Childhood Idiopathic Epilepsy in Saudi Arabia From 1990-2019: Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Data, 2019.

Introduction In Saudi Arabia, the epidemiological estimates of childhood epilepsy are lacking. However, only a handful of studies have been performed to explore the epidemiology of childhood epilepsy. The objective of this study was to identify the burden of childhood idiopathic epilepsy in Saudi Arabia from 1990 to 2019 using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study data.

Metabolomic Profile Modification in the Cerebellum of Mice Repeatedly Exposed to Khat and Treated with β-Lactamase Inhibitor, Clavulanic Acid.

Background/objectives: Catha edulis, commonly known as khat, is used for its psychoactive effects and is considered a natural amphetamine. The current study investigated the metabolomic profile in the cerebellum of mice after repeated exposure to khat and evaluated the effects of clavulanic acid on the metabolomic profile in the cerebellum in khat-treated mice.

Methods: Male C67BL/6 mice that were 6-9 weeks old were recruited and divided into three groups: the control group was treated with 0.

Innovative nanocarrier systems for enhanced delivery of phyto-active compounds in cancer therapy.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from cancer, facing challenges such as treatments affecting healthy cells, suboptimal responses, adverse effects, recurrence risk, drug resistance, and nonspecific targeting. Chemoresistance leads to fatalities, but phytoactives show promise in cancer management despite limitations such as high metabolism, poor absorption, and high dosage requirements. Challenges in the large-scale isolation of phytoactive compounds, solubility, bioavailability, and targeting limit their development.

Development of fucoidan/polyethyleneimine based sorafenib-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles with machine learning and DoE-ANN implementation: Optimization, characterization, and in-vitro assessment for the anticancer drug delivery.

This study aims to develop sorafenib-loaded self-assembled nanoparticles (SFB-SANPs) using the combined approach of artificial neural network and design of experiments (ANN-DoE) and to compare it with other machine learning (ML) models. The central composite design (CCD) and ML algorithms were used to screen the effects of concentrations of both the polymers (polyethyleneimine and fucoidan) on the outcome responses, i.e.

Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Vitamin D deficiency stands out as a significant contributor to reduced bone mineral density in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). The objective of the meta-analysis was to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in children with CP.

Methods: This meta-analysis adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 guide.

Lipid-based microemulsion gel for the topical delivery of methotrexate: an optimized, rheologically acceptable formulation with conducive dermatokinetics.

In the present study, we have formulated a methotrexate (MTX)-loaded microemulsion topical gel employing quality-by-design optimization. The optimized lipid-based microemulsion was incorporated into a 2% carbopol gel. The prepared formulation was characterized for micromeritics, surface charge, surface morphology, conductivity studies, rheology studies, texture analysis/spreadability, drug entrapment, and drug loading studies.

Post-operative pain in non-surgical root canal treatment after sealer-based obturation versus warm vertical compaction: A randomized clinical trial.

Aim: Post-operative pain may occur after non-surgical root canal treatment (NSRCT). The root filling technique and choice of sealer may be contributing factors. This randomized controlled clinical trial compared post-operative pain and analgesics intake after NSRCT using a sealer-based obturation technique (SBO) with single-cone gutta-percha and calcium silicate sealer (CSS) versus a warm-vertical compaction (WVC) technique with gutta-percha and a resin-based sealer (RBS).

Prevalence of Electronic Cigarette Smoking Among Students of Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.

Background Electronic cigarettes are devices that use a flavored nicotine solution instead of burning tobacco leaves. Since their emergence, e-cigarettes have gained popularity in Saudi Arabia, particularly among young adults. Recently, many non-smoking youths have begun to use e-cigarettes as an alternative social behavior.

Sex Differences and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection and Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Systematic Review.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare neurovascular condition that has been observed in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This systematic review aimed to explore the sex differences and characteristics of concurrent COVID-19 and CVST cases. A total of 212 CVST patients were included in the study.

Nanoparticles of Thiolated Xanthan Gum for the Oral Delivery of Miconazole Nitrate: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

The objective of this research was to develop a mucoadhesive delivery system that improves permeation for the administration of poorly absorbed oral medications. Thiolation of xanthan gum (XGM) was carried out by esterification with mercaptobutyric acid. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm thiol-derivatization.

The Anatomy of the Mandibular Incisive Canal and Its Influence in Implant Therapy: A Scoping Review.

The interforaminal region is considered more favorable for implant placement than the posterior mandible in edentulous patients, mainly because the inferior alveolar nerve can interfere with implant placement in the severely resorbed posterior mandible. However, complications in the interforaminal region may occur due to the presence of the mandibular incisive nerve. This scoping review aims to describe the mandibular incisive nerve anatomy related to the potential interference in implant therapy.

Amelioration of Rheumatoid Arthritis by (Wild Strawberry) via Attenuation of Inflammatory Mediators in Sprague Dawley Rats.

has never been evaluated scientifically for its anti-arthritic potential despite its use in folkloric systems of medicine. The research was conducted to assess the potential of against rheumatoid arthritis. The current study provided scientific evidence by evaluating the effects of plants using an in vivo CFA-induced model of arthritic rats and subsequent microscopic histopathological evaluation of ankle joints along with the determination of paw edema using a digital water displacement plethysmometer.

Continuity of care in primary healthcare settings among patients with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction: Maintaining continuity of care is one of the most critical components of providing great care in primary health care. This study aimed to explore continuity of care and its predictors in primary healthcare settings among patients with chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Method: Face-to-face cross-sectional interviews were conducted with patients with chronic diseases who had at least four visits to primary care facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between November 1, 2022 and March 3, 2023.

Effects of L. Extract on Neurobehavioral and Neurobiological Changes in Male Rats with Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epilepsy.

This study investigated the effect of L. (RO) extract on neurobehavioral and neurobiological changes in male rats with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced epilepsy. Rats were assigned into five groups: (1) control rats, (2) RO-treated rats, (3) PTZ-treated rats, (4) PTZ + RO-treated rats, and (5) PTZ + valproic acid (VA)-treated rats.

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Strategies for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Infection in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review.

: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of infections in neonates with high fatality rates. GBS is caused by the streptococcus bacterium known as streptococcus agalactiae, which is highly contagious and can be transmitted from pregnant women to infants. GBS infection can occur as an early onset or late-onset infection and has different treatment strategies.

Diosgenin and Monohydroxy Spirostanol from Seeds as Potential Suppressors of EGFR and HER2 Tyrosine Kinases: A Computational Approach.

Cancer continues to be leading cause of death globally, with nearly 7 million deaths per year. Despite significant progress in cancer research and treatment, there remain several challenges to overcome, including drug resistance, the presence of cancer stem cells, and high interstitial fluid pressure in tumors. To tackle these challenges, targeted therapy, specifically targeting HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2) as well as EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), is considered a promising approach in cancer treatment.

Development and Comparison of Conventional and 3D-Printed Laboratory Models of Maxillary Defects.

Background: Recording accurate impressions from maxillary defects is a critical and challenging stage in the prosthetic rehabilitation of patients following maxillectomy surgery. The aim of this study was to develop and optimize conventional and 3D-printed laboratory models of maxillary defects and to compare conventional and digital impression techniques using these models.

Methods: Six different types of maxillary defect models were fabricated.

Nanomedicine-driven therapeutic interventions of autophagy and stem cells in the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Drug-loaded, brain-targeted nanocarriers could be a promising tool in overcoming the challenges associated with Alzheimer's disease therapy. These nanocargoes are enormously flexible to functionalize and facilitate the delivery of drugs to brain cells by bridging the blood-brain barrier and into brain cells. To date, modifications have included nanoparticles (NPs) coating with tunable surfactants/phospholipids, covalently attaching polyethylene glycol chains (PEGylation), and tethering different targeting ligands to cell-penetrating peptides in a manner that facilitates their entry across the BBB and downregulates various pathological hallmarks as well as intra- and extracellular signaling pathways.

Cardioprotective Effect of Taxifolin against Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Injury through Decreasing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Death, and Activating Nrf2/HO-1 in Mice.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are key components in cardiovascular diseases and heart dysfunction. Herein, we evaluated the protective effects of (+)-taxifolin (TAX), a potent flavonoid with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, on myocardial oxidative tissue injury, inflammation, and cell death, using a mouse model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial injury. Mice were given TAX (25 and 50 mg/kg, orally) for 14 days before receiving two subsequent injections of ISO (100 mg/kg, s.

Taxifolin Prevents Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity by Modulating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway and Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mice.

Cisplatin (CIS) is an effective chemotherapeutic agent used in the treatment of several malignancies. The clinical use of CIS is associated with adverse effects, including acute kidney injury (AKI). Oxidative stress and inflammation are key events in the development of CIS-induced AKI.

Moringa oleifera leaf extract induces osteogenic-like differentiation of human osteosarcoma SaOS2 cells.

Introduction: is known as a 'natural nutrition of the tropics' because it provides vital nutritional supplements and a variety of pharmacological benefits. The focus of this study was to elucidate the dose dependent effects of leaf (MOL) extract on the growth of the human osteoblast-like osteosarcoma SaOS-2 cell line and primary osteoblast cells.

Methods: Trypan blue & tetrazolium assay, intracellular ROS generation, chromatin condensation, cell cycle analysis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), mineralization, and osteogenic gene expression were tested on both treated and untreated osteosarcoma SaOS-2 cells.

Punicalagin Protects against the Development of Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice via Activating Nrf2 Signaling and Decreasing Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Death.

Despite its effectiveness in treating inflammatory diseases and various malignancies, methotrexate (MTX) is well known to cause hepatotoxicity, which involves increased oxidative stress and inflammation, limiting its clinical use. Herein, we looked into the effect of punicalagin (PU), a polyphenolic molecule having a variety of health-promoting attributes, on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. PU (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) was given orally to the mice for 10 days, while a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.

Assessment of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities of plant extract.

The most efficient and safe source of medications is the natural and traditional medications which are produced from plants and herbs. In this study, () was tested to explore its total phenolic and flavonoids contents. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities were assessed as well.

Upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Death Mediate the Protective Effect of Apigenin against Cyclophosphamide Hepatotoxicity.

Liver injury is among the adverse effects of the chemotherapeutic agent cyclophosphamide (CP). This study investigated the protective role of the flavone apigenin (API) against CP-induced liver damage, pointing to the involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Rats were treated with API (20 and 40 mg/kg) for 15 days and received CP (150 mg/kg) on day 16.

Chitosan-modified nanocarriers as carriers for anticancer drug delivery: Promises and hurdles.

With the advent of drug delivery, various polymeric materials are being explored to fabricate numerous nanocarriers. Each polymer is associated with a few characteristics attributes which further facilitate its usage in drug delivery. One such polymer is chitosan (CS), which is extensively employed to deliver a variety of drugs to various targets, especially to cancer cells.