bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible risk factors that may play a role in augmenting the liability and intensity of coronavirus disease 2019 infection in obese and nonobese Egyptian children
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , El-Masry Sahar Abd El-Raufe , El Hussieny Mohamed S. , ElKhayat Samer H. , Ahmed Nihad H. , Aboud Heba T. , Mostafa Mohammed I. , Kamal Ayat N.
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

Obesity, insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, and decreased consumption of essential micronutrients are factors that can compromise the immune response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, leading to increased morbidity and mortality among children. The aim of this study was a detection of possible risk factors that may play a role in augmenting the liability and intensity of COVID-19 infection in Egyptian obese and normal-weight children.

Patients and methods

This study was a retrospective observational cross-sectional review including 120 obese children (group 1), in addition to 61 age-matched and sex-matched controls (group 2) from children attending ‘the Management of Visceral Obesity and Growth Disturbances Unit’ at the Medical Research Excellence Center (MERC), National Research Centre, Egypt. All children were exposed to medical assessment, anthropometric evaluation, and a three 24-h dietary recall for assessment of micronutrient intake. Laboratory assessment of fasting serum blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein was done and IR was calculated.

Results

Obese children showed higher significant values than the control group regarding all anthropometric measurements with increased blood pressure, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Laboratory assessment revealed elevated fasting levels of glucose and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance denoting IR together with the presence of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein levels within the high-risk range showing tendency toward dyslipidemia. The intake of vitamins A, D, folic acid, and calcium was lower than the recommended dietary allowances in both groups.

Conclusion

Obesity and its consequent complications, including dyslipidemia and IR together with decreased consumption of vitamins A, D, folic acid, and calcium, were the most prominent risk factors found among the studied sample of Egyptian children that can affect their immune response and predispose to increased severity of COVID-19 infection.
Biological and chemophysical features of specially designed microwave-cured acrylic denture resin
Authors: Eissa Sherihan M. , ElGabry Hisham S. , Dehis Wessam M. , Ramzy Magda I.
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

Assortment of denture-based materials and their various curing methods have a great impact on their physical and biological properties. However, esthetics is the most significant parameter in prosthodontics, which is highly deteriorated by water sorption, solubility, and porosity. Moreover, porosity has a great effect on both bacterial and fungus colonization on its surface. This study aimed to assess and compare some physical and biological properties of both heat-cured and microwave-cured acrylic denture-based resins.

Patients and methods

This study was divided into two parts, in vitro and in vivo parts. The heat-cured and microwave-cured acrylic resin materials were used. Both were utilized for specimens’ fabrication in different dimensions according to ADA specifications to assess their physical and biological criteria. Stereo light microscope aided in determining porosity, while both water sorption and solubility were calibrated by employing an electronic-balance device, besides a specific formula for every test individually. In addition, complete dentures were fabricated for 12 edentulous patients from both materials (n=6). Candida albicans colonization was assessed by employing both chromogenic candida agar and laboratory-incubator device.

Results

The microwave-cured acrylic denture resin exhibited the lower significant mean value than the conventional heat-cured one in water sorption, corrected water sorption and porosity tests as P value more than or equal to 0.05. Furthermore, it had a significant lower mean value in C. albicans colonization during all visits as P value less than 0.05.

Conclusion

The microwave-cured acrylic resin proved to be better as compared with conventional heat-cured denture resin a regarding porosity, water sorption, and solubility, and it had the least affinity to C. albicans colonization.
Effect of cap micro-movement on the selection of implants’ attachment type
Authors: ElGabry Hisham S. , Moubarak Amal H. , Eltaftazani Iman A. , El-Anwar Mohamad , El-Zawahry Mohamed M.
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

Cap micro-movement may affect load transfer to the osseointegrated implant/bone interface, which in turn may affect the selection of attachment type to ensure the least amount of bone loss, fewer maintenance periods, and longer lifetime of the entire implant/attachment system. This study aimed to evaluate the cap micro-movement effect using various implant angulations on the selection of the best attachment system for each individual case.

Materials and methods

Six finite element models were prepared and were equally divided between locator attachment and ball attachment. Every three models simulate vertical implant and inclined implants by 10° and 20° of angulation, respectively. Meanwhile, frictional contact enabling cap micro-movement at the cap/attachment interface was implemented.

Results

Nonlinear static analysis results showed that implant and locator attachment body received very low stresses in comparison to the ball attachment. Nylon cap life expected to be longer in the case of 20° angulated implant with ball attachment, while all other cases indicated locator attachment superiority. Cortical bone received less stresses under locator attachment, while the gap in stress values in comparison to ball attachment will be reduced by increasing implant angulation.

Conclusions

Locator attachment seems to be more superior to ball attachment. However, increasing implant angulation up to 20° may result in showing a similar behavior with both attachment types.
Development of an easy-to-use prediction equation for waist circumference based on BMI and body weight among a sample of Egyptian women
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , El-Masry Sahar A. , Elwakeel Khaled H. , El Hussieny Mohamed S.
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

Although both BMI and waist circumference (WC) estimate the level of fatness, WC may be more crucial because of its deep relationship to cardiovascular diseases. As WC is not ascertained regularly in clinical practice, this study intended to develop and substantiate an easy to use WC prognostic equation based on either BMI or body weight, appropriate for Egyptian women.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study included 505 Egyptian women, aged 20–60 years. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, and WC) were evaluated and BMI was estimated. A total of 329 women were used for construction of simplified prediction equations (learning sample) and another 176 women for assessing their legality (validation sample). Pearson's correlation coefficient, the calibration slope, and R
2 for the regression of the measured WC versus the predicted WC were used to assess execution of the equations in the validation sample.

Results

There were insignificant differences between the two samples in the measurements and BMI classification. The preponderance of the two samples were suffering from obesity (84.5 vs. 79.5%) and overweight (11.9 vs. 17.0%), respectively. The following simple equations were obtained to predict WC of Egyptian women: WC=48.44+(1.471×BMI) or WC=57.53+(0.487×weight). There were insignificant differences in means±SD of the measured versus predicted WC among both samples.

Conclusions

These equations precisely estimate WC. It should be helpful for medical care practitioners and public health personnel who like to detect persons and populations at risk for cardiovascular disease when the WC data are unobtainable.
Evaluation of interleukin-35 and interleukin-27 in allergic conjunctivitis and associated allergies before and after allergen-specific immunotherapy
Authors: Haggag Maha G. , Al-Kaffas Mai A. , Kassem Tahany M.
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

While interleukin (IL)-35 has been identified as a novel immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-27 has both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the most excellent form for custom-tailored treatment of allergic diseases. The aim of this study is to determine the role of IL-35 and IL-27 and the protective role of allergen-specific immunotherapy in allergic conjunctivitis alone or associated with other allergies.

Patients and methods

The present study enrolled 30 patients who were referred to the Allergy Lab, at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, Giza, Cairo, Egypt. Patients were divided into two groups (15 each); patients complaining of allergic conjunctivitis alone (group 1) and patients who were suffering from allergic conjunctivitis associated with allergic rhinitis and/or allergic bronchitis (group 2). In addition, 15 healthy individuals served as a control group (group 3). Allergen SIT was prepared from natural allergenic extracts from some different crude materials causing allergy, such as pollens, animal hairs, house dust, molds, nicotine, and feathers. Group 1 was treated with local conjunctival immunotherapy as eye drops, while group 2 was treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy for 36 months. Serum levels of IL-35 and IL-27 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunoassay technique before and after immunotherapy.

Results

The present results showed significant decreases in serum levels of IL-35 and IL-27 (146.4 and 13.2 pg/ml, respectively) in all 30 allergic patients before immunotherapy than controls (235.0 and 50.4 pg/ml). However, IL-35 and IL-27 showed a significant increase (478.8 and 42.6 pg/ml, respectively) in all patients after receiving their immunotherapy either as eye drops or as subcutaneous injections when compared before starting immunotherapy. Moreover, insignificant changes were obtained between local and subcutaneous immunotherapy in the level of IL-35, while IL-27 showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the subcutaneous group than the eye drops group. The present results showed a positive excellent correlation between IL-35 and IL-27 after immunotherapy (r=0.709, P<0.001), while no correlation before immunotherapy (r=0.334, P=0.063).

Conclusions

Allergic diseases are associated with significant lowered serum levels of IL-35 and IL-27. Allergen-specific immunotherapy significantly increases serum levels of IL-35 and IL-27 confirming the role of IL-35 and IL-27 in allergic diseases and proved that allergen-specific immunotherapy increases their induction.
Chronic lung sepsis in a sample of Egyptian patients with type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: El Hussini Manal S.H. , El Hussieny Mohamed S. , Bilal Dalia
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

Chronic lung sepsis is one of the major causes of chronic respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough and pus formation. It has received very little attention over recent decades. In addition, failure of its characterization in immunocompromised patients such as diabetics has led to under-recognition and lack of early management.

Patients and methods

In this study, 61 patients with symptoms and signs of chronic lung disease were enrolled from Ahmed Maher Teaching Hospital in Egypt. Of them, 32 fulfilling the criteria of chronic lung sepsis were classified into two groups: diabetic (17 patients) and nondiabetic (15 patients). All of the patients were subjected to detailed medical history, thorough clinical examination, laboratory investigations, sputum culture and sensitivity, and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest.

Results

A total of 23 cases were diagnosed as bronchiectasis, four cases were diagnosed as lung abscess, two cases were pyopneumothorax, whereas there was one case each of infected cyst, empyema, and infected emphysematous bullous. Sputum culture showed that gram-negative organisms were more evident in the diabetic group. The management of cases of chronic lung sepsis showed the use of double or triple antimicrobial therapy in the diabetic group.

Conclusion

Targeting good control of pneumonia in patients with type II diabetes mellitus using double or triple antimicrobial therapy is essential to inhibit the progression of pulmonary infections to chronic lung sepsis.
Clinical evaluation of the wireless JSPH-2 esophageal pH capsule
Authors: Hamed Amr , Elswait Raed , Al-Kandari Asma , Bahbahani Aly , Ibraheem Mahmoud F.M. , Mapkar Othman , Farag Mahmoud , Susaine Hassan , Ibraheem Mustafa , Shuman Hala , Amer Hoda , Nagy Ahmed , Elbaz Ahmed
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

JSPH pH wireless capsule is a radio-telemetric capsule that attaches to the lower end of esophageal mucosa and measures pH and sends data to a wireless receiver. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of the JSPH pH wireless capsule in Kuwaiti patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Patients and methods

Patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD were included in the study. The JSPH-2 pH wireless capsule-recorded data were automatically analyzed by pH capsule data analyze software with pH tracings of day 1, day 2, and total 48-h test periods.

Results

A total of 63 patients from Jahra Hospital, Kuwait, were included in this study. A total of 43 (68.2%) patients had recorded parameters suggestive of GERD, whereas 20 (31.8%) patients were defined as non-GERD. On comparison of different recorded parameters suggestive of GERD between day 1 and day 2, the number of refluxes (P=0.048), total fraction time pH less than 4 (P=0.042), meal fraction time pH less than 4 (P=0.047), and DeMeester score (P=0.047) were statistically significant on day 1. On day 2, only five (11.6%) patients with GERD had been identified with abnormal pH data, whereas nine (20.9%) patients had been identified with an abnormal DeMeester score. A total of 14 (22.2%) patients reported mild to moderate disturbance of normal daily activities, diet, and sleeping during the monitoring period. A total of 32 (57.1%) patients experienced foreign body sensation, 15 (23.8%) showed chest discomfort, and seven (11.1%) had nausea.

Conclusion

The JSPH pH monitoring system is safe and well tolerated and can be used in clinical practice for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with GERD.
Evaluation of the efficacy of gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser acupuncture in the management of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Elgendy Aliaa , Zikri Emad N. , Shafei Heba F. , Monir Rasha , Elwahidy Ahmad G. , Ali Maha Abdelhadi , Abdel-Wahhab Khaled G.
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

Knee osteoarthritis is a common degenerative disease affecting the joint, causing progressive loss of cartilage and inflammation. Its main symptoms are pain and stiffness. Medications such as NSAIDs have little benefit and are usually accompanied by serious adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of laser acupuncture in the management of stage 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis.

Patients and methods

The study was carried out on 30 patients (24 females and six males) diagnosed as having stage 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis. The patients were recruited from the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Clinic at the Medical Centre of Excellence, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt. The patients were subjected to low-power laser (gallium-aluminum-arsenide 905 nm) with touch sensor guide light, power output of 100 mill watts, beam area of 1 cm2, 1-min irradiation time, frequency 10 000 Hz, duty cycle 100%, total energy per point 6 J, energy density 6 J/cm2, and irradiance 0.1 W/cm2, for 3 days/week for a duration of 4 weeks (12 session), directed at various acupuncture points (ST 35, ST 36, Sp 9, Sp 10, GB 34, Sp 6, and liv3). Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed before and after laser therapy.

Results

Pain on visual analog scale, number of tender points, tenderness score, angle of knee flexion, heel to hip distance, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scale score, and Lequesne Index showed significant improvement after treatment (P<0.05). Timed up and go test result was decreased after laser sessions, but its improvement was insignificant statistically. Significant improvement and increase of enkephalin and immunoglobulin (IL-4) were recorded after treatment.

Conclusion

Laser acupuncture showed efficacy in the management of stage 2 or 3 knee osteoarthritis.
Outcome Analysis of Reduction and Nonreduction Dismembered Pyeloplasty in Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Yhoshu Enono , Menon Prema , Rao Katragadda Lakshmi Narasimha , Bhattacharya Anish
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

The objective of this study is to compare the changes in renal function and drainage following open dismembered pyeloplasty with and without renal pelvis reduction.

Materials and Methods:

Randomized prospective study of children with ureteropelvic junction obstruction undergoing pyeloplasty with (Group 1) and without (Group 2) pelvis reduction over an 18-month period. Postoperative function and drainage were assessed by ethylene dicysteine (EC) scan and intravenous urography (IVU) and renal pelvis size by ultrasonography.

Results:

Forty-two patients (2 months-11 years) participated. The mean preoperative EC scan function was Group 1: 45.88% ± 14.42% (5%–80%) and Group 2: 39.22% ± 9.75% (21%–53%). (P = 0.117). The mean postoperative EC scan function of Group 1 was 42.64% ± 9.62% (17%–54%) and 43.75% ± 9.88% (17%–58%) and of Group 2 was 44.77% ± 12.82% (20%–68%) and 42.25% ± 8.56% (23%–58%) at 3 months (P = 0.584) and ≥ 1year (P = 0.385), respectively, with no significant difference. None required re-do pyeloplasty. The number of patients with slow drainage, especially at 3 months and also at ≥1-year postoperative period on EC scan was slightly higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1 but did not attain statistical significance. There was postoperative improvement in function and drainage on IVU with no significant difference between the two groups, (P = 0.214; P = 0.99, respectively). At a mean follow-up of 45.5 months, Group 2 also showed significant reduction in pelvis size on ultrasound (P = 0.011).

Conclusion:

Postoperative function remained stable in both groups. More number of patients achieved unobstructed drainage by 3 mo postoperative after reduction pyeloplasty but drainage patterns were mostly similar between reduction and nonreduction of pelvis group in late follow-up.
Abdominal Wall Yolk Sac Tumor in a Child
Authors: Reddy Manasa , Roy Pritam Singha , Menon Prema , Solanki Shailesh , Gupta Shruti , Samujh Ram , Trehan Amita
Published: January 2022

Midline vascular abdominal wall lesions are likely to be mistaken for vascular malformations in young children. We report a case of large yolk sac tumor located in the anterior abdominal wall just below xiphisternum in a 20-month-old girl diagnosed by raised serum alpha fetoprotein levels and fine-needle aspiration cytology. Preoperative chemotherapy helped in reducing its size allowing wide resection and primary wound closure. This case is reported for the unusual location and role of chemotherapy in management.
Primary Acquired Cicatrizing Gastric Outlet Obstruction in Children
Authors: Pathak Manish , Saxena Rahul , Patel Hardik , Sinha Arvind
Published: January 2022

Background:

Gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a very rare condition in children, when infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is excluded as a cause. Five cases of pediatric GOO were successfully managed at our institute.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively evaluated children with idiopathic GOO from 2009 to 2016. Medical records were reviewed for demographic data including age, sex, presenting symptoms, diagnostic investigations, treatment methods, complications, and long-term follow-up.

Results:

During 7 year period (2009–2016), 5 cases of GOO admitted to our hospital with a history of persistent vomiting. The vomiting used to occur 12–18 h after meal and vomitus contained foul-smelling undigested meal. There was no history of any caustic ingestion. Their age ranged from 2 to 10 years, with a median age of 6 years. Out of 5 cases, 2 were females and the rest were males. The diagnosis of idiopathic GOO was confirmed by history, clinical examination, contrast study, endoscopy, and endoscopic mucosal biopsy. The remarkable finding was the cicatrization causing stricture of the pyloric region in all cases. Out of 5 cases; we have done Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty in 1 case, V-Y advancement antropyloroplasty in 2 cases and Kimura's Diamond-shaped Gastroduodenostomy in 2 cases. The length of the strictured segment determined the type of surgical procedure. All cases did well postoperatively with no mortality.

Conclusions:

Length of the stricture determines the procedure to be done. In long and narrow stricture V-Y advancement antropyloroplasty and in small stricture Kimura's diamond-shaped Gastroduodenostomy are better procedures to be done. Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty should be avoided as it is difficult to suture transversely after vertical incision because of the presence of fibrosis in the strictured segment.
The Management of Perineal Trauma in Children
Authors: Manjunath Darshan A. , Radhakrishna Veerabhadra , Vepakomma Deepti
Published: January 2022

Aims:

This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of perineal trauma in children and to a define protocol for their management.

Methods:

It is a retrospective study of children who presented with perineal injury between August 2012 and December 2020. The patients were classified into three groups: Group-1 included children with perineal and genitourinary injuries; Group-2 included patients with perineal and anorectal injuries; and Group-3 included patients with perineal, genitourinary, and anorectal injuries. All patients underwent primary repair. Those with full-thickness anorectal injury underwent an additional covering colostomy, while urethral disruption was initially managed by a diverting suprapubic cystostomy (SPC).

Results:

A total of 41 patients were studied. Impalement injury (n = 11; 27%) and sexual abuse (n = 11; 27%) were the most common mechanisms of injury. Twenty (49%) patients had anorectal injuries with 10 (24%) each of partial-thickness and full-thickness injury. There were 24 (59%) genital injuries and five (12%) urethral injuries. One patient each developed anal and vaginal stenosis, both were managed with dilatation. One patient developed a rectovaginal fistula repaired surgically at a later date.

Conclusion:

Perineal injuries with resultant anorectal or genital damage require a careful primary survey. Following stabilization, an examination under anesthesia as a set protocol will help determine the treatment strategy. A colostomy is essential in the acute management of severe anorectal injuries to reduce local complications and preserve continence. Urethral injuries may warrant an initial diverting SPC in selected cases.
Self-awareness of X, Y, and Z generations for dental health
Authors: Çelik ZC , Çubukçu ÇE , Özkaya G
Published: January 2022

Background and Aim:

Generation defines as a group of people who were born in a same interval of year and shares similar life events at critical developmental stages, values, behaviors, and significant reactions. The aim of this clinical study was to assess self-awareness of dental health of X, Y, and Z generations in Turkey.

Materials and Methods:

Total of 239 individuals were divided into three homogenous groups X Generation (X Gen; n = 80), Y Generation (Y Gen; n = 80), and Z Generation (Z Gen; n = 79) by their date of birth 1965–1980; 1981–2000; 2001–2013, respectively. Self-rated caries status, frequency of tooth brushing, frequency of dental visits, and actual caries status were recorded. Self-awareness was calculated as the extraction of the numbers of actual caries and self-rated caries and coded as △ Caries.

Results:

Mean Dental caries status was recorded using the number of decayed, missing or filled teeth (dft/DMFT) was 4.92 for X Gen; 4.68 for Y Gen; 3.66/3.51 for Z Gen individuals, respectively. Actual caries and self-rated caries were significantly incompatible with each other in all study groups (<0.001). △Caries were insignificant in X, Y, and Z Generations (>0.05); nevertheless, self-awareness (self-rated caries = actual caries) of Z Gen were found numerically more (23%) compared to other groups. Tooth-brushing habits of all individuals were mostly once-a-day (>0.05). Mean frequency of dental visits were once in a 3.5; 2.9; 1.5 years for X, Y, and Z Gens, respectively.

Conclusion:

There is no significant correlation between frequency of dental visits and self-awareness measures. Oral health education should urgently point out for all generations by dental professionals, media, and governmental authorities including preventive methods, oral hygiene instructions all aimed at preventing caries and raising self-awareness.
The sole and combined effects of gelatin-thrombin matrix and freeze-dried bone allograft on early bone healing
Authors: Kasapoglu MB , Cebi AT , Olgac NV , Keskin C
Published: January 2022

Aims:

Gelatin-thrombin matrix (GTM) is a hemostatic agent with applications in maxillofacial surgery consisting of human-derived thrombin and bovine-derived gelatin matrix. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of GTM alone or with freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) in improving early bone healing.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-six adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. All animals were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 4) and three study groups (n = 14). Each group was divided into two subgroups for histomorphometric and histological analyses at weeks 1 and 4. The new bone formation, inflammation, fibrosis, necrosis, foreign body reaction, and bone healing scores were evaluated based on the histopathological findings. Multiple comparisons were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Variables that were not normally distributed were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

At 1 week, the GTM + FDBA group showed less bone formation (mean ± SD: 0.08 ± 0.03 mm2), compared with the study and control groups (FDBA: 0.15 ± 0.06 mm2; GTM: 0.13 ± 0.06 mm2). At 4 weeks, the GTM group (0.48 ± 0.1 mm2) showed more bone formation than the GTM + FDBA group (0.33 ± 0.17 mm2). Foreign body reactions were observed at weeks 1 and 4 in all GTM-containing groups.

Conclusions:

Within the limitations of this study, GTM group did not show a significant difference in bone formation compared with the control group. GTM did not inhibit bone healing at 1 and 4 weeks, and no significant difference was observed compared with the control groups. GTM was more effective for bone healing when administered without FDBA. GTM is considered safe when bone hemorrhage is encountered.
Nerve conduction study findings and their predictors in clinically diagnosed patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in a Saudi population
Authors: Owolabi LF , Reda AA , Raafat A , Fares DMM , Enwere OO , Mba UA , Adamu B , Alghamdi M
Published: January 2022

Background:

Despite the reports of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) being commonplace in Saudi Arabia, there is scarcity of cross-sectional or prospective studies detailing the profile of nerve conduction study (NCS) findings in patients with CTS.

Objective:

The study aimed to evaluate the neurophysiologic profile of CTS with the view to finding the determinant of abnormal findings in clinically diagnosed cases of CTS in a population of Saudis.

Methods:

Nerve conduction study was performed on consecutive patients with clinically diagnosed CTS. Median sensory, ulnar sensory, radial sensory median motor and ulnar motor nerves were assessed. The nerve conduction parameters measured were median and ulnar sensory peak latency, amplitude and velocity. Median conduction velocity, distal latency, and amplitude were also measured. Comparative median-ulnar and median-ulnar-digit 4 studies were done and the severity of CTS was determined. Data was analyzed using STATA software version 12.

Results:

A total of 152 patients, comprising 59 males and 93 females (mean age of 42.7 years) with clinically diagnosed CTS were seen during the study period. About 72.4% patients had numbness and paresthesia in the affected fingers, 66.5% had pain in the hands, and 10.5% had weakness in the affected hands. Majority of the patients (62%) had bilateral clinical features. Carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed with NCS in 84 (55.26%) patients. Presence of weakness in the affected hand, positive Phalen' sign, and positive Tinel's sign in patients appear to predict [6.1 (1.2—30.7), 3.9 (1.2-30.2), and 4.9 (1.4-17.0) respectively] abnormal NCS findings after adjustment for age, gender and the presence of DM.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that over half of the patients with CTS had NCS/ Electromyography (EMG) abnormalities. Presence of hand muscles weakness, positive Phalen and Tinel's signs predict abnormal findings on NCS/EMG in patients with CTS.
Comparison of two pediatric rotary file systems and hand instrumentation in primary molar
Authors: Waly AS , Yamany I , Abbas HM , Alsairafi MAA , Bazzaz RMF , Bogari DF , Alhazzazi TY
Published: January 2022

Background:

Pulpal involvement, secondary to dental caries, is not uncommon and is a challenging task for pediatric dentists. Morphological differences in root canal of deciduous teeth increases the complexity of management. The aim of this study was to compare two rotary file systems and hand instrumentation for root canal preparation in regard to canal transportation, centering ability ratio, and dentin thickness using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

A total of 72 canals from 24 freshly extracted mandibular deciduous second molars were divided into a set of 8 teeth, then prepared using 2 rotary files systems: the Kedo-S pediatric file system (Group A) and Pro AF Baby Gold file system (Group B) were compared to hand instrumentation (Group C). CBCT scans before and after root canal preparation were used to evaluate tested parameters. Instrumentation time for all three techniques was also measured using a chronometer.

Results:

Although rotary file systems have shown superior results in root canal preparation as compared to hand instrumentation, no significant differences were observed between all the groups for canal transportation and dentin thickness at all three levels of prepared canals. A comparison of centering ability ratio between all the groups was found to be statistically significant only at the cervical level. A significant difference was observed between hand instrumentation using K-files (117.3 s) and both rotary systems (Kedo-S (81 s) and Pro AF Baby Gold (81.5 s)) in terms of canal preparation time (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Both tested rotary systems and hand instrumentation demonstrated comparable canal preparation results, with differences that were statistically non-significant in most tested parameters, without shaping errors. However, both the rotary systems were more efficient and faster than hand instrumentation.
The impact of moderate-to-late prematurity on ocular structures and visual function in Saudi children
Authors: Raffa LH , Abudaowd O , Bugshan N , Fagih SN , Hamdi T
Published: January 2022

Aim:

To assess and compare ophthalmologic and morphologic outcomes between school-age children born moderate-to-late preterm and those born at term.

Patients and Methods:

Fifty children born moderate-to-late preterm (gestational age 32 weeks + 0 days to 36 + 6 days, age range 5-10 years) at a tertiary university hospital were age- and sex-matched to full-term controls. Visual acuity, refractive errors, ocular biometry, macular, and optic nerve assessments with optical coherence tomography were investigated and compared between cases and controls.

Results:

No differences in visual acuity or refraction were detected between the study groups. The difference in refractive error was not significant between the groups. Marked differences were observed in the anterior chamber depth, which was shallower in the preterm group (P = 0.044); however, no difference in total axial length was observed. The preterm and control groups significantly differed in terms of central macular thickness (247 ± 19 μm versus 235 ± 22 μm; P = 0.005 right eye); however, the groups did not significantly differ in foveal thickness. Central subfield thickness was also markedly greater in the preterm than in the control children (246.89 ± 19.1 μm versus 236.12 ± 23.3 μm, P = 0.015). No significant differences in mean parafoveal/perifoveal thicknesses or optic nerve parameters were observed between both groups.

Conclusion:

Significant differences between moderate to late preterm and full-term groups in regards to anterior chamber depth, central macular thickness, and central subfield thickness were found. It is important to recognize that being born preterm might have an impact on some ocular structures. Larger population-based studies should be conducted to study the long-term sequelae of moderate-to-late prematurity in our children.
A Robust Feature Extraction Technique for Breast Cancer Detection using Digital Mammograms based on Advanced GLCM Approach
Authors: Kumari L Kanya , Jagadesh B Naga
Published: January 2022

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is the most hazardous disease among women worldwide. A simple, cost-effective, and efficient screening called mammographic imaging is used to find the breast abnormalities to detect breast cancer in the early stages so that the patient’s health can be improved.OBJECTIVES: The main challenge is to extract the features by using a novel technique called Advanced Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (AGLCM) from pre-processed images and to classify the images using machine learning algorithms.METHODS: To achieve this, we proposed a four-step process: image acquisition, pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. Initially, a pre-processing technique called Contrast Limited Advanced Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) is used to increase the contrast of images and the features are retrieved using AGLCM which extracts texture, intensity and shape-based features as these are important to identify the abnormality.RESULTS: In our framework, a classifier called eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is applied on mammograms and the results are compared with other classifiers such as Random Forest (RF), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The experiments are done on the Mammographic Image Analysis Society (MIAS) dataset.CONCLUSION: The outcome achieved with CLAHE+ AGLCM+ XGBoost classifier is better than the existing methods. In future, we experiment on large datasets and also concentrate on optimal features selection to increase the classification.
Treatment of juvenile angiofibromas: 18-year experience of a single tertiary centre in Spain
Authors: Lopez Fernando , Suarez Vanessa , Costales Maria , Suarez Carlos , Llorente Jose L.
Published: January 2022

Background: The management of juvenile angiofibroma (JA) has changed during the last decades but it still continues to be a challenge. The objective of this study was to review the used treatment and our outcomes. Methods: From 1992 to 2010, 48 cases of JA were treated at our department. Charts were reviewed for standard demographic, tumour size and location, vascular supply and results of embolization, surgical approach, operative results, adjuvant therapies, recurrence and postoperative follow-up. Results: Most tumours were Andrews-Fisch stages III and IV and surgery was used as the main treatment in all cases. We used an open surgical approach in 37 (77%) patients and 11 (23%) were treated endoscopically. The most common open approach used in this series was the subtemporal-preauricular approach. Until 1995, all tumours were operated on by a conventional open approach. Afterwards, early-stage tumours were operated on through an endoscopic approach. Ten patients were treated through surgery followed by radiosurgery. Two (4%) patients had recurrent disease. Conclusions: These tumours should be treated at centres with expertise in skull base surgery to achieve complete surgical resections with low morbidity. Radiosurgery after surgery seems to be a valuable option in the long-term control of some extended JAs.
Data Acquisition from Light-Duty Vehicles Using OBD and CAN
Authors:   HEM Data Corporation, Walter Eric , Walter Richard ,   HEM Data Corporation
Published: January 2022

Modern vehicles have multiple electronic control units (ECU) to control various subsystems such as the engine, brakes, steering, air conditioning, and infotainment. These ECUs are networked together to share information directly with each other. This in-vehicle network provides a data opportunity for improved maintenance, fleet management, warranty and legal issues, reliability, and accident reconstruction. Data Acquisition from Light-Duty Vehicles Using OBD and CAN is a guide for the reader on how to acquire and correctly interpret data from the in-vehicle network of light-duty (LD) vehicles. The reader will learn how to determine what data is available on the vehicle's network, acquire messages and convert them to scaled engineering parameters, apply more than 25 applicable standards, and understand 15 important test modes. Topics featured in this book include: • Calculated fuel economy • Duty cycle analysis • Capturing intermittent faults Written by two specialists in this field, Richard P. Walter and Eric P. Walter of HEM Data, the book provides a unique roadmap for the data acquisition user. The authors give a clear and concise description of the CAN protocol plus a review of all 19 parts of the SAE International J1939 standard family. Data Acquisition from Light-Duty Vehicles Using OBD and CAN is a must-have reference for product engineers, service technicians fleet managers and all interested in acquiring data effectively from the light-duty vehicles.
Game theoretic approach for flood risk management considering a financial model
Authors: Moosakhaani Mahsa , Salimi Lida , Sadatipour Mohammad Taghi , Niksokhan Mohammad Hossein , Rabbani Mohammad
Published: January 2022

In process of flood risk management, there is usually a conflict between the governments, insurance companies and people as players in sharing financial responsibilities, because of how calculate insurance premium, compensation and governmental assistances. In order to this conflict resolution, in this paper a new methodology is proposed based on game theoretic approach by using Nash equilibrium method, that for the first time, the payoff functions of insurance companies and government have been associated to each other. In this method, according to maximization of player's payoffs, the best response has been found and for the first time, comprehensive financial model has been developed for sharing players' financial responsibilities in flood risk management plans. In order to increase the accuracy of flood insurance calculations, the parameters of deductible and franchise have been applied. The key findings indicate, success of flood risk management plans depend on purchasing flood insurance with full coverage and government financial assistances simultaneously. The developed flood insurance plan has most sensitivity to parameters of deductible and insurance rate. This model could be utilized as practical and academic model in flood risk management. The applicability and efficiency of the methodology are examined in Northeast of Tehran as capital of Iran.
Routing optimization method of waste transportation vehicle using biological evolutionary algorithm under the perspective of low carbon and environmental protection
Authors: Fan Linsheng
Published: January 2022

Reasonably and effectively formulating the best route for urban waste transportation vehicle is particularly important for realizing low carbon and environmental protection of Green China construction concept. However, the current path planning method has shortcomings such as local optimization. In order to solve this problem, this paper aims at low carbon and environmental protection construction needs and proposes a routing optimization method of waste transportation vehicles based on improved ant colony algorithm. Firstly, the mathematical model of Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is constructed by considering transportation distance and carbon emissions cost. Then, network parameters in traditional ant colony algorithm are combined and optimized to realize self-adaptive update in the whole cycle. Furthermore, the neighborhood algorithm is used to iteratively optimize improved algorithm to avoid the defects of local optimization when solving VRP problem. Finally, the simulation results based on an actual dataset in North China show that the proposed method can achieve efficient and accurate optimal routing optimization for complex samples, and its solution stability index is 0.87 and the average deviation is 0.011, the lowest distribution cost after optimization is about 3,080 yuan, which are better than the comparison methods.
Tertiary level English Language Teachers' Use of, and Attitudes to Alternative and Online Assessments during the Covid-19 Outbreak
Authors: Alenezi Saud Mohammed
Published: January 2022

This study aims to investigate the English language teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the use of alternative and online assessments adopted during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, in Saudi Arabia. The current study employs a descriptive method, and the data were collected using a survey questionnaire, which consists of 33 closed-ended and four open-ended questions. The participants were 102 (46 male and 56 female) teachers of English at Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaires were administered online via Google Form. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative responses, whereas content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative responses collected from the open-ended questions. The findings revealed that the teachers had mixed reactions towards alternative and online assessments. The online assessments adopted were in form of both alternative and traditional types, administered via Blackboard. It was found that portfolios and oral presentations were the most frequently used forms of alternative assessments by the English language teachers at the time of Covid-19. Other types of alternative assessments, including, online collaborative/peer assessment, self-assessment, virtual concept map, concept map, article review, and mini-project, were claimed to be less used by the teachers. However, the teachers’ top priority was summative assessment, where by the traditional exams were in fact still be used in online assessment. In addition, teachers reported constraints related to time for the assessments, need for computer literacy, possibility of cheating, and technical issues, when adopting online assessments. However, they believed online assessment covered the content of the course of study. Teachers also reported that students did not initially like online assessment but later warmed to it as it proved easier to do well in. Finally, pedagogical implications are discussed based on the study findings.
The Building Public Trust Against to Law Enforcers in the Covid 19 Pandemic
Authors: Suud Aghia Khumaesi
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the credibility of the performance of law enforcement. National survey data and reports from various national media found a decline in public trust in law enforcement. With a normative juridical approach and using secondary data, this paper discusses what factors can restore public trust in law enforcement. First, the independence of law enforcement officers to improve the mentality of law enforcement in acting, secondly, it is necessary to develop a transformational bureaucratic leadership model to make changes in the field of services law enforcement in order to increase public trust.
Dealing With the Body Shaming Phenomenon in Cyberspace: Prevention and Challenges in Law Enforcement
Authors: Bunga Dewi
Published: January 2022

Body shaming is one of the verbal crimes that exist in cyberspace. According to the Clarity Clinic, body shaming is the act of humiliating someone based on their body shape by mocking them. Launching the official website of the Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, body shaming is any act or practice of insulting other people's body shape or size, weight, hairstyle, dress and appearance. In this study, two problems will be discussed, namely 1) why body shaming act needs attention in criminal law policies and 2) how criminal law policies deal with body shaming. This research is a normative juridical research that examines legal norms regarding body shaming in Indonesia. Legal materials consist of primary and secondary legal materials collected through literature study. The analysis was carried out qualitatively. Body parts are used as objects to drop a person's image. Body shaming is a form of bullying or bullying. Practices like this can leave severe emotional trauma and disrupt the victim's mental health. The trauma experienced by the victim can even occur in the long term. This form of bullying can be carried out by the closest people such as parents, relatives, friends, strangers, to negative comments on social or conventional media. Body shaming act in cyberspace is a challenge in criminal law policy in Indonesia, both in the context of prevention and in law enforcement policies against perpetrators. Digital literacy is a very important pillar to understand that mocking someone's body shape is a crime.
Managing Public Services Innovation
Authors: Walker Richard M. , Jeanes Emma L. , Rowlands Robert O.
Published: January 2022

Managing Public Services Innovation provides an in-depth exploration of innovation and its management in the housing association sector. Drawing on longitudinal case studies and data sets, it explores techniques to develop evidence-based policy in the housing association sector, and makes recommendations for best practice.
Housing Associations - Rehousing Women Leaving Domestic Violence
Authors: Davis Cathy
Published: January 2022

This study critically examines the role of housing associations in responding to the needs of women who have become homeless due to domestic violence.
Motivația pentru învățarea autonomă a studenților
Authors: Roman Daniel
Published: January 2022

The article develops ideas on the need to form motivation for autonomous students’ learning, a process aimed at the system of self-regulatory mechanisms, determined by motivating factors, focused on the study of needs and behaviors. Motivation being a strong force to stimulate the individual creativity of students, expresses, in fact, a set of motives: needs, interests, trends, intentions and ideals, levers triggering the motivation for learning, which allow the achievement of actions in line with vocational training objectives, designed in a social context. Explicitly and implicitly, the motivation for independent study is a dynamic landmark of the professional empowerment process.