Oxidative stress with a depletion of glutathione is a key factor in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, provides neuroprotective effects in AD animal models. Its amide form, N-Acetylcysteine amide (NACA), has an extended bioavailability compared to NAC. This study evaluates the neuroprotective effects of NACA against Aβ1-42 peptide-induced AD-like pathology in rats. Male Wistar rats (2.5 months old) were divided into five groups: Normal Control (NC), Sham (SH), Aβ, Aβ + NACA and NACA + Aβ + NACA (n = 8 in all groups). AD-like pathology was induced by the intracerebroventricular infusion of Aβ1-42 peptide into the lateral ventricle. NACA (75 mg/kg) was administered either as a restorative (i.e., injection of NACA for 7 consecutive days after inducing AD-like pathology (Aβ + N group)), or as prophylactic (for 7 days before and 7 days after inducing the pathology (N + Aβ + N group)). Learning and memory, neurogenesis, expression of AD pathology markers, antioxidant parameters, neuroprotection, astrogliosis and microgliosis were studied in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. All data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test. NACA treatment reversed the cognitive deficits and reduced oxidative stress in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Western blot analysis for Tau, Synaptophysin and Aβ, as well as a histopathological evaluation through immunostaining for neurogenesis, the expression of neurofibrillary tangles, β-amyloid peptide, synaptophysin, neuronal morphology and gliosis, showed a neuroprotective effect of NACA. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the neuroprotective effects of NACA against β-amyloid induced AD-like pathology.

Introduction There needs to be more evidence about the tobacco products utilized by individuals who smoke and the primary determinants contributing to the development of smoking behavior. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with using one or more tobacco products among employees from various ministries in Kuwait. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among employees in different ministries in Kuwait from December 27, 2018, to January 3, 2019. A questionnaire about smoking status and socio-demographic variables was used. Results There was a total of 1057 participants in this study. Of the participants, 26% (n=275) reported using at least one tobacco product. The proportion of smoking of at least one tobacco product was higher among men (n=243, 46.5%) than women (n=32, 6%). Among smokers, 1.5%, 5.9%, and 18.6% reportedly use only three, two, and one tobacco products, respectively. Of the study participants, 26% were smokers, 20.3% were exclusively cigarette smokers, and 21.8% reportedly started cigarette smoking at the age of 15 years or less. Male compared to female workers had higher odds of being smokers of at least one tobacco product (adjusted OR= 15.3, 95% CI= 10.0-23.4). Participants were significantly ( p = 0.009) more likely to use at least one tobacco product if their monthly income in Kuwaiti Dinars ranged from 501-1000 KD (adjusted OR= 1.9, 95% CI= 1.2-3.0) or 1501-2000 KD (adjusted OR= 2.3, 95% CI= 1.2-4.5) compared to those who had monthly income range 500 KD or less. Conclusion The male gender and high income of the participants were significant predictors of the use of at least one tobacco product. Anti-smoking campaigns, mass media interventions, and increasing tobacco product taxes may minimize this population's tobacco consumption.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic worldwide forced governments to undertake intervention measures to encourage social distancing. Meanwhile, traumatic skin lacerations require multiple hospital visits for dressing changing and suture removal since they are usually repaired with non-absorbable sutures. These visits can be avoided by using absorbable sutures instead. However, absorbable sutures carry the "potential" risk of wound infection. In the current study, our first objective was to determine the non-inferiority of absorbable sutures regarding infection rate after repairing traumatic wound lacerations in comparison to the conventional non-absorbable ones. Our second objective was to evaluate the superiority of absorbable sutures in regard to postoperative clinic visits for suture removal and wound dressing compared to the nonabsorbable ones. MethodsA sample of 471 patients with traumatic skin lacerations was analyzed during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. In the control group, wounds were repaired using non-absorbable sutures, while rapid-onset absorbable sutures were used in the treatment group. By conducting a phone/video call follow-up after 21 days, several parameters regarding infection signs and clinic visits were compared between both groups. ResultsA significant decrease in total trauma patients (45.4%) and those who required suturing (51.2%) was observed in April 2020 compared to the same month of the previous four years (p = 0.001 (2016), p = 0.027 (2017), p = 0.027 (2018), and p = 0.001 (2019)). Regarding wound infection, no statistically significant difference (p = 0.623) was observed between the absorbable (3.2%) and non-absorbable (4.9%) groups. Using absorbable sutures resulted in significantly (p < 0.001) fewer postoperative hospital visits compared to using non-absorbable sutures (mean: one versus three visits). ConclusionUsing absorbable sutures to repair traumatic wound lacerations is safe regarding wound healing and infection rates. They also reduce postoperative hospital visits since they are not intended to be removed. Therefore, they should be considered during a pandemic to reduce hospital visits for suture removal, which will subsequently enhance social distancing and relieve hospital load.

Henna is commonly used in body arts, where it produces orange-brown color. It is often mixed with chemicals such as para-phenylenediamine (PPD) to fasten the dyeing process and produce a black color. However, PPD has many allergic and toxic effects. We present a case of henna-induced cutaneous neuritis, which is not reported before. A 27-year-old female presented to our hospital, complaining of pain in her left great toe after applying black henna. Upon examination, the proximal nail fold was inflamed, and an erythematous non-palpable tender lesion was noticed on the dorsum of the foot. The lesion had an inverted-Y shape that was confined to the course of the superficial fibular nerve. Cutaneous nerve inflammation was favored after excluding all the anatomical structures in the region. Black henna should be avoided since it contains PPD, which can be absorbed through the skin and affect the underlying cutaneous nerves.

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