The use of digital and imaging technology for students’ evaluation in simulation operative technique

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of using digital and imaging technology in the assessment of students in the simulation operative technique. Methods: 47 students in the kulliyyah of dentistry/International Islamic University Malaysia was examined for Class II cavity preparation for amalgam on plastic tooth number 46. The evaluation was done by two faculty members using the digital and imaging technology acronym as "DIET" (Dental Instruction, Evaluation and Training System). Results were compared with marks obtained by direct visual assessments. Fifteen percent of the preparations were reevaluated to determine intra-examiner reliability. The evaluations also were analyzed for inter-examiner reliability. Results: The results taken through the use of the digital and imaging system was found to have no significant difference with those obtained from the direct visual assessment. Conclusion: The use of the new digital and imaging technology is helpful to facilitate web-based teaching and assist Dental faculties’ members in the grading of dental students. This would allow Malaysian dental faculties to be in the league of globally-known dental faculties which are using similar solutions. The use of the system has several advantages over the traditional method. It frees the lecturers from the paperwork and reduces the direct contact with students allowing lecturers to evaluate all aspects of the procedure at any time. This also decrease or eliminate students’ need to wait “in line” for evaluation. Limitation of contact with patients may reduce the cross-infection

The use of digital and imaging technology for students’ evaluation in simulation operative technique

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of using digital and imaging technology in the assessment of students in the simulation operative technique. Methods: 47 students in the kulliyyah of dentistry/International Islamic University Malaysia was examined for Class II cavity preparation for amalgam on plastic tooth number 46. The evaluation was done by two faculty members using the digital and imaging technology acronym as "DIET" (Dental Instruction, Evaluation and Training System). Results were compared with marks obtained by direct visual assessments. Fifteen percent of the preparations were reevaluated to determine intra-examiner reliability. The evaluations also were analyzed for inter-examiner reliability. Results: The results taken through the use of the digital and imaging system was found to have no significant difference with those obtained from the direct visual assessment. Conclusion: The use of the new digital and imaging technology is helpful to facilitate web-based teaching and assist Dental faculties’ members in the grading of dental students. This would allow Malaysian dental faculties to be in the league of globally-known dental faculties which are using similar solutions. The use of the system has several advantages over the traditional method. It frees the lecturers from the paperwork and reduces the direct contact with students allowing lecturers to evaluate all aspects of the procedure at any time. This also decrease or eliminate students’ need to wait “in line” for evaluation. Limitation of contact with patients may reduce the cross-infection. Keywords: Operative technique, digital technology, dental education

Neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in Egypt: a serosurvey and associated risk factors

Abstract Neospora caninum (N. caninum) is one of the causative agents that causing cattle abortion, and severe economic losses. Due to the scarcity of data on N. caninum infection in Egyptian cattle, the purpose of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and determine the risk factors for parasite infection. In four governorates in northern Egypt, 540 blood samples from cattle were taken, and tested using a commercial ELISA kit. The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in examined cattle was 28.89%. A multivariate logistic regression model determined that age (OR = 2.63, P < 0.001), manual milking (OR = 1.39, P = 0.14), abortion history (OR = 2.78, P < 0.0001), repetition of estrus (OR = 2.31, P < 0.0001), and contact with dogs (OR = 2.57, P < 0.0001) were significant risk factors. The findings proved that N. caninum infection was one of the factors contributing to abortion and financial losses in dairy cattle in Egypt. Therefore, the application of sanitary security and control programs is very important in dairy farms

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection and associated risk factors in calves in Egypt

Abstract Cryptosporidium is one of the causative parasitic agents that causes gastrointestinal diseases in calves. The parasite poses a zoonotic risk to immunocompromised individuals and children. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in calves in three Egyptian governorates situated in Nile Delta and assess the associated risk factors. The Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 81 out of 430 calves (18.84%). In addition, the univariant analysis showed that age, feeding source, hygienic status, presence of diarrhea and contact with other animals were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with Cryptosporidium prevalence in calves. Furthermore, the risk factors related with Cryptosporidium prevalence were age (OR 1.96, 95%CI 0.97–3.94), feeding on milk and pasture (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.15–3.72), poor hygienic condition (OR 2.25, 95%CI 1.28–3.94), presence of diarrhea (OR 2.47, 95%CI 1.23–4.96) and contact with other domestic animals (OR 2.08, 95%CI 1.24–3.50). In addition, the PCR assay targeting 18srRNA showed that the most prevalent species among calves was C. parvum. Although additional researches are required to understand the most effective steps that farmers and veterinary professionals should take to decrease the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection

The golden proportion among Malay students in IIUM/ Malaysia

The maxillary anterior teeth are significant in achieving beautiful dental aesthetics. This study aimed to find the application of golden proportion on Malaysian populations. Materials and methods: The sample size consisted of 100 students from any faculty, 50 men and 50 women, ranging in age from 20 to 25 years old. The subjects have all of their natural anterior teeth, no history of orthodontic treatment or tooth size alteration and are of Malay origin. Impression was taken and measurements done by using cast. The golden percentage calculated by dividing the width of each central incisor, lateral incisor and canine by the total width of all six maxillary anterior teeth, multiplied by 100 in order to obtain the golden percentage for each tooth. The golden proportion found to be accurate between the width of the right central and lateral incisors in 33.2% of men and 33.1% of women subjects. 13.9% of male and 13.6% of female subjects have the widths of their right lateral incisors in golden proportion to the widths of their right canines. Moreover, the data shows 37.2% of the male and 37.1% of the female subjects have the widths of their left central incisors in golden proportion to the widths of the eft lateral incisors Golden proportion is applicable to Malay population. The width of the central incisor represents 24%, lateral incisor 16% and canine 10% of the width of the six maxillary anterior teeth as viewed from the front

Serosurvey and associated risk factors for Neospora caninum infection in Egyptian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract Neosporosis is a parasitic disease that causes reproductive disorders in animals, making it a barrier to maximum efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum (N. caninum) antibodies in water buffaloes from four governorates in northern Egypt. A commercial indirect-ELISA test was used to detect antibodies against N. caninum in the serum of 450 water buffaloes. The total seroprevalence of N. caninum in water buffaloes from Egypt was 31.3%, and the highest prevalence was observed in Gharbia governorate. The identified risk factors for N. caninum infections in water buffaloes were sex (OR = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.22−4.17), buffaloes more than 4 years of age ( OR = 5.80, 95%CI: 2.26−14.86), abortion in second trimester (OR = 16.48, 95%%CI: 2.99−34.03), history of abortion (OR = 3.45, 95%CI: 1.58−7.52) and contact with dogs (OR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.51−4.32). Thus, more studies are needed to determine the role of buffaloes in the epidemiology of neosporosis in Egypt

Introducing a novel intraoral mandibular nerve block technique for loco-regional analgesia in camels (Camelus dromedarius): a cadaveric study using computed tomography

Abstract The aim of this study was to introduce a novel intraoral technique for performing mandibular nerve blocks in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). In this study, 18 adult camel skulls of varying ages and breeds were examined to determine the position of the mandibular foramen. Using a Vernier caliper, three dimensions in millimeters were measured: (1) the distance between the mandibular foramen (MF) and the caudal edge of the third molar tooth at the occlusal surface level, (2) the distance between the MF and the rostral edge border of the mandible’s ramus (RER) at the occlusal surface level, and (3) the distance between the MF and the ventral margin border of the mandible (VM). The technique was evaluated using five intact camel cadaver heads (n = 5), and a total of ten mandibular nerve blocks were described. An 18-gauge 80-mm Tuohy needle was inserted into the mouth commissure and advanced caudally while injecting a saline-methylene blue solution. The accuracy of the injection was confirmed through the infiltration of the contrast dye into the target area using computed tomography (CT) and post procedural dissection. Anatomical study of the mandibular nerve site was performed to aid the blind insertion of the needle. The findings contribute to the development of veterinary anesthesia techniques and provide anatomical considerations for clinicians performing oral surgeries in sedated camels. The results demonstrated the successful implementation of the intraoral technique, highlighting its efficacy and reliability in achieving local anesthesia for oral surgeries involving the lower jaw and teeth in sedated camels. Further research studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the technique and to compare it with existing approaches