Background: Primary healthcare services are vital components of the global public healthcare system, ensuring access to essential medical services, preventive care, and addressing various health needs. This study focuses on the challenges faced by residents of the Najran Region in accessing and utilizing primary healthcare services in Saudi Arabia. Aim: The aim of this investigation is to shed light on the barriers that residents in the Najran Region face when it comes to accessing and utilizing primary healthcare services and to emphasize the need for targeted interventions to enhance the primary healthcare system. Methods: A mixed-methods research approach, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, was employed to assess the accessibility and utilization of primary healthcare services in the Najran Region. The study examined factors such as geographical accessibility, socio-economic determinants, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. Results: The study found several challenges in accessing and utilizing primary healthcare services in the Najran Region. These challenges are influenced by geographical accessibility, socio-economic determinants, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. The results highlight the need for targeted strategies to improve service accessibility and utilization. Conclusion: The accessibility and utilization of primary healthcare services in the Najran Region, Saudi Arabia, are critical areas that require attention. Strengthening the primary healthcare system is essential to address the identified challenges and improve healthcare outcomes.

Objective: Metal based nanomaterials has been implicated in the treatment and healing of antibiotic – resistant bacteria infected wounds such as found in patients with tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and diabetes. Current research investigates the wound healing potentiation of green synthesized silver nanoparticles in the presence of Gentamicin in Wistar rats. Methods: The reaction of phytochemical extracts of Anonna muricata and aqueous solution of silver nitrate afforded the silver nanoparticles used in this study. The silver nanoparticles produced were subsequently characterized using advanced spectroscopic techniques including; Transmission electron microscopy, Ultra-violet visible spectroscopy and Photon correlation spectroscopy (DLS). Adult Wistar rats were divided into five (5) groups of three rats each. Excision wound (3.0 mm diameter) were made on the dorsal part of each rat under anesthesia. Topical application of various test formulation were administered on the excision wound twice daily and wound healing parameters such as % wound contraction, re-epithelialization time and scare formation were monitored over a period of 12 days . Group 1 received simple ointment base, group 2 received 0.01 % w/w penicillin in ointment base, group 3 received 0.01 %w/w gentamicin in ointment base only, group 4 received 1.0 % w/w silver nanoparticles in ointment base, while group 5 received a combination of 1.0 % w/w silver nanoparticles and 0.01 % w/w gentamicin. Results: The mean particle size of the bio-synthesized silver nanoparticle were found to be 24 ± 1.0 nm. There are observed synergy in wound healing effect amongst the combination of silver nanoparticles and gentamicin after 12 days with respect to the % wound contraction, re-epithelialization time and scare formation when compared to single formulation and controls. Conclusion: Improved wound healing could be achieved using nanotechnology.

Background: Ensuring patient safety is a crucial aspect of healthcare quality. The cultural and practical aspects of this concept are intertwined with the shared values, attitudes and behaviors within a healthcare organization that decides their level of commitment towards achieving better outcomes for their patients. The culture in both perception and application by medical practitioners holds immense importance not only for patients' well-being but also presents an impact on overall healthcare performances. To put into effect methods for maintaining effective safety strategies, it becomes indispensable to study the perception and practices on patient safety by healthcare professionals. However, there remains a scarcity of research exploring this in public hospitals located within the Najran Region, in Saudi Arabia. Aims: The purpose of this particular qualitative study was to investigate what healthcare professionals think about both the culture and practices in place regarding patient safety. Methods: The methods employed for this research included using a descriptive phenomenological approach, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 healthcare professionals who were chosen intentionally. Results: After conducting thematic analysis, certain key themes associated with patient safety culture and practices emerged. This analysis revealed complex dynamics surrounding these themes. Conclusions: Ultimately, the findings from this study are indicative of how essential it is to pay attention to patient safety culture and practices when trying to improve healthcare quality at public hospitals located within Najran Region. Recommendations: Based on the study's discoveries, it is recommended that healthcare institutions put their resources into implementing ongoing programs aimed at bolstering patient safety. Furthermore, they should foster an environment of communication and effective teamwork to promote successful outcomes. Additionally, policies that prioritize learning from errors instead of laying blame can encourage a culture of justice. Lastly, hospital leaders could improve overall practices related to patient safety by displaying a high level of commitment. These recommendations offer guidance for healthcare providers and administrators in making progress toward establishing safer environments for patients in their care.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to address the psychosocial needs of individuals and communities. This study explores the impact of COVID-19 related social support services in primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Saudi Arabia. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study is to examine the effectiveness, challenges, and potential areas for improvement in the delivery of COVID-19 related social support services within PHCCs in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with healthcare providers and administrators involved in the provision of social support services within 22 PHCCs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key themes related to service effectiveness, challenges, and stakeholder perspectives. Results: The findings highlight the effectiveness of COVID-19 social support services in promoting psychosocial well-being and resilience among individuals served by PHCCs. However, challenges such as resource constraints, logistical barriers, and coordination issues were identified as significant barriers to integration and service delivery. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of continued investment in social support initiatives within PHCCs to optimize the delivery and effectiveness of services amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. By addressing resource constraints, enhancing coordination, and adopting person-centered approaches to service delivery, PHCCs can play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of individuals and communities affected by the pandemic. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of social support interventions and identify strategies for sustainability and scalability within PHCCs.

Preformed crowns represent a fundamental component of pediatric restorative dentistry, offering durable and esthetically pleasing solutions for the management of extensive carious lesions, developmental defects, and traumatic injuries in primary teeth. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of preformed crowns in pediatric dentistry, encompassing their indications, types, clinical techniques, outcomes, and advancements in material science.

Background: Patient satisfaction is a crucial aspect of healthcare, as it not only affects the overall quality of care but also influences patient outcomes and hospital reputation. Nurse-Initiated Rounds are when nurses take the lead in patient care rounds, which can help to enhance patient satisfaction by delivering more customized care and attention. Collaborative pharmacist involvement, on the other hand, can help enhance medication management and eliminate medication errors, resulting in higher patient satisfaction. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of Nurse-Initiated Rounds with Collaborative Pharmacist Involvement on patient satisfaction. Methods: A clinical trial using a non-equivalent control group design was used in the study by involving 68 participants from the hospital medical and surgical wards. The participants were assessed using the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Scale and a tool to measure patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical care. The study group received the Nurse- initiated rounds of collaborative pharmacist involvement. The data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study reported that the experimental group, which received nurse-initiated rounds with collaborative pharmacist involvement, demonstrated significantly higher levels of patient satisfaction compared to the control group on various aspects of nursing care and pharmaceutical care. The experimental group's mean score on the first day was 6.06 (SD=0.531), whereas the control group's was 4.75 (SD=1.578). Conversely, the experimental group scored 8.21 (SD=0.632) on the fifth day of hospitalization, compared to 5.76 (SD=2.227) for the control group. Conclusion: The study findings concluded that nurse-initiated rounds with collaborative pharmacist involvement resulted in in higher satisfaction, improved drug management, and better patient care and attention. The findings also emphasized on importance of inter-professional collaboration and patient-centered care in improving satisfaction levels and overall healthcare outcomes.

A plethora of medicinal plants have been shown to improve memory, cognition, and intelligence. Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Cannabis sativa (Marijuana) have been shown to affect memory, cognition, and intelligence too. This study aimed at comparing the effects of Zingiber officinale and Cannabis sativa on learning and memory was carried out in Swiss mice. The mice were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 animals each. Group 1 (control) were fed mice feed. Group 2 (ginger group) were fed with a ginger-laced diet containing ginger and mice feed at a percentage ratio of 5:95. Group 3 (marijuana group) were fed with a marijuana-laced diet containing marijuana and mice feed at the percentage ratio of 5:95. All mice were fed for 14 days and given water to drink daily. Daily food and water intake were recorded. The mice were evaluated for learning and spatial memory using novel object recognition tests and data obtained were subjected to ANOVA and T test respectively. The result showed that the Zingiber officinale group showed significantly better memory as seen by an increase in the recognition index when compared to the other groups. This shows that Zingiber officinale shows positive effects on cognition than Cannabis sativa at the same dose.

Pit and fissure sealants represent a pivotal preventive measure in contemporary dentistry, aiming to mitigate the risk of dental caries in susceptible populations. This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the clinical application and performance of pit and fissure sealants, focusing on their efficacy, durability, and potential complications. A systematic review of literature was conducted, encompassing studies published between 2010 and 2024, to assess the clinical outcomes associated with pit and fissure sealants. Various databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched utilizing specific keywords related to sealant application and performance. Inclusion criteria comprised randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, and systematic reviews, while exclusion criteria encompassed case reports and studies lacking relevant clinical data.

Trans-border insecurity remains a major preoccupation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and particularly in the Far North Region of Cameroon. The porous borders of states in the Lake Chad region has enhance trans-border insecurity stemming from the illicit movement of people, goods and arms leading to the displacement of persons across borders. This is the case of the Far North Region of Cameron hosting displaced persons in two of its six divisions (Mayo Sava and Mayo Tsanaga) due to the nefarious activities of Boko Haram terrorist sect. The study employed a mixed research design made up of the descriptive and quantitative designs in accordance with the stated objectives. This design permitted the collection of pertinent data from both secondary and primary sources. Secondary information was obtained from libraries, archives of institutions such as end of year reports of local NGOs and other international institutions working with displaced persons. From the libraries of ENS and National Polytechnic Maroua, information on trans-border insecurity and the management of displaced persons were obtained from text books and already defended dissertations. Results revealed that, the categories of displaced persons in area include; IDP (50%), refugees (36.4%) and returnees (13.6%). The numbers of attacks reached its peak in 2014 and Mayo Sava and Mayo Tsanaga recorded over 250 attacks. Results also show fluctuating trend of displacements between 2012 and 2022. The years 2012 to 2015 was marked by increasing wave of displaced persons with IDPs recording 77,695, out of Camp refugees 6870 and returnees 10,316. Between 2017 and 2018, there was relative calm as the number of displaced (IDPs) dropped rapidly to 21,312 persons while the number of returnees increased to 4,397. Out of Camp refugees also recorded a drop in numbers that is 32,669 people. Between 2019 and 2020, a 7.8% increase in displaced persons was witnessed in Mayo Sava while Mayo Tsanaga registered an increase of 3.9%. Between April 2019 and March 2021, the numbers of attacks increased with IDPs surging to 341,000 while returnees in 2021 also rose to 124,300 persons. Therefore, the number of attacks greatly affects displacements and response strategies must engaged local leaders.

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of iron deficiency anemia (IDA)in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A thorough search of pertinent databases was done in order to find studies that satisfied the requirements for inclusion. A thorough search of PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Science Direct was conducted to find pertinent literature. Results: Nineteen studies, including a total of 20,929 participants and 18,236 (87.1%) of them were females, were included in our data. The prevalence of IDA in the total population ranged from 9.8% in preschool children and 75.3% in pregnant women, and the pooled prevalence was 7043 (33.7%). Regarding pregnant women and women in the childbearing period, the incidence of IDA was significantly correlated with increased gravidity, parity, use of tea and coffee, primiparas, younger moms, those without prenatal care or iron supplements, menorrhagia, antacid or nonsteroidal antidepressant use histories, family and personal history of IDA, occasional meat consumption, and inadequate iron and vitamin C intakes. The improved socioeconomic position of Saudi Arabian children did not affect the prevalence of IDA. Obesity, supplement consumption, and a positive family history of IDA were significantly associated with the increased prevalence of IDA. Conclusion: The prevalence among pregnant women, women in the childbearing period, children, and adolescents in Saudi Arabia is still high. The study's conclusions emphasize the need to increase public knowledge of the value of a balanced diet and the regular inclusion of foods high in iron in daily meals. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the risk variables that raise the prevalence of IDA in the study area and serve as a roadmap for future research endeavors addressing IDA.

This article examines the nexus between the extractive sector laws and energy development in Cameroon with focus on renewable energy in order to promote sustainable national livelihoods for the benefit of all and sundry. It should immediately be pointed out that, traditional energy sources like mining, oil and gas, or betterstill fossil fuels; are environmentally disastrous. These traditional energy sources contribute enormously in the emission of Green House Gases that are major threats to climate change to which the globe is confronted to nowadays. This article therefore articulates on how the extractive sector laws can serve as a pivot in making the use of renewable energy sources important in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources. More still, it is regrettable that the current extractive laws in the country do not sufficiently take into cognizance the need to explore renewable energy sources. In consequence to the shortcomings noticed in the extractive sector laws in Cameroon in enhancing energy development with focus on renewable energy, the key recommendation to this legislative quagmire in the extractive sector laws is that, there is urgent need to review some provisons of the extractive sector laws so that, it should henceforth take into keen consideration the relevance of energy development by paying attention on the imoportance of reneawable energy.

This paper examines the role of property valuation in enhancing the financial stability of microfinance institutions (MFIs). Drawing on an integrative review of secondary literature, the study highlights how accurate collateral valuation reduces default risks, secures loan portfolios, and supports institutional sustainability. The analysis reveals that preventive and transparent valuation practices not only safeguard financial assets but also foster trust among borrowers, investors, and regulators. Governance and organizational culture emerge as decisive factors shaping valuation effectiveness, with leadership commitment and accountability identified as central drivers of institutional credibility. Knowledge gaps and resource constraints, particularly in developing economies, are noted as persistent barriers to effective valuation practices. The study concludes that embedding transparency, governance, and professional capacity into valuation processes is crucial for MFIs to achieve financial stability, foster societal trust, and make meaningful contributions to sustainable development.

This article explores in an explicit manner the interface between human rights and international mining disputes in Cameroon’s extractive law in order to spotlight or identify the causes, stakes, challenges and possible ways forward in curbing human right violations in the extractive sector. This article focuses on the various pieces of extractive legislation in Cameroon and makes a comprehensive legal appraisal on how such extractive texts protect human rights either directlt or tacitly, arguing that the present extractive texts in force falls short of guaranteeing the rights of individuals engaged in the extractive industry. In consequence to this half-bake protection accorded by the mining, oil and gas laws with respect to human rights exigencies, it is a settled fact that human righs are increasingly violated in the extractive sector and this does not showcase a good image of the country at the international arena. This is because mining disputes are becoming rife and rampant. A fundamental recommendation to this legislative pitfall in the extractive sector is that, there is urgent need to revise some provisons of the extractive sector laws so that, it should integrate human rights issues in a holistic manner thereby significantly curbing mining disputes.

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis is a recurrent corneal disease that remains a significant cause of ocular morbidity due to its variable clinical presentation and potential for progressive corneal damage. Understanding the clinical spectrum and recurrence patterns of HSV keratitis is essential for effective long-term management, particularly in tertiary eye care settings. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from April 2012 to March 2013. A total of 40 patients with recurrent HSV corneal infections were included, with disease duration ranging from 1 to 22 years. Only patients with more than one documented recurrence were enrolled. Patients with incomplete records, uncertain diagnosis, or stromal keratitis at initial presentation were excluded. Clinical data were analyzed to assess age distribution, initial disease pattern and recurrence behavior. Results: The majority of patients were middle-aged, with 52.5% between 31 and 50 years and the highest prevalence in the 41–50 age group (27.5%). Disciform keratitis was the most common initial presentation (62.5%), followed by epithelial keratitis (27.5%) and uveitis (10%). Among patients initially presenting with disciform keratitis, 84% experienced recurrence with the same pattern, while 8% developed neurotrophic keratitis. Patients initially presenting with epithelial keratitis predominantly showed epithelial recurrences (72.7%), though 27.3% progressed to disciform keratitis. Conclusion: Recurrent HSV keratitis predominantly affects middle-aged adults and most commonly presents as disciform keratitis in tertiary care settings. Recurrences tend to follow the initial disease pattern, although progression from epithelial to stromal involvement occurs in a notable proportion of cases, emphasizing the need for long-term follow-up.

Background and Objective: Wilms’ tumor has been recognized as the most common primary malignant tumor of kidney at childhood. It comprises 5-6% of tumors in the childhood period, and manifests with various clinical symptoms. Since there have been no sufficient studies in this field in Bangladesh, therefore, this study was conducted to investigate its histopathology and different clinical symptoms. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on existing data from 70 children with a diagnosis of Wilms’ tumor at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital during the years 2015-2020. In this regard, personal and disease-related characteristics of patients including age, sex, tumor stage, histopathology, and involved kidney were evaluated and SPSS software and other statistical tests were used for data analysis. Results: The most common age of disease incidence was 2-4 years. In this regard, male and female ratio was 1.5. Meanwhile, the prevalence of an abdominal mass as the most common symptom was 85.0%. Left kidney was involved in 50% of cases and 58 (82.86%) of patients had a favorable histology. In addition, there was a significant correlation between site of kidney involvement and tumor histology (p<0.005). Conclusion: Considering the achieved advances in the diagnosis and treatment of Wilms’ tumor, early diagnosis with regard to clinical symptoms can have a valuable role in its effective management.