Examining folic acid intake: a cross-sectional study of pregnancy-related practices

Background: Folic acid supplementation during the periconceptional period is critical in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in the developing fetus. In Pakistan, a profound lack of awareness is seen regarding preventable pregnancy-related illnesses and the consequential high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity rates. However, data from the surveys in the region of Sindh lacks inquiries regarding the baseline characteristics of the surveyed participants. Therefore, this study endeavoured to address this gap. Methods: Between October 2022 and April 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted at two major tertiary care hospitals in Hyderabad and Jamshoro, Pakistan. A total of 374 participants, chosen by non-probability consecutive sampling, comprised the sample size. The association of demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and practice of consumption of folic acid during pregnancy was determined using the ?2 test. A p value of less than 0.5 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.4�7 years. A total of 199 (53.20%) participants were literate, compared to 175 (46.79%) participants who were illiterate. Literate women fared better than illiterate women in all the metrics with a p-value of <0.001 and a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of >0.7. Moreover, folic acid was consumed by only 38% of pregnant women during the periconceptional period. Conclusions: A substantial lack of knowledge regarding folic acid was found in the surveyed sample, significantly more marked in the illiterate faction. Additionally, the practice was rather unsatisfactory. However, the attitude remained encouraging.

A Consortium of Soil Bacteria Mediates the Partial Replacement of Mineral Fertilizer for Sustainable Grapevine Cultivation in Sandy Soil

The demand for chemical fertilizers in agriculture has increased to deal with the present global population increase. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by applying biofertilizers as an eco-friendly tool. Plant growth-promoting rizobacteria (PGPR) has an essential need in terms of fertilizer savings and promoting plant yield. Here, we study the effect of using three (PGPR) bacterial strains “Bacillus nakamurai MSRH1, Bacillus pacificus MSRH3, Paenibacillus polymyxa MSRH5”, integrated with chemical fertilizers (40, 60, 80, 100% need based NPK) on vegetative growth, yield production, and quality of table grapes ‘Flam Seedless’ grown in sand soil during two successive seasons of 2020 and 2021, with a preliminary trial season in 2019. Our results show that amending grapes with NPK in combination with the consortium of three strains led to significant improvement in colonized vines compared to a single application of 100% NPK. Results showed that bacterial consortium combined with 80% and 60% NPK mineral fertilizer had more positive effects than un-inoculated vines in growth parameters, cluster characteristics, yield/vine and berry quality in the two growing seasons. Besides, N, P and K concentrations of leaf petiole, total leaf chlorophyll content, and carbohydrates in canes were significantly enhanced by bacteria consortium with 80% and 60% PK chemical fertilizers. PGPR significantly increased total bacterial count, N2-fixing, P- solubilizing and K-solubilizing bacteria in soil treated with the three strains of bacteria plus mineral fertilizer. In addition, dehydrogenase and phosphatase activity in the rhizosphere soil were also increased in treatments inoculated with strains plus mineral fertilizer. The field study results showed that PGPR approach has potential and can be considered as a crop management strategy to increase the yield and quality of grapes, reduce chemical fertilization and subsequent environmental pollution, and could be useful in terms of sustainable production.

Optimal entry point for antegrade and retrograde femoral intramedullary nails / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Surgical management of femoral shaft fractures with intramedullary nails has become the standard of care, with multiple options for entry point described, including piriformis entry, trochanter entry and retrograde femoral nails. Our present review describes the surgical anatomy of the proximal and distal femur and its relation to different entry points for intramedullary femoral nails. In addition, we reviewed relative indications for each technique, difficulties associated and possible complications.

Anti-inflammatory, procollagen, and wound repair properties of topical insulin gel

Diabetes mellitus is associated with impaired wound healing. The topical use of insulin is a promising therapy because it may favor all phases of the wound healing process. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic outcomes of insulin gel in wounds of hyperglycemic mice. After diabetes induction, a 1-cm2 full-thickness wound was created on each animal's dorsum. The lesions were treated daily for 14 days with insulin gel (insulin group) or vehicle gel without insulin (vehicle group). Tissue samples were extracted on days 4, 7, 10, and 14 after the creation of the lesion. The samples were analyzed with hematoxylin/eosin and Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry, Bio-Plex immunoassays, and western blotting. Insulin gel favored re-epithelialization at day 10 and increased the organization and deposition of collagen. Additionally, it modulated the expression of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10) and increased the expression of arginase I, VEGF receptor 1, and VEGF on day 10. Activation of the insulin signaling pathway occurred via IRβ, IRS1, and IKK on day 10 and activation of Akt and IRS1 on day 14. These results suggested that insulin gel improved wound healing in hyperglycemic mice by modulating the expression of inflammatory factors, growth factors, and proteins of the insulin signaling pathway.

Metagenomics analysis reveals universal signatures of the intestinal microbiota in colorectal cancer, regardless of regional differences

The human gut microbiota is a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms living in our intestines and has emerged as an important factor for colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRC). The purpose of our study was to investigate the microbiota composition in Brazilian CRC patients compared with a local control population (CTL) to find out which changes could be considered universal or regional features in CRC microbiota. Fecal samples were obtained from 28 CRC and 23 CTL individuals. The 16S rRNA gene was used for metagenomic analysis. In addition to the anthropometric variables, the clinical stage (TNM 2018) was considered. Patients with CRC had a significant increase in alpha diversity and a higher percentage of genus Prevotella and a decreased proportion of Megamonas and Ruminococcus. Additionally, the proportion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was associated with a better prognosis in the first stages of CRC, and Fusobacterium nucleatum proved to be an important marker of colorectal carcinogenesis and tumor aggressiveness. Although regional differences influence the composition of the microbiota, in the case of CRC, the microhabitat created by the tumor seems to be a major factor. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the carcinogenic process, and even in different environments, some factors appear to be characteristic of the microbiota of patients with CRC.

Knowledge, attitude, and practices towards diabetes mellitus among non-diabetes community members of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a diabetes mellitus (DM) epidemic whose originscan be traced to (a) the widespread adoption of the Western diet that is high in sugar, (b) an increase in sedentaryactivity, and (c) ignorance of the importance of DM. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to quantifyvarious aspects of (a) knowledge, (b) attitudes, and (c) practice relating to DM. Methods: The three researchquestions addressed in this study were: (1) Is there any significant relationship between attitudes to DM andpractices related to DM? (2) Is there any significant relationship between knowledge of DM and practices relatedto DM? (3) Is there any significant relationship between knowledge of DM and attitudes to DM? Separate surveysfor each question collected data from a representative sample of 1,067 adult both male and female Saudis fromRiyadh who have not been diagnosed with DM. Results: Data analysis of the data from the study indicated thatfor each of the three research questions, the null hypothesis could not be rejected, indicating that none of therelationships were statistically significant. Conclusion: The absence of significance for each of the findings hasimportant implications, including (a) the possibility that many Saudis incorrectly believe themselves to beunsusceptible to DM and (b) the high prevalence of DM-causing behaviors in the Saudi population. These twoimplications should be of particular concern to public health authorities and health educators in Saudi Arabia,who may need to work more diligently to educate non-DM-diagnosed Saudis on their vulnerability to DM

Enhancement of cellular activity in hyperglycemic mice dermal wounds dressed with chitosan-alginate membranes

The use of specially designed wound dressings could be an important alternative to facilitate the healing process of wounds in the hyperglycemic state. Biocompatible dressings combining chitosan and alginate can speed up wound healing by modulating the inflammatory phase, stimulating fibroblast proliferation, and aiding in remodeling phases. However, this biomaterial has not yet been explored in chronic and acute lesions of diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical treatment with a chitosan-alginate membrane on acute skin wounds of hyperglycemic mice. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (60 mg · kg-1 · day-1 for 5 days, intraperitoneally) and the cutaneous wound was performed by removing the epidermis using a surgical punch. The results showed that after 10 days of treatment the chitosan and alginate membrane (CAM) group exhibited better organization of collagen fibers. High concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were detected in the first and second days of treatment. G-CSF and TNF-α level decreased after 5 days, as well as the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10 compared with the control group (CG). In this study, the inflammatory phase of cutaneous lesions of hyperglycemic mice was modulated by the use of CAM, mostly regarding the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, G-CSF, and IL-10, resulting in better collagen III deposition. However, further studies are needed to better understand the healing stages associated with CAM use.

Identification of Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH) Gene Polymorphism Using PCR-RFLP Method in Buffalo Bulls

Growth Hormone (GH) is a single polypeptide chain synthesised and secreted from anterior pituitary gland by somatroph cells. The product of GH gene hastens metabolism and promotes the growth of many organs and tissues especially bone, muscle and visceral organs. It also regulates growth, mammary gland development and lactation. Polymorphism in this gene is associated with increase in growth and development of many tissues in the body. Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of bovine growth hormone (bGH) gene in buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) using the PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism) technique. Design: Genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 10 bulls, consisting of Murrah – Swamp crossbred and pure Swamp buffalo bulls. A The 446 segment of the bGH gene was amplified. The DNA amplicons were detected in 2% agarose gel following 45 minutes of electrophoresis. They were thereafter digesting with AluI endonuclease restriction enzyme, and the digested DNA were detected in 2% agarose gel following electrophoresis for about 45minutes in all samples Results: Similar bands of approximately 300 and 146-bp each, with no variation, were detected in 2% agarose gel following electrophoresis in all the animals tested. Conclusion: Based on the Alu1 digestion result, all samples produced the same allele of the gene, with no polymorphism detected.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Saudi Pediatricians Regarding Newborn Hearing Screening in Saudi Arabia

Background: Late detection of permanent congenital and early and onset-hearing loss (PCEHL) severely affectslinguistic, cognitive, and educational development in children. Routine newborn hearing screening (NHS) hasprovided opportunities for children under the DHH category to be identified shortly after birth. Pediatricianshave the biggest role in undertaking the assessment and physical interventions on hearing among newborns.Methods: For this study, the participants who took part in the survey were Saudi pediatricians. The study designwas based on a cross-sectional approach where convenience sampling was adopted as a technique for datacollection. Questionnaires were used as the only tool for data collection. Results: From the study, the majority ofrespondents were male, registering up to 57.9%. From the survey, documenting the state of the NHS program inSaudi Arabia, it turns out that it is important to have a typical screening protocol, regarding the working nationalpolicy. Up to 47.7% of the respondents replied that hearing screening instigates parental concern and anxiety,contradicting other studies that assert the opposite. The respondents, however, articulated concerns aboutrequiring additional information on some of the particular details that are related to NHS. However, majority ofthem (44.4%) were confident in explaining the process to the parents of the newborns. Conclusion: The study canbe seen to shed light on the attitudes, existing knowledge, and practice levels amongst pediatricians in SaudiArabia. It shows that any NHS program is considered profitable if timely and appropriate referrals can be madeto ensure follow-ups.

Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

In spite of the fact that anemia is the most widely recognized systemic sign of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], among the expansive range of extraintestinal malady complexities experienced in IBD, including joint inflammation and osteopathy, it has for the most part gotten little thought. In any case, as far as recurrence, as well as to its potential impact on hospitalization rates and on the personal satisfaction and work, sickliness is, in fact, a huge and expensive intricacy of IBD

Frailty is multifactorial in nature, the most predominant etiological structures being iron deficiency anemia [IDA] and anemia of a chronic disease. In a condition related to irritation, for example, IBD, the assurance of iron status utilizing normal biochemical parameters alone is insufficient. A more exact evaluation might be achieved utilizing new iron lists including reticulocyte hemoglobin content, the rate of hypochromic red cells or zinc protoporphyrin. While oral iron supplementation has generally been a backbone of IDA treatment, it has likewise been connected to a broad gastrointestinal reactions and conceivable infection compounding. Be that as it may, numerous doctors are as yet hesitant to administer iron intravenously, in spite of the wide accessibility of an assortment of new IV arrangements with enhanced safety profiles, and in spite of the proposals of worldwide master rules. We present a review of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of IDA in IBD, improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, efficacy, and safety of iron replacement in IBD

Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Saudi women with type 2 diabetes: is it affected by age, glycemic control or obesity?

Objective: Sexual dysfunction [SD], as a diabetes mellitus [DM]-related complication, is common among patients having diabetes. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of SD in Saudi women with type 2 DM and to determine whether age, glycemic control, and obesity are associated with SD or not

Methods: A total of 275 Saudi women with type 2 diabetes took part in this cross-sectional study and filled out the Female Sexual Function Index through a fill-coded questionnaire in primary care clinics in King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, in the period between January 2013 and May 2013. The level of glycosylated hemoglobin and the body mass index were assessed to evaluate the DM control status and obesity among the patients

Results: SD was reported by 88.7% of the Saudi women with type 2 diabetes. The results showed a significant association between the presence of SD and the increase in age of patients at 92% in the age group above 50 years. Glycemic control did not show a significant association with SD. The obesity factor showed a slight increase in SD by weight, but it was not statistically significant

Conclusion: The prevalence of SD among the Saudi women having type 2 diabetes is high and increases with age. No association was found between SD and glycemic control

Electron Microscopic Alterations in Pediculus humanus capitis Exposed to Some Pediculicidal Plant Extracts

Head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis, infestation is an important public health problem in Egypt. Inadequate application of topical pediculicides and the increasing resistance to the commonly used pediculicides made the urgent need for the development of new agents able to induce irreversible changes in the exposed lice leading to their mortality. The aim of the present work is to evaluate pediculicidal efficacy of some natural products such as olive oil, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and ivermectin separately in comparison with tetramethrin-piperonyl butoxide (licid), as a standard pediculicide commonly used in Egypt. The effects of these products were evaluated by direct observation using dissecting and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Results showed that after 1 hr exposure time in vitro, absolute (100%) mortalities were recorded after exposure to 1% ivermectin and fresh concentrate lemon juice. The mortalities were decreased to 96.7% after exposure to tea tree oil. Very low percentage of mortality (23.3%) was recorded after 1 hr of exposure to extra virgin olive oil. On the other hand, the reference pediculicide (licid) revealed only mortality rate of 93.3%. On the contrary, no mortalities were recorded in the control group exposed to distilled water. By SEM examination, control lice preserved outer smooth architecture, eyes, antenna, respiratory spiracles, sensory hairs, and legs with hook-like claws. In contrast, dead lice which had been exposed to pediculicidal products showed damage of outer smooth architecture, sensory hairs, respiratory spiracles and/or clinching claws according to pediculicidal products used.

Preoperative Imaging Modalities to Predict the Risk of Regional Nodal Recurrence in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancers

Introduction Thyroid cancer incidence has increased in the previous 2 decades. Preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis is a suggested risk factor associated with recurrence following thyroidectomy. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative radiologic investigations of nodal status in determining the postoperative risk of regional nodal recurrence in cases of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods This is a case series. We retrospectively reviewed data, including preoperative ultrasonography and/or computed tomography results, on patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer at our hospital between 2006 and 2012. Prognostic factors for predicting recurrence, including age, sex, tumor diameter, and nodal diameter, were evaluated. Results Total thyroidectomy was performed on 24 male and 74 female patients (median age, 43 years). The median follow-up time was 21 months. Sixty-eight patients had papillary thyroid cancer, and 30 had follicular cancer. Nodal recurrence was evident in 30% of patients, and 4% of patients died. Identification of lymph node involvement during preoperative radiologic investigations was strongly prognostic for recurrence: 35.3% of patients with positive preoperative ultrasonography findings and 62.5% of those with positive preoperative computed tomography findings had recurrence (p = 0.01). Conclusions Preoperative identification of lymph node metastasis on radiologic studies was correlated with an increased risk of regional nodal recurrence in well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Computed tomography was superior to ultrasonography in detecting metastatic nodal involvement preoperatively and is therefore recommended for preoperative assessment and postoperative follow-up. .

Prevalence of ocular pseudoexfoliation syndrome and associated complications in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

To assess the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome [PEX], and associated ophthalmic complications among Saudi patients. The prevalence of PEX and associated ocular co-morbidities were determined among the Saudi patients visiting the Primary Care Clinic of Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January 2009 and January 2010. A total of 1967 patients were examined biomicoscopically by ophthalmologists to determine the presence of PEX and associated ocular complications. Sixty-nine of the 1967 examined patients [3.5%] showed the presence of PEX with no significant gender difference. There was an age dependent increase in the prevalence of PEX after the age of 50 years. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome was associated with higher intraocular pressure, cataract, and poor vision. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of PEX in male and female Saudi patients. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is an age-related disorder, and its prevalence increases with age. Further larger population based studies are warranted to assess the prevalence of PEX and associated risk factors

Molecular investigation of mixed malaria infections in Southwest Saudi Arabia

To investigate the incidence of mixed-species [MS] malaria infection, and compare the results with microscopically confirmed cases of malaria. During 2010, blood spots collected from 371 clinically suspected cases of malaria were microscopically examined in a cross-sectional study. The DNA was extracted from the samples, and a nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR] was performed. The results obtained by the 2 methods were compared. From the microscopic analysis it was determined that 369 samples [99.5%] were positive for Plasmodium falciparum [P. falciparum] and 2 were Plasmodium vivax [P. vivax] mono-infections. There were no mixed malaria infections. The PCR analysis, however, showed that in 7 cases [1.9%] the infection was caused by MS malaria comprising of P. falciparum and P. vivax, 2 of these representing the cases that were microscopically diagnosed as P. vivax mono-infections. All cases were negative for Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Mixed malaria infections are currently overlooked when using microscopy. The PCR assays are essential complementary techniques that should be used with microscopic examination of blood smears

Quality of life assessment using the World Health Organization quality questionnaire pre- and post-otolaryngological surgery among patients in western Saudi Arabia

To evaluate the health-related quality of life [HRQoL] of patients' pre- and post-otolaryngological surgery. We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients who underwent otolaryngological surgery in the western region of Saudi Arabia between March and October 2013. We administered the Arabic version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument to all patients before surgery and 2-4 weeks after surgery. The demographic details such as age, gender, level of education, marital status, patients' incomes, otolaryngology diagnosis, and type of otolaryngology surgery were analyzed. A total of 99 patients [43 males and 52 females], ranging from 1-75 years of age [mean: 21.6 years], were included in this study. The most frequently diagnosed conditions were chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea due to adenoid enlargement. Adenotonsillectomy was the most frequently performed surgery, followed by septoplasty and myringotomy with grommet tube insertion. For all domains, patients had significantly higher scores post-surgery. The highest score was obtained for the social relationship domain and the lowest for the physical health domain. However, the highest differences between the pre- and post-surgery scores were for physical health [7.9], psychological [5.1], environmental [2.5], and social health [2.3] domains. The HRQoL of patients improved significantly after otolaryngology surgery

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis in a healthy 5-year-old child: a case report and literature review

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis [SCFE] is an adolescent hip disorder of increasing prevalence, particularly within patients aged younger than 10 years. When present in these younger patients, SCFE is usually associated with metabolic abnormality or endocrinopathy. We present a case of a 5-year-old boy with idiopathic SCFE who underwent staged bilateral pinning in situ using a uniquely modified smooth wire for fixation across the physis. He eventually required bilateral screw revision after outgrowing the initial screws. At follow-up 3 years later, the patient was pain free with satisfactory hardware placement. He will be closely monitored, as he will likely need further surgical revision once he outgrows the second set of fixation screws

Molecular and Biochemical Study of Superoxide Dismutase Gene Polymorphisms in Egyptian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with and without Retinopathy.

Aims: This study aims to determine the antioxidant enzyme EC-SOD polymorphisms in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without retinopathy, and its association with other biochemical changes to assess whether decreased SOD activity is associated with the development of diabetic complications. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine Al-Hussein University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between May 2010 and April 2011. Methodology: The present study investigated the relationship among diabetes mellitus, lipid profiles, SOD activity, ESR, and CRP in the blood of 40 patients with type 2 diabetes with and without retinopathy and 20 healthy control subjects. The mean age of the diabetic patients was similar to that of control. The mean duration of the disease was 3.53 ± 1.17 years (1–5 years) in patients with type 2 diabetes without retinopathy and 18.7 ± 3.1 with retinopathy. Also we studied Arg213Gly dimorphism of the EC-SOD gene in type 2 diabetic patients with and without retinopathy and control persons using the PCR technique. Results: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level was significantly decreased in diabetics and more markedly decrease in those with retinopathy. Total cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels were significantly increased in diabetics and more markedly increased in those with retinopathy compared with the control level. Genotype distribution of the EC-SOD in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy differed from normal individuals, as the argentines-to-glycine amino acid substitution was higher in diabetic patients compared with the normal individuals. Conclusion: The present study revealed that hyperglycemia produced marked oxidation impact as evidenced by a significant increase in lipid profile, lipid per oxidation products, as well as a significant decrease in the total SOD activity. Moreover, it showed that the genotype distribution of the EC-SOD was differed as the arginine-to-glycine amino acid substitution was higher in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy compared with the control individuals. This report emphasizes the important role of superoxide dismutase and its genotype distribution in diabetic patients with and without retinopathy, and hence the need for antioxidant supplements to delay the severity of diabetic retinopathy.

Saudi regulations for the accreditation of sleep medicine physicians and technologists

The professional content of sleep medicine has grown significantly over the past few decades, warranting the recognition of sleep medicine as an independent specialty. Because the practice of sleep medicine has expanded in Saudi Arabia over the past few years, a national regulation system to license and ascertain the competence of sleep medicine physicians and technologists has become essential. Recently, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties formed the National Committee for the Accreditation of Sleep Medicine Practice and developed national accreditation criteria. This paper presents the newly approved Saudi accreditation criteria for sleep medicine physicians and technologists

Evidence-based health care continuing education seminars improve academic staff knowledge and attitudes in Saudi Arabia

To assess the influence of a monthly evidence-based health care [EBHC] seminar series on academic staff knowledge, attitudes, and barriers regarding EBHC practice. All academic staff in the College of Applied Medical Sciences [CAMS], King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, were sent a validated web-based survey. The survey contained 35 items regarding 3 domains: knowledge [14 items], attitudes [11 items], and barrier factors [10 items]. A 5-point Likert scale was used and descriptive statistics were generated for demographic data and participants' responses to each item. Among academic staff at CAMS, 79 of 198 [40%] completed the survey. Among the survey respondents, 58% had attended at least one EBHC seminar. Those who had attended at least one seminar had better knowledge of 8 items compared with those who did not attend any seminars [P < 0.05]. Academic staff members who attended at least one seminar were more likely to have a positive attitude regarding EBHC. Insufficient time was the only factor that significantly differed between the 2 groups, serving as a barrier to EBHC practice. Our findings suggest that EBHC seminars may improve the abilities and skills of academic staff for using EBHC