A temperature sensor based on Si/PS/SiO2 photonic crystals

The present research deals with the extremely sensitive temperature-sensing capabilities of defective one-dimensional photonic crystal structures (Si/PS/SiO2). The proposed structure is realized by putting a defective layer of material silicon Dioxide (SiO2) in the middle of a structure consisting of alternating layers of silicon (Si) and porous silica (PS). The transfer matrix method has been employed to examine the transmission characteristics of the proposed defective one-dimensional photonic crystal in addition to MATLAB software. The transmission spectra of the proposed structure in the visible light domain are computed throughout a temperature range of 25-900 °C, and we study the thermal properties related to the defective mode. Additionally, the impacts of changing the defect layer's thickness are examined. Due to the effects of thermal expansion and the thermo-optical coefficient, the defect mode varies significantly as the temperature increases. Our investigation shows that the proposed structure considerably impacts the transmission intensity of the defective mode. The theoretically obtained numeric values of the quality factor and sensitivity are 2216.6 and 0.085 nm/°C, respectively. The challenges presented by conventional temperature sensors could be overcome by the suggested defective photonic crystal sensor. These results are enough to support our claim that the present design can be used as an ultra-sensitive temperature sensor.

Ultra-high sensitive cancerous cells detection and sensing capabilities of photonic biosensor

The ultra-high sensitive cancer cell detection capabilities of one-dimensional photonic crystal with defect have been theoretically examined in this work. The simulations of the work have been carried out with MATLAB programming and transfer matrix method. The performance of the proposed biosensor loaded separately with samples containing different cancer cells has been studied by changing the period number, defect layer thickness, and incident angle corresponding to s polarized light only to identify the parameters under which the proposed design becomes ultra-sensitive. The working principle of the proposed biosensor is to sense the minute change in the refractive index of the analytes containing different cancer cells of human. This sensing is done shifting the respective defect mode inside photonic band gap of the structure from one position to other near by position due to change in the refractive index of sample under consideration. Our structure under optimum conditions yields maximum shifting in the position of defect mode from 1538 to 1648 nm corresponding to the samples containing normal and Glioblastoma cells of refractive indices 1.350 and 1.4470 respectively which results a ultra-high sensitivity of 4270.525928 nm/RIU.

Ultra-sensitive pressure sensing capabilities of defective one-dimensional photonic crystal

Present research work deals with the extremely sensitive pressure-sensing capabilities of defective one-dimensional photonic crystal structure (GaP/SiO2)N/Al2O3/(GaP/SiO2)N. The proposed structure is realized by putting a defective layer of material Al2O3 in the middle of a structure consisting of alternating layers of GaP and SiO2. The transfer matrix method has been employed to examine the transmission characteristics of the proposed defective one-dimensional photonic crystal in addition to MATLAB software. An external application of the hydrostatic pressure on the proposed structure is responsible for the change in the position and intensity of defect mode inside the photonic band gap of the structure due to pressure-dependent refractive index properties of the materials being used in the design of the sructure. Additionally, the dependence of the transmission properties of the structure on other parameters like incident angle and defect layer thickness has also studied. The theoretical obtained numeric values of the quality factor and sensitivity are 17,870 and 72 nm/GPa respectively. These results are enough to support our claim that the present design can be used as an ultra-sensitive pressure sensor.

Effectiveness of photodynamic therapy on clinical and biomarker related periodontal parameters and oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) in Parkinson's disease patients with stage III periodontitis

AIMS

To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, immune modulatory biomarkers and quality of life with the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive treatment to dental scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis and Parkinson's disease.

METHODOLOGY

Individuals who had a confirmed diagnosis of stage III periodontitis and stage 4 Parkinson's disease according to Hoehn and Yahr scale were involved in this study. The participants were divided into two groups: Group SRP (n = 25) received traditional dental scaling procedure including full-mouth debridement and disinfection, and Group PDT + SRP (n = 25) received both traditional cleaning procedures along with adjunctive chloro‑aluminum phthalocyanine (CAPC) gel (0.005% concentration) mediated PDT. CAPC photosensitizer was activated using a diode laser (wavelength=640 nm, energy=4 J, 150 mW power, and overall power density of 300 J/cm2) for 60 s. The study measured clinical parameters such as plaque score (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and radiographic alveolar bone loss (ABL). Proinflammatory cytokine levels such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and oral health related quality of life were also assessed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients in Group SRP was 73.3 years, while the mean age in Group PDT + SRP was 71.6 years. The PDT + SRP group showed a significant reduction in all clinical parameters at 6 and 12 months compared to the SRP group alone (p < 0.05). IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly reduced in the PDT + SRP group at 6 months compared to the SRP group alone (p < 0.05). However, at 12 months, both groups showed comparable TNF-α levels. The results showed that Group PDT + SRP had significantly lower OHIP scores compared to Group SRP, with a mean difference of 4.55 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.98 to 7.12) (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Combined SRP with PDT showed significant improvement compared to SRP alone in terms of clinical parameters, cytokine levels, and oral health-related quality of life in individuals diagnosed with stage III periodontitis associated with Parkinson's disease.

MATLAB simulation based study on poliovirus sensing through one-dimensional photonic crystal with defect

The present work, theoretically examined the poliovirus sensor model composed of one-dimensional photonic crystal with defect. The transfer matrix method with the help of MATLAB software has been used to detect poliovirus present in the water sample. The main objective of the present work is to design an efficient sensor by identifying the minute variation in the refractive index of water sample due to change in the poliovirus concentration present in the sample. The alternate layers of aluminum nitride and gallium nitride has been taken to realize Bragg reflector having defect layer of air at center of the Bragg reflector. The effect of change in thickness of defect layer region, period number and incident angle corresponding to transverse electric wave has been examined to optimize the structure which correspond maximum performance of the proposed poliovirus sensing structure. The maximum performance of the structure has been obtained with optimum value of defect layer thickness 1200 nm, period number 10 and incident angle 40°. Under optimum condition maximum sensitivity of 1189.65517 nm/RIU has been obtained when the structure is loaded with waters sample of poliovirus concentration C = 0.005 g/ml whereas figure of merit, quality factor, signal to noise ratio, dynamic range, limit of detection and resolution values become 2618.28446 per RIU, 3102.06475, 2.27791, 2090.99500, 1.91E-05 and 0.24656 respectively.

Resin Modified Glass Ionomer bonded to Caries affected dentin disinfected with Carbon dioxide laser, Diode lasers, Bee glue and Photosensitizing agents: An estimation of bond strength

AIM

The present in vitro study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different cavity disinfectants chlorhexidine (CHX), riboflavin (RF), diode laser (DL), carbon dioxide laser (CO₂), and Propolis on the bond values of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restoration bonded to caries affected dentin (CAD) MATERIALS AND METHODS: : Forty multi-rooted mandibular molars were adapted in self-cure acrylic resin blocks up to the level of the cementoenamel junction so that only the crown portion of the tooth remained visible. Silicon carbide discs of 1200 and 600 grits were then used to remove infected dentin. However, CAD was left behind to use as a substrate for restoration. All samples were randomly divided into five groups based on the method of disinfection. group 1: Propolis, group 2: CHX, group 3:RF activated by PDT, group 4: CO₂ laser, and group 5: DL. RMGIC restoration was then placed on these disinfected samples. Samples were kept in an incubator keeping humidity at 100 % and temperature at 37 °C for about 24 hrs. All samples were then placed in a Universal testing machine to measure SBS. Failure modes were identified using a stereomicroscope. ANOVA test was used to analyze intergroup comparison. Tukey HSD test was used to evaluate multiple group comparisons. The level of significance was set at a p < 0.05 value.

RESULTS

Group 2 specimens disinfected with CHX established the highest SBS value (17.85±1.09 MPa). Whereas, Group 5 specimens in which CAD was disinfected with DL demonstrated the lowest SBS (10.36±0.33MPa).

CONCLUSION

CO₂ has the potential to be used alternate to CHX for caries-affected dentin disinfection. However, Riboflavin activated by photodynamic therapy; Diode laser, and Propolis as cavity disinfectant prior bond to resin-modified glass ionomer is not recommended and needs further probing.

Role of Riboflavin; Curcumin photosensitizers and Ozone when used as canal disinfectant on Push-out bond strength of glass fibre post to radicular dentin

AIM

To assess the efficacy of photosensitizers (CP, riboflavin) and gaseous ozone in comparison to the conventional radicular dentin disinfectant (NaOCl) on push-out bond strength (PBS) of PFRC post cemented to radicular dentin MATERIAL AND METHOD: Human single-rooted teeth were collected, steriled implanted in polyvinyl pipes up to a cement-o-enamel junction and de coronated. Cleaning and shaping of the canal were performed using the crown down technique followed by obturation of the canal space. Canal space was prepared using peso reamers and samples were divided into four groups based on types of canal disinfectant protocols. Group 1: Riboflavin+ 17%EDTA; group 2: Curcumin Photosensitizer + 17% EDTA; group 3: Gaseous Ozone disinfection (O3) +17% EDTA and group 4 control 2.5% NaOCl +17% EDTA. Within the canal space, fiber post was cemented and cured, and thermocycled. PBS was evaluated using a Universal testing machine (UTM) and failure modes using a stereomicroscope at 40x magnification. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the mean and standard deviation of push-out bond strength (PBS). The Tukey multiple comparison tests (p = 0.05) was used to compare the means of PBS RESULTS: The highest PBS was displayed in group 2 CP+ 17% EDTA at all three root levels, coronal (8.81±0.61), middle (7.77±0.55), and apical (5.25±0.61). The lowest PBS was revealed in group 4, disinfected with 2.5% NaOCl +17% EDTA (control) at coronal (6.12±0.54), middle (5.46±0.84), and apical (3.00±1.88) levels. The most prevailed fracture mode was an adhesive failure (cement-dentin interface).

CONCLUSION

Radicular dentin disinfected with PDT using CP, riboflavin, and O3 displayed similar PBS at all root segments. NaOCl is a convenient, traditional, and commonly used disinfectant, and it's effects on PBS is still controversial.

Graphene oxide-based experimental silane primers enhance shear bond strength between resin composite and zirconia

Despite various mechanical and chemical surface-pretreatment methods, long-term bonding of resin composite to dental zirconia (ZrO₂ ) remains a major concern. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) sheets were infused into two commercially available primers and the enclosed mould shear bond strength (EM-SBS) of resin composite to ZrO₂ was evaluated. Twelve fully sintered ZrO₂ blanks were pretreated and randomly allocated to four groups according to the primers used: RelyX (RX); GO blended RelyX (RXGO); Monobond-S (MB); and GO blended Monobond-S (MBGO). The resin composite stubs were bonded onto the pretreated ZrO₂ surfaces and analysed at baseline and after storage in distilled water for 2 and 4 months. The experimental primers blended with GO sheets influenced the surface morphology, visualized as increased surface roughness, and slightly increased the water contact angle measurements. Moreover, the infusion of primers with GO increased the mass fraction (wt%) of carbon and oxygen. The highest EM-SBS values were found for RXGO, with mean (SD) EM-SBS values of 26.4 (3.7) MPa and 21.5 (5.1) MPa after 2 and 4 months of storage, respectively. Infusion of silane primers with nanometre- to micrometre-size GO sheets enhanced the SBS between resin composite and ZrO₂ .

Influence of Monomer Systems on the Bond Strength Between Resin Composites and Polymerized Fiber-Reinforced Composite upon Aging

PURPOSE

This study examined the influence of different monomer systems on the tensile bond strength between a resin composite and a polymerized fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). The influence of the age (shelf-life) of the FRC prepreg (reinforcing fiber pre-impregnated with a resin system) before preparing the FRC substrate for the bonding test was also assessed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN)-based glass FRC prepregs were aged for various durations (1, 1.5, and 3 years) at 4°C before being used to prepare FRC substrates via light polymerization. Four groups of aged prepregs were prepared through different treatments with: 1. no primer; 2. a dimethacrylate-based adhesive primer; 3. a universal primer; and 4. a specific composite primer. Subsequently, a resin composite luting cement was applied on the treated FRC substrates and cured with light. The water sorption of the FRC-composite specimens was determined. Then, the differences in the tensile bond strength were evaluated using ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05).

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the tensile bond strength between the composite cement and the FRC according to the primer used (p < 0.001), aging time (p < 0.001), and their interactive effect (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The monomers of the universal primer demonstrated the best ability to diffuse into the semi-IPN structure of the polymer matrix of FRC. This improved the interfacial bond strength between the composite cement and the FRC substrate.

Repeated application of photodynamic and antibiotic therapy as an adjunct to root surface debridement in patients with grade C and stage III or IV aggressive periodontitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) and antimicrobial therapy on clinical and immunological outcomes of periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis grade C and stage III or IV.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The patients recruited in the current research fulfil the clinical case definition of periodontitis 'grade C' in terms of onset of the infection and stage III or IV that defines degree and severity of the disease. One-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (UD) was performed and randomly divided in two groups: Group-I - four applications of aPDT, and Group-II - combination of metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) 3 tablets each for 7 days. Whole-mouth periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline, 3-, 6-months after completion of treatment. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained for assessment of inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17 at the same time points.

RESULTS

Seventeen healthy patients completed the study protocol and revealed similar clinical findings at baseline. Bleeding scores significantly reduced in group-I at 3 months post treatment (p < 0.05). It could be seen that group-I showed statistically significant reduction of deep periodontal pockets and gain in CAL in patients with GAP at 3 months (p < 0.05). This difference was maintained at 6 months of follow-up (p < 0.001). Group-II was capable of increasing the levels of IL-10 and reducing IL-17 in GCF at both time periods compared to Group-I (p < 0.05). Group-I did not have significant effect on either cytokine levels in GCF (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy improved severe deep periodontal pockets. However, the combination of antimicrobial therapy helped in reducing proinflammation in grade C and stage III or IV periodontitis.

P6344Volume overload-triggered pathological myocardial remodeling occurs in the absence of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II delta

Background

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II delta (CamKIIδ), the predominant cardiac CaMKII isoform, has been implicated in the progression of myocardial infarction- and pressure overload-induced pathological remodeling and heart failure, but its role in volume overload (VO) has not been defined. We have previously reported an activation of CamKII during transition to HF in VO.

Purpose

Here, we analyzed the impact of CamKIIδ deletion in VO-triggered myocardial remodeling and heart failure development.

Methods

CaMKIIδ knockout (CaMKIIδ-KO) and wild-type (WT) littermates were exposed to aorto-caval shunt-induced VO, and the progression of myocardial remodeling was assessed by serial echocardiography, histological and molecular analyses.

Results

CaMKIIδ-KO and WT littermates exhibited similar mortality pattern in response to VO. Serial echocardiographic measurements showed a comparable eccentric myocardial remodeling, altered left ventricle geometry and perturbed ventricular function after shunt. At 12 weeks post-shunt both CaMKIIδ-KO and WT mice experienced comparable increases in relative heart weight, cardiomyocyte diameter, cardiac apoptosis, and hypertrophic genes expression.

Conclusion

We therefore conclude that CaMKIIδ signaling is dispensable for the progression of pathological cardiac remodeling induced by VO. This should be considered before CaMKII inhibition is approved therapeutically for HF treatment.

P5998The Phosphodiesterase 4D interacting protein averts volume overload - but not pressure overload-induced pathological myocardial remodeling

Background

Although volume- and pressure-overload (VO and PO, respectively) are hemodynamic stress, each results in distinct phenotypes. The Phosphodiesterase 4D interacting protein (PDE4DIP) is a protein involved in cardiac muscle contraction and suggested to play a role in cardiomyopathy. We previously identified Pde4dip transcript as being downregulated in VO but upregulated in PO.

Objective

We wanted to address whether Pde4dip deletion would alter the progression of pathological myocardial remodeling and heart failure (HF) following hemodynamic stress.

Methods

Pde4dip knockout (Pde4dip-KO) and age- and sex-matched wild-type (WT) mice were exposed to aortocaval shunt-triggered VO or transthoracic aortic constriction (TAC)-induced PO. Mortality rates were assessed and the cardiac structure and function were determined by serial echocardiography.

Results

The PDE4DIP protein levels decreased significantly in volume-overloaded hearts. However, pressure-overloaded hearts did not alter PDE4DIP protein levels, suggesting different posttranscriptional modifications that might affect the PDE4DIP protein expression in VO versus PO. The Pde4dip-KO Hearts were structurally and functionally normal in echocardiographic and morphometric analyses. However, Pde4dip deletion mildly attenuated the mortality rates in shunt-, but not in TAC-operated mice. A significant deterioration of left ventricle geometry and function was observed in volume-overloaded WT hearts at 12 weeks after shunt, but preserved cardiac function were noticed in shunt-operated Pde4dip-KO mice. On the other hand, TAC-operated WT and Pde4dip-KO mice exhibited a significant, but comparable deterioration of cardiac structure and function compared to sham mice.

Conclusion

Here we identified the PDE4DIP as an essential regulator of pathological myocardial remodeling following VO, but irrelevant to the development of cardiac dysfunction after TAC. Further investigations are warranted to dissect the possible mechanisms underlying the protective role of PDE4DIP deletion in the setting of VO.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by DFG (SFB1002 project D04 to KT and D01 to GH; IRTG1816 to ME); BAM was funded by DSHF

Correlates of condom use among males in North Sudan

Objectives In sub-Saharan Africa countries, HIV infections are transmitted primary through heterosexual contact. Correct and consistent condom use has been promoted as a method to prevent sexually transmissible infections, including HIV. The aim of this study was to assess and determine the factors influencing condom use in Khartoum, Sudan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Out of the 45 voluntary counselling and testing centres in Khartoum region, 10 centres were selected. A random sample of 804 respondents aged 20-40 years was selected. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the predictors of condom use.

RESULTS

About 12% of respondents reported using condoms consistently, 41.5% used them sporadically and 46.3% were nonusers. Most of the participants had problems with condom use (81.9%) and friends were the main source of condoms (72%). Knowledge about AIDS transmission, knowing someone who is infected with or had died of AIDS, experiencing condom problems, type of sexual partners, purchase embarrassment and education were the main predictors of condom use.

CONCLUSIONS

Condom use among the Sudanese is low. Strategies to promote condom use should focus on price support for condoms by the government, expanded private sector condom distribution and the integration of sex education in school curriculums or via frequent discussion on television.

Nutritional assessment and obesity in Down syndrome children and their siblings in Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the nutritional status and prevalence of obesity among children with Down syndrome (DS).

METHODS

The study group comprised pre-pubertal children, with clinically and cytogenetically proven DS. Healthy siblings, closest in age to the DS children, were used as a control group. Body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT), and macro- and micronutrient intakes were measured in both groups. The study was conducted in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between February and May 2011.

RESULTS

Children with DS were shorter than their siblings, but had comparable weights. The DS children had higher BMIs and higher TSFTs, compared with their siblings. The prevalence of overweight and obesity differed significantly between the DS and control groups. The DS children had significantly lower intakes of fat, protein, retinol, riboflavin, and potassium compared with their siblings.

CONCLUSION

Obesity appears to be a prominent feature among Saudi DS children.

Molecular analysis of the β-globin gene cluster haplotypes in a Sudanese population with sickle cell anaemia

INTRODUCTION

Sudan has a multiethnic population with a high frequency of Hb S, but little is known about the β(S) haplotypes in this population.

METHODS

Blood samples from Sudanese Hb SS individuals were taken at two locations. Family history, age, ethnicity and clinical symptoms were recorded for each subject. Hb S was investigated using cellulose acetate electrophoresis (CAE) and cation exchange-high performance liquid chromatography. Dried blood samples from 93 individuals were used for β(S) haplotype identification based on restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for seven restriction sites.

RESULTS

Haplotypes could be assigned unequivocally to 143 chromosomes. Four of the five typical β(S) -globin haplotypes were identified. The most frequent was the Cameroon (35.0%), followed by the Benin (29.4%), the Senegal (18.2%) and the Bantu (2.8%). The Indian-Arab haplotype was not observed. Three atypical haplotypes were identified in 17 patients, occurring at a combined frequency of 14.6%. One of these, found at the high frequency of 11.8%, possibly represented a new Sudan haplotype.

CONCLUSION

β(S) Haplotyes were demonstrated successfully from dried blood samples. A new haplotype is apparent in Sudan, in addition to the four African haplotypes.

The clinical and cost effectiveness of bee honey dressing in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers

Honey is known, since antiquity, as an effective wound dressing. Emergence of resistant strains and the financial burden of modern dressings, have revived honey as cost-effective dressing particularly in developing countries. Its suitability for all stages of wound healing suggests its clinical effectiveness in diabetic foot wound infections. Thirty infected diabetic foot wounds were randomly selected from patients presenting to Surgery Department, Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. Honey dressing was applied to wounds for 3 months till healing, grafting or failure of treatment. Changes in grade and stage of wounds, using University of Texas Diabetic Wound Classification, as well as surface area were recorded weekly. Bacterial load was determined before and after honey dressing. Complete healing was significantly achieved in 43.3% of ulcers. Decrease in size and healthy granulation was significantly observed in another 43.3% of patients. Bacterial load of all ulcers was significantly reduced after the first week of honey dressing. Failure of treatment was observed in 6.7% of ulcers. This study proves that commercial clover honey is a clinical and cost-effective dressing for diabetic wound in developing countries. It is omnipresence and concordance with cultural beliefs makes it a typical environmentally based method for treating these conditions.

Assessment of amniotic and polyurethane membrane dressings in the treatment of burns

As allograft and xenografts are not available in Islamic countries, amniotic membrane seems to be an effective alternative in the management of deep burns. Its proven bioactivities and modest price suggest that it might be superior to synthetic dressings. Forty-six patients were enrolled in this randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted in the Burn Unit at Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt. All age groups and both gender were included in the study. Only patients with less than 50% total body surface area burned were included, thus minimizing the dropouts in both groups. All were either second or third degree. These patients were randomly assigned either to group I: amniotic membrane (Biomembrane) dressing, or group II: polyurethane membrane (Tegaderm) dressing. Those in group I demonstrated a significantly lower rate of infection and required less frequent dressing changes than those in group II. They also sustained less electrolyte and albumin loss. The rate of healing in the amniotic membrane group was significantly faster than in the polyurethane group. Furthermore, pain was significantly less when Biomembrane was used. Based on these findings, we recommend the use of lyophilized gamma-irradiated amniotic membrane as an effective alternative for allograft and xenografts in Islamic countries and the Jewish population.

Assessment of the relation between prealbumin serum level and healing of skin-grafted burn wounds

Nutritional status is an important factor in graft healing. Prealbumin (transthyretin) is a better nutritional marker than the widely used albumin serum level. Prealbumin serum levels were estimated in an endeavour to correlate them to graft healing and to serve as a predictor of graft healing in burn wounds. Fifty burned patients undergoing graft in the Suez Canal University Hospital Burn Unit were subjected to this cross-sectional study. Prealbumin levels were assessed on preoperative day and on the fourth postoperative day. Graft healing was considered complete when the take was 90% or more of the grafted area. The most significantly correlated factor to graft healing was serum prealbumin. Serum albumin levels were not in significant correlation with graft healing or prealbumin levels. In addition, serum prealbumin levels were significantly higher in the younger age group and significantly lower in patients with chronic diseases. Serum prealbumin level is a sensitive tool in predicting graft take in burned patients when all local conditions are favourable and optimised. Nevertheless, it seems less sensitive in the prediction of graft healing in small raw areas less than 5% of total body surface area (TBSA).

Physicians', nurses' and patients' perception with hospital medical records at a military hospital in riyadh, saudi arabia

BACKGROUND

A medical record contains data on patients to support current and continuing patient care. Medical Records Department has the traditional role of keeping the patient's records safe. This is the first attempt in the Kingdom, to the best of our knowledge, to assess the feasibility of introducing electronic medical records.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the views of physicians, patients and nurses of medical records services and physicians' views on the use of electronic medical records.

METHODS

The study was conducted with physicians, nurses and patients selected randomly from the Military hospital in Riyadh. The data was collected via a self- administered, pilot-tested, internally consistent questionnaire.

RESULTS

On the staff of medical records, the highest mean score was obtained for confidentiality (2.92), and the lowest for the training of medical staff (1.88). On medical record documents, the highest mean score was reported for "information is confidentially maintained" (2.70), and the lowest for the organization of files within file sections (2.28). On the Medical Records Department, the highest mean score was reported for overstaffing (2.89), and the lowest for receptiveness of receptionists (2.27). Physicians had low scores for computer literacy, ranging from 1% for prior computer experience to 27% for owning a computer. Physicians were not enthusiastic about the change to electronic medical records.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the observed shortcomings of the existing medical records system, it is not expected that medical records would be computerized in the near future since physicians have not accepted this technology wholeheartedly.

Patients' perspective on factors affecting utilization of primary health care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess factors which the patients think can encourage, discourage or have no effect on utilization of Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Patients (n=540) attending the selected PHCCs in Riyadh were asked regarding their views on 21 (factors) items and whether they can encourage, discourage or has no effect on utilization of PHCCs services. Eight PHCCs were randomly selected according to the geographical location, 2 from each geographical zone. Seventy-five subjects were selected systematically, every 10th Saudi aged 15 years and above who visited the selected PHCCs during a one-month period (September 1998). The data was collected via a self administered pilot tested, internally consistent questionnaire which included patients' sociodemographic characteristics and their response to the 21 items rated as highly encouraging, encouraging, has no effect or discouraging utilization of offered health services.

RESULTS

More than 60% of the patients were males, aged 15-39 years, 47% finished secondary school, 5.2% were illiterate, 58% of all patients were married, more than 60% were employees and approximately 60% have a monthly income of less than 4500 Saudi Riyals. Manpower factors particularly the physician, Arabic speaking health team and free service were the most encouraging factors, while overcrowding and geographical location of the PHCCs, particularly location near public services, were the least encouraging factors. Patients' gender, education and occupation were the most important and age was the least important patients' characteristics associated with utilization factors.

CONCLUSION

An experienced physician, Moslem physicians and an Arabic speaking health team offering free service in PHCCs located near patients' homes can augment utilization of services.

Missed appointments at public hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

Failure to keep appointments poses many problems for patients, physicians and health personnel. The objective of the study is to identify factors influencing appointment failure in Riyadh Central Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of 500 Saudi patients selected randomly from Riyadh Central Hospital's records. Two hundred and fifty were selected from patients who broke at least one appointment and another 250 were selected from patients who have a history of keeping records. Interviews were carried out by telephone using a structured questionnaire, only 426 patients consented to participate in the study.

RESULTS

The study showed that appointment failure rate is 30%. The data revealed no associations between missed appointment, behavior and age, income, travel time and method of transportation. None of the health related variables investigated were associated with missed appointments. The breakers stated waiting time before seeing a doctor, time from scheduling to appointments, transportation (particularly for women) and forgetfulness as the main reasons for missing appointments.

CONCLUSION

Broken appointments can be reduced by continuous health education for patients, improving efficiency of health administrators, telephone reminders and by physicians negotiating a follow-up schedule for their patients.

Physician-Nurse communication. Perceptions of Physicians in Riyadh

OBJECTIVE

The need for communication between nurse and physician in clinical practice is undisputed. The objectives of this study were to describe doctors' perceptions of their communication with nurses, as related to the openness of the communication and the accuracy of the information communicated and to examine if specific sociodemographic characteristics concerning physicians were associated with perception of communication.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 200 physicians selected randomly from 6 randomly selected hospitals representing both general and private. A modified Shortell's Intensive Care Unit physician-nurse communication subscale was used to measure the physician's perceptions of the degree to which openness and accuracy described their communication with nurses. Data was collected via a self-administered pilot questionnaire, which also included sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

The overall mean score for openness was 2.61 and 3.19 for accuracy out of a maximum score of 5. For openness the highest mean score was obtained for "listening to physician (4.31)" and the lowest mean score was obtained for "hospital environment (1.84)". For accuracy, the highest mean score was obtained for "use of medical language (4.37)" and the lowest mean score was for "feedback (1.84)". The results showed a significant difference for experience, age and gender for both types of hospitals. For specialization, title and nationality no significant difference was observed for both types of hospitals for openness and accuracy. Multivariate regression analysis showed that gender, age and experience were the predictor variables for openness and accuracy. With more experienced, older aged females, having the highest mean score.

CONCLUSION

Communication between physician and nurses needs not remain only a researchable issue; its viability and vitality are crucial to the changing health care scene. Thus, the development of health delivery models that will enable effective multidisciplinary communication, cooperation and wiser use of limited resources in health care is essential.

[Examination of changes in continuous culture of GMK cells under the influence of Hydrocortisone hemisuccinate, propranolol and diazepam]

Changes in continuous breeding of GMK (green monkey kidney) cells treated with three selected medicines have been examined. There have been established cytotoxic doses of particular medicines. The changes in the morphological cells structures treated by the medicine have been described and photographed. Breeding of GMK cells in vitro has been assessed as useful in the examination of drugs toxicity upon human organism.