Diabetic Retinopathy Knowledge, Awareness and Practices of Physicians in Primary Health Care Centers

Purpose: Diabetes retinopathy (DR) is one of the fatal causes of permanent and irreversible blindnessinfection that is prevalent making individuals suffer from diabetic conditions; however, annual medicalexamination is a critical interventional approach that not only limits the extent of infection but aids in timelyformulation of relevant mitigation strategies and control of DR. Common to other healthcare systems inadvance economies, the primary care physicians (PCP) are the immediate providers of primary care fordiabetes across the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The aim of the present research paper is to assess thecurrent awareness, practices, and knowledge of PCP on DR. Method: The present research adopted a crosssectional design that covered three cities in Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire with threedifferent parts was submitted to physicians in the healthcare facilities across the three cities. In addition, theresearch adopted a convenience sampling method during which the designated regions were selected due toconvenience in proximity as well as accessibility. Results: The research paper considered a sample size of710 participants. An in-depth and compressive analysis of the results elucidated underlying defects as well asshortfalls on the physicians’ awareness, knowledge, and practices on DR. The results demonstrated defects inscreening methods as well as referral procedures among physicians. Conclusion: Overall, the extent ofknowledge, practices, and awareness among the PCP in the three cities were satisfactory. Hence, it is highlyrecommended that future awareness campaigns should focus on timely and detailed screening approaches inorder to manage diabetic conditions among patients.

Wound management in primary care: a review

In this review, we discuss assessments methods of patient's step by step in primary care. We outline the cleansing methods of wounds and guidelines for wound management depending on the type of wound. We review the most updated studies in the management approaches wound in primary care, but we also included some studies which have been published earlier since 1995 December, up to November, 2017. The Midline [PubMed] and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles related to our concern subject. Holistic assessment involves identifying, gathering and interpreting information about the patient and wound to ensure accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, ongoing monitoring and prevention of complications. For successful management of patients wounds, physicians need proper understanding of the recovery procedure. The use of a standardized, systematic method of evaluation assists the practitioner in the accurate investigation of the wound, with the general goal of assuring optimal wound healing in addition to patient outcomes. Acute wound management varies based upon the wound location and characteristics. No single method can be applied to all wounds; however, a systematic technique to acute wound care integrated with current best practices gives the structure for exceptional wound management

Prevalence of early childhood caries

Background: Early childhood caries [ECC] is a severe form of dental decay with multi-factorial origin. ECC can significantly affect the child's quality of life, as it may lead to infection, swelling, pain, and other symptoms. The ECC affects children after eruption of primary teeth until age of around 5 years

Aim of the study: Investigating the etiology and risk factors predisposing ECC among children and the optimal interventions for prevention

Methods: We searched the medical literature to retrieve studies for the review to 30 November 2017. We searched Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library websites for English Publications that were obtained from both reprint requests and by searching the database. Data extracted included authors, country, year of publication, characteristics of patients, pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, different diagnostic approaches and prevention modalities

Conclusion: The increase in the prevalence over time is mainly behind increased exposure to risk factors and increased number of teeth at risk. Predisposing and risk factors include living in a non-fluoridated county, low socioeconomic status and poor dietary behaviors. Preventive measures involve community, homecare and professional interventions to avoid risk factors which require to be followed with discipline in order to avoid potential incidence of ECC in the first place. We further recommended preventive strategies by increasing public awareness such as promotion of community-based interventions conducted by dental hygienists and the Inclusion of oral health screening in new child health immunization schedules and insurance legislation for children

effect of different surface treatments of carbon fibers and their impact on composites

Background: The performance of composites profoundly depends on the quality of the fiber-matrix interface. Good interfacial adhesion provides composites with structural integrity and efficient load transfer between fiber and matrix. Nevertheless, untreated carbon fibers are extremely inert and hence have low adhesion to resin matrices. In the meantime, the relatively weak transverse and interlaminar properties significantly limit the composite performance and service life. To overcome these barriers, a fiber-based reinforcement which has strong interfacial adhesion to the matrix is highly desired to improve the overall composite properties

Aim of the study: was to assess the Effect of different surface Treatments of Carbon fibers and their influence on the interfacial properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites

Methods: A review of the scientific literature [from 1970 to 2017]. Pubmed, Embase and CENTRAL were searched to identify studies that investigated the different types of surface treatment of carbon fibers and how this can affect the quality of carbon fiber composite. Identification of papers and data extraction were performed by different independent researchers

Conclusion: Various combinations of surface treatment of carbon fibers are crucial to improve its adhesion with various matrices. Treatment significantly influences fiber characteristics. Nevertheless, optimization is required to select appropriate treatment method per application and desired properties

Compliance with antihypertensive medication in family practice

Background: Noncompliance to treatment in chronic diseases such as hypertension is a very common phenomenon, owing to its chronic nature, lack of obvious symptoms, affordability, doctor-patient relationship, unawareness of complication, and forgetfulness. This noncompliance negatively affects disease course and increases risk of morbidity and mortality

Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1999, through March 2017. The following search terms were used: drug compliance, hypertension medication compliance, antihypertensive drug compliance, factors affecting compliance, medication compliance

Aim: Our aim in carrying out this study was to understand the status of medication compliance among hypertensive patients, studying the factors that affect it, and exploring ways to improve compliance

Conclusion: We have noticed in the review that there is direct correlation between noncompliance and lack of proper doctor-patient relationship, patient education, and patients? belief about disease and treatment. Improvement on such factor can benefit the patients in great amount regarding blood pressure control and in preventing morbidity and mortality. More studies to analyze the lack of compliance must take place in Saudi Arabia, and stricter guidelines of doctor-patient- relationship must be reinforced