Knowledge,attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among dental health care professionals: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

ObjectivesWith the increasing severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is essential that dental health care professionals (DHCPs) are prepared. The study aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 among DHCPs in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted. A validated and reliable questionnaire was developed that comprised 44 questions. Using Qualtrics survey software, DHCPs working in different settings were approached across five geographical regions of Saudi Arabia.ResultsA total of 318 respondents voluntarily participated in the survey. Most DHCPs showed a moderate level of knowledge (51.6%), a positive attitude (92.1%) and adequate practice standards (86.5%). We found that 94.7% of DHCPs had an adequate overall level of KAP. DHCPs with a doctorate significantly outscored DHCPs with other educational levels with respect to knowledge and practice. Older (51–60 years) DHCPs reported significantly more knowledge than younger DHCPs.ConclusionDHCPs displayed an average level of knowledge that needs to be enhanced through continuing education programmes. However, they showed a positive attitude and an acceptable level of practice, as they were abiding by guidelines issued from various international and national health agencies.     

Improvement of Bioavailability and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Curcumin in Combination with Emu Oil

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of emu oil on bioavailability of curcumin when co-administered and to evaluate the property that enhances the anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin. Oral bioavailability of curcumin in combination with emu oil was determined by measuring the plasma concentration of curcumin by HPLC. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema model (acute model) and in Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis model (chronic model) in male SD rats. The anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin in combination with emu oil has been significantly increased in both acute and chronic inflammatory models as evident from inhibition of increase in paw volume, arthritic score, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The increased anti-inflammatory activity in combination therapy is due to enhanced bioavailability (5.2-fold compared to aqueous suspension) of curcumin by emu oil. Finally, it is concluded that the combination of emu oil with curcumin will be a promising approach for the treatment of arthritis.     

Experience of 100 solid organ transplants over a five‐yr period from the first successful pediatric multi‐organ transplant program in India

To analyze the clinical profile and outcome of pediatric patients who had undergone a liver and/or RT at our center over a five yr period, case records of all the patients who had undergone a liver or RT were analyzed retrospectively. One hundred solid organ transplants were performed at our center between January 2007 and January 2012. These included 50 liver, 44 renal, one sequential liver and renal, and two CLKT. BA was the most common indication for an LT (38%). At a median follow‐up of two yr three months, the patient survival was 88%. The most common indication for an RT was chronic glomerulonephritis (54.5%). At a median follow‐up of three yr, the survival was 91%. The CLKT were performed for hyperoxaluria. Two yr post LT, a sequential RT was performed for ESRD resulting from transplant associated microangiopathy. All patients received a living related graft. The common post‐operative complications were infections, vascular complications, and graft dysfunction. Survival rates for liver and RT at our center are comparable to those in the established centers in the West.     

Unsafe abortion: a cruel way of birth control

Background

Unsafe abortion refers to a procedure for terminating an unintended pregnancy performed either by persons lacking the necessary skills or in an environment that does not conform to minimal medical standards, or both.

Objectives

The objectives of the study are to assess the factors attributing to practice of unsafe abortion and to suggest feasible and cost-effective measures to counter the same.

Methods

An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was made using library sources including Pubmed, Medline and World Health Organization. Keywords used in the search include unsafe abortion and unintended pregnancy.

Results

Multiple socio-demographic determinants and barriers such as illiterate women, poor socio-economic status, poor awareness about abortion services, associated stigma, and untrained health professionals have been identified resulting in restricted utilization/access of women to safe abortion services. Consequences of unsafe abortion have been alarming, seriously questioning the quality of health care delivery system.

Conclusion

Concerted and dedicated efforts of government in collaboration with the private sector, community members and non-governmental organizations are needed to ensure that women have a better access to contraceptives, abortion services, and post-abortion care that are safe, affordable, and free from stigma.     

Expediency of Tetra- and Pentanucleotide Repeat Autosomal STR Markers for DNA Typing in Central Indian Population

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences - The STR typing has been regarded as the most reliable and robust genetic tool having a pivotal role in the...     

Retrospective Study of Carfilzomib-Pomalidomide-Dexamethasone in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Carfilzomib is a second-in class Proteosome Inhibitor and has been approved for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma (RRMM). We retrospectively retrieved and analyzed data of KPd combination both biweekly and weekly regimens at our centre from 1 st August 2017 and 31 st May 2020. Sixty-nine patients were treated with KPd with median age of 58 years. Median prior lines of chemotherapy were 2(1-15). Twenty-eight (40.5%) patients underwent autoSCT. Median no. of cycles was 4(1-12) and 3(1-13) with median time to response of 4(2-12) and 2(2-6) months in biweekly and once weekly regimen cohorts respectively. At last follow-up, overall response rate (ORR) was 65.2%{CR-n = 10 (14.5%), VGPR-n = 19 (27.5%), PR-n = 16 (23.2%)} with n = 13(18.8%) patients had PD and relapse was observed in n = 24(34.8%). Thirty (43.4%) patients received maintenance therapy {n = 21(70%)} or autoSCT {n = 9(30%)}. Common toxicities were anemia {n = 11(15.9 %)}, thrombocytopenia (n = 15(21.7%) and neutropenia (n = 16 (23.2%)}, hypertension {n = 28(40.5%)}, peripheral neuropathy (grade1/2) {n = 15(21.7%)}, infections [n = 18(26%) {bacterial [n = 9(13%),viral n = 7(10.1%), fungal n = 8(11.6%)}]. At a median follow-up of 18 months, the estimated median PFS was 11.3 months (95%C.I. 8.3– 14.2) whereas the estimated median OS was 28 months (95%C.I. 20.4-35.5) for the entire cohort. Mortality rate of 2.5% and 10% in two cohorts respectively. Commonest cause of death was PD and sepsis. KPD is a well-tolerated regimen for RRMM, which can be a bridge to ASCT, however with significant side effects.     

Nanomaterial catalyzed green synthesis of tetrazoles and its derivatives: a review on recent advancements

Tetrazoles are indispensable nitrogen containing heterocyclic scaffolds that offer a broad spectrum of applications in various domains such as medicinal chemistry, high energy material science, biochemistry, pharmacology etc. Owing to their useful applications, a wide range of catalysts have been explored for green synthesis of tetrazole derivatives. In recent times, nanomaterials have been emerged as extremely efficient catalysts for different organic transformations because of their high surface area-to-volume ratio, easy surface modification, simple fabrications, easy recovery and reusability. In this article, we have presented an overview of utilization of various nano-catalysts, nanocomposites and other solid-supported nanomaterials as an efficient environmental benign catalytic system for green synthesis of tetrazoles and derivatives. This review will provide an exclusive emphasis on boehmite, magnetic, copper, carbon, MCM-41, and composite based nanomaterials that have been developed since the year 2010 for the synthesis of tetrazole derivatives. In addition, we have briefly discussed the fabrication, functionalization and characterization of some novel nanomaterials and their advantages in the synthesis of tetrazole and its derivatives along with the reaction mechanism that involves synthesis of tetrazole derivatives via nanomaterials catalysed reactions.

Tetrazoles are indispensable nitrogen containing heterocyclic scaffolds that offer a broad spectrum of applications in various domains such as medicinal chemistry, high energy material science, biochemistry, pharmacology etc.