One-step growth and shaping by a dual plasma reactor of diamond nanocones arrays for the assembling of stable cold cathodes

Arrays of conical-shaped nanodiamond structures are formed on silicon substrate by a single-step CVD process from CH4/H-2 mixtures. The formation of these nanocones has been found to depend on interplay between growing and etching during the CVD process carried out in a dual-mode MW/RF plasma reactor. Morphology and structure of the conical-like systems can be controlled by varying the process parameters, and have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The Field Emission (FE) properties of different diamond nanocones arrays have been investigated and compared with those of analogous systems in order to assess the feasibility of the present nano-materials as electron emitters for cold cathodes. The FE behavior is discussed taking into account the structure of the different diamond nanocones

A pilot study on the efficacy of nasal rinsing during ablution in reducing acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) among male Hajj pilgrims

الملخص: أهداف البحث: هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تقييم فعالية الاستنشاق الأنفي للماء أثناء الوضوء في تخفيض الإصابة بالتهابات الجهاز التنفسي الحادة بين الحجاج الذكور. طرق البحث: أُجريت دراسة شبه تجريبية لمقارنة فعالية الاستنشاق الأنفي للماء بين مجموعتين. تم توجيه المجموعة التداخلية للقيام بالاستنشاق الأنفي للماء أثناء الوضوء ولم يطلب من المجموعة الضابطة القيام بذلك. قُدم للمجموعتين مذكرة تطور لتسجيل أعراض التهابات الجهاز التنفسي؛ السعال والسيلان الأنفي والانسداد الأنفي والحمى، والألم الحلقي بالإضافة إلى البلغم السميك وضيق النفس والرعاف والتغيرات في حاسة الشم. كما تم توجيه المجموعتين إلى تسجيل زياراتهم للعيادات بسبب تلك الأعراض خلال إقامتهم في مكة لشعائر الحج. النتائج: أظهرت الدراسة بأن الاستنشاق الأنفي للماء قد قلل بشكل ملحوظ من أعراض السعال والسيلان الأنفي والانسداد الأنفي. وكان عدد زيارات المجموعة الضابطة إلى مرافق الرعاية الصحية للعلاج أكثر مقارنة بمجموعة التدخل. لم تكن هناك اختلافات كبيرة بين المجموعتين فيما يتعلق بأعراض الحمى وألم الحلق. الاستنتاجات: يمكن إدراج الاستنشاق الأنفي للماء كجزء من طرق التدخل التي تشمل التطعيم وقناع الوجه. من السهل على الحجاج ممارسة الاستنشاق الأنفي للماء كونها من سنن الوضوء، التي هي جزء أساسي من حياة المسلمين اليومية. Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nasal rinsing during ablution in reducing acute respiratory tract infection among male Hajj pilgrims. Methods: A quasi-experimental trial study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of nasal rinsing between two groups. The intervention group was instructed to perform nasal rinsing during ablution, while the control group was not asked to do nasal rinsing. Both groups were provided progress diaries to record the symptoms of respiratory tract infection, including cough, rhinorrhoea, nasal blockage, fever, and sore throat, as well as thick phlegm, shortness of breath, epistaxis, and changes in sense of smell. The groups were also instructed to record any visits to clinics for their symptoms throughout their stay in Makkah for the Hajj ritual. Results: The study showed that nasal rinsing significantly reduced the symptoms of cough, rhinorrhoea, and nasal blockage. The intervention group had an increased number of visits to healthcare facilities for treatment, when compared to those of the control group. There were no significant differences in the groups regarding the symptoms of fever and sore throat. Conclusion: Nasal rinsing can be included as part of intervention methods that include vaccination and the use of a face mask. Nasal rinsing can be easily practiced by the pilgrims, since it is a Sunnah act in ablution, which is an integral element of Muslims' daily life. الكلمات المفتاحية: شطف الأنف, غسل الأنف, التهاب الجهاز التنفسي الحاد, التجمعات الكبيرة, الوضوء, Keywords: Ablution, Acute respiratory tract infection, Mass gathering, Nasal rinsing, Nasal washin

ORIGINAL ARTICLE A Ten Year Retrospective Review of Orbital Complications Secondary to Acute Sinusitis in Children

Acute sinusitis is most often a mild self-limiting disease. However, it may progress into severe and life threatening complications. One of the commonest being orbital complication of which visual loss is a direct consequence. In this 10 year retrospective study, the nature of orbital complication, clinical presentation and treatment modalities and outcome seen in children with acute sinusitis in a tertiary referral institute were reviewed. Of six patients, there was a case of preseptal cellulitis, 4 cases of subperiosteal abscess and one case of orbital abscess. Periorbital swelling was a common presenting feature. In 5 cases this was associated with proptosis with one case of impending optic nerve compression. The value of computed tomography and opthalmological examination as a component in the management plan is highlighted. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics but evidence of abscess collection warranted urgent surgical drainage in 5 patients, 3 being endoscopic drainage while external approach was done for the remaining 2 patients. Thus a child exhibiting orbital complication of acute sinusitis, prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in obtaining the best outcome for the child