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The degree to which people take advice, and the factors that influence advice-taking, are of broad interest to laypersons, professionals, and policy-makers. This meta-analysis on 346 effect sizes from 129 independent datasets (N = 17, 296) assessed the weight of advice in the judge-advisor system paradigm, as well as the influence of sample and task characteristics. Information about the advisor(s) that is suggestive of advice quality was the only unique predictor of the overall pooled weight of advice. Individuals adjusted estimates by 32%, 37%, and 48% in response to advisors described in ways that suggest low, neutral, or high quality advice, respectively. This indicates that the benefits of compromise and averaging may be lost if accurate advice is perceived to be low quality, or too much weight is given to inaccurate advice that is perceived to be high quality. When examining the three levels of perceived quality separately, advice-taking was greater for subjective and uncertain estimates, relative to objective estimates, when information about the advisor was neutral in terms of advice quality. Sample characteristics had no effect on advice-taking, thus providing no evidence that age, gender, or individualism influence the weight of advice. The findings contribute to current theoretical debates and provide direction for future research., Author(s): Phoebe E. Bailey [sup.1] , Tarren Leon [sup.1] , Natalie C. Ebner [sup.2] , Ahmed A. Moustafa [sup.3] , Gabrielle Weidemann [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) https://ror.org/03f0f6041, grid.117476.2, 0000 0004 [...]

Background and Aims: Motor-sparing analgesia after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is crucial. The primary endpoint was the postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score after triple injection peri-sartorius (TIPS) block after TKA. Secondary endpoints were postoperative morphine consumption, 24-h postoperative ambulation distances and the degrees of active knee extension. Methods: After general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia administration and before surgical incision, 80 patients undergoing TKA were randomised into group TIPS (received ultrasound-guided TIPS block where 40 ml 0.25% bupivacaine and 4 mg dexamethasone were injected: 10 ml at the distal femoral triangle, 10 ml above the sartorius and 20 ml at the distal adductor canal) and group FNB (femoral nerve block; received ultrasound-guided FNB with 20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine mixed with 4 mg dexamethasone). Postoperative pain score was noted and compared. Results: Dynamic VAS scores were lower in the TIPS group than in FNB, while the resting VAS scores were not significantly different. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) postoperative morphine consumption was 5.82 (2.47) mg in the TIPS group (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.03,6.61) versus 9.87 (2.99) mg in the FNB group (95% CI 8.91,10.83). Ambulation distances and active postoperative knee extension in the TIPS group showed greater significance than in the FNB group (TIPS: 18.0 [7.37] m, 95% CI 15.64,20.35] vs. FNB: 8.95 [5.93] m, 95% CI 7.05,10.84) and (TIPS: 52.12 [16.39], 95% CI 46.88,57.33 vs. FNB: 26.05 [11.10], 95% CI 22.501,29.59). Nausea was more evident in FNB patients. Conclusion: TIPS block provides superior analgesia than FNB with motor sparing of the quadriceps after TKA.

ABSTRACTBackground Ultrasound (US)-guided pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) block helps to improve the field of surgery and control hemodynamic fluctuations during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).Patients and methods 120 eligible patients (60 per group) members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II aged 18 to 50 were randomly classified by closed envelope method. Group C: Patients in the control group received only general anesthesia (GA). Group PFB: Patients received bilateral PPF block with 4 ml 0.25% bupivacaine after induction of GA.Results Heart rate (HR) was significantly lower in PFB than in the control group at 15 min after induction of GA to 105 min intraoperatively. Between the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP). Fentanyl and propranolol were less significantly used intraoperatively in the PFB group. Nitroglycerine was not needed in the PFB group while ten patients in group C received it. The total intraoperative isoflurane consumption and the mean consumption per minute used intraoperatively were significantly higher in the control group. There was a significant statistical difference between the two groups at 15 min only where the endoscopic surgical field condition in group PFB was more visible than in group C. The mean time to extubation and recovery time in group C was significantly longer than in group PFB.Conclusion US-guided PPF block controls the hemodynamics and improves surgical field conditions during FESS, reduces perioperative anesthetics consumption, and enhances good recovery patterns.

Understanding the psychosocial factors that positively and negatively impact academic performance is important to help students succeed and persist in higher education. In this article, we conducted a scoping review to clarify and identify the psychosocial factors affecting university students' academic performance. The initial search returned 1657 articles and 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. Inspection of the articles was conducted to identify the relationship between psychological and social variables on academic performance. We found that psychosocial factors were significantly related to university students' academic performance. Specifically, academic performance was often correlated with social support, motivation, stress, satisfaction, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression, prior academic achievement, study effort, adjustment, family, and emotions. This scoping review defines what constitutes a psychosocial factor within the context of university students' academic performance. We encourage future research to explore the understudied psychosocial variables and not overlook the role of social factors on academic performance.

Anger and aggression have large impact on people's safety and the society at large. In order to provide an intervention to minimise aggressive behaviours, it is important to understand the neural and cognitive aspects of anger and aggression. In this systematic review, we investigate the cognitive and neural aspects of anger-related processes, including anger-related behaviours and anger reduction. Using this information, we then review prior existing methods on the treatment of anger-related disorders as well as anger management, including mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy. At the cognitive level, our review that anger is associated with excessive attention to anger-related stimuli and impulsivity. At the neural level, anger is associated with abnormal functioning of the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. In conclusions, based on cognitive and neural studies, we here argue that mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy may be better at reducing anger and aggression than other behavioural treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness alone. We provide key information on future research work and best ways to manage anger and reduce aggression. Importantly, future research should investigate how anger related behaviours is acquired and how stress impacts the development of anger., Author(s): Yuliya Richard [sup.1] , Nadia Tazi [sup.2] [sup.3] , Dorota Frydecka [sup.4] , Mohamed S. Hamid [sup.5] , Ahmed A. Moustafa [sup.6] [sup.7] Author Affiliations: (1) Blue Horizon Counseling [...]

Background Acetabular fracture surgery can cause severe postoperative pain. A combined lumbar erector spinae plane block and paraspinous sagittal shift quadratus lumborum block may augment analgesia. Methods Fifty two patients undergoing posterior column acetabular surgery were divided into: Group Single puncture combined lumbar Erector spinae and Quadratus lumborum block (SEQ): patients who received SEQ block before anesthesia; and Group morphine (MOR), those who received general anesthesia (GA) and morphine. Results Demographic characteristics were comparable. The heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly lower in the SEQ group than in the MOR group between 60 and 180 min intraoperatively (P < 0.001). Postoperative resting and dynamic visual analogue scale scores in the SEQ group were significantly lower than those in the MOR group at all studied periods (P = 0.022–0.001), except at 20 and 24 h postoperatively. Fentanyl was required in all MOR group patients at a mean dose of 110.0 ± 28.42 µg while 18 patients required fentanyl in SEQ group at a mean dose of 60.55 ± 25.54 µg. Postoperative morphine consumption was significantly less in SEQ group (6.33 ± 2.37 mg) than MOR group (17.0 ± 2.55 mg). Postoperative nausea and vomiting were recorded in eight and four patients in MOR and SEQ group, respectively. No complications associated with the block technique were observed. Conclusions The SEQ block reduces the postoperative opioid consumption and provides stable intra and postoperative hemodynamics without observed complications in posterior column acetabular surgery.

There is great body of evidence showing a relationship between childhood adversity and psychosis onset. Genetic factors moderate the association between childhood adversity and psychosis risk potentially by influencing biological and/or psychological reaction following exposure to adversity. In this review, we discuss studies identifying the specific genetic variants known to affect dopamine levels involved in this interaction. Our review shows that the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), AKT1 gene play a key role in mediating the relationship between childhood adversity and development of psychosis. We have also found conflicting findings on the impact of dopamine genes on the relationship between childhood adversity and development of psychosis, suggesting that other genetic and environmental factors should be taken into account. We here discuss the implications of our findings and future directions., Author(s): Dorota Frydecka [sup.1] , Eid Abo Hamza [sup.2] [sup.3] , Ahmed Helal [sup.3] , Ahmed A. Moustafa [sup.4] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.4495.c, 0000 0001 1090 049X, Department of [...]

Self-defining memories (i.e., memories of self-relevant events) were found to be hampered by Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We therefore investigated whether this decline can be alleviated with odor exposure. We invited individuals with mild AD and healthy controls to choose a preferred odor and to retrieve three autobiographical memories after exposure to that odor as well as to retrieve three other memories without odor exposure. We analyzed the retrieved memories regarding their self-defining nature. Results demonstrated a retrieval of a higher number of self-defining memories in individuals with AD after odor-exposure than in the odor-free condition. Our study demonstrates positive effects of odor exposure on self-defining memories in AD but not in normal aging. We attribute the beneficial effect of odors in individuals with AD to their familiarity. At the clinical level, our findings contribute to the enhancement of autobiographical memory and the amelioration of diminished sense of self in AD., Author(s): Mohamad El Haj [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] [sup.4] , Ophélie Glachet [sup.5] , Ahmed A. Moustafa [sup.6] [sup.7] , Karim Gallouj [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.4817.a, 0000 0001 2189 0784, [...]

Background: Scalp deficiencies can be caused by a number of different etiological reasons, including tumor extirpation, infection, burns, or trauma to this special region of the human body. The scalp can be reconstructed in a number of ways, including through primary closure, skin grafting, local flaps, tissue expansion, or free tissue transfer. Aim of the work: To evaluate the various methods utilized for reconstructing scalp deformities; to get better surgical choice, through meta-analysis regarding defect size, depth, location, hair line, alopecia risk and aesthetic appearance.Patients and Methods: Recent clinical trials or cluster trials, as well as retrospective compared cohort studies, were included in this Meta-analysis. Study was conducted on human subjects with reconstruction of scalp defects. Review of the Methods Used in Reconstructing Scalp Defects; to get better surgical choice, through meta-analysis regarding defect size, depth, location, hairline, alopecia risk and aesthetic appearance. Results: A total of 393 cases had complete healing as regard complications founded in form of Hematoma in 18 cases, infection in 4 cases, seroma in 3 cases, wound dehiscence in 63 cases, Distal flap necrosis in 1 case, Partial flap loss in 13 cases, total Graft loss in 13 cases.Conclusion: Using local flaps to repair scalp abnormalities is a straight forward operation that does not often require extensive postoperative care and can be completed in a short amount of time with minimal risk. A local scalp flap is the preferred method for reconstructing even a big and complex scalp defect, such as one that involves the cranium or the dura. Our findings suggest that problems from local axial flap applications were infrequent and did not significantly impact flap survival.

Abstract Background The use of a topical anticholinergic medication, ipratropium bromide, and its ability to inhibit methacholine and rhinitis-induced hypersecretion is emphasized. Ipratropium bromide appears to be both safe and effective in reducing this troublesome symptom. This study is designed to show the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic local treatment on nasal mucosa in patients with vasomotor rhinitis. Objective To assess the therapeutic effect of local anticholinergic treatment on nasal mucosa in patients with vasomotor rhinitis compared to non-vasomotor (allergic) patients and normal individuals, and if there any down regulation of the muscarinic receptors or not. Patients and methods This prospective intervention study was conducted in Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. This study was conducted on 60 cases. All patients were divided into 3 groups: study group (1) includes 20 patients diagnosed clinically non-allergic rhinitis suggestive to be vasomotor rhinitis. Study group (2) includes 20 patients diagnosed as allergic rhinitis. Study group (3) includes 20 patients performing surgery for non-vasomotor rhinitis non-allergic causes (as septoplasty or rhinoplasty). Results Comparison between the pre- and post-SNOT questionnaire of symptoms among vasomotor group showed that there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms; nasal obstruction, runny nose, post-nasal drip, thick nasal discharge and Lack of good night sleep. Among allergic cases group, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment IHC (immunohistochemistry) findings considering Epithelium, Glands, arteries and veins. 20% of cases had grade 3 epithelium before treatment while after treatment, this was dropped to 0%. Comparison between the pre- and post-SNOT questionnaire of symptoms among allergic group showed that there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms; runny nose, post-nasal drip, and thick nasal discharge. Among non-vasomotor rhinitis non-allergic causes (as septoplasty or rhinoplasty) group, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment IHC findings considering epithelium, glands, and arteries; however, no significant difference between the pre- and post-IHC veins grade. Also, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms. Conclusion Topical anticholinergics such as ipratropium bromide nasal spray are effective in treating rhinorrhea symptoms in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Further controlled studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results and to identify risk factors of adverse events.

The multi-institution Single-Volume Scatter Camera (SVSC) collaboration led by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) is developing a compact, high-efficiency double-scatter neutron imaging system. Kinematic emission imaging of fission-energy neutrons can be used to detect, locate, and spatially characterize special nuclear material. Neutron-scatter cameras, analogous to Compton imagers for gamma ray detection, have a wide field of view, good event-by-event angular resolution, and spectral sensitivity. Existing systems, however, suffer from large size and/or poor efficiency. We are developing high-efficiency scatter cameras with small form factors by detecting both neutron scatters in a compact active volume. This effort requires development and characterization of individual system components, namely fast organic scintillators, photodetectors, electronics, and reconstruction algorithms. In this presentation, we will focus on characterization measurements of several SVSC candidate scintillators. The SVSC collaboration is investigating two system concepts: the monolithic design in which isotropically emitted photons are detected on the sides of the volume, and the optically segmented design in which scintillation light is channeled along scintillator bars to segmented photodetector readout. For each of these approaches, we will describe the construction and performance of prototype systems. We will conclude by summarizing lessons learned, comparing and contrasting the two system designs, and outlining plans for the next iteration of prototype design and construction.