KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEFS OF ADOLESCENTS ABOUT ACNE: BASELINE AND POST-INTERVENTION ASSESSMENTS USING AN INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL TOOL

Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition affecting teenagers around the globe. Lack of knowledge and false beliefs about acne are factors contributing to non-adherence to acne treatment that would result in treatment failure. Since acne is a highly prevalent skin condition in Lebanon, educating Lebanese adolescents about acne is vital to achieve a better treatment outcome. The aim of the present study is to assess the baseline knowledge of a sample of Lebanese adolescents using a self-administered questionnaire, and increase the level through an educational intervention (interactive audio-visual presentation). The knowledge score was assessed before and after the educational session and the assessment was repeated after one month to test the participants’ retention of information. The results showed that the socio-demographic variations among individuals and the different sources of their information had no statistically significant effect on the knowledge score of participants (p\u3e0.05) that was 54.05 ± 12.43% at baseline. The knowledge score after conducting the educational session improved significantly by 39% (

Optimal planning of RDGs in electrical distribution networks using hybrid SAPSO algorithm

The impact of the renewable distributed generations (RDGs), such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) systems can be positive or negative on the system, based on the location and size of the DG. So, the correct location and size of DG in the distribution network remain an obstacle to achieving their full possible benefits. Therefore, the future distribution networks with the high penetration of DG power must be planned and operated to improve their efficiency. Thus, this paper presents a new methodology for integrated of renewable energy-based DG units with electrical distribution network. Since the main objective of the proposed methodology is to reduce the power losses and improve the voltage profile of the radial distribution system (RDS). In this regard, the optimization problem was formulated using loss sensitivity factor (LSF), simulated annealing (SA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and a combination of loss sensitivity index (LSI) with SA & PSO (LSISA, LSIPSO) respectively. This paper contributes a new methodology SAPSO, which prevents the defects of SA & PSO. Optimal placement and sizing of renewable energy-based DG tested on 33-bus system. The results demonstrate the reliability and robustness of the proposed SAPSO algorithm to find the near-optimal position and size of the DG units to mitigate the power losses and improve the radial distribution system's voltage profile

NANOSPHERE-LOADED TADALAFIL WITH ENHANCED ORAL BIOAVAILABILITY: INNOVATIVE APPLICATION OF ELECTROHYDRODYNAMIC TECHNIQUE

Objective: Electrohydrodynamic atomization is a technique that utilizes electrical potential differences for the fabrication of particles ranging from nano to micrometer size, where the ultra-charged droplets of drug-loaded mist deposit as nanospheres after solvent evaporation. The drug-loaded polymeric spherical nanocomposites have a small volume with large surface area, which is a beneficial characteristic for dissolution and bioavailability enhancement of class II drugs. Methods: This facile approach is employed for the preparation of tadalafil-loaded nanosystems, a class II drug used for erectile dysfunction treatment. Tadalafil-loaded nanoparticles prepared with different polymer concentrations were evaluated through process yield, drug loading, morphology and functional performance. Further, drug solid-state and compatibility of formulation components were assessed. Results: The results obtained pointed out that nanoparticles were of uniform spherical morphologies with a size range between 1279±141 and 374±13 nm. The system maintained a high loading efficacy of 88%, with most of the loaded drug released within 2 min during the in vitro dissolution studies. The differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of tadalafil in an amorphous form or as a molecular dispersion within the polymer matrix. Conclusion: Tadalafil-loaded nanoparticles manufactured through this methodology is qualified as a strategy to ameliorate its solubility and bioavailability

Liposomes as potential carriers for ketorolac ophthalmic delivery: formulation and stability issues

Drug delivery to treat ocular disorders locally is a challenging endeavor. Traditional ocular dosage form - eye drops - exhibits poor availability, consequently inefficient therapeutic response. The objective of the study was to formulate and characterize a ketorolac tromethamine ocular system with a prolonged release pattern based on liposomes as a vesicular carrier and to design once daily liquid preparation realizing the thermal in situ gelation principle. Liposomes were prepared by film hydration method. The influence of cholesterol concentration, pH and volume of hydration medium, and type and concentration of charging imparting agents were studied. Liposomes were characterized via, morphological examination, vesicular size, and encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release performance, moreover its stability was assessed. The results obtained highlighted that liposomes showed a closed vesicular multi-lamellar structure. Ketorolac was successfully encapsulated within the liposomal structure in a cholesterol and charge inducing agent concentration-dependent behaviour. The dispersion of liposomes within thermosensitive Poloxamer in situ gel was able to retard the release of the drug by diffusion providing a controlled prolonged delivery. The liposomal formulations were physically stable for six months. Ketorolac tromethamine in situ liposomal gel representing an efficient alternative in terms of ocular retention and patient compliance when compared with conventional eye drops

Public willingness to adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures in Sudan: an application of the Health Belief Model

INTRODUCTION: coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Several public health and social protective measures that may prevent or slow down the transmission of COVID-19 were introduced. However, these measures are unfortunately being neglected or deliberately ignored by some individuals. METHODS: a cross sectional online based survey was conducted to identify possible factors influencing public willingness to adhere to precautionary measures and preventive guidelines against COVID-19 during the lockdown periods in Sudan. The questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data of study participants, their health beliefs and willingness regarding adherence to precautionary measures against COVID-19 based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model. RESULTS: a total of 680 respondents completed and returned the online questionnaire. Significant predictors of the willingness to adhere to the precautionary measures against COVID-19 were gender (β= 3.34, P<0.001), self-efficacy (β= 0.476, P<0.001), perceived benefits (β= 0.349, P<0.001) and perceived severity (β= 0.113, P=0.005). These factors explained 43% of the variance in respondents' willingness to adhere to COVID-19 precautionary measures. Participants who were female, confident in their ability to adhere to the protective measures when available, believing in the benefits of the protective measures against COVID-19 and perceiving that the disease could have serious consequences were more likely to be willing to adhere to the protective measures. CONCLUSION: female respondents and respondents having higher self-efficacy, higher perceived benefits and higher perceived severity were more likely to be willing to adhere to the protective measures against COVID-19 in Sudan

DZ-BAU2021-14N AS NOVEL PYRAZOLOPYRIDINE NANOCRYSTALS: APPRAISAL OF ANTICANCER ACTIVITY AGAINST HCT-116 AND HT-29 COLORECTAL CANCER CELL LINES

Mentioning DZ-BAU2021-14 (C19H17N5O2,347.370 g/mol) developed in BAU Labs, its promising preliminary antitumor effect nominated it to be selected as a lead antiproliferative compound against colorectal cancer cell lines owing to its proved Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibition (Kassem et al., 2021). Solving many problems restricting traditional cancer therapy, nanotechnology is offering safety margins and targeted delivery of poorly soluble drug. The potential effect of this compound was combined with the advantages of nanotechnology, precisely nanocrystals to achieve better antiproliferative and hopeful less cytotoxic patterns. The nanocrystals DZ-BAU2021-14N were prepared by an antisolvent precipitation technique using Poloxamer 407 and Cremophor® RH 40 as stabilizers. The nanocrystals were obtained with a nanometric particle size (89.80 ± 11.2 nm) and a negative zeta potential (-32.6 ± 0.50 mV) and were stable at 4 ± 0.5°C with no significant change in particle size or zeta potential. The anticancer activity of DZ-BAU2021-14 and DZ-BAU2021-14N were assessed. Their antiproliferative effects against colorectal cancer cell lines HCT-116 and HT-29 were studied via viability assay. In addition, their cytotoxic effects on non-tumorigenic cell lines NCM-460D were evaluated and respective IC50 values were determined. Different responses were obtained; DZ-BAU2021-14N provided lower IC50 on HCT-116 compared to the free drug DZ-BAU2021-14 (27 and 22 µM, respectively). The safety profile of the free drug was reflected by its IC50 on NCM-460D of 200µM while that of drug nanocrystals showed relative cytotoxicity with IC50 of 33µM, and this requires further investigation to study this response

PET-CT Surveillance versus Neck Dissection in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

BACKGROUND: The role of image-guided surveillance as compared with planned neck dissection in the treatment of patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck who have advanced nodal disease (stage N2 or N3) and who have received chemoradiotherapy for primary treatment is a matter of debate. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, we assessed the noninferiority of positron-emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT)–guided surveillance (performed 12 weeks after the end of chemoradiotherapy, with neck dissection performed only if PET-CT showed an incomplete or equivocal response) to planned neck dissection in patients with stage N2 or N3 disease. The primary end point was overall survival. RESULTS: From 2007 through 2012, we recruited 564 patients (282 patients in the planned-surgery group and 282 patients in the surveillance group) from 37 centers in the United Kingdom. Among these patients, 17% had nodal stage N2a disease and 61% had stage N2b disease. A total of 84% of the patients had oropharyngeal cancer, and 75% had tumor specimens that stained positive for the p16 protein, an indicator that human papillomavirus had a role in the causation of the cancer. The median follow-up was 36 months. PET-CT–guided surveillance resulted in fewer neck dissections than did planned dissection surgery (54 vs. 221); rates of surgical complications were similar in the two groups (42% and 38%, respectively). The 2-year overall survival rate was 84.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.7 to 89.1) in the surveillance group and 81.5% (95% CI, 76.9 to 86.3) in the planned-surgery group. The hazard ratio for death slightly favored PET-CT–guided surveillance and indicated noninferiority (upper boundary of the 95% CI for the hazard ratio, <1.50; P=0.004). There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to p16 expression. Quality of life was similar in the two groups. PET-CT–guided surveillance, as compared with neck dissection, resulted in savings of £1,492 (approximately $2,190 in U.S. dollars) per person over the duration of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Survival was similar among patients who underwent PET-CT–guided surveillance and those who underwent planned neck dissection, but surveillance resulted in considerably fewer operations and it was more cost-effective. (Funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme and Cancer Research UK; PET-NECK Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN13735240.

Willingness to vaccinate against COVID-19 among healthcare workers: an online survey in 10 countries in the eastern Mediterranean region

BACKGROUND: Willingness of healthcare workers to be vaccinated is an important factor to be considered for a successful COVID-19 vaccination programme. This study aims to understand the willingness of health workers to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and its associated concerns across 10 countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2021 among healthcare workers in EMR using an online survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. RESULTS: A total of 2806 health workers (physicians, nurses and pharmacists) completed and returned the informed consent along with the questionnaire electronically. More than half of the respondents (58.0%) were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, even if the vaccination is not mandatory for them. On the other hand, 25.7% of respondents were not willing to take COVID-19 vaccine while 16.3 % were undecided. The top three reasons for not willing to be vaccinated were unreliability of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials (62.0%), fear of the side effects of the vaccine (45.3%), and that COVID-19 vaccine will not give immunity for a long period of time (23.1%). CONCLUSION: Overall, the study revealed suboptimal acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among the respondents in the EMR. Significant refusal of COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare professionals can reverse hard-won progress in building public trust in vaccination program. The findings suggest the need to develop tailored strategies to address concerns identified in the study in order to ensure optimal vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers in the EMR