ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF OUTPATIENT PRESCRIPTIONS FROM VARIOUS CLINICAL SETTING IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL, SAUDI ARABIA

Objective: The quality of prescribing influences, to a large extent, the health outcomes of patients as errors made could result in adverse drug reactions.The aim of this study is to assess determine the quality of outpatient prescriptions in various clinical settings in Aseer region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in various community pharmacies where the prescriptions receivedwere analyzed for their quality.Results: The prescriptions were checked for the completeness of the patients’ biodata (name, age, sex, and hospital number), categories of drugs,prescribing by generic name, legibility of prescriber’s writing, the name, and signature of the prescriber. Two hundred and fifty prescriptions werecollected and used for analysis. A significant number of the prescriptions were written in illegible (26%) handwriting. The name (15%), age (48%),and sex (46%) of the patient were not mentioned in the majority of the prescriptions. Most of the prescriptions (94%) failed to demonstrate thepresence of address, height, and weight of the patient. Brand name of the drugs was mentioned in all the prescriptions, with only 17% of them havingthe generic name. The doctor’s name, signature was present in 81% and 70% of the prescription, respectively.Conclusion: Study shows that there is a need for improvement in the quality of prescription written by doctors. The adoption of a computer-aidedprescribing system in an outpatient setting would go a long way in achieving this objective

Medication errors in a health care facility in southern Saudi Arabia

Purpose: To identify medication errors at Aseer Central Hospital (ACH, Abha) in the southern province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted by reviewing adult patients’ records (> 15 years old) at ACH’s inpatient and outpatients settings over an 8-week period in October and November 2015. Results: We identified 113 medication errors, including 112 prescribing errors and 1 dispensing error. Most medication errors (91.2 %) in this study were for inpatient prescriptions. The most common prescribing error was medication duplication (31.2 %) followed by missing patient identifying information (25 %). Conclusion: Medication errors, mainly in inpatient prescriptions, have been fully identified at ACH. Educational interventions such as workshops could help minimize and prevent medication errors

Pharmaceutical versus mechanical induction of labor

Labor induction is one of the most common obstetric interventions carried out in obstetric institutions. More than one fifth of labors needs induction. To date, many methods are available for labor induction with the pharmaceutical and mechanical methods being the commonest. The most common pharmaceutical agents used are prostaglandins, oxytocin, synthetic progesterone antagonists, and nitric oxide. Mechanical induction is carried out through using balloon catheters, hygroscopic dilators, artificial membrane rupture, or membrane stripping. Though pharmaceutical methods had largely replaced mechanical induction of labor, no consensus guidelines recommend their use. Studies from literature are still conflicting. However, it is generally agreed that the use of a combined approach with both pharmaceutical and mechanical methods of induction yields the best outcome. This article will review the different methods for labor induction, their effectiveness, and adverse events

Characteristics and anticancer properties of Sunitinib malate-loaded poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles against human colon cancer HT-29 cells lines

Purpose: To develop poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) -based nanoparticles (NPs) for the delivery of sunitinib malate (STM) to colon cancer cells.Methods: Three different formulations (F1 – F3) were developed by nano-precipitation technique using various concentrations of PLGA. The NPs were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug entrapment, and drug loading, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, in vitro drug release and anticancer studies were carried out on the formulations.Results: Among the three NPs, optimized NP (F3) of STM was chosen for in vitro anti-cancer study against H-29 human colon cancer cells lines based on its particle size (132.9 nm), PDI (0.115), zeta potential (-38.12 mV), entrapment efficiency (52.42 %), drug loading (5.24 %), and drug release (91.26 % in 48 h). A significant anti-cancer activity of the optimized NPs was observed, relative to free STM.Conclusion: These findings suggest that STM-loaded NPs possess significant anti-cancer activity against human colon cancer HT-29 cells lines.Keywords: Sunitinib malate, Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid, Nanoparticles, Colon cance

Hybrid and Composite Crystalline Materials

A facile approach for developing an interfacial solar evaporator by heat localization of solar-thermal energy conversion at water-air liquid composed by in-situ polymerization of Fe2O3 nanoparticles (Fe2O3@PPy) deposited over a facial sponge is proposed. The demonstrated system consists of a floating solar receiver having a vertically cross-linked microchannel for wicking up saline water. The in situ polymerized Fe2O3@PPy interfacial layer promotes diffuse reflection and its rough black surface allows Omni-directional solar absorption (94%) and facilitates efficient thermal localization at the water/air interface and offers a defect-rich surface to promote heat localization (41.9 °C) and excellent thermal management due to cellulosic content. The self-floating composite foam reveals continuous vapors generation at a rate of 1.52 kg m−2 h−1 under one 1 kW m−2 and profound evaporating efficiency (95%) without heat losses that dissipates in its surroundings. Indeed, long-term evaporation experiments reveal the negligible disparity in continuous evaporation rate (33.84 kg m−2/8.3 h) receiving two sun solar intensity, and ensures the stability of the device under intense seawater conditions synchronized with excellent salt rejection potential. More importantly, Raman spectroscopy investigation validates the orange dye rejection via Fe2O3@PPy solar evaporator. The combined advantages of high efficiency, self-floating capability, multimedia rejection, low cost, and this configuration are promising for producing large-scale solar steam generating systems appropriate for commercial clean water yield due to their scalable fabrication

Optimization of Photovoltaic Panel Array Configurations to Reduce Lift Force Using Genetic Algorithm and CFD

Aerodynamic lift force acting on the solar structure is important while designing the counterweight for rooftop-mounted solar systems. Due to their unique configuration, the load estimated for solar structures using international building codes can be either higher or lower than the actual. Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) simulations haveproven to be an efficient tool for estimating wind loads on solar panels for design purposes and identifying critical design cases. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations usually require high computation power, and slight changes in geometry to find optimum configuration can be time-consuming. An optimization method to minimize lift force effects on solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays installed on rooftops usesthe Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)and genetic algorithms proposed in this paper. The tilt angle and pitch between two rows of solar panels were parameterized, and a genetic algorithm was used to search for aconfiguration resulting in minimum wind lift force acting on the solar photovoltaic plant. Only combinations with a performance ratio >80% were considered. Three different rooftopphotovoltaic (PV) plant layout configurations were analyzed in this research. Two rows of photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays wereconsidered for optimization in the 2D domain using ANSYS Fluent. Results showed that the difference in wind-liftforce between optimized configurations against that with maximum lift force configuration for all three cases above was fifty percent

Risk and diagnostic factors and therapy outcome of neonatal early onset sepsis in ICU patients of Saudi Arabia: a systematic review and meta analysis

BackgroundNeonatal early onset sepsis (NEOS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition affecting newborns within the first few days of life. While the diagnosis of NEOS was based on clinical signs and symptoms in the past, recent years have seen growing interest in identifying specific diagnostic factors and optimizing therapy outcomes. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic and risk factors and therapy outcomes of neonatal EOS in ICU patients in Saudi Arabia, with the goal of improving the management of neonatal EOS in the country.MethodsThis method outlines the protocol development, search strategy, study selection, and data collection process for a systematic review on neonatal early onset sepsis in Saudi Arabian ICU patients, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) is a well-established guideline that provides a framework for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in a transparent and standardized manner. It aims to improve the quality and reporting of such research by ensuring clear and comprehensive reporting of study methods, results, and interpretations. The search strategy included electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library) and manual search of relevant studies, and data were extracted using a standardized form.ResultsThe systematic review included 21 studies on neonatal sepsis in Saudi Arabia, with varying study designs, sample sizes, and prevalence rates of sepsis. Group B streptococcus and E. coli were the most commonly isolated pathogens. Various diagnostic factors and risk factors were reported, including hematological parameters, biomarkers, and blood cultures. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute critical checklist.ConclusionsThe review identified a number of risk and diagnostic factors and therapy outcomes for neonatal sepsis. However, most of the studies were having small scale cohort groups. Further research with controlled study designs is needed to develop effective prevention and management strategies for neonatal sepsis in Saudi Arabia

Association between Diabetes Consequences and Quality of Life among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus in the Aseer Province of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health-care burden worldwide. AIM: The aim of the study was to explore how the quality of life (QoL) of DM patients could be affected in the Aseer Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicenter study in DM patients of both sexes and all age groups in Aseer Province were done using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The study was conducted between April 1, 2018 and November 25, 2018. RESULTS: A total of 418 patients completed our questionnaire, of which 240 (58%) were male and 178 (42%) were female. Furthermore, 50.23% were married and 104 (24.16%) were illiterate. We found that 403 (96.42%) respondents had type-2 DM and 315 (75.35%) had a family history of DM. In addition, 132 (31.57%) respondents were on monotherapy whereas only 61 (14.59%) were using combination therapy. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity (166, 39.71%) and peripheral neuropathy the most prevalent complication of DM (157, 37.56%). CONCLUSION: DM had a significant impact on QoL among patients from Aseer Province in KSA. Our study underscores the importance of generating data on QoL among DM patients

Molecular docking supported investigation of antioxidant, analgesic and diuretic effects of Costus speciosus rhizome

ABSTRACT. The aim of the current study was to analyze the polyphenols and determines the antioxidant, analgesic and diuretic properties of the methanolic extract of C.speciosus rhizome. DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity. Acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced licking experiments were used to assess the analgesic effect. The total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents were found 51.73± 0.25 mg GAE/g dry weight, 3.41± 0.07mg QE/g dry weights and 44.19± 2.24 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. The plant extract exhibited weak antioxidant activity in the DPPH and FRAP assays, with an IC50 value of 1699±62 μg/mL and an EC50 value of 125±2 μg/mL, respectively. The extract significantly reduced the number of writhes at both doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) as compared to the control. The extract (400 mg/kg) also significantly reduced the percent inhibition of licking by 31.96 and 62.69% compared to the control in the early and late phase, respectively. Compared to the standard drug furosemide, the plant extract also showed a weak diuretic effect. The docking study supported the analgesic activity of rhizome extract. The potent analgesic activity of the plant extract justifies the traditional and medicinal aspects.   KEY WORDS: Costus speciosus, Analgesic activity, Diuretic effect, Molecular docking Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 627-640.                                                                 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.12 &nbsp

Intradural extramedullary spinal cord meningioma with a rare extradural foraminal extension: A case report

BackgroundMeningiomas are mostly benign and slow-growing neoplasms of the central nervous system. Spinal meningiomas account for up to 45% of all intradural spinal tumors in adults and up to 25%–45% of all spinal tumors. Spinal extradural meningiomas are rare and may be easily confused with malignant neoplasms.Case descriptionA 24-year-old woman was presented to our hospital with paraplegia and loss of sensation in the T7 dermatome and lower body. MRI findings showed T6-T7 right-sided intradural extramedullary and extradural lesion, measuring 1.4 cm × 1.5 cm × 3 cm, extending to the right foramen, compressing the spinal cord, and displacing it to the left. Hyperintense lesion on T2 and hypointense lesion on T1 were observed. The patient reported improvement after surgery and during follow-up. We recommend maximizing the decompression during surgery to achieve better clinical outcome. Extradural meningiomas represent 5% of all meningiomas; therefore, having an intradural on top of extradural meningioma with extraforaminal extensions makes this a unique and rare case.ConclusionMeningiomas can be easily missed in diagnosis depending on imaging and the pathognomonic pattern it represents, which can mimic other pathologies, such as schwannomas. Therefore, surgeons should always suspect their patient having a meningioma even if the pattern is not typical. Moreover, preoperative preparation, such as navigation and defect closure, must be taken in case it turns out be a meningioma instead of the presumed pathology