Pattern of Strabismus in Children and Adolescents in Hail, KSA

Background: Strabismus (Squint), abnormal ocular alignment could occur constantly or intermittently. Double vision, poor vision or abnormal head positioning may accompany it. A child with squint may stop using the affected eye. This can lead to visual loss, which can become permanent unless treated early in childhood. Objective: to estimate the prevalence of squint, types and treatment characteristics in the studied children and adolescents in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in Hail city, Saudi Arabia. The study included 299 participants; 148 male and 151 female children and adolescents from 6 months to 19 years. The study period was from 1 January to 30 May 2018. Data collected by personal interview using a pre-designed questionnaire, which distributed among mothers of children and adolescents to be self-reported. Results: Squint found in 17.1% of the studied sample. Squint was right sided in 37.3% of the cases, left sided in also 37.3% and in both eyes in 25.5% of the studied cases. About half (47.1%) of cases had inward squint (esotropia) and 15.7% outward squint (exsotropia), 21.6% of the cases had Intermittent squint and 52.2% had permanent squint. In most (70.7%) of cases, squint affected the visual acuity. As regards treatment, 45.1% received medical treatment and 13.7% received surgical treatment. Only 19.6% of cases completely cured and 39.2% had recurrence. There was insignificant relation with sex, squint in parents, other hereditary diseases and consanguinity between parents (P>0.05). Conclusion: in this study, the prevalence of squint in the studied children and adolescents in Hail city, Saudi Arabia was 17.1%. No significant difference between males and females. After treatment, only 19.6% of cases completely cured and 39.2% had recurrence. Health education of the public about importance of early treatment is mandatory. Keywords: Squint; strabismus; prevalence; types; Hail; Saudi Arabia

Preparation, characterization, in vitro drug release and anti-inflammatory of thymoquinone-loaded chitosan nanocomposite

In this study, we formulated Thymoquinone-loaded nanocomposites (TQ-NCs) using high-pressure homogenizer without sodium tripolyphosphate. The TQ-NCs were characterized and their anti-inflammatory determined by the response of the LPS-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in the production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. The physicochemical properties of TQ-NC were determined using different machines. TQ was fully incorporated in the highly thermal stable nanoparticles. The nanoparticles showed rapid release of TQ in the acidic medium of the gastric juice. In medium of pH 6.8, TQ-NC exhibited sustained release of TQ over a period of 100 h. The results suggest that TQ-NC nanoparticles have potential application as parenterally administered therapeutic compound. TQ-NC effectively reduce production of inflammatory cytokines by the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, indicating that they have anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, TQ-NC nanoparticles have the characteristics of efficient carrier for TQ and an effective anti-inflammatory therapeutic compound.The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library

Physicochemical characterization and cancer cell antiproliferative effect of silver-doped magnesia nanoparticles

Silver-doped magnesia nanoparticles (Ag/MgO) were synthesized using the precipitation method and characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunner-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The morphology of Ag/MgO nanoparticles was determined by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, which revealed cuboidal shaped nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 31 to 68 nm and an average size of 43.5 ± 10.6 nm. The anticancer effects of Ag/MgO nanoparticles were evaluated on human colorectal (HT29) and lung adenocarcinoma (A549) cell lines, and their caspase-3, -8, and -9 activities, as well as Bcl-2, Bax, p53, cytochrome C protein expressions were estimated. Ag/MgO nanoparticles showed selective toxicity towards HT29 and A549 cells while remaining relatively innocuous towards the normal human colorectal, CCD-18Co, and lung, MRC-5 cells. The IC50 values of Ag/MgO nanoparticles on the HT29 and A549 cells were found to be 90.2 ± 2.6 and 85.0 ± 3.5 μg/mL, respectively. The Ag/MgO nanoparticles upregulated caspase-3 and -9 activities, downregulated Bcl-2, upregulated Bax and p53 protein expressions in the cancer cells. The morphology of the Ag/MgO nanoparticle treated HT29 and A549 cells was typical of apoptosis, with cell detachment, shrinkage, and membrane blebbing. The results suggest that Ag/MgO nanoparticles induce apoptosis in cancer cells and exhibit potential as a promising anticancer agent.The publication of this article was funded by the Qatar National Library

Worldwide survey of T2* cardiovascular magnetic resonance in Thalassaemia

Introduction Thalassaemia major (TM) affects hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide but only a minority have access to regular blood transfusion and chelation therapy. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) T2* measurement provides an accurate, reproducible measurement of cardiac iron which is the cause of heart failure and early death in many transfused TM patients. This technique has been adopted as part of routine management in many countries where survival is now approaching normal but little is known about the severity and effects of myocardial iron loading in different geographical regions. Purpose The aim of this study was to describe the burden of disease of myocardial siderosis (measured by T2*) in different populations throughout the world and to assess the relationship between T2* and outcome such as heart failure and cardiac death. Methods 34 worldwide centres were involved in this survey of 3376 patients from Europe, the Middle East, North America, South America, North Africa, Australia and Asia. Anonymised data on myocardial T2* values were analysed in conjunction with clinical outcomes (heart failure and death). Results Overall, 57.5% of patients had no significant iron loading (T2* >20ms), 22.6% had moderate cardiac iron (10ms50%) in South-East Asia had cardiac iron (T2* >20ms) at baseline. At the time of the first scan, 100 patients (3.3%) had confirmed heart failure, the majority of whom (77.0%) had myocardial T2* <10ms with almost all (99%) having T2* <20ms. There were 113 patients who subsequently developed heart failure. 92.0% of these had T2* <10ms and 99.1% had a T2* <20ms. There were 39 deaths. Cardiac T2* values were <10ms in 79.5%, with 92.3% <20ms. Conclusions Even in this well-treated cohort with access to transfusion, chelation and CMR, there is a large proportion of TM patients with moderate to severe cardiac iron loading. Low T2* (<10ms) is associated with cardiac failure and death. There is a huge unmet worldwide need in terms of access to specialist medical care (including transfusion and chelation therapy) together with advanced monitoring techniques (such as CMR)

Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice towards COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey

(1) Background: COVID-19 has become a worldwide public health problem. No previous study has investigated factors associated with COVID-19 knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) after completely lifting the curfew in all Saudi Arabia regions and cities. Therefore, adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and correct control of COVID-19 are essential to eradicate the disease. Hence, this study aims to assess factors associated with KAP of COVID-19; (2) Methods: This cross-sectional web-based survey was performed with the participation of 4305 individuals aged over 15 years living in Saudi Arabia from 11 to 19 August 2020. They were included using the snowball sampling method; (3) Results: Of the 4305 participants, 94.9% were Saudis, 60% females, and 45.4% were in the age group of 20–34 years, 61.7% married, and 49.3% from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Most of the participants demonstrated good KAP levels (89.6%, 87.2%, and 87.2%) towards the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. In addition, most of the participants (85.8%) used the internet and social media as a source for COVID-19 information (4) Conclusions: The finding showed that most of the participants demonstrated good knowledge of COVID-19, positive attitudes, and demonstrated good practices for preventing the spread of disease infection

Perspectives, practices, and challenges of online teaching during COVID-19 pandemic: A multinational survey

The result of the movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic was an impromptu and abrupt switch from in-person to online teaching. Most focus has been on the perception and experience of students during the process. The aim of this international survey is to assess staffs' perspectives and challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cross-sectional research using a validated online survey was carried out in seven countries (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, India, the United Kingdom, and Egypt) between the months of December 2021 and August 2022, to explore the status of online teaching among faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Variables and response are presented as percentages while logistic regression was used to assess the factors that predict levels of satisfaction and the challenges associated with online instruction. A total of 721 response were received from mainly male (53%) staffs. Most respondents are from Brazil (59%), hold a Doctorate degree (70%) and have over 10 years of working experience (62%). Although, 67% and 79% have relevant tools and received training for online teaching respectively, 44% report that online teaching required more preparation time than face-to-face. Although 41% of respondents were uncertain about the outcome of online teaching, 49% were satisfied with the process. Also, poor internet bandwidth (51%), inability to track students' engagement (18%) and Lack of technical skills (11.5%) were the three main observed limitations. Having little or no prior experience of online teaching before the COVID-19 pandemic [OR, 1.58 (95% CI, 1.35–1.85)], and not supporting the move to online teaching mode [OR, 0.56 (95% CI,0.48–0.64)] were two main factors independently linked with dissatisfaction with online teaching. While staffs who support the move to online teaching were twice likely to report no barriers [OR, 2.15 (95% CI, 1.61–2.86)]. Although, relevant tools and training were provided to support the move to online teaching during COVID-19 lockdown, barriers such as poor internet bandwidth, inability to track students’ engagement and lack of technical skills were main limitations observed internationally by teaching staffs. Addressing these barriers should be the focus of higher education institution in preparation for future disruptions to traditional teaching modes

A radiographic study of the association between apical periodontitis and technical quality of intraradicular posts and root canal fillings: A cross-sectional study in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: This study evaluates the association between the apical periodontitis (AP) and quality of intraradicular posts and the quality of root fillings assessed radiographically in Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Digital periapical radiographs of 327 teeth with post-retained restoration were retrieved randomly from the Qassim University screening clinic's digital archives and evaluated. The quality of the intraradicular post and root filling was evaluated according to the optimum criteria. The presence of AP was assessed based on the periapical index scoring system. The relation between the post technical quality, the quality of root filling, and AP was determined. The data were analyzed using Chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: AP was found in 22% of the investigated teeth. Adequate root fillings were found in 69% of roots, and 14% of these cases were associated with AP. In roots with root filling classified as inadequate, 38% had AP with a statistically significant association between the root filling length and the presence of AP (P < 0.001). The most frequently used posts were prefabricated metallic posts (57%). Teeth restored with cast posts and prefabricated metallic posts exhibited AP with a frequency of 42.3% and 25.4%, respectively, and teeth with nonmetallic posts had significantly fewer cases of AP (12.0%) with a statistically significant association between the post type and the presence of AP (P = 0.016). Conclusion: Both the quality of the root filling and the intraradicular post type were correlated significantly with the presence of AP. The technical quality of root fillings and intraradicular posts was adequate. Nevertheless, the use of threaded posts is still a common practice in this study population

Situational Wireless Awareness Network

ITC/USA 2010 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Sixth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 25-28, 2010 / Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, CaliforniaThe purpose of this paper is to explain the process to implementing a wireless sensor network in order to improve situational awareness in a dense urban environment. Utilizing a system of wireless nodes with Global Positioning System (GPS) and heart rate sensors, a system was created that was able to give both position and general health conditions. By linking the nodes in a mesh network line of sight barriers were overcome to allow for operation even in an environment full of obstruction.International Foundation for TelemeteringProceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection

The relationship between fatigue severity and mild cognitive impairment in Saudi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a major health issue in Saudi Arabia, with a prevalence of 23.7% in 2015. Several factors contribute to the occurrence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and its progression to Alzheimer's disease in patients with T2DM. This study assesses MCI and fatigue severity and their relationship in patients with T2DM. Out of the 160 Saudi adults interviewed at the King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh from October 2019 till March 2020, 80 were known cases of T2DM while the rest were non-diabetic individuals. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test, Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) and Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) were used to evaluate MCI and fatigue severity, respectively. According to the MoCA scale, 68.7% diabetic individuals as against 42.5% from the non-diabetic group had MCI. While the FSS showed that 40% of the diabetic group vs 26.3% of the non-diabetic were fatigued. In conclusion, patients with T2DM are at a higher risk of developing MCI. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Mild cognitive impairment, Fatigue, Mini mental state exam, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Saudi Arabia

Cyberbullying detection framework for short and imbalanced Arabic datasets

Cyberbullying detection has attracted many researchers to detect negative comments deployed on communication platforms as cyberbullying can take many forms: verbal, implicit, explicit, or even nonverbal. The successful growth of social media in recent years has opened new perspectives on the detection of cyberbullying, although related research still encounters several challenges, such as data imbalance and expression implicitness. In this paper, we propose an automated cyberbullying detection framework designed to produce satisfactory results, especially when imbalanced short text and different dialects exist in the Arabic text data. In the proposed framework a new method to solve the imbalance problem is suggested, where the modified simulated annealing optimization algorithm is used to find the optimal set of samples from the majority class to balance the training set. This method has been evaluated using traditional machine learning algorithms including support vector machine, and deep learning algorithms including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Bidirectional LSTM (Bi-LSTM). To generate a framework that can detect Arabic written cyberbullying on communication platforms, the accuracy, recall, specificity, sensitivity and mean squared error are used as the main performance indicators. The results indicate that the proposed framework can improve the performance of the tested algorithms, and Bi-LSTM outperforms other methods for cyberbullying classification