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Background: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation aims to provide respiratory support without the pulmonary and non-pulmonary complications associated with invasivemechanical ventilation including infection, subglottic stenosis, air leak syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). There is a notable increase in use of various types of noninvasive respiratory support post extubation to ensure the sucesss of extubation and avoid re-intubation. Noninvasive high frequency ventilation (NHFOV) is a new mode of noninvasive ventilation which is achieved through the use of noninvasive continuous flow with superimposed oscillations combining the benefits of high frequency oscillatory ventilaltion and noninvasive ventilation. Aim of Work: The primary aim of the study is to compare reventilation rate between noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and NHFOV when used as post extubation respiratory support. Secondary aim was to compare workof breathing, chest X-ray grade, incidence of pneumothorax and duration to reach full enteral intake between the 2 groups. Methodology: Sixty preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who received invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours were included in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated post-extubation to NIPPV or NHFOV. The 2 groups were matched regarding weight, gestational age and comorbidities during invasive ventilation. Patients were compared regarding re-ventilation rate, work of breathing assessed by Downes score, chest X-ray grade, incidence of pneumothorax and duration to reach full enteral intake. Results: Lower re-ventilation rate was found in NHFOV group (23.3%) compared to NIPPV group (30.0%). Median duration to reach full intake was shorter in NHFOV group (8 days) compared to NIPPV group (9.5 days) however, theseresults didn't reach statistically significant difference (P value = 0.559 value and 0.299 respectively). No difference was found between studied groups regarding work of breathing assessed by Downes' score (P value = 0.634) nor regarding chest X-ray grades (p value= 0.902). Incidence of pneumothorax was equal in NHFOV group compared to NIPPV group with p value of 0.313. Conclusion: NHFOV is a promising safe noninvasive mode for neonates post-extubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic in March 2020. Such widespread outbreaks are associated with adverse mental health consequences. Aims: To evaluate mental health outcomes among Egyptian healthcare workers (HCW) treating patients with confirmed or suspected Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to direct the promotion of mental wellbeing, by screening for symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression and stress, and analyzing potential risk factors. Methods: This cross-sectional, hospital-based survey study collected demographic data and mental health measurements from 502 HCW dealing with COVID-19. HCW were surveyed in 20 hospitals (Fever, Chest, and Quarantine hospitals) in different parts of Egypt, in April and May 2020. Results: Among the 502 HCW surveyed; 60.0% were physicians, 16.1% were specialized nurses, and 23.9% were non-specialized nurses. About 35.3% worked in chest hospitals, 17.5% in fever hospitals, and 47.2% in quarantine hospitals. A considerable proportion of HCW had symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, depression, and stress. Females were at higher risk of experiencing symptoms of severe anxiety (odds ratio [OR], 1.85; 95% CI, 1.12–3.05; p =.016), severe depression (OR, 2.013; 95% CI, 1.17–3.4; p =.011), and severe stress (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.5–4.6; p <.001). Fever hospital workers were at higher risk of severe depression (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.11–2.09; p <.01), compared to Quarantine hospital workers. Conclusion: Ensuring proper mental health support for HCW is an important component of public health measures for addressing the COVID-19 epidemic and safeguarding the continuity of appropriate medical service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra-short laser pulses are particularly suitable for processing micro tools made of ultra-hard and dielectric materials. Ultra-short laser pulses provide a contact-free and precise fabrication of heat-sensitive materials such as visible spectra range. Visible spectra range has unique properties, which makes it an essential material in the tool, jewelry, and semiconductor industries. The processing of visible spectra range by ultra-short laser pulses is complex, as visible and near-infrared light is generally not absorbed. However, the intensity of ultra-short laser pulses is extremely high, so that the absorption scales nonlinearly with the intensity and, thus, visible or near-infrared light can be absorbed. The complexity also results from many partially interdependent process variables, such as the repetition rate, pulse overlap, track overlap, and scan speed. Excellent knowledge of the process is, therefore, essential for the production of micro tools. To make the laser processing accessible to a broader user field, the operator can be supported by a computer-aided design (CAD). The aim of this research was to the modeling of an ultra-short high-intensity laser for the visible spectra range in different environments of the angle of incidence, scanning speed, pulse, and track overlap. The experimental process included ultra-short pulsed laser processing of visible spectra range and surface analysis concerning modifications and ablation of the ultra-short laser. Ablation volumes were analyzed for single pulses, multi-pulses, and pockets. Pump-probe experiments reveal transient optical properties such as transmission or reflectivity. It was concluded that ultraviolet laser pulses are best suited to induce damage or modifications to visible spectra range surfaces. Additionally, shorter wavelengths have further advantages such as potentially longer Rayleigh lengths and smaller spot sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]