GSK3 Inhibitor-Induced Dentinogenesis Using a Hydrogel

8 p.-4 fig.Small-molecule drugs targeting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) as inhibitors of the protein kinase activity are able to stimulate reparative dentine formation. To develop this approach into a viable clinical treatment for exposed pulp lesions, we synthesized a novel, small-molecule noncompetitive adenosine triphosphate (ATP) drug that can be incorporated into a biodegradable hydrogel for placement by syringe into the tooth. This new drug, named NP928, belongs to the thiadiazolidinone (TDZD) family and has equivalent activity to similar drugs of this family such as tideglusib. However, NP928 is more water soluble than other TDZD drugs, making it more suitable for direct delivery into pulp lesions. We have previously reported that biodegradable marine collagen sponges can successfully deliver TDZD drugs to pulp lesions, but this involves in-theater preparation of the material, which is not ideal in a clinical context. To improve surgical handling and delivery, here we incorporated NP928 into a specifically tailored hydrogel that can be placed by syringe into a damaged tooth. This hydrogel is based on biodegradable hyaluronic acid and can be gelled in situ upon dental blue light exposure, similarly to other common dental materials. NP928 released from hyaluronic acid–based hydrogels upregulated Wnt/β-catenin activity in pulp stem cells and fostered reparative dentine formation compared to marine collagen sponges delivering equivalent concentrations of NP928. This drug-hydrogel combination has the potential to be rapidly developed into a therapeutic procedure that is amenable to general dental practice.The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: A. Alaohali was funded by the Medical Services Division of the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Cultural Bureau in London. C. Salzlechner acknowledges support from the Diana Trebble Fund. E. Gentleman and C. Salzlechner received support from the Rosetrees Trust. L.K. Zaugg was funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (Ref P300PB_167807). Funding from the NIHR GSTFT/KCL Biomedical Research Centre is acknowledged.Peer reviewe

Obesity-Related Knowledge and Practice Among the Healthcare Professions Students in Saudi Arabia

Salah H Elsafi,1 Reem H Al-Dossari,1 Ruaa A Al-shaqi,1 Wateen E Fakirah,1 Rawan F Al-Dossari,1 Omniyyah J Al-sharif,1 Rawan M Maawadh,1 Lenah D Al Musallam,1 Abeer Alaohali,2 Abdulelah M Abu Hassan,3 Othman A Alfahad,4 Yaser A Al Naam,1 Eidan M Al Zahrani5 1Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 2Dental and Oral Health Department, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 3Faculty of Medicine, University of Almaarefa, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Biomedical Technology, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; 5College Deanship, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, Dhahran, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Salah H Elsafi, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Prince Sultan Military College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 33048, Dhahran, 31932, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966138405448, Email [email protected]: The objectives of this study are to identify the prevalence and the factors behind overweight and obesity among the healthcare profession’s students.Methods: A well-structured and validated questionnaire was distributed to a heterogeneous purposive sample of the healthcare profession’s students in Saudi Arabia.Results: About 21.0% and 15.5% were overweight and obese, respectively. The average knowledge score was 70.6% and increased with age and among obese participants. The average attitude score was 74.8% with no variation within age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. The average practice score was only 36.7%. There was a significant variation of the practice within the different age groups (P = 0.021). There was a significant association between the participant’s knowledge and attitude, and practice.Conclusion: The average practice score was poor. Despite their good knowledge and positive attitude, the students are exposed to heavy junk food marketing, which encourages overconsumption by instilling positive emotional associations with the junk food. They are mostly physically inactive, anxious and sleep deprived, which can lead to poor eating habits. For this group, various strategies and motivators will likely be needed.Keywords: obesity prevention, awareness, practice, healthcare students, Saudi Arabi