Search

BACKGROUND:Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among children worldwide. Although natural waters pose a risk of drowning in low-income countries, swimming pools are more prevalent in high-income countries. In Saudi Arabia, injuries and drowning are a significant threat to population health. Local data is limited, which affects an understanding of the extent of the burden and the development of prevention strategies.OBJECTIVE:Determine the epidemiological characteristics, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of drowning among children.DESIGN:Retrospective chart review.SETTING:Patients admitted to the tertiary care unit of a hospital in Riyadh.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Data was collected on children who drowned (age 0-14) between January 2015 and August 2020. Cases were identified from the electronic health record system where the diagnosis was drowning. Differences in characteristics and outcomes between nonfatal cases with no neurological damage and fatal cases with neurological damage were analyzed.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:Drowning mortality and morbidity.SAMPLE SIZE:99.RESULTS:Of the 99 drowning cases, 22 (22.2%) had a fatal outcome or resulted in neurological damage. The most-reported drowning site was private pools (82%). The majority of cases involved children younger than the age of two (54%). Eighty-four cases (84.8%) occurred on holidays. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 61 (61.6%) of cases. A significant association was found between the delay in initiating resuscitation and an unfavorable outcome (PPCONCLUSION:These findings warrant investment to increase public awareness of the risks of leaving children unsupervised in swimming pools. In addition, there is a need to ensure early resuscitation of drowning victims by promoting life support courses in order to facilitate positive outcomes.LIMITATIONS:The study was conducted in one tertiary center located in a non-coastal city so the results may not be generalizable.CONFLICT OF INTEREST:None.

Neurodegeneration is a prevalent and one of the emerging reasons for morbidity, mortality, and cognitive impairment in aging. Dementia is one of such conditions of neurodegeneration, partially manageable, irreversible, and worsens over time. This review is focused on biological and psychosocial risk factors associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, highlighting the value of cognitive decline. We further emphasized on current therapeutic strategies from pharmacological and non-pharmacological perspectives focusing on their effects on cognitive impairment, protein aggregation, tau pathology, and improving the quality of life. Deeper mechanistic insights into the multifactorial neurodegeneration could offer the design and development of promising diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

This within subject clinical experiment assessed oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment and their relationships with personality characteristics. 50 patients (26 females and 24 males; mean age = 27.62 ± 8.25 years, SE = 1.17, 95% CI = 24.71–29.89 years) were assessed before and after treatment with Invisalign orthodontic treatment. Treatment clinical success was evaluated according defined clinical guidelines. Oral health impacts before and after Invisalign orthodontic treatment were measured via the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Personality features were measured via the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Probability of α = .05 was utilized to identify significant findings. Females scored less OHIP scores after treatment (had less negative impacts) in comparison to baseline OHIP scores (t = 3.782, df = 25, P = .001, 95% CI of mean difference = 2.750–9.327). Among males, openness scores (R2 = .911, B = 5.235, 95% CI for B = 0.062–10.407, t = 2.601, P = .048) were able to predict OHIP scores before treatment; meanwhile, extraversion (R2 = .959, B = − 8.224, 95% CI for B = − 14.605–1.843, t = − 3.313, P = .021), openness (R2 = .959, B = 21.795, 95% CI for B = 10.737–32.853, t = 5.067, P = .004), and conscientiousness (R2 = .959, B = 10.293, 95% CI for B = 4.796–15.790, t = 4.813, P = .005) scores were useful to predict OHIP scores after treatment (R2 = .959, P P > .05). These findings demonstrate that oral health impacts of Invisalign orthodontic treatment and personality profiles contribution to oral health impacts were different between genders.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on clinical gingival inflammatory parameters, bacterial load, proinflammatory cytokine status, and pain scores in adolescent patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with gingivitis.Thirty adolescent undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with gingivitis were randomly divided into two groups: Group A - patients undergoing dental scaling (DS) with adjunctive photodynamic therapy (PDT) and Group BDS alone. Clinical gingival parameters including plaque scores, (PS), bleeding on probing (BOP) and probing depth (PD) were assessed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) were used to report the values of present pain intensity. Crevicular fluid was sampled to quantify the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The total bacterial counts for Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Tannerella forsythia (T. forsythia) were assessed. All examinations were performed at baseline, 1 week and 4 weeks.Both the treatment regimens reported statistically significant reduction in PS and BOP (p0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in PS and PD values when Group B was compared with Group A (p0.05). There was a statistically significant reduction noted for BOP in Group B when compared to Group A (p0.05). There was a statistically significant reduction in the microbial counts of T. forsythia in Group A when compared to Group B at week-1 (p0.05). During the 4-week follow-up, the counts for T. forsythia significantly increased. No significant changes could be seen in either of the pain scores in both the groups (p0.05). Both groups showed statistically significant reduction in the IL-6 and TNF-α levels. However, IL-6 was significantly reduced at 1 week, while TNF-a significantly reduced at 4 weeks of follow up among the participants in Group B.PDT has a positive effect in significantly reducing the periodontal microbial load in established gingivitis in adolescent patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Purpose The aim of the present randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on halitosis in adolescent patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and methods Forty-five adolescents with halitosis undergoing orthodontic treatment were equally randomized into three groups: Group – I: provision of treatment through PDT on dorsum of tongue; Group – II: provision of treatment with the help of tongue scrappers (TS); Group – III: provision of treatment with the help of TS and adjunctive PDT. Presence of halitosis confirmed on the basis of gas chromatography and estimation of oral malodour with a cysteine challenge and H2S values recorded ≥112 parts per billion (ppb). A portable device Oral Chroma™ was used for performing breath analysis. A total of 5 bacterial species including P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, P. intermedia, T. forsythia and T. denticola were studied as the proportion of sites defined as having ≥1.0 × 105 bacterial cells. Results The mean age of the participants in Group-I, II and III were 15.4 years, 13.8 years, and 14.2 years, respectively. The median values for Group-I, II and III at initial breath analysis were 874 ppb, 613 ppb and 1089 ppb, respectively. After treatment with the respective therapeutic modalities, a statistically significant difference was seen among groups after 2-weeks (p Table 3 ). After applying Kruskal-Wallis test, group-III showed the highest amount of reduction in H2S concentration (100 %) at final 2-weeks breath analysis compared to group-I and group-II (p = 0.0001). Descriptive statistics for all bacteria showed that group-III (TS + PDT) statistically significantly reduced the proportional distribution of all bacteria at 2-week follow-up (p Conclusion PDT along with tongue scrapping showed effective immediate reduction of H2S concentration and reduction of oral pathogens in adolescent patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with short-term follow up. Long-term evaluation and complete eradication of halitosis needs to be explored in further clinical trials. In addition, the cost of PDT and its potential side effects should not be disregarded.

Background External stressors such as high altitude and low oxygen are known to affect the human microbiome, and in light of the increased occurrence of dental caries and periodontitis in orthodontic patients, the effect of high altitude and the altered oral environment in orthodontic patients on the oral salivary microbiome was researched. Materials & methods 31 orthodontic patients from high altitude, Aseer region and 25 orthodontic patients, residing at sea level, as controls were included. DNA isolation was done from the saliva collected from the study participants. V3 area of 16s RNA was targeted by universal primers through PCR to decipher the salivary microbiome in both the groups. Results A total of 11 genera belonging to 4 phyla of bacteria were identified in both groups. The most abundant microbiome at the phylum level was: Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes Proteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. The salivary microbiome was more diverse in sea level controls compared to that of the orthodontic patients at high altitude wherein the presence of only two main phyla: Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were seen. The controls revealed Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Cyanobacteria. Conclusions The findings of the study suggest that the biodiversity of the salivary microbiome is severely perturbed under the cumulative influences of high altitude and presence of fixed orthodontic appliance. Under these circumstances, a strict and meticulous oral hygiene regimen should be recommended and followed to avoid harmful effects on the periodontal tissues.

The present studies were undertaken to develop solvent-free solid dispersions (SDs) for poorly soluble anti-inflammatory drugs mefenamic acid (MA) and flufenamic acid (FFA) in order to enhance their in vitro dissolution rate and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. The SDs of MA and FFA were prepared using microwaves irradiation (MW) technique. Different carriers such as Pluronic F127® (PL), Eudragit EPO® (EPO), polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) and Gelucire 50/13 (GLU) were used for the preparation of SDs. Prepared MW irradiated SDs were characterized physicochemically using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical characteristics and drug release profile of SDs were compared with pure drugs. The results of DSC, TGA, FT-IR, PXRD and SEM showed that SDs were successfully prepared. In vitro dissolution rate of MA and FFA was remarkably enhanced by SDs in comparison with pure MA and FFA. The SDs of MA and FFA prepared using PEG 400 showed higher drug release profile in comparison with those prepared using PL, EPO or GLU. The dissolution efficiency for MA-PEG SD and FFA-PEG SD was obtained as 61.40 and 59.18%, respectively. Optimized SDs were also evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory effects in male Wistar rats. The results showed significant % inhibition by MA-PEG (87.74% after 4 h) and FFA-PEG SDs (81.76% after 4 h) in comparison with pure MA (68.09% after 4 h) and pure FFA (55.27% after 4 h) (P

Aim: To evaluate the effect of varying cellulose casting ring liner length and its prewetting on the marginal adaptation and dimensional accuracy of full veneer metal castings. Materials and Methods: The master die was milled in stainless steel to fabricate the wax pattern. Sixty wax patterns were fabricated with a uniform thickness of 1.5 mm at an occlusal surface and 1 mm axial surface, cervical width at 13.5 mm, and 10 mm cuspal height. The samples were divided into six groups (n = 10). Groups I and II samples had the full-length cellulose prewet and dry ring liner, respectively. The groups III and IV had 2 mm short prewet and dry cellulose ring liner, respectively, whereas groups V and VI were invested in 6 mm short ring liner. The wax patterns were immediately invested in phosphate bonded investment, and casting procedure was completed with nickel-chrome alloy. The castings were cleaned and mean score of measurements at four reference points for marginal adaption, casting height, and cervical width was calculated. The marginal adaption was calculated with Imaje J software, whereas the casting height and cervical width was determined using a digital scale. The data was subjected to one-way analysis of varaince and Tukey post hoc statistical analysis with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 software. Results: The group II had the best marginal adaption with a gap of 63.786 μm followed by group I (65.185 μm), group IV (87.740 μm), and group III (101.455 μm). A large marginal gap was observed in group V at 188.871 μm. Cuspal height was more accurate with group V (10.428 mm), group VI (10.421 mm), and group II (10.488 mm). The cervical width was approximately similar in group I, group III, and group V. Statistically significant difference was observed in Tukey post hoc analysis between group V and group VI with all the other groups with regards to marginal adaptation. Conclusion: The dry cellulose ring liners provided better marginal adaptation in comparison to prewet cellulose ring liners. Accurate cuspal height was obtained with shorter ring liner in comparison to full-length cellulose ring liners.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health knowledge, behavior, and practices related to use of miswak (chewing stick) in population of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: Of the 2023 participants, 1666 (83.3%) were females and 334 (16.7%) were males. The questionnaires having 10 online questions were used to assess the knowledge of oral hygiene methods, including frequency, reason, and methods for miswak use. Statistical Analysis Used: The survey data were collected and organized into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (Microsoft Inc., USA) and were statistically analyzed utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software (IBM Inc., USA). The statistical test used here was the Chi-square test, and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Results: Participants responded regarding the primary oral hygiene methods; 46.5% respondents used toothbrushes, 44.5% used both toothbrushing and miswak, and 8% used only miswak as their primary tooth cleaning method. 28.2% respondents cleaned their teeth with tooth brush or miswak at least once a day, 37.6% twice, 28.4% whenever required, and 5.9% infrequently. Majority of the participants, i.e. 70.2% were using miswak with taper and as a brush to clean all tooth surfaces. About 84.7% feel fresh, and teeth are whiter after the use of miswak. Nearly, 84.7% prefer to continue using miswak in combination with other teeth cleaning methods, which may have more benefits. Conclusions: In our study, most common type of oral hygiene method employed is toothbrush and in combination with miswak. Chewing stick use was common among participants with religious advice being the dominant reason for usage.

Backgroud/purpose Palatal rugae (PR) are situated in the anterior part of the hard palate and possess unique and stable characteristics that can be used in human identification. Their pattern of orientation is established early in life and remains stable thereafter. The purposes of this study were to convert PRP into alphanumeric codes in order to generate scanable Quick Response (QR) codes, to demonstrate uniqueness of PRP using the codes in the study population, and to determine the sexual dimorphism of PRP in the study population. Materials and methods Orthodontic dental casts of 256 Saudi male and female patients were photographed after ensuring standardization. Individual rugae characteristics, strength and their displacement from incisive papilla and midpalatine raphe were recorded in the form of an alphanumeric code which was subsequently converted to a QR code. Computer assisted check was performed for possible match in the 256 alpha numeric codes while QR codes were scanned using a bar code scanner to determine uniqueness. Sexual dimorphism of palatal rugae (PR) was also analysed. Results All alphanumeric codes of the study population were unique. Mean number of PR in males and females differed significantly (P = 0.0001). Differences in rugae characteristics and strengths in males and females were also present. Conclusion The alphanumeric and QR code of the rugae pattern are unique for each individual and can be used for digital record keeping and person identification. A high degree of sexual dimorphism in PR exists in the studied Arab population studied.