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Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and often results in substantial cognitive, motor, and psychological impairments, triggering oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. This study examined the neuroprotective effects of azithromycin (AZI) in TBI. Methods: TBI was induced in rats using the weight-drop method. Subsequently, rats received a daily intraperitoneal (I.P.) dose of AZI (150 mg/kg) for 28 days. Behavioral tests (Morris water maze, rotarod, and open field tests) were performed to assess cognitive and motor functions. Neurochemical analyses included oxidative stress markers (GSH, SOD, MDA, catalase), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), apoptotic markers (caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2), mitochondrial complexes (complex I, II, III, IV, and V), and the transforming growth factor- beta (TGF-β) as a neurofilament marker. Histological evaluations focused on neuronal integrity in the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Results: Treatment with AZI significantly facilitated motor and cognitive function recovery in TBI-affected rats. At the molecular level, AZI effectively reduced oxidative stress markers, ameliorated neuroinflammation by decreasing TNF-α, IL-1β, and neuronal apoptosis, and differentially modulated mitochondrial complexes. Histological assessments revealed enhanced neuronal integrity and fewer pathological changes in AZI-treated rats compared to untreated TBI controls. Conclusions: AZI was shown to interfere with several pathways involved in TBI's pathophysiology. While preclinical results are promising, further studies are necessary to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of AZI in a clinical setting. This research supports the potential re-purposing of AZI as a novel treatment strategy for TBI and related neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 has significantly impacted lives, and data show that receiving a booster vaccination has been demonstrated to lower the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the severity of the risk of infection. The Saudi government has actively promoted booster dose vaccines among university students who can spread the virus to older populations, especially in high-density environments, where the risk of virus transmission and spread is elevated. This study focuses on the acceptance of COVID-19 booster shots among students at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. The study assessed students' willingness to receive a COVID-19 booster dose and the factors influencing their decision. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study design using an online self-administered survey was conducted among medical and non-medical students at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit participants via email and social media platforms (WhatsApp version 2.3). Quantitative analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis was used to predict factors affecting COVID-19 booster dose acceptance and hesitancy. Results: Among 315 respondents, 171 (54.3%) were males, and 144 (45.7%) were females. All the respondents fell in the 18–25 years age group. About 173 (54.9%) respondents were from health-related colleges. Overall, 24.44% (77/315) agreed to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. However, 77.14% (243/315) were confident of getting the vaccine whenever they wanted. About 48.88% (154/315) of respondents considered COVID-19 a serious severe infection, while 14.06% (46/315) of respondents were concerned about the probability of receiving COVID-19 immunization (World Health Organization, 2021). Conclusions: The study revealed that students were not accepting COVID-19 booster doses, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns to dispel myths and improve vaccination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To ascertain the views, knowledge and opinions of healthcare students (HCs) regarding artificial intelligence (AI). Methods: The cross-sectional survey designed to assess awareness, perceptions and opinions of HCs towards AI was conducted between April to June 2023. A pre-tested, validated structured questionnaire was distributed electronically to HCs across different universities in Saudi Arabia. Responses were compiled using a 5-point Likert scale. Cronbach's alpha score of 0.80 was used to establish the reliability of the questionnaire. Mean scores were determined by calculating each item in the perceptions compiled. Results: Majority of HCs had a positive perception towards AI in healthcare and agreed that AI could improve diagnostic accuracy (73.4 %), reduce errors in medical practice (65.2 %) and facilitate patient education (70.8 %). However, some concerns were expressed that AI has a harmful impact on healthcare practitioners' relationships with patients and potential ethical implications (44.3 %) and also allows patients to increase control over their health (51 %). Most students (85 %) believe that if AI is integrated into healthcare, there is a risk of losing jobs. The analysis of multiple linear regression shows that course of study (B = 0.311; SE = 0.132; t = 2.360; p = 0.019; CI = 0.052 to 0.570), awareness of AI (B = -1.822; SE = 0.785; t = -2.320; p = 0.021; CI = - 3.366 to -0.279) were predictors of perception score of AI. Conclusion: Healthcare students show positive perceptions towards AI and agree that AI helps in various aspects of healthcare. However, students revealed some concerns about AI. Therefore, addressing concerns related to ethics, workforce impact and patient privacy is crucial for successful AI implementation in the healthcare sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Community pharmacists are frequently approached by patients seeking health advice for minor ailments, particularly for common childhood diseases like diarrhea. Globally, approximately two million children under five years of age die each year due to diarrhea, which remains a significant health concern, especially in developing countries. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the skills of community pharmacists in addressing and prescribing for simple viral diarrhea in children. Methods: A hundred community pharmacies were visited by simulated clients following a standard scenario of inquiring about simple childhood diarrhea. Subsequently, they filled out a standardized form after each visit to assess the skills of the community pharmacists. Results: It was found that 98% of the pharmacists were males. Approximately 80% of them inquired about the child's age, while only 29% asked about the presence of fever. Around 2–6% of them only asked about the stool nature, child's feeding behavior, and family symptoms. Around 10% of them suggested a potential bacterial origin, and 24% recommended the use of antibiotics. Only 43% of the community pharmacists suggested the use of oral rehydration solution, while 15–56% recommended using antidiarrheals, anti-emetics, and spasmolytics. The mean knowledge score of the pharmacists was 9.06 out of 17. Conclusions: The results indicated a relatively low level of knowledge about managing simple viral childhood diarrhea, which may reflect a similar level of knowledge about dealing with minor ailments in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aging global population presents challenges in medication management, particularly among diabetic elderly patients vulnerable to potentially inappropriate medications (PIM). PIM can lead to adverse outcomes like hypoglycemia, falls, cognitive decline, and hospitalizations, affecting quality of life and survival. This study aimed to assess PIM prevalence among diabetic elderly patients in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia, using the American Geriatrics Society 2023 Updated Beers Criteria. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted among 480 diabetic adults aged 60 years or older at a tertiary care hospital over 3 months. Data, including demographics, comorbidities, and medication use, were extracted from Electronic Health Records. 2023 AGS Updated Beers Criteria® was followed. Results: The median age was 66 years with a male predominance (62.7%). Peripheral vascular disease (42.7%) and prior myocardial infarction (22.7%) were prevalent comorbidities. Inappropriate insulin use was observed in 17.7% of insulin users, mainly short-acting insulin without basal/long-acting insulin. Approximately 39.2% of patients were prescribed antidiabetic drugs deemed inappropriate by Beers Criteria, with Gliclazide being the most common (35.6%). Despite potential drug–disease interactions, such as urogenital infections, half of the patients received cautioned drugs, while only 4.2% experienced such infections. Conclusion: The study highlights the prevalence of PIMs among diabetic elderly patients in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Adherence to Beers Criteria guidelines is crucial to optimize therapy for this population. Age and congestive heart failure were significant predictors of PIM use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]