Adhesive wear and frictional characteristics of UHMWPE and HDPE sliding against different counterfaces under dry contact condition

The current work evaluates the wear and frictional performance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) sliding against different metal counterfaces, stainless steel(SS), mild steel (MS) and aluminium (Al), under dry contact condition. The experiments were conducted using pin on disc machine at different sliding distances (0–40.32 km), 15 N applied load and 2?8 m s21 sliding velocity. Interface temperatures and frictional forces were measured simultaneously during the sliding, while specific wear rates were determined for every 1.68 km sliding distance. Based on the optical microscopy of the worn surface and wear track, frictional and wear results were analysed and discussed. The experimental results showed that the type of counterface material significantly influences both frictional and wear performances of the selected polymers. This was mainly due to the film transfer characteristics. Higher temperature and friction coefficient for UHMWPE and HDPE were evident when sliding took place against Al counterface. Sliding the polymers against stainless steel showed low friction coefficients compared to other counterfaces

Toxoplasma gondii infection among pregnant women attending maternity clinics; multi center experience from Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women is linked with higher risk of spontaneous abortion or premature infants. This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: 1000 blood samples were collected from women visiting various regional laboratories of Riyadh. Serum was tested for toxoplasmosis using ELISA technique. Results: The result revealed that 93% pregnant women were serologically negative and only 7% were positive. The study concludes that youngand aged women who have T. gondii infection should have more awareness about this infection and its complications. Conclusion: The study would be valuable in improving pregnancy care by encouraging the health workers to implement clinical and protective care plans side by side

Hematological and Biochemical Parameters Among Obese Students at the PSAU, Alkharj, KSA

Management of obesity represents a global problem that challenges the provision of healthcare services in most countries. Saudi Arabia ranked number 29 on a 2007 list of countries with 6% of its population being overweight (BMI > 25).In a university setting, we studied hematological parameters (including whole blood counts, haemoglobin and platelets), the presence of basophilia, iron levels and lipid profiles in obese students, and also in non-obese student controls. We found a significant increase in whole blood count in obese compared to healthy individuals, and also found a high level of basophilia compared to healthy controls.  We also report that the obese student group suffered from low iron levels, and also a reduced total iron binding capacity, as compared to healthy controls. Levels of cholesterol and triglycerides was significantly higher in obese students compared to healthy controls. This study can be interpreted that universities across the Kingdom, and beyond, should consider targeting obesity management in their students to try to reduce the prevalence of obesity and associated disorders, and to support such healthcare programs by offering a variety of environmental, physical exercise and nutritional interventions

Relationship Between Obesity and Immunological Parameters Among Students at the PSAU University-Alkharj, KSA

Obesity represents a major worldwide health problem, all aspects of which have not fully defined, nor fully understood.  In the current study, we investigated a population of university students in terms of the relationship between incidence of obesity in individuals (n=171),within this larger cohort (n=500), with the comorbidities that these high BMI individuals also carried. We also report important statistical differences in blood levels each of cardiac-related protein (CRP)(p=0.002), IL-6(p=0.005), &leptin(p=0.02), when we related the blood values with individual student BMIs which were used as a measure of obesity

Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study

Background: In 2020, ACIE Appy study showed that COVID-19 pandemic heavily affected the management of patients with acute appendicitis (AA) worldwide, with an increased rate of non-operative management (NOM) strategies and a trend toward open surgery due to concern of virus transmission by laparoscopy and controversial recommendations on this issue. The aim of this study was to survey again the same group of surgeons to assess if any difference in management attitudes of AA had occurred in the later stages of the outbreak. Methods: From August 15 to September 30, 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to all 709 participants of the ACIE Appy study. The questionnaire included questions on personal protective equipment (PPE), local policies and screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection, NOM, surgical approach and disease presentations in 2021. The results were compared with the results from the previous study. Results: A total of 476 answers were collected (response rate 67.1%). Screening policies were significatively improved with most patients screened regardless of symptoms (89.5% vs. 37.4%) with PCR and antigenic test as the preferred test (74.1% vs. 26.3%). More patients tested positive before surgery and commercial systems were the preferred ones to filter smoke plumes during laparoscopy. Laparoscopic appendicectomy was the first option in the treatment of AA, with a declined use of NOM. Conclusion: Management of AA has improved in the last waves of pandemic. Increased evidence regarding SARS-COV-2 infection along with a timely healthcare systems response has been translated into tailored attitudes and a better care for patients with AA worldwide

Correction: Evolving Trends in the Management of Acute Appendicitis During COVID-19 Waves: The ACIE Appy II Study (World Journal of Surgery, (2022), 46, 9, (2021-2035), 10.1007/s00268-022-06649-z)

In the original online version of this article Oreste Claudio Buonomo’s family name was misspelled. The original article was corrected