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Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), plays a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission. Dysregulation of the excitatory/inhibitory balance is implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing the critical role of GABA in disease-free brain function. The review examines the intricate interplay between the gut–brain axis and CNS function. The potential impact of dietary GABA on the brain, either by traversing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) or indirectly through the gut–brain axis, is explored. While traditional beliefs questioned GABA's ability to cross the BBB, recent research challenges this notion, proposing specific transporter systems facilitating GABA passage. Animal studies provide some evidence that small amounts of GABA can cross the BBB but there is a lack of human data to support the role of transporter-mediated GABA entry into the brain. This review also explores GABA-containing food supplements, investigating their impact on brain activity and functions. The potential benefits of GABA supplementation on pain management and sleep quality are highlighted, supported by alterations in electroencephalography (EEG) brain responses following oral GABA intake. The comprehensive overview encompasses GABA's sources in the diet, including brown rice, soy, adzuki beans, and fermented foods. GABA's presence in various foods and supplements, its association with gut microbiota, and its potential as a therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders are thoroughly examined. The articles were retrieved through a systematic review of the databases: OVID, SCOPUS, and PubMed (keywords "GABA", "oral GABA", "sleep", "cognition", "neurodegenerative", "blood-brain barrier", "gut microbiota", "supplements" and "therapeutic", and by searching reference sections from identified studies and review articles). This review presents the relevant literature available on the topic and discusses the mechanisms, effects, and hypotheses that suggest oral GABA benefits range from neuroprotection to blood pressure control. The literature suggests that oral intake of GABA affects the brain illustrated by changes in EEG scans and cognitive performance, with evidence showing that GABA can have beneficial effects for multiple age groups and conditions. The potential clinical and research implications of utilizing GABA supplementation are vast, spanning a spectrum of diseases ranging from neurodegeneration to blood pressure regulation. Importantly, recommendations for the use of oral GABA should consider the dosage, formulation, and duration of treatment as well as potential side effects. Effects of GABA need to be more thoroughly investigated in robust clinical trials to validate efficacy to progress the development of alternative treatments for a variety of disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The Parents' view to the oral health of their children is a significant factor that can impact oral health practices and behaviors. The aim of this research was to investigate how parental assessment of their child's oral health associates with caries experience in children receiving dental treatment at the hospital of Taibah University Dental College. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 127 children who underwent dental treatment at Taibah University Dental College and Hospital during 2020-2021. Dental caries experience was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index, and parental rating of oral health was obtained through a questionnaire. Three logistic regression models were used to assess the correlation between dental caries experience and parental rating of oral health while controlling for sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Results: Most parents rated the oral health of their child as good (60.4%), followed by excellent (18.8%) and very good (15.6%). The mean dmft/DMFT score was 3.47 ± 3.46, with 43.8% of children having high/very high dental caries experience. Logistic regression analysis showed that children whose parents rated their oral health as poor were more likely to have high/very high dental caries experience compared to those rated as excellent/very good/good/fair (adjusted odds ratio = 4.45, 95% confidence interval 1.23-16.07). Conclusion: This study suggests a link between parental assessment of their child's oral health and an elevated prevalence of dental caries in children. The study found that children whose parents rated their oral health as suboptimal had higher odds of having high dental caries experience. These findings emphasize the significance of parental perception of their child's oral health and suggest a necessity for customized interventions to enhance parental knowledge and practices concerning children's oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the adoption of the mixed approach in the application of corporate governance (CG), largely based on the 'comply or explain' principle, the Kuwaiti corporate governance system still faces major limitations that have become particularly noticeable from the event of voluntary delisting by a slew of companies after the new Kuwaiti Code of Corporate Governance (KCCG) came into force in 2016. One apparent limitation is caused by the widespread culture of non-compliance, an observation supported by the Capital Market Authority Report on Voluntary Delisting from 2010 to 2016. Empirical analysis was conducted on a sample of 29 companies, all of which were delisted during application of the new KCCG of 2015 until April 2020. This voluntary delisting also indicates other salient limitations such as deficiencies in the CG legal framework, the asymmetrical concentration of share ownership in the hands of larger shareholders, and the passivity of shareholders in Kuwaiti-listed shareholding companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives Materials and Methods Results Conclusions Clinical Significance This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of printing orientation on the accuracy and properties of additively manufactured provisional restorations.A systematic literature search databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were conducted in July 2024 without language restrictions. The included studies were evaluated using the modified CONSORT checklist, and the effect measures and synthetic methods were employed to assess the accuracy of resin provisional restorations printed at various orientations.The web search resulted in 8228 records, and 15 records were ultimately included in the analysis. The printing orientation of provisional restorations has an impact on various factors such as the internal and marginal gap, trueness, precision, and accuracy. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to utilize printing orientations of 180°, 150°, and 210°, as they showed lower marginal and internal gaps and higher accuracy. Caution should be exercised during the virtual positioning of supporting pillars, as this may also influence the overall accuracy.Horizontally and slightly tilted orientations have demonstrated superior accuracy. To achieve optimal results, factors such as printing layer thickness, printing technology, materials, and supportive pillars should be taken into consideration, besides the printing orientations.The selection of the optimum printing parameters overall printing orientations, layer thickness, and supportive pillar position can generate prosthetic and restorative dental parts with a long survival rate, saving time and effort by avoiding fracture, loss of retention, and consequent clinical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of menstrual cycle changes following the COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccination among female students at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional retrospective study using an online questionnaire was conducted between October 2022 and December 2022. Data were collected concerning demographic variables, clinical conditions, menstrual cycle characteristics, COVID-19 infection status, and vaccination history. Results Of the 525 female students who participated in the study (mean age, 21.5 ± 3.9 years; mean body mass index, 22.7 ± 4.7 kg/m 2 ), 246 (46.9%) had tested positive for COVID-19, 15 (2.9%) had visited the emergency room, and eight (1.5%) had been hospitalized. The average duration between menstrual cycles increased significantly among the study sample (pre-pandemic, 25.9 ± 5.3 days; post-pandemic, 26.8 ± 6.7 days; p = 0.016). Pre-pandemic, 221 (42.1%) participants reported less than two days of variance between their shortest and longest cycles, as compared with 175 (33.3%) post-pandemic (p < 0.001). Regarding vaccination, 393 (74.9%) participants had received three vaccinations, and 110 (21%) had received two vaccinations. Post-vaccination, 184 (35%) participants reported no changes to their menstrual cycle, 154 (29.3%) reported less disruption, and 44 (8.4%) experienced more disrupted menstrual cycles. Conclusion This study highlights potential associations between the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent vaccinations, and changes in menstrual patterns, which can help to elucidate the physiological and psychological effects of pandemics and vaccination campaigns on women's health. Future studies must consider biological and psychosocial factors to elucidate underlying mechanisms and causal relationships., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Institutional Research Board (IRB) Committee of the Health Sciences Colleges Research on Human Subjects at King Saud University issued approval IRB Approval No. E-22-7140. The study followed the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Almosa et al.)