey, using the KidSIM scale, was conducted to measure the level of perception and experience of students from different health sciences specialties toward integrating simulation as an educational tool. Participants responded to questions investigated the importance of simulation, opportunities for Inter-Professional Education (IPE), communication, roles and responsibilities, and situation awareness. Only students with previous experience of SBE were considered for participation. Result: This survey was completed by 246 participants, of whom 165 (67%) were male students and 228 (93%) were aged between the range of 18–30 years old. Of the respondents, 104 (67%) were respiratory care students, 90 (37%) were anesthesia technology students, and 45 (18%) were nursing students. Most of the participants had previous experience in IPE simulation activities (84%), and more than half of the students (54%) had a grade point average (GPA) ranging between 5.00 and 4.50. Overall, students had positive attitudes toward and beliefs about SBE, with a mean score of 129.76 ± 14.27, on the KidSIM scale, out of 150. Students’ GPA was significantly associated with a better perception to the relevance of simulation (p = 0.005), communication (p = 0.003), roles and responsibilities (p = 0.04), and situation awareness (p = 0.009). GPA is merely the sole predictor for positive attitude toward simulation with coefficient Beta value of 4.285 (p = 0.001). There were no significant correlations between other students’ characteristic variables (gender, specialty, study year, experience in IPE, and prior critical care experience). Conclusion: We found that health sciences students’ perception of SBE in Saudi Arabia is generally positive, and students’ performance is a significant determinant of the positive perception

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Pine Tar on Periodontal Pathogenic Bacteria: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND: Periodontal pathogens play an important role in etiology and pathogenesis of periodontitis. Microbiological examination of sub gingival plaque is used at the present time in etiological research as well as in clinical treatment of periodontitis to select the appropriate antibiotic agent if indicated. Pine tar has been used for the treatment of various skin diseases. So the study was done to evaluate the effect of Pine Tar oil on bacteria isolated from periodontitis patients.METHODS: Plaque samples from volunteer patients were collected using sterile paper points. Robertson's Cooked Meat (RCM) medium was used for the transportation and cultivation of aerobic, microaerophilic, and anaerobic microorganisms.RESULTS: The result suggests the use of Pine tar oil for topical application in periodontal diseases. Disc diffusion analysis was sufficient enough to illustrate that 75 μl tar oil solution produced growth inhibition of microbial strains.CONCLUSION: Pine tar oil has become one of the important areas of research both in pharmaceutical and periodontal research, hence in vivo studies has to be carried out with various form of pine tar.&nbsp

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth significantly alleviates cigarette smoke (CS)-induced acute lung injury via possibly inhibiting the NF-KB pathway

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a serious manifestation of acute lung injury (ALI), is a debilitating inflammatory lung disease that is caused by multiple risk factors. One of the primary causes that can lead to ALI/ ARDS is cigarette smoke (CS) and its primary mode of action is via oxidative stress. Despite extensive research, no appropriate therapy is currently available to treat ALI/ARDS, which means there is a dire need for new potential approaches. In our study we explored the protective effects of 70 % methanolic-aqueous extract of Ipomoea nil (Linn.) Roth, named as In.Mcx against CS-induced ALI mice models and RAW 264.7 macrophages because Ipomoea nil has traditionally been used to treat breathing irregularities. Male Swiss albino mice (20-25 +/- 2 g) were subjected to CS for 10 uninterrupted days in order to establish CS-induced ALI murine models. Dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), In.Mcx (100 200, and 300 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 mL/kg) were given to respective animal groups, 1 h before CS-exposure. 24 h after the last CS exposure, the lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of all euthanized mice were harvested. Altered alveolar integrity and elevated lung weightcoefficient, total inflammatory cells, oxidative stress, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-6) and chemokines (KC) were significantly decreased by In.Mcx in CS-exposed mice. In.Mcx also revealed significant lowering IL-10, IL-6 and KC expression in CSE (4 %)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophage. Additionally, In.Mcx showed marked enzyme inhibition activity against Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase and Lipoxygenase. Importantly, In.Mcx dose-dependently and remarkably suppressed the CS-induced oxidative stress via not only reducing the MPO, TOS and MDA content but also improving TAC production in the lungs. Accordingly, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of many important antioxidant components. Finally, In.Mcx showed a marked decrease in the NF-KB expression both in in vivo and in vitro models. Our findings suggest that In.Mcx has positive therapeutic effects against CS-induced ALI via suppressing uncontrolled inflammatory response, oxidative stress, lipoxygenase and NF-KB p65 pathway

A systematic review and meta-analysis of heart rate variability in COPD

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with disruption in autonomic nervous control of the heart rhythm. We present here quantitative evidence of the reduction in HRV measures as well as the challenges to clinical application of HRV in COPD clinics. Method: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we search in June 2022 Medline and Embase databases for studies reporting HRV in COPD patients using relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) terms. The quality of included studies was assessed using the modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Descriptive data were extracted, while standardized mean difference was computed for changes in HRV due to COPD. Leave-one-out sensitivity test was performed to assess exaggerated effect size and funnel plots to assess publication bias. Results: The databases search yielded 512 studies, of which we included 27 that met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies (73%) had a low risk of bias and included a total of 839 COPD patients. Although there were high between-studies heterogeneity, HRV time and frequency domains were significantly reduced in COPD patients compared with controls. Sensitivity test showed no exaggerated effect sizes and the funnel plot showed general low publication bias. Conclusion: COPD is associated with autonomic nervous dysfunction as measured by HRV. Both sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac modulation were decreased, but there is still a predominance of sympathetic activity. There is high variability in the HRV measurement methodology, which affects clinical applicability

Transorbital transnasal endoscopic combined approach to the anterior and middle skull base: a laboratory investigation

Orbital approaches provide significant trajectory to the skull base and are used with differently designed pathways. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of a combined transorbital and transnasal approach to the anterior and middle cranial fossa. Cadaveric dissection of five silicon-injected heads was used. A total of 10 bilateral transorbital approaches and 5 extended endonasal approaches were performed. Identification of surgical landmarks, main anatomical structures, feasibility of a combined approach and reconstruction of the superior orbital defect were examined. Rod lens endoscope (with 0° and 45° lenses) and endoscopic instruments were used to complete the dissection. The transorbital approach showed good versatility and provides the surgeon with a direct route to the anterior and middle cranial fossa. The transorbital avascular plane showed no conflict with major nerves or vessels. Large exposure area from crista galli to the third ventricle was demonstrated with significant control of different neurovascular structures. A combined transorbital transnasal approach provides considerable value in terms of extent of exposure and free hand movement of the two surgeons, and allows better visualisation and control of the ventral skull base, thus overcoming the current surgical limits of a single approach. Combination of these two minimally invasive approaches should reduce overall morbidity. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the virtual applications of this approach

Healthcare providers’ attitudes, beliefs and barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Objectives: To assess the attitude of healthcare providers (HCPs) towards the delivering of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and identify factors and barriers that might influence referral. Design: A cross-sectional online survey consisting of nine multiple-choice questions. Settings: Saudi Arabia. Participants: 980 HCPs including nurses, respiratory therapists (RT) and physiotherapists. Primary outcome measures: HCPs attitudes towards and expectations of the delivery of PR to COPD patients and the identification of factors and barriers that might influence referral in Saudi Arabia. Results: Overall, 980 HCPs, 53.1% of whom were men, completed the survey. Nurses accounted for 40.1% of the total sample size, and RTs and physiotherapists accounted for 32.1% and 16.5%, respectively. The majority of HCPs strongly agreed that PR would improve exercise capacity 589 (60.1%), health-related quality of life 571 (58.3%), and disease self-management in patients with COPD 589 (60.1%). Moreover, the in-hospital supervised PR programme was the preferred method of delivering PR, according to 374 (38.16%) HCPs. Around 85% of HCPs perceived information about COPD, followed by smoking cessation 787 (80.3%) as essential components of PR besides the exercise component. The most common patient-related factor that strongly influenced referral decisions was ‘mobility affected by breathlessness’ (64%), while the ‘availability of PR centres’ (61%), the ‘lack of trained HCPs’ (52%) and the ‘lack of authority to refer patients’ (44%) were the most common barriers to referral. Conclusion: PR is perceived as an effective management strategy for patients with COPD. A supervised hospital-based programme is the preferred method of delivering PR, with information about COPD and smoking cessation considered essential components of PR besides the exercise component. A lack of PR centres, well-trained staff and the authority to refer patients were major barriers to referring patients with COPD. Further research is needed to confirm HCP perceptions of patient-related barriers

Association of monomeric C-Reactive Protein (m-CRP) with hypothalamic neurons after CRP hippo-campal administration in a model of dementia

– OBJECTIVE: The ensuing ischemia due to the disruption of blood supply to the brain is one of the most common causes of stroke. Evidence suggests a clear association of the ischemic injury with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In response to the brain ischemia, a cascade reaction starts leading to neuronal damage due to oxidative stress and other inflammatory mediators. A pilot study was done, which showed that following stroke, monomeric-C-reactive protein (mCRP) is expressed in large quantities around the infarcted zone and this CRP is able to induce neurode-generation and inflammation potentially perpetuating dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined both patient brain samples and excised mouse brain tissue, previously injected with 1.75 mg/ mL mCRP into the CA1 area of the hippocampus through the stereotactic surgical procedures and followed them over a period of over 6 months. The distribution of mCRP was examined through immunohistochemistry (mouse anti-human mCRP-specific antibodies 8C10). RESULTS: We observed a novel finding: those micro vessels close to the injection location were strongly stained with mCRP only in the mice that had been injected with mCRP, indicating that this small blood vessel can spread it throughout the brain. CONCLUSIONS: mCRP found in the brain after a hemorrhagic stroke promotes damage over a large area via the induction of inflammation and degeneration of perivascular compartments

Phytochemical investigations of three Rhodocodon (Hyacinthaceae Sensu APG II) species

The genus Rhodocodon (Hyacinthaceae sensu APG II) is endemic to Madagascar and its phytochemistry has not been described previously. The phytochemistry of three species in this genus has been investigated and eight compounds, including three bufadienolides (compounds 1, 4, and 5), a norlignan (2), and four homoisoflavonoids (compounds 3 and 6-8) have been isolated and identified. Compounds 1-3 and 6-8 have not been described previously. The COX-2 inhibitory activity of compound 6 and compound 7 acetate (compound 7A) were investigated on isolated colorectal cancer cells. Compounds 6 and 7A inhibited COX-2 by 10% and 8%, respectively, at a concentration of 12.5 M compared to 12% for 1 mM aspirin (the positive control)

Diagnostic performance of morphometric vertebral fracture analysis (MXA) in children using a 33-point software program

Background There is significant inter and intraobserver variability in diagnosing vertebral fractures in children. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of morphometric vertebral fracture analysis (MXA) using a 33-point software program designed for adults, on dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images of children. Materials and methods Lateral spine DXA images of 420 children aged between 5 and 18 years were retrospectively reviewed. Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) by an expert pediatric radiologist using Genant's semiquantitative scoring system served as the gold standard. All 420 DXA scans were analyzed by a trained radiographer, using semi-automated software (33-point morphometry). VFA of a random sample of 100 DXA was performed by an experienced pediatric clinical scientist. MXA of a random sample of 30 DXA images were analyzed by three pediatric radiologists and the pediatric clinical scientist. Diagnostic accuracy and inter and intraobserver agreement (kappa statistics) were calculated. Results Overall sensitivity, specificity, false positive (FP) and false negative (FN) rates for the radiographer using the MXA software were 80%, 90%, 10%, and 20% respectively and for mild fractures alone were 46%, 92%, 8%, and 54% respectively. Overall sensitivity, specificity, FP, and FN rates for the four additional observers using MXA were 89%, 79%, 21%, and 11% respectively and for mild fractures alone were 36%, 86%, 14%, and 64% respectively. Agreement between two expert observers was fair to good for VFA and MXA [kappa = 0·29 to 0·76 (95% CI: 0·17–0·88) and 0·29 to 0·69 (95% CI: 0·17–0·83)] respectively. Conclusion MXA using a 33-point technique developed for adults is not a reliable method for the identification of mild vertebral fractures in children. A pediatric standard is required which not only incorporates specific vertebral body height ratios but also the age-related physiological changes in vertebral shape that occur throughout childhood