{"title":"Tutorial on non inferiority trial in pharmaceutical research: an important and applied issue.","authors":"Farzan Madadizadeh, Golnaz Afzal","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00077-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00077-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13149718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147845085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iman Asrawi, Juhaina Salim Al-Maqbali, Ana C Cabral, Margarida Castel-Branco, Isabel V Figueiredo, Fernando Fernandez-Llimos, Raya Al Maskari, Abdullah M Al Alawi, Asma Al Shidhani, Mohammed Al Za'abi
{"title":"Translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Arabic version of the Medication Adherence Universal Questionnaire among Omani patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.","authors":"Iman Asrawi, Juhaina Salim Al-Maqbali, Ana C Cabral, Margarida Castel-Branco, Isabel V Figueiredo, Fernando Fernandez-Llimos, Raya Al Maskari, Abdullah M Al Alawi, Asma Al Shidhani, Mohammed Al Za'abi","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00083-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00083-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate an Arabic version of the Medication Adherence Universal Questionnaire (MAUQ-ar-OM) for Omani adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to assess its association with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). A cross-sectional psychometric validation was conducted at a tertiary-care hospital in Oman from October 2024 to January 2025, enrolling 300 participants. The MAUQ was translated and culturally adapted using forward-backward translation, expert panel review (n = 4), and cognitive interview testing and then administered by a trained clinical pharmacist using a standardized script. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) compared second order and bifactor models using CFI, TLI, RMSEA (90% CI) and SRMR. Convergent validity with HbA1c was assessed using Spearman's correlation (ρ). The bifactor model showed superior fit indices (CFI = 0.904; TLI = 0.868; RMSEA = 0.055; SRMR = 0.057) compared with the second-order model (CFI = 0.849; TLI=0.819). Cronbach's α coefficients for total scores, positive attitude towards healthcare and medication (PAM), lack of discipline, aversion towards medication and active coping with health problems subscales were 0.69, 0.71, 0.67, 0.59 and 0.42, respectively. The PAM subscale showed small inverse correlation with HbA1c (ρ = -0.157; 95% CI: - 0.269 to - 0.041; p < 0.01), whereas other subscales and the total score showed no significant correlation. The MAUQ-ar-OM demonstrates construct validity for assessing medication adherence beliefs and behaviors among Arabic-speaking Omani adults with T2DM, with the bifactor structure supporting domain-level interpretation and the total score used descriptively. Further research is warranted to confirm reliability and generalizability across other Arabic-speaking populations, conditions and administration modes.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13139534/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Juniper camphor: An emerging sesquiterpene compound with promising chemistry, biological potential, and future perspectives.","authors":"Salma Ebrahim Mohammed, Abdullah Haikal","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00082-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00082-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Juniper camphor, a sesquiterpene alcohol with selinane-type skeleton, which is a subset of the eudesmane family generated predominantly from several Juniperus species, is an important phytochemical having medicinal benefits. Juniper camphor, also called eudesm-7(11)-en-4-ol, is a sesquiterpene having the chemical formula C<sub>15</sub>H<sub>26</sub>O. It is largely made from the essential oils of numerous juniper species, including Juniperus communis and Juniperus californica. Methods of extraction, botanical distribution, and environmental factors can influence the yield of juniper camphor extracted from natural populations. Juniper camphor has gained attention for its diverse applications in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and the fragrance and flavor industries. Recent studies highlight its significant antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in addition to its allelopathic activity. They are significant prospects for further research in the field of natural health therapies because of their many benefits.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13133301/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yousra Nomier, Anugeetha Thacheril Mohanan, Dalin A Hassan, Dania Abunaser, Andleeb Khan, Raya Al Maskari, Aamena Jabeen, Mohamed Eltaib Elmobark
{"title":"Targeting Neurovascular Pathways: Gene Therapy as a Novel Treatment for Vascular Dementia After Stroke.","authors":"Yousra Nomier, Anugeetha Thacheril Mohanan, Dalin A Hassan, Dania Abunaser, Andleeb Khan, Raya Al Maskari, Aamena Jabeen, Mohamed Eltaib Elmobark","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00068-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00068-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide, resulting from an interruption of blood flow to the brain, which subsequently diminishes oxygen supply. Although strokes can occur at any age, incidence rises significantly after 55. Vascular dementia, a progressive condition associated with cerebral infarction, is a long-term sequela of stroke that predominantly affects older populations. To date, there is no cure for this form of dementia. Recent experimental studies in rodent models, however, demonstrate promising outcomes in combating neuronal degeneration through gene treatments utilizing brain-derived neurotrophic factor, fibroblast growth factor-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor. These advancements suggest a potential breakthrough in vascular dementia treatment. This comprehensive review delves into the complexities of strokes, exploring their challenges and constraints. Furthermore, we explore the growing field of gene therapy, highlighting successful interventions that may revolutionize the landscape of vascular dementia treatment. This review aims to provide a refined understanding of stroke-related issues and the transformative potential of gene-based interventions in mitigating the burden of vascular dementia.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13133300/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787230","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The biological functions of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) in cancer.","authors":"Faris Almutairi","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00085-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00085-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cancer is a metabolic disease marked by disruptions in lipid metabolism, which significantly influences tumor development. The synthesis and breakdown of lipids, governed by various enzymes, play a vital role in this process. One notable enzyme, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), hydrolyzes monoacylglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids, thereby generating protumorigenic lipid-signaling molecules that facilitate tumor growth and malignancy. MAGL's primary substrate, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, acts as an agonist for endocannabinoid receptors and serves as a precursor for arachidonic acid, which is critical in producing pro-inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins. Dysregulation of MAGL expression has been associated with various cancer types. This review summarizes current knowledge of MAGL's role in cancer progression and proposes MAGL as a promising target for cancer therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129045/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Muna Al-Ismail, Tamanna Promi, Rahma Hetai, Sara Ahmed, Ahmed Awaisu
{"title":"Efficacy and safety of pharmacological and procedural interventions in the management of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis: a systematic review.","authors":"Muna Al-Ismail, Tamanna Promi, Rahma Hetai, Sara Ahmed, Ahmed Awaisu","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00078-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00078-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The optimal management strategy for hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTGAP) remains uncertain, despite widespread use of treatment modalities including insulin therapy, heparin infusion, and plasmapheresis. Current evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of these interventions is limited, leading to ongoing debate about their role in HTGAP treatment. This study aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of various management strategies for HTGAP. Following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we conducted a comprehensive search of the following electronic databases from their inception until October 2024: PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane library, ProQuest, and Scopus. Studies were included if they were human-based quantitative study design involving a comparison group. The quality assessment tools applied were Jadad scale and CASP tool. Fourteen eligible studies were included in this review were the majority of which were cohort studies (n = 12) with (n = 10) followed a retrospective observational study design. Plasmapheresis significantly reduced triglyceride levels in six studies, while hemofiltration showed similar effectiveness in two studies. Plasmapheresis also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in length of hospital stay across four studies. The majority of the studies (n = 12) reported no statistically significant effect on mortality. Safety reporting was notably limited, with only four studies documenting treatment-related adverse events. Plasmapheresis and hemofiltration show potential benefits in HTGAP management, but definitive conclusions regarding efficacy and safety remain challenging due to heterogeneous data and limited high-quality studies. Further robust research is needed to establish a well-informed consensus on optimal treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129130/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787165","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammed M Heikal, Ahmed F Mohamed, Nora O Abdel Rasheed, Dalia M El-Tanbouly, Noha N Nassar
{"title":"Targeting beta-2 adrenergic receptor attenuates schizophrenia-like behavioral effects induced by ketamine in mice: cAMP/PKA/BDNF-PEA-3 and RIM-1α signaling pathways involvement.","authors":"Mohammed M Heikal, Ahmed F Mohamed, Nora O Abdel Rasheed, Dalia M El-Tanbouly, Noha N Nassar","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00079-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00079-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The interplay between cAMP/PKA and neuroplasticity involves intricate signaling pathways that are crucial for brain function and are frequently disrupted in schizophrenia. This study sought to examine the potential neuroprotective effects of formoterol on ketamine-induced schizophrenia-like behaviors with emphasis on several PKA downstream crucial targets for schizophrenia management. Male mice were injected with ketamine (20 mg/kg/day, i.p) for 14 days. From day 8, animals were treated with formoterol (100 μg/kg) with or without, the PKA inhibitor, H89 (0.05 mg/kg). Behavioral endpoints were assessed with n = 15 per group, and following sacrifice animals were stratified into subsets for downstream analyses: histopathology (n = 3), biochemical/neurochemical assays (n = 6), and molecular profiling including western blotting (n = 3) and qRT‑PCR (n = 6). Formoterol improved ketamine- induced anxiety, impaired social interaction and anhedonic behavior. It also restored neurochemical balance and enhanced learning and memory functions. Formoterol attenuated neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress, and modulated synaptic plasticity. Formoterol-induced neuroprotection could be attributed to its boosting action on cAMP/PKA/BDNF signaling to promote RIM-1α and PEA-3 gene expression. Consequently, it upregulated glutamate NMDA receptor subunits namely; GluN2A, and GluN2B and augmented expression of vital synaptic plasticity regulators; kalirin-7, PSD-95, synaptophysin and synapsin-2. Accordingly, formoterol is a promising candidate against schizophrenia-associated synaptic dysfunction and neurotransmitters imbalance. Formoterol neuroprotective effects were abolished upon administration of PKA inhibitor confirming that the cAMP/PKA cascade is a vital key-player in the drug favorable effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13129144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147787233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fathia S Elshaarawy, Shimaa K Mohamed, Mohamed I S Abdelhady, Nermine M Mohammed
{"title":"Phytochemical profiling and antidiarrheal activity of Sophora japonica L. fruit extract.","authors":"Fathia S Elshaarawy, Shimaa K Mohamed, Mohamed I S Abdelhady, Nermine M Mohammed","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00081-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00081-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One of the biggest causes of disease and death worldwide is still diarrhea, particularly affecting children in developing nations. Genus Sophora (Fabaceae) comprises over fifty species known for their diverse bioactive secondary metabolites and notable pharmacological benefits. This investigation aimed to isolate and identify the polyphenol components in an 80% aqueous methanolic extract (AME) of Sophora japonica fruits and to assess its antioxidant and antidiarrheal properties. A castor oil-induced diarrhea model in rats was used to assess antidiarrheal efficacy, with animals divided into five groups: three groups treated with AME at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg; a control group; and a reference group treated with loperamide (5 mg/kg). Seven compounds were isolated, including compound 1 (cinnamic acid), compound 2 (gallic acid), compound 4 (rutin), compound 5 (genistein), compound 6 (isoquercitrin), compound 7 (quercetin), and compound 3, a new compound identified as (4'-O-methylgenistein-6'''-acetyl-sophoroside). The extract decreased both total and wet fecal production in a dose-dependent manner. It markedly delayed the onset of diarrhea, demonstrating an antidiarrheal index (ADI) of 71.75, comparable to that of the conventional medication at 1000 mg/kg. These results highlight S. japonica fruit extract as a promising natural source for the development of antidiarrheal agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13086991/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147700531","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohamed Abbas Ibrahim, Sultan Khalaf Almutairi, Gamal Mohamed Mahrous
{"title":"Optimization and evaluation of different fast acting tablet formulations containing bisoprolol fumarate.","authors":"Mohamed Abbas Ibrahim, Sultan Khalaf Almutairi, Gamal Mohamed Mahrous","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00071-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00071-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to develop and evaluate orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) and sublingual tablets (SLTs) containing Bisoprolol fumarate (BF) to enhance the onset of action and provided rapid relief of these cardiovascular diseases. For ODTs, experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of different independent factors on dissolution efficiency (DE%), disintegration time (DT), and hardness. Two independent variables, namely superdisintegrant concentration (crospovidone; CPV; X1) and taste masking agent concentration (Eudragit E100; X2) were selected to study their impact on the attributes of the BF ODTs. For SLTs, super disintegrant concentration (X1) and mixing time (X2) were selected to study their impact on SLTs attributes, as in the case of ODTs. The optimized ODTs formula (based on 8.3% CPV and 3.7% Eudragit) showed DE% of 85%, disintegration time (DT) of 39.3 s, and hardness of 2.55 Kp. Moreover, the optimized SLTs formula (based on 9.26% CPV and 16.2 min mixing time) showed DE% of 92%, DT was 35 s and hardness was 3.6 Kp. The optimized formula was compressed into an ODT and SLTs and studied according to USP criteria. All tablet examinations (Friability, Hardness, Disintegration Time, Drug Content, and Weight Variation) were within the accepted values and showed a high stability after six months of storage under accelerated conditions. The obtained results of the current study verified the efficacious formulation of BF as ODTs and SLTs to improve the onset of action and convalesce patient compliance in managing hypertension and arrhythmia.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13083709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147693241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Computational renaissance in herbal medicine: A 20-year bibliometric deciphering of molecular dynamics simulations reshaping traditional Chinese medicine drug discovery.","authors":"Liming Ye, Yawei Liu, Xuetao Peng, Minyi He","doi":"10.1007/s44446-026-00080-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44446-026-00080-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have emerged as pivotal tools for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yet a comprehensive analysis of their global impact has not been conducted. We conducted a 20-year bibliometric analysis (2006-2025 December 31) of 6054 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus and CNKI employing R packages and VOSviewer to map publication trends, collaborations, thematic evolution, and disease foci. Annual output surged from 1 article in 2006 to 1268 in 2024, representing a 1268-fold increase over the 19-year period (2006-2024). By December 31, 2025, the output for 2025 had already reached 1835 articles, indicating sustained momentum. China (46.8%), India (24.7%), and Saudi Arabia (9.9%) dominated research, with robust South-South collaborations (e.g., India-Saudi Arabia: weight = 229). Key journals included Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics (503 articles) and Phytomedicine (185 articles). Methodological shifts revealed progression from docking (2022) toward AI-driven bioinformatics (2024). Disease focus pivoted from chronic conditions (pre-2020) to infectious diseases (36.63% during COVID-19), then rebounded to cancer (+ 193% for breast cancer) and neurodegeneration (+ 182%).This computational renaissance positions MD simulations-augmented by AI and robust cross-regional collaboration-as indispensable for modernizing TCM. Future work must prioritize protocol standardization, open-data platforms that leverage global computational strengths, and translational validation to unlock TCM's full phytopharmacological potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13076803/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}