The Effectiveness of Technology-Enhanced Learning in Prosthodontic Education: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) with traditional learning in prosthodontic education. METHODS: The protocol was registered before commencement [CRD42023390277]. The search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on comparative assessment of TEL and traditional learning in prosthodontic education up to 6 June 2024. A comprehensive search strategy was formulated, encompassing multiple electronic databases. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane tool (RoB 2) were performed. Educational outcomes were evaluated by Kirkpatrick's four-level evaluation model. RESULTS: Of 2830 records identified, 14 RCTs were included. All the trials were judged at high risk of bias or had some concerns. The included studies assessed the short-term benefits of various TEL approaches, including e-learning, blended learning, video demonstration specialized self-evaluation software and virtual reality simulation in prosthodontic education for undergraduates. Promising results were found in individual studies, particularly in terms of perceived learning conditions with problem-based learning (PBL) and self-reported understanding and confidence when using video demonstrations. Most studies reported comparable outcomes to traditional learning in practical skills assessments, while the results regarding the acquisition of theoretical knowledge through the incorporation of TEL approaches were contradictory. One study reported promising results in perceived learning conditions with the PBL approach, as well as improved self-reported understanding and confidence with the use of video demonstrations. Furthermore, there was a limited number of studies assessing the effect of TEL approaches on students' behaviour. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of high-quality evidence to support the adoption of TEL approaches in prosthodontics. However, the incorporation of virtual reality simulation has demonstrated promising results, particularly in improving practical clinical skills.

Effect of Everolimus on Prognosis of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis.

PURPOSE: This study addresses the effectiveness of oral everolimus in treating various malignancies associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). The purpose is to determine whether everolimus reduces lesion size in NF1 patients, considering the controversial findings from previous clinical trials. The scientific hypotheses and questions involve evaluating the impact of everolimus on NF1-associated lesions and understanding the variability in treatment outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA and Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The study included four-phase II, single-arm, nonrandomized trials investigating the effect of oral everolimus on NF1-associated lesion size. The search covered multiple databases, and data extraction involved evaluating studies for inclusion criteria and assessing quality using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies tool. Statistical analysis utilized Open Meta(Analyst). FINDINGS: The search yielded 388 studies, with 10 selected for full-text review and four included in the final analysis. The quality of the studies ranged from low to moderate. The meta-analysis indicated no observed heterogeneity (I^2 = 0%), and the overall estimate suggested no significant reduction in NF1-associated lesion size with everolimus (P = 0.069). IMPLICATIONS: The findings reveal a varied and inconsistent picture of everolimus efficacy in NF1 treatment. The study highlights the need for personalized approaches, considering individual genetic and clinical differences. The limitations, including small sample sizes and nonrandomized trials, call for larger, more standardized research efforts. The study emphasizes ongoing trials and the importance of future research in understanding predictors of everolimus response and optimizing treatment strategies for NF1 patients. CONCLUSION: While everolimus shows promise in reducing lesion size in a subset of NF1 patients, the study cannot draw conclusive results due to limitations in the included studies. Ongoing, adequately powered trials are crucial for advancing the evidence base and informing the potential role of everolimus in NF1 treatment. OTHERS: There was no funding for this review and no conflicts of interest.

Effect of the "aSSKINg" Model in Reducing Pressure Ulcer Risk: A Comparative Study Using the Braden Risk Assessment Score.

Pressure ulcer is considered a common and costly problem in the care of patients. Prevention and management of pressure ulcer are very important due to the high cost of treatment and the adverse consequences of pressure ulcer. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing "aSSKINg" model in reducing pressure ulcer risk. This study used a before- and after-intervention quasi-experimental design. This study was performed on 60 patients who were not randomly selected and assigned in to control and study group. The data collection tool was a 3-part sheet (Braden scale, skin health assessment, and Pressure ulcer assessment). The incidence of pressure ulcer was 19 (60.0%) in the control group versus 9 (30.0%) in the study group with statistical significant differences. The most common site of pressure ulcer was coccyx (6 [31.6%]) in the control group and Heel (3 [33.3%]) in the study group. The application of "aSSKINg" model in the patients with pressure ulcers is effective in reducing the incidence and severity of pressure ulcers.

A systematic review and meta-analysis for the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in OCD treatment: A non-pharmacological approach to clinical interventions.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a prevalent mental condition characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions), significantly disrupting daily functioning and social interactions. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) presents a promising non-invasive treatment modality aimed at alleviating symptoms. However, the evidence regarding its effectiveness remains inconclusive. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, offering improved guidance for clinical intervention. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. This search focused strictly on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 147 patients. These trials evaluated the efficacy of tDCS in OCD patients. Subsequent data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and statistical analysis using Review Manager software revealed the potential efficacy of tDCS in reducing OCD symptoms. The meta-analysis not only fails to demonstrate significant superiority of active tDCS over sham tDCS but also suggests that sham tDCS may be more effective than active tDCS in reducing OCD symptoms. This finding diminishes the promise of tDCS as an effective treatment for OCD. Larger trials are warranted to further elucidate these findings.

Case report of right supernumerary kidneyin a 38 year old male.

Supernumerary kidney is a highly uncommon congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of at least 1 or more extra kidneys in variable positions and morphology. Due to the scarcity in the medical literature, not much is known about this condition. The additional kidney typically has its own collecting system, vascular supply, and distinct encapsulated parenchyma. In this case, we present a 38-year-old male with a right supernumerary kidney who was initially investigated for a renal artery aneurysm. In the case of our patient, the discovery of a supernumerary kidney influenced the course of management and prevented unnecessary intervention and procedure. This emphasizes the importance of thorough imaging and diagnostic techniques in patients to accurately identify and characterize such anomalies.

Capturing the antimicrobial profile of Paeonia officinalis, Jasminum officinale and Rosa damascene against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus with metabolomics analysis and network pharmacology.

In the current study, we evaluated the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of the roots' extracts of Jasminum officinale, Rosa damascene and Paeonia officinalis against MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) by well diffusion technique. The root extract of P. officinalis exerted a potent anti-MRSA with MIC 0.4673 µg/ml, while both J. officinale and R. damascene exhibited very weak activity. Therefore, chemical profiling of the crude extract P. officinalis roots assisted by LC-HR-ESI-MS was performed and led to the dereplication of twenty metabolites of different classes, in which terpenes are the most abundant compounds. On a molecular level, network pharmacology was used to determine the targets of active metabolites to bacterial infections, particularly MRSA. Online databases PubChem, UniProt, STRING, and Swiss Target Prediction were used. In addition to using CYTOSCAPE software to display and analyze the findings, ShinyGO and FunRich tools were used to identify the gene enrichment analysis to the set of recognized genes. The results detected the identified metabolites were annotated by 254 targets. ALB, ACHE, TYMS, PRKCD, PLG, MMP9, MMP2, ERN1, EDNRA, BRD4 were found to be associated with MRSA infection. The top KEGG pathway was the vascular smooth muscle contraction pathway according to enrichment FDR. The present study suggested a possible implication of P. officinalis roots as a potent candidate having a powerful antibacterial activity against MRSA.

BECN1 mRNA expression in breast cancer tissue; significant correlation to tumor grade.

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogenous disease with multiple pathways implicated in its development, progression, and drug resistance. Autophagy, a cellular process responsible for self-digestion of damaged organelles, had been recognized as eminent player in cancer progression and chemotherapeutic resistance. The haploinsufficiency of Beclin 1 (BECN1), autophagy protein, is believed to contribute to cancer pathogenesis and progression. In our study, we investigated the expression of BECN1 in a BC female Egyptian patient cohort, as well as its prognostic role through evaluating its association with disease free survival (DFS) after 2 years follow up and association of tumor clinicopathological features. Twenty frozen female BC tissue samples and 17 adjacent normal tissue were included and examined for the expression levels of BECN1. Although the tumor tissues showed lower expression 0.73 (0-8.95) than their corresponding normal tissues 1.02 (0.04-19.59), it was not statistically significant, p: 0.463. BECN1 expression was not associated with stage, nodal metastasis or tumor size, p:0.435, 0.541, 0.296, respectively. However, statistically significant negative correlation was found between grade and BECN1 mRNA expression in the studied cases, p:0.028. BECN1 expression had no statistically significant association with DFS, P = 0.944. However, we observed that triple negative (TNBC) cases had significantly lower DFS rate than luminal BC patients, p: 0.022, with mean DFS 19.0 months, while luminal BC patients had mean DFS of 23.41 months. Our study highlights the potential role of BECN1 in BC pathogenesis, showing that BECN1 expression correlates with poorer differentiation of BC, indicating its probable link with disease aggressiveness. DFS two years follow up showed that TNBC subtype remains associated with less favorable prognosis.

Mitochondrial energy state controls AMPK-mediated foraging behavior in C. elegans.

Organisms surveil and respond to their environment using behaviors entrained by metabolic cues that reflect food availability. Mitochondria act as metabolic hubs and at the center of mitochondrial energy production is the protonmotive force (PMF), an electrochemical gradient generated by metabolite consumption. The PMF serves as a central integrator of mitochondrial status, but its role in governing metabolic signaling is poorly understood. We used optogenetics to dissipate the PMF in Caenorhabditis elegans tissues to test its role in food-related behaviors. Our data demonstrate that PMF reduction in the intestine is sufficient to initiate locomotor responses to acute food deprivation. This behavioral adaptation requires the cellular energy regulator AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in neurons, not in the intestine, and relies on mitochondrial dynamics and axonal trafficking. Our results highlight a role for intestinal PMF as an internal metabolic cue, and we identify a bottom-up signaling axis through which changes in the PMF trigger AMPK activity in neurons to promote foraging behavior.

Synergistic effect of potential alpha-amylase inhibitors from Egyptian propolis with acarbose using in silico and in vitro combination analysis.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an affliction impacting the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. An approach used in the management of Type 2 DM involves the use of the carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitor, acarbose. Although acarbose has long been the go-to drug in this key approach, it has become apparent that its side effects negatively impact patient adherence and subsequently, therapeutic outcomes. Similar to acarbose in its mechanism of action, bee propolis, a unique natural adhesive biomass consisting of biologically active metabolites, has been found to have antidiabetic potential through its inhibition of α-amylase. To minimize the need for ultimately novel agents while simultaneously aiming to decrease the side effects of acarbose and enhance its efficacy, combination drug therapy has become a promising pharmacotherapeutic strategy and a focal point of this study. METHODS: Computer-aided molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations accompanied by in vitro testing were used to mine novel, pharmacologically active chemical entities from Egyptian propolis to combat Type 2 DM. Glide docking was utilized for a structure-based virtual screening of the largest in-house library of Egyptian propolis metabolites gathered from literature, in addition to GC-MS analysis of the propolis sample under investigation. Thereafter, combination analysis by means of fixed-ratio combinations of acarbose with propolis and the top chosen propolis-derived phytoligand was implemented. RESULTS: Aucubin, identified for the first time in propolis worldwide and kaempferol were the most promising virtual hits. Subsequent in vitro α-amylase inhibitory assay demonstrated the ability of these hits to significantly inhibit the enzyme in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 of 2.37 ± 0.02 mM and 4.84 ± 0.14 mM, respectively. The binary combination of acarbose with each of propolis and kaempferol displayed maximal synergy at lower effect levels. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed a cooperative binding mode between kaempferol and acarbose within the active site. CONCLUSION: The suggested strategy seems imperative to ensure a steady supply of new therapeutic entities sourced from Egyptian propolis to regress the development of DM. Further pharmacological in vivo investigations are required to confirm the potent antidiabetic potential of the studied combination.

Evaluation of the marginal adaptation and debonding strength of two types of CAD-CAM implant-supported cement-retained crowns.

BACKGROUND: In-vitro data from a clinically well-known lithium disilicate ceramic reference was used to assess the expected performance of resin-based materials in implant dentistry. The purpose of the study was to compare the bond strength and marginal adaptation of nano-ceramic hybrid composite crowns cemented to stock cement-retained abutments to lithium disilicate crowns. METHODS: Twenty abutment analogs were embedded into auto-polymerizing acrylic resin blocks. The blocks were divided into 2 groups according to the restorative crown material. The 2 groups were divided as follows: Resin nano-ceramic group and lithium disilicate group. Abutment analogs in both groups were scanned using a laboratory scanner, and the restorations were designed, manufactured, and cemented with resin cement over the corresponding group. All samples were tested for marginal adaptation and bond strength after storage for 24 hours at 37 °C in 100% humidity. Data were collected, tabulated, and statistically analysed using the appropriate tests. Normality was checked using Shapiro Wilk test and Q-Q plots. Data were normally distributed. Variables were presented using mean, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and standard deviation in addition to median and Inter Quartile Range (IQR). Differences between groups regarding debonding forces was assessed using independent t test. Two Way ANOVA was performed to assess the effect of material and bonding on marginal gap. All tests were two tailed and p value was set at < 0.05. RESULTS: Marginal gap and debonding force values were significantly different according to the type of material used (P < .05). Resin nano-ceramic crowns presented lower marginal gap values before (20.80 ± 8.87 µm) and after (52.11 ± 22.92 µm) bonding than lithium disilicate crowns. The debonding force value for resin nano-ceramic crowns (284.30 ± 26.44 N) was significantly higher than that for lithium disilicate crowns (253.30 ± 33.26 N). Adhesive failure mode was detected in all the specimens in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The type of material used for implant-supported cement-retained crowns had a statistically significant effect on marginal adaptation and bond strength. Resin nano-ceramic implant-supported cement-retained crowns had better marginal adaptation and higher bond strength than those manufactured using lithium disilicate.

An adaptive optimized handover decision model for heterogeneous networks.

A heterogeneous network (HetNet), combining different technologies, is considered a promising solution adopted by several upcoming generations of mobile networks to keep up with the rapid development of mobile users' requirements while improving network performance. In this scenario, a vertical handover (VHO) algorithm is responsible for ensuring the continuity of the ongoing user connection while moving within the coverage of the HetNet. Although various VHO algorithms were proposed, achieving efficient performance from both network and user perspectives remains challenging. This paper proposes an adaptive optimized vertical handover algorithm based on a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) algorithm integrated with particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithm (PSOGSA) as a framework to implement the handover process. The algorithm includes three main ideas. Firstly, a network selection framework is proposed considering the most important criteria, including signal strength and other networks' attributes, along with users' characteristics regarding their mobility and service preferences. Secondly, two new parameters are introduced as control handover parameters named load factor (LF) and score priority (SP) to reduce unnecessary handovers and the overall HetNet power consumption while achieving balanced load distribution. Lastly, the desired aims are formulated as an objective function, then the PSOGSA algorithm is used to reach the optimal values of both LF and SP, which will be considered when executing the handover algorithm. The presented algorithm is simulated in a heterogeneous wireless network where the fifth-generation (5G) wireless technology coexists with other radio access networks to improve the evaluation field of the proposed algorithm. Also, the proposed algorithm's performance is evaluated in the case of using various MADM algorithms. The simulation results show that the proposed adaptive optimized approach attains efficient performance by decreasing unnecessary handovers by more than 40% and achieving much better load distribution by around 20% to 40%, outperforming traditional handover approaches.

Spectroscopic study to verify the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment through a delivery system of the sofosbuvir drug on chitosan and pycnogenol nanoparticles surface.

The target of the current study is to create a novel hybrid nanocomposite (Cs@Pyc.SOF) by combining the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) drug sofosbuvir with the nano antioxidant pycnogenol (Pyc) and nano biomolecules like chitosan nanoparticles (Cs NPs). The characterization procedure works to verify the creation of nanocomposite (NCP) using several different techniques. UV-Vis spectroscopy is used to measure SOF loading efficiency. The various concentrations of the SOF drug were used to determine the binding constant rate Kb, which was found to be 7.35 ± 0.95 min-1 with an 83% loading efficiency. At pH 7.4, the release rate was 80.6% after two hours and 92% after 48 h, whereas at pH 6.8, it was 29% after two hours and 94% after 48 h. After 2 and 48 h, the release rate in water was 38% and 77%, respectively. . The SRB technique for fast screening is used for the cytotoxicity test, where the investigated composites show a safety status and high viability against the examined cell line. The cytotoxicity assay of the SOF hybrid materials has been identified with cell lines like mouse normal liver cells (BNL). So, Cs@Pyc.SOF was recommended as a substitute medication for the therapy of HCV, but the results need clinical studies.

Hepatoprotective role of myricitrin isolated from Mimusops elengi Linn. leaves extract on γ-radiation-induced liver damage in rats: Phyto-biochemical investigations.

The hepatoprotective effects of methanol extract of Mimusops elengi Linn. (M. elengi L.) leaves and isolated pure myricitrin (3-, 4-, 5-, 5, 7-five hydroxyflavone-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside) (Myr) were evaluated in male rats exposed to γ-irradiation. The extraction of M. elengi L. leaves was performed using ethyl acetate (EtOAC). Seven groups of rats were used: control group, irradiated (IRR) group (6 Gy of γ-rays in a single dose), vehicle group (oral administration of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose for 10 days), EtOAC extract group (100 mg/kg body weight of extract, orally for 10 days), EtOAC + IRR group (administration of extract and exposure to γ-rays on Day 7), Myr group (50 mg/kg body weight Myr, orally for 10 days), and Myr + IRR group (administration of Myr and exposure to γ-rays on Day 7). High-performance liquid chromatography and 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance were used to isolate and characterize the compounds from M. elengi L. leaves. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for biochemical analyses. Identified compounds were Myr, myricetin 3-O-galactoside, myricetin 3-O-rahmnopyranoside (1 → 6) glucopyranoside, quercetin, quercitol, gallic acid, α-,ß-amyrin, ursolic acid, and lupeol. Serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activities were significantly increased, while serum protein and albumin levels were significantly decreased after irradiation. Hepatic levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, prostaglandin 2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-12 were increased following irradiation. Improvements were observed in most serological parameters after treatment with extract or pure Myr, with histological analyses confirming decreased liver injury in treated rats. Our study demonstrates that pure Myr has a greater hepatoprotective effect than M. elengi leaf extracts against irradiation-induced hepatic inflammation.

Chitosan Schiff base electrospun fabrication and molecular docking assessment for nonleaching antibacterial nanocomposite production.

In this work, new chitosan derivative nanofibers that exhibit antibacterial properties were successfully fabricated. The two CS Schiff base derivatives (CS-APC and CS-2APC) were prepared by incorporating 4-amino antipyrine moiety in two different ratios, followed by a reductive amination to obtain the corresponding derivatives CS-APCR and CS-2APCR. Spectral analyses were used to confirm the chemical structure. The molecular docking evaluation of CS-APC, CS-APCR, and CS was conducted on DNA topoisomerase IV, thymidylate kinase and SARS-CoV-2 main protease (3CLpro) active sites. CS-APCR showed a well-fitting into the three enzyme active sites with docking score values of - 32.76, - 35.43 and - 30.12 kcal/mol, respectively. The nanocomposites of CS derivatives were obtained by electrospinning the blends of CS-2APC and CS-2APCR with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) at 20 kV. The morphology of the nanofibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that fiber diameters were significantly decreased when CS-2APC and CS-2APCR were incorporated into pure PVP to reach 206-296 nm and 146-170 nm, respectively, compared to 224-332 nm for pure PVP. The derivatives of CS and their nanofibers with PVP were found to have antibacterial activities against two strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Data revealed that CS-2APC nanofibers showed antibacterial activity to the two strains of E. coli less than CS-2APCR nanofibers.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Service Barriers among Adults with Sickle Cell Disease in Saudi Arabia.

Background: The burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) is high in Saudi Arabia, with a significant impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults with SCD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults with SCD attending hematology clinics at Qatif Central Hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included subsections to collect information from participants, including sociodemographic attributes, SCD characteristics, HRQoL based on SF-36, and opinions regarding barriers to service. Results: Among 272 SCD patients, the highest mean score of HRQoL was observed in the social functioning (SF) domain (65.0±23.4), whereas the lowest score was observed in the role limitations due to physical health (RP) domain (47.2±40.4). The mean score for participants' opinions regarding service provision was 19.27±4.68 (min-max:10-30), and only 24.6% had a positive opinion regarding the accessibility of service provision. A total of 38.6% of the respondents acknowledged shortcomings in the services offered by healthcare staff, and 43% identified weaknesses in communication with healthcare staff. Moreover, 40.1% agreed about feeling stigmatized about their condition. SCD patients who were <40 years old, males, had a university degree, had health insurance, waited <15 minutes before receiving health care, and had positive opinions regarding service provision were more likely to have better HRQoL scores. Conclusion: Adults with SCD exhibited low HRQoL in general, and different factors were related to low HRQoL scores. Counselling, empowerment, and improvement of doctor-patient communication are important strategies to improve healthcare provision, and consequently, HRQoL among adults with SCD.

Neonatal congenital heart surgery: contemporary outcomes and risk profile.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies still dispute the identification of independent risk factors that influence outcome after neonatal cardiac surgery. We present our study to announce the contemporary outcomes and risk profile of neonatal cardiac surgery at our institute. METHODS: We designed a retrospective study of neonatal patients who underwent surgery for congenital heart diseases between June 2011 and April 2020. Demographic, operative, and postoperative data were collected from medical records and surgical databases. The primary outcome was the operative mortality (in-hospital death) and secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: In total, 1155 cardiac surgeries in children were identified; of these, 136 (11.8%) were performed in neonates. Arterial switch operations (48 cases) were the most frequent procedures. Postoperatively, 11 (8.1%) patients required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 4 (2.9%) patients had complete heart block. Postoperative in-hospital mortality was 11%. The median postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital length of stay were 6, 18, and 24 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: The early outcomes of neonatal cardiac surgery are encouraging. The requirement of postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, postoperative intracranial hemorrhage, and acute kidney were identified as independent risk factors of mortality following surgery for congenital heart defects in neonates.

Radial Access Techniques.

Transradial access (TRA) has gained traction in neurointerventions as studies continue to demonstrate improved access site safety and equivalent end artery effectiveness when compared with traditional transfemoral techniques. Herein, we describe the technical nuances of obtaining TRA with a focus on distal TRA, left TRA, and sheathless TRA using larger bore catheters. We also discuss various strategies to avoid access site conversion if radial artery spasm or radial anomalies are encountered and offer some solutions for forming the Simmons catheter especially when it cannot be performed in the descending aorta. Lastly, we provide some insights regarding contraindications to TRA.

Irreversible and Self-Healing Electrically Conductive Hydrogels Made of Bio-Based Polymers.

Electrically conductive materials that are fabricated based on natural polymers have seen significant interest in numerous applications, especially when advanced properties such as self-healing are introduced. In this article review, the hydrogels that are based on natural polymers containing electrically conductive medium were covered, while both irreversible and reversible cross-links are presented. Among the conductive media, a special focus was put on conductive polymers, such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, polyacetylene, and polythiophenes, which can be potentially synthesized from renewable resources. Preparation methods of the conductive irreversible hydrogels that are based on these conductive polymers were reported observing their electrical conductivity values by Siemens per centimeter (S/cm). Additionally, the self-healing systems that were already applied or applicable in electrically conductive hydrogels that are based on natural polymers were presented and classified based on non-covalent or covalent cross-links. The real-time healing, mechanical stability, and electrically conductive values were highlighted.

Trichoscopic features of hair and scalp in noncomplaining individuals: A descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Trichoscopy is a simple noninvasive tool that is used in calculating different hair parameters and the diagnosis of different hair/scalp diseases at variable magnifications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to describe the features and parameters of hair and scalp in a healthy sample of Egyptian population using videodermoscopy. This may help to provide standard range of measurements of normal hair in both males and females. METHODS: A nonrandomized, observational study for features and parameters of hair structure, performed on 368 healthy Egyptian subjects with no hair/scalp complaint. RESULTS: Each scalp area has its own vascular pattern. Male subjects showed different values regarding their hair parameters from the female subjects. No significant difference was seen after application of hair dye, except for few values. In both genders, there was a change in hair parameters with age. Smoking had a negative influence on hair parameters. CONCLUSION: Hair features and parameters observed in our population are different from those reported by other populations. Smoking affects hair thickness and density. Dyed hair has greater thickness mostly due to the protective effect of hair conditioners.