ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Warts, benign skin growths caused by various human papillomavirus strains, are categorized as genital and non-genital. Non-genital warts often lack noticeable symptoms but can lead to psychological distress due to factors like embarrassment. Traditional treatments, including physical and chemical methods, show limitations, prompting the exploration of novel approaches like intralesional immunotherapy. The clinical challenge lies in selecting the most effective modality. OBJECTIVE: In our study, we used the network meta-analysis (NMA) as a statistical tool to explore the most effective intralesional immunotherapy interventions. METHODS: Comprehensive searches of Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases were conducted until December 2023. Eligible studies were analyzed for outcomes presented as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Treatments were ranked using the P-score in an NMA performed with R software. RESULTS: We included 68 RCTs in our study. For complete response, needling showed a significant difference compared to Candida albicans antigen (RR= 0.13, 95% CI [0.02; 0.99]) and Mw (RR= 0.12, 95% CI [0.02; 0.94]). In overall response, both bleomycin and furosemide with digoxin were significant compared to autoimplantation (RR= 0.46, 95% CI [0.24; 0.88]) and (RR= 0.40, 95% CI [0.18; 0.91]) respectively. Similarly, both were significant compared to cryotherapy (RR= 0.45, 95% CI [0.27; 0.76]) and (RR= 0.40, 95% CI [0.19; 0.82]) respectively. CONCLUSION: This NMA indicates needling, furosemide with digoxin, and PBP antigen stimulants as effective for non-genital warts, surpassing traditional treatments in complete and overall response. Direct comparisons in future research are warranted to confirm their superiority.
ABSTRACT
Background: The aim of this study was to assess practicing dentists' characteristics and professional aspects that influence users to adopt Digital Technologies in Dentistry (DTD) in Saudi Arabia (SA). Moreover, we aimed to identify dentists' perceived barriers and challenges and to anticipate future potential developments towards implementing DTDs in their practices in SA. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study based on a validated questionnaire was conducted using a snowball sampling technique to include a conveniently selected sample of dentists from all dental specialties currently working in SA. Results: The response rate was 64% completed and returned. A statistically significantly large share of Gen X (10.1%) used digital technologies (DTs) in dental practice compared with non-digital users. 40% received sufficient postgraduate education on DT, 92% agreed that DT should be included in the undergraduate dental curriculum. However, 79% actually gained skills or knowledge on DT through workshops and formal courses. 'Lack of practitioners' awareness', 'lack of education and pioneers' and 'lack of clinical evidence' were highlighted as the foremost barriers. Lower-frequency DT users believed that treating patients with DT makes treatment more predictable. Together, clinical trials and hands-on training courses can help overcome the barriers to the adoption of new dental technologies. Conclusions: Exploring technology adoption and usage amongst practicing dentists allows healthcare stakeholders and policymakers to set a clear direction towards the digitalisation of the healthcare system and within healthcare organisations. The study also highlighted the foremost barriers, challenges and actions towards the adoption of DTDs.
ABSTRACT
Background Plantar heel pain (PHP) can be a common medical complaint among people with both sedentary and active lifestyles due to varied causes. It can affect the quality of life and result in significant disability. Despite many studies on PHP, few have focused on a specific population, such as school teachers. School teachers represent a significant proportion of the population of Medina, and addressing such a complaint and its possible relevant factors, which are most likely to be common among them due to their comparable job duties, will aid us in determining the relationships between personal characteristics, work-related factors, and PHP, as well as in formulating management plans. This study aims to identify the prevalence of PHP and its determinants among school teachers in the Medina region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology This cross-sectional study aims to identify the prevalence of PHP in school teachers. It was conducted in the Medina region of Saudi Arabia. A self-administered, online, validated questionnaire was created and used for data collection. Consent was taken from all participants before answering the questionnaire. Participation was voluntary, and all participants could withdraw from the study at any time. Data were kept confidential and only accessible by the primary investigator, co-investigators, and the statistician; hence, secondary and tertiary blinding was not done. Results Among those who reported PHP, the highest prevalence was among those who did not exercise regularly (94.7%), followed by middle-aged women (64.3%) and those with a high body mass index (44.5%), previous foot problems (43.2%), and chronic medical diseases (41.9%). PHP was less prevalent in male teachers, those with normal body mass index, and those who spent less time standing, had no previous foot problems, and exercised regularly. Most (88.1%) participants with PHP had other musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the lower back (62.6%) and knee (40.1%). Conclusions Teachers can be apprised about the importance of consuming a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight. We advocate educational programs as they can assist people to understand the need to obtain medical help when they are experiencing pain.