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Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the positional and morphological changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in adult patients with skeletal Class I malocclusion treated with fixed orthodontic appliances (FAs) and clear aligners (CAs), both with and without premolar extractions. Methods This retrospective study involved 120 adult patients divided into non-extraction and extraction groups, each further subdivided equally into those treated with FAs and CAs. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to assess the TMJ measurements before (T0) and after treatment (T1). Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the mean changes in intra- and inter-groups. A significance level of p ≤ 0.05 was considered. Results In the non-extraction group, specifically in FAs, significant increases were observed in TMJ parameters; anteroposterior condylar position (APCP) and mediolateral condylar inclination (MCI). Conversely, significant decreases were noted in vertical condylar position (VCP) and vertical condylar inclination (VCI). In the extraction group, significant increases were noted in APCP and anterior joint space (AJS), while posterior joint space (PJS) and anteroposterior condylar joint position (APCJP) decreased. For inter-group comparisons, the extraction group showed significant increases in APCP in FAs compared to CAs, and a significant decrease in APCJP in FAs compared to CAs. Conclusion FAs significantly impact condylar positions and joint spaces, especially in extraction cases. Monitoring TMJ parameters during orthodontic treatment is crucial to ensure positive outcomes and prevent TMJ disorders (TMDs). These findings may guide the selection of orthodontic appliances based on individual malocclusion characteristics.

Background: Ocular allergy (OA) is one of the most common disorders worldwide, affecting millions of individuals of all ages. Public education about the disease is critical for lowering the prevalence of OAs. The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level of OA among undergraduate students at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire. A total of six multiple choice questions were used to assess awareness of OA with a maximum possible score of 6. In addition, nine checkboxes and multiple-choice questions were used to evaluate knowledge of ocular allergy with a maximum possible score of 21. Results: The study included 591 participants. The average awareness score was 3.1 ± 1.47 points. The average knowledge score was 9.41 ± 4.04 points. The average knowledge and awareness score was lower in males than in females. A higher age (>27 years) was associated with better knowledge of OA (B = 3.62, P = 0.008). The Internet was the most common source of information mentioned by the respondents (26.3%). Conclusion: Our study showed that Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University undergraduate students had moderate knowledge and awareness of OA. Thus, additional effort is required to enhance the knowledge and awareness of OA.

Background: The wound healing process post-extraction is expected to be quick, which can reduce the risk of complications and restore normal tissue function. A minimum oxygen supply needs to be met so that acceleration of the wound healing process can occur. Wound healing can be accelerated by continuous moderate-intensity exercise with increasing tissue oxygenation. Collagen requires oxygen in the procollagen formation process to support wound healing. Purpose: This study aimed to prove the role of continuous moderate-intensity exercise in increasing collagen density in the dental sockets of Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) after tooth extraction. Methods: Four groups of Wistar rats were created: control groups K1 (on day 3) and K2 (on day 7), and treatment groups K3 (on day 3) and K4 (on day 7). K1 and K2 were submerged in a bucket of water, and K3 and K4 received daily moderate-intensity exercise for a duration of two weeks. The rats’ incisors were extracted on the day 15. Post-extraction collagen density was measured on day 3 (K1 and K3) and on day 7 (K2 and K4). The one-way ANOVA test and post-hoc Tukey test were used in the statistical analysis of the data. Results: There was a significant difference between all groups (p: 0.0001; p

Abstract Background Maxillary sinus septa increase perforation risk of Schneiderian membrane during the sinus floor elevation (SFE). Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) allows for a more precise assessment of the septal position; thus, preoperative CBCT analysis is substantial to avoid possible complications. This study aims to investigate the 3D characteristics of the maxillary sinus septa based on CBCT images. To our knowledge, no study reported the CBCT-based investigation for the sinus septa among Yemeni population. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 880 sinus CBCT images 440 patients. The septa prevalence, locations, orientations, morphology, and associated factors were analyzed. The effect of age, gender, and dental status on the sinus septa and the relationship between sinus membrane pathology and sinus septa were also analyzed. Anatomage (Invivo version 6) was used for CBCT images analysis. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed, and a P-value

ABSTRACT: Objective: The present study aimed to estimate the location of the incisive canal (IC) concerning the upper central incisor roots (U1) in order to explore the amount of incisor retraction as per the envelope of discrepancy amongst Chinese patients with different vertical facial growth patterns. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that used a total of 207 pretreatment cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of adults with a skeletal class I relationship. Sixty-nine cases were included in each of the normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent facial groups. The IC volume was measured using Mimics 21 software. The IC width and IC-U1 proximity were measured using in vivo 6 software. Linear measurements were conducted at 3 vertical levels. Results: The IC has shown a larger volume in the hyperdivergent group and male patients. Overall, the IC has recorded linear width greater than the inter-root distance of U1 in 59.1%, 66%, and 68.8% amongst the normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent facial groups, respectively, and in 58.3% of males and 70.8% of females. The overall sagittal distances between the U1 and IC were 4.00 ± 0.82 mm, 4.60 ± 0.83 mm, and 3.60 ± 0.80 mm amongst the normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent facial groups, respectively. Conclusions: The maximum sagittal distances between U1 and IC were 4.8 mm, 5.4 mm, and 4.4 mm amongst the normodivergent, hypodivergent, and hyperdivergent facial groups, respectively. Thereby, our findings have revised the retraction aspect of the envelope of discrepancy as per the different vertical facial growth patterns, which could serve a reference for the clinical practice involved considerable incisors movement, especially among Chinese patients.

In order to fight the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the AstraZeneca vaccine was introduced in the Saudi Arabian vaccination campaign. AstraZeneca was rapidly developed, and side effects have been reported following vaccination. This review aims to evaluate the adverse side-effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine within the Saudi population. A literature search of the national and international databases PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Embase databases, and Cochrane Library using the search terms “Covid-19 vaccine”, “AstraZeneca post-vaccination,” and “Covid-19 vaccine Saudi Arabia” in combination with the terms “side effects,” “adverse effects,” and “Covid-19 AstraZeneca” was performed. Articles published before 12 January 2022 were eligible for screening. A total of seven articles met the inclusion criteria, totaling 4838 participants. The most common side effects were fever and either pain or redness at the site of the injection. Furthermore, systemic reactions to AstraZeneca accounted for approximately 80% of adverse effects following vaccination. In sum, AstraZeneca appears to have mild to moderate side effects.

Abstract Background This study aimed to compare spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) maturation stages with a three-dimensional assessment of mandibular growth. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of a retrospective type, in which cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 500 patients aged 6 to 25 years (226 males and 274 females) were analyzed. The SOS was evaluated using the four-stage scoring system; completely open, partially fused, semi-fused, or completely fused. The SOS scoring and three-dimensional cephalometric measurements were analyzed by Invivo 6.0.3 software. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed, and a P-value

Stochastic networks are one of the most prevalent types of networks these days. Therefore, many researchers directed to study them and summarize the essential points and challenges they face in developing these types of networks, especially optimal route path selection. In this paper, a solution to this problem was addressed using the evolutionary algorithm ACO (Ant Colony Optimization), where the path with the lowest cost was obtained according to several scenarios studied in the research, which consider the fact that, the traffic information in the network is available either in a static or in a dynamic form in real-time. The proposed method presented contributions for real networks that can be used in many applications. The results are essential in solving the problem of choosing the optimal route. Also, they can be applied to various scenarios of the stochastic networks that exist in real life. Optimization improves logistics efficiency, which contributes to sustainability by minimizing fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and conserving resources.

Author(s): Chiara Robba [sup.1] [sup.2], Adrian Wong [sup.3], Daniele Poole [sup.4], Ashraf Al Tayar [sup.5], Robert T. Arntfield [sup.6], Michelle S. Chew [sup.7], Francesco Corradi [sup.8] [sup.9], Ghislaine Douflé [sup.10], [...], Purpose To provide consensus, and a list of experts' recommendations regarding the basic skills for head-to-toe ultrasonography in the intensive care setting. Methods The Executive Committee of the European Society of Intensive Care (ESICM) commissioned the project and supervised the methodology and structure of the consensus. We selected an international panel of 19 expert clinicians-researchers in intensive care unit (ICU) with expertise in critical care ultrasonography (US), plus a non-voting methodologist. The panel was divided into five subgroups (brain, lung, heart, abdomen and vascular ultrasound) which identified the domains and generated a list of questions to be addressed by the panel. A Delphi process based on an iterative approach was used to obtain the final consensus statements. Statements were classified as a strong recommendation (84% of agreement), weak recommendation (74% of agreement), and no recommendation (less than 74%), in favor or against. Results This consensus produced a total of 74 statements (7 for brain, 20 for lung, 20 for heart, 20 for abdomen, 7 for vascular Ultrasound). We obtained strong agreement in favor for 49 statements (66.2%), 8 weak in favor (10.8%), 3 weak against (4.1%), and no consensus in 14 cases (19.9%). In most cases when consensus was not obtained, it was felt that the skills were considered as too advanced. A research agenda and discussion on training programs were implemented from the results of the consensus. Conclusions This consensus provides guidance for the basic use of critical care US and paves the way for the development of training and research projects.

Najla Al-Ayyadhi,1 Marwa Mohsen Ramadan,2 Eman Al-Tayar,3 Radhia Al-Mathkouri,3 Shaimaa Al-Awadhi3 1Public Health Specialist, Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, State of Kuwait; 2Lecturer of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; 3Public Health Physician, Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Kuwait City, State of KuwaitCorrespondence: Najla Al-AyyadhiPublic Health Department, Kuwait Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 17782, Khaldeya, Kuwait City, 72458, State of KuwaitTel +965 99644676Email dr.najla1001@hotmail.comBackground: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has wrought havoc upon healthcare and economic systems worldwide. COVID-19 vaccines considered a beacon of hope for normal life to return. We wished to understand the willingness of people in Kuwait to be vaccinated against COVID-19.Methods: An online, exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted on 16– 18 January 2021 using a validated structured questionnaire to collect data from adults aged 18 years or older living in Kuwait by applying a “snowball sampling” method.Results: A total of 7274 people received an online link of the survey on their smartphone or computer, and 6943 people enrolled in this study (95.4%). Kuwaiti nationals represented 79.7% of the study cohort, 54.8% were aged ≥ 40 years, and 66.7% were females. Hesitancy against a COVID-19 vaccine was remarkably high (74.3%), with 50.8% not planning to take it and 23.5% not sure about taking it. The overall mean perception score was 3.4 ± 2.8, with 66.8% having a negative attitude towards a COVID-19 vaccine. Multiple logistic regression analysis of the factors affecting the decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine was done. The decision to take a COVID-19 vaccine was significantly positively associated with younger age (OR = 1.219), being male (2.169), having a higher education level (1.362), vaccinated against seasonal influenza previously (2.706), being a non-Kuwaiti (1.329), being a healthcare worker (1.366), and working in the private sector (1.228). Options to encourage future COVID-19 vaccination were more studies showing the vaccine to be safe and efficacious (68.6%), physician recommendation (41.8%), mandatory travel requirements (39.8%), if a family or friend vaccinated (34.9%) and compulsory by government (33.1%) or for employment (29.8%).Conclusion: Our data suggest that considerable vaccine hesitancy persists despite the widespread availability of highly efficacious and safe COVID-19 vaccines.Keywords: COVID-19, vaccine acceptance, vaccine uptake, hesitancy, barriers

ABSTRACT: Background: Ocular allergy (OA) is one of the most common disorders worldwide, affecting millions of individuals of all ages. Public education about the disease is critical for lowering the prevalence of OAs. The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level of OA among undergraduate students at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through a self-administered online questionnaire. A total of six multiple choice questions were used to assess awareness of OA with a maximum possible score of 6. In addition, nine checkboxes and multiple-choice questions were used to evaluate knowledge of ocular allergy with a maximum possible score of 21. Results: The study included 591 participants. The average awareness score was 3.1 ± 1.47 points. The average knowledge score was 9.41 ± 4.04 points. The average knowledge and awareness score was lower in males than in females. A higher age (>27 years) was associated with better knowledge of OA (B = 3.62, P = 0.008). The Internet was the most common source of information mentioned by the respondents (26.3%). Conclusion: Our study showed that Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University undergraduate students had moderate knowledge and awareness of OA. Thus, additional effort is required to enhance the knowledge and awareness of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study conducted on rats to examine the effects of exercise on collagen density after tooth extraction. The researchers found that rats in the treatment group, which had been given continuous moderate-intensity exercise, had a higher collagen density compared to the control group. Collagen density was assessed through histological examination, and the results showed that exercise can accelerate wound healing in the oral cavity. The study highlights the importance of oxygen supply and collagen synthesis in the wound healing process. The findings suggest that exercise can increase collagen density and improve the wound healing process. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: Evaluation of the stress in the bone and miniscrew displacement of 1.3 and 1.4 mm in diameter inserted in two bone models of 1 and 2 mm of cortical bone thickness at 90◦ angulation to the bone. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 20 models which were grouped into four groups, each group included five models. The bone models of different cortical thickness (1mm,2mm) were designed by a three dimensional Finite Element Analysis Program. The miniscrew models of 1.3 and 1.4 mm in diameter were created by the same program. Then inserting the threaded part of miniscrew in the bone block at 90°, and assigning the material properties and applying of 2N as an orthodontic force. Finally the stress distribution in the bone and miniscrew displacement in the different conditions were evaluated. the results were analyzed by using ANOVA and Duncan analysis. Results: The miniscrew diameter 1.4 mm inserted in 2 mm cortical bone thickness demonstrated the lowest bone stress and miniscrew displacement than the others. Conclusions: As cortical thickness and miniscrew diameter increased the bone stress reduced and less miniscrew displacement occurs.

Technology promises to shape new education systems with modern features that accommodate the shortcomings of traditional systems. This study aims to answer these questions: Are Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Yemen, Taiz state, prepared to accept technology-based education (TBE) and what are the main challenges for that? 5-point Likert scale questionnaires targeted 221 female engineering students and 87 faculty members from public and private universities in Taiz state, while the survey data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software 23. The study examined many related variables such as skills to use and availability of technology devices, having personal laptops or smartphones, social beliefs, students' self-motivation, and institutions' vision and infrastructures. The results demonstrated that students exhibit better involvement with TBE than faculty members, while students' low income and social barriers represent a solid obstruction to the employment of online and blended education technologies in Yemen. The results also indicate that about 30% of the participant in Yemen did not have personal laptops. Besides, HEIs' infrastructure, such as smart classrooms, electricity, Internet, administrative structure, and scientific research incentives suggest that universities are incompatible with TBE. Finally, this study addressed the impact of cost-free social media platforms in enhancing students’ academic attainments. implications for government, HEIs, faculty members, and students were recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stochastic networks are one of the most prevalent types of networks these days. Therefore, many researchers directed to study them and summarize the essential points and challenges they face in developing these types of networks, especially optimal route path selection. In this paper, a solution to this problem was addressed using the evolutionary algorithm ACO (Ant Colony Optimization), where the path with the lowest cost was obtained according to several scenarios studied in the research, which consider the fact that, the traffic information in the network is available either in a static or in a dynamic form in real-time. The proposed method presented contributions for real networks that can be used in many applications. The results are essential in solving the problem of choosing the optimal route. Also, they can be applied to various scenarios of the stochastic networks that exist in real life. Optimization improves logistics efficiency, which contributes to sustainability by minimizing fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and conserving resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly sensitive spectrophotometric method for the analysis of catecholamine drugs; L-dopa and methyldopa, is described. The analysis is based on the reaction of drug molecules with vanadium (V) which is reduced to vanadium (IV) and form complex with eriochrome cyanine R to give products having maximum absorbance (lmax) at 565 nm. Beer's law is obeyed in the range 0.028-0.84 and 0.099-0.996 mg mL-1 for L-dopa and methyldopa, respectively. The statistical analysis as well as comparison with reported methods demonstrated high precision and accuracy of the proposed method. The method was successfully applied in the analysis of pharmaceutical preparations.