Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds accelerates wound healing in rats: Possible molecular mechanisms.

Wound healing is a complex, intricate, and dynamic process that requires effective therapeutic management. The current study evaluates the wound healing potentials of methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds (CCS) in rats. Sprague Dawley (24) rats were distributed into four cages, wounds produced on the back of the neck, and received two daily topical treatments for 14 days: A, rats received normal saline; B, wounded rats treated with intrasite gel; C and D, rats received 0.2 mL of 250 and 500 mg/kg of CCS, respectively. After that, wound area and closure percentage were evaluated, and wound tissues were dissected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. Acute toxicity trials of methanolic extract of CCS showed the absence of any physiological changes or mortality in rats. CCS application caused a significant reduction in wound size and a statistically elevated percentage of wound contraction than those of vehicle rats. CCS treatment caused significant up-regulation of collagen fiber, fibroblasts, and fewer inflammatory cells (inflammation) in granulation tissues. TGF-ß1 (angiogenetic factor) was significantly more expressed in CCS-treated rats in comparison to normal saline-treated rats; therefore, more fibroblasts transformed into myofibroblasts (angiogenesis). CCS-treated rats showed remarkable antioxidant potentials (higher SOD and CAT enzymes) and decreased MDA (lipid peroxidation) levels in their wound tissue homogenates. Hydroxyproline amino acid (collagen) was significantly up-regulated by CCS treatment, which is commonly related to faster wound closure area. The outcomes suggest CCS as a viable new source of pharmaceuticals for wound treatment.

Retrospective review of non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome presenting to the emergency department of a major tertiary center in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) comprises a spectrum of diseases ranging from unstable angina (UA), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Treatment of ACS without STEMI (NSTEMI-ACS) can vary, depending on the severity of presentation and multiple other factors. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the NSTEMI-ACS patients in our institution. DESIGN: Retrospective observational. SETTING: A tertiary care institution with accredited chest pain center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The travel time from ED booking to the final disposition for patients presenting with chest pain was retrieved over a period of 6 months. The duration of each phase of management was measured with a view to identify the factors that influence their management and time from the ED to their final destination. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Travel time from ED to final destination. SAMPLE SIZE: 300 patients. RESULTS: The majority of patients were males (64%) between 61 and 80 years of age (45%). The median disposition time (from ED booking to admission order by the cardiology team) was 5 hours and 19 minutes. Cardiology admissions took 10 hours and 20 minutes from ED booking to the inpatient bed. UA was diagnosed in 153 (51%) patients and non-STEMI in 52 (17%). Coronary catheterization was required in 79 (26%) patients, 24 (8%) had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 8 (3%) had both catheterization and CABG. CONCLUSION: The time from ED booking to final destination for NSTEMI-ACS patients is delayed due to multiple factors, which caused significant delays in overall management. Additional interventional steps can help improve the travel times, diagnosis, management and disposition of these patients. LIMITATIONS: Single center study done in a tertiary care center so the results from this study may not be extrapolated to other centers.

Precision Agriculture Applied to Harvesting Operations through the Exploitation of Numerical Simulation.

When it comes to harvesting operations, precision agriculture needs to consider both combine harvester technology and the precise execution of the process to eliminate harvest losses and minimize out-of-work time. This work aims to propose a complete control framework defined by a two-layer-based algorithm and a simulation environment suitable for quantitative harvest loss, time, and consumption analyses. In detail, the path-planning layer shows suitable harvesting techniques considering field boundaries and irregularities, while the path-tracking layer presents a vision-guided Stanley Lateral Controller. In order to validate the developed control framework, challenging driving scenarios were created using IPG-CarMaker software to emulate wheat harvesting operations. Results showed the effectiveness of the designed controller to follow the reference trajectory under regular field conditions with zero harvest waste and minimum out-of-work time. Whereas, in presence of harsh road irregularities, the reference trajectory should be re-planned by either selecting an alternative harvesting method or overlapping the harvester header by some distance to avoid missing crops. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons between the two harvesting techniques as well as a relationship between the level of irregularities and the required overlap will be presented. Eventually, a Driver-in-the-loop (DIL) framework is proposed as a methodology to compare human and autonomous driving.

Sinomenine accelerate wound healing in rats by augmentation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunuhistochemical pathways.

Sinomenine (SN) is a well-documented unique plant alkaloid extracted from many herbal medicines. The present study evaluates the wound healing potentials of SN on dorsal neck injury in rats. A uniform cut was created on Sprague Dawley rats (24) which were arbitrarily aligned into 4 groups receiving two daily topical treatments for 14 days as follows: A, rats had gum acacia; B, rats addressed with intrasite gel; C and D, rats had 30 and 60 mg/ml of SN, respectively. The acute toxicity trial revealed the absence of any toxic signs in rats after two weeks of ingestion of 30 and 300 mg/kg of SN. SN-treated rats showed smaller wound areas and higher wound closure percentages compared to vehicle rats after 5, 10, and 15 days of skin excision. Histological evaluation of recovered wound tissues showed increased collagen deposition, fibroblast content, and decreased inflammatory cells in granulated tissues in SN-addressed rats, which were statistically different from that of gum acacia-treated rats. SN treatment caused positive augmentation of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (angiogenetic factor) in wound tissues, denoting a higher conversion rate of fibroblast into myofibroblast (angiogenesis) that results in faster wound healing action. Increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), as well as decreased MDA contents in recovered wound tissues of SN-treated rats, suggest the antioxidant potentials of SN that aid in faster wound recovery. Wound tissue homogenates showed higher hydroxyproline amino acid (collagen content) values in SN-treated rats than in vehicle rats. SN treatment suppressed the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines in the serum of wounded rats. The outcomes present SN as a viable pharmaceutical agent for wound healing evidenced by its positive modulation of the antioxidant, immunohistochemically proteins, hydroxyproline, and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Mangiferin (mango) attenuates AOM-induced colorectal cancer in rat's colon by augmentation of apoptotic proteins and antioxidant mechanisms.

Mangiferin (MF) is a natural C-glucosylxantone compound that has many substantial curative potentials against numerous illnesses including cancers. The present study's goal is to appraise the chemo preventive possessions of MF on azoxymethane (AOM)-mediated colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Rats clustered into 5 groups, negative control (A), inoculated subcutaneously with normal saline twice and nourished on 0.5% CMC; groups B-E injected twice with 15 mg/kg azoxymethane followed by ingestion of 0.5% CMC (B, cancer control); intraperitoneal inoculation of 35 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (C, reference rats) or nourished on 30 mg/kg (D) and 60 mg/kg (E) of MF. Results of gross morphology of colorectal specimens showed significantly lower total colonic ACF incidence in MF-treated rats than that of cancer controls. The colon tissue examination of cancer control rats showed increased ACF availability with bizarrely elongated nuclei, stratified cells, and higher depletion of the submucosal glands compared to MF-treated rats. Mangiferin treatment caused increased regulation of pro-apoptotic (increased Bax) proteins and reduced the ß-catenin) proteins expression. Moreover, rats fed on MF had significantly higher glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in their colonic tissue homogenates. Mangiferin supplementation significantly down-shifted pro-inflammatory cytokines (transforming growth factor-α and interleukine-6) and up-shifted anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukine-10) based on serum analysis. The chemo-protective mechanistic of MF against AOM-induced ACF, shown by lower ACF values and colon tissue penetration, could be correlated with its positive modulation of apoptotic cascade, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory cytokines originating from AOM oxidative stress insults.

Catatonia as the Presentation of Encephalopathy Associated With Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Encephalopathy can be associated with autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune thyroiditis, and it can present with a wide range of neuropsychiatric manifestations. However, it rarely presents with catatonia. We present the case of a middle-aged female with Hashimoto's thyroiditis presenting with catatonia. A literature review of previous similar cases highlighting significant points is also included. A 48-year-old female presented to the emergency department with catatonic symptoms that had worsened over the previous 5 days. A similar condition was reported to have occurred and resolved spontaneously 3 months earlier. On examination, the patient appeared uncooperative and unresponsive. She showed typical symptoms of catatonia, with a score of 21 points on the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale. Routine tests were within normal ranges except for an elevated level of C-reactive protein and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were all normal. An electroencephalogram showed diffuse delta-theta range slowing with no epileptiform discharges. Lorazepam was initiated but did not control the catatonic symptoms. Re-evaluation revealed thyroid swelling and elevated levels of thyroperoxidase antibodies. IV methylprednisolone was therefore initiated and produced complete resolution of the catatonic symptoms in 4 hours. The patient was discharged and prescribed prednisone 1 mg/kg daily. At follow-up, the patient continued to show complete resolution of the catatonic symptoms. It is noteworthy that the patient developed hypothyroidism 6 months after this catatonic episode for which levothyroxine 50 mcg/d was prescribed. Encephalopathy associated with autoimmune thyroiditis can initially present with catatonic symptoms in euthyroid cases. The mainstay of treatment is steroids which result in complete resolution of the catatonic symptoms.

Mechanisms of anti-ulcer actions of Prangos pabularia (L.) in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Peptic ulcer disease is the greatest digestive disorder that has increased incidence and recurrence rates across all nations. Prangos pabularia (L.) has been well documented as a folkloric medicinal herb utilized for multiple disease conditions including gastric ulcers. Hence, the target study was investigation the gastro-protection effects of root extracts of Prangos pabularia (REPP) on ethanol-mediated stomach injury in rats. Sprague Dawley rats were clustered in 5 cages: A and B, normal and ulcer control rats pre-ingested with 1 % carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)); C, reference rats had 20 mg/kg omeprazole; D and E, rats pre-supplemented with 250 and 500 mg/kg of REPP, respectively. After one hour, group A was given orally 1 % CMC, and groups B-E were given 100 % ethanol. The ulcer area, gastric acidity, and gastric wall mucus of all stomachs were determined. The gastric tissue homogenates were examined for antioxidant and MDA contents. Moreover, the gastric tissues were analyzed by histopathological and immunohistochemically assays. Acute toxicity results showed lack of any toxic effects or histological changes in rats exposed to 2 and 5 g/kg of REPP ingestion. The ulcer controls had extensive gastric mucosal damage with lower gastric juice and a reduced gastric pH. REPP treatment caused a significant reduction of the ethanol-induced gastric lacerations represented by an upsurge in gastric mucus and gastric wall glycoproteins (increased PAS), a decrease in the gastric acidity, leukocyte infiltration, positively modulated Bax and HSP 70 proteins, consequently lowered ulcer areas. REPP supplementation positively modulated oxidative stress (increased SOD, CAT, PGE2, and reduced MDA) and inflammatory cytokines (decreased serum TNF-α, IL-6, and increased IL-10) levels. The outcomes could be scientific evidence to back-up the folkloric use of A. Judaica as a medicinal remedy for oxidative stress-related disorders (gastric ulcer).

The outcome of early-stage glottic carcinoma patients treated with radiotherapy: Egyptian National Cancer Institute (NCI-Egypt) experience.

Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is an appropriate treatment option for early-stage glottic cancer (ESGC) that achieves high local control and preserves voice quality. However, the optimal radiation treatment schedule remains unknown. We present our institution's 14-year experience in treating ESGC with definitive radiotherapy between 2005 and 2019 inclusively. Materials and methods: We reviewed the medical records of 104 patients; 63 (60.5%) were treated with conventional fractionation (CF), and 41 (39.5%) were treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy (HF). The clinical T-stage was T1a in 50 patients (48%), T1b in 27 (26%), and T2 in 27 (26%). Age, gender, anterior commissure involvement, stage, radiotherapy technique, radiation fraction size, and overall treatment time (OTT) were analyzed as prognostic factors. The survival outcomes, local regional control (LRC), and laryngeal preservation rate were evaluated. Results: The 5-year overall survival (OS) and LCR were 83.3% and 78%, respectively. On univariate analysis, treatment with CF (p = 0.02), prolonged OTT > 49 days in CF and > 40 days in HF (p = 0.04), and RT total dose < 66 Gy (p = 0.03) were associated with poor LRC. Multivariate analysis showed a non-significant association with LRC (all p > 0.05). The 5-year OS rate in the CF and HF-treated patients was 84.9% and 72.1%, respectively (p = 0.99), and in patients who had T1a, T1b, and T2 disease, were 78.2%, 96.0%, and 82.1%, respectively (p = 0.43). All patients and tumor variables showed no statistically significant association with OS. Only low-grade acute toxicity was observed. Conclusion: Non-inferiority results supported the HF schedule to ESGC, including high local disease control and decreased overall treatment time. Our study supports its efficacy in the primary care of ESGC with manageable side effects.

Anesthesia for awake craniotomy: a case report.

Awake craniotomy (AC) is a neurosurgical technique that enables the precise localization of functional neural networks through intraoperative brain mapping and real-time monitoring. This operative method has been popularized in recent years due to decreased postoperative morbidities. We present a case of 31-year-old female who was presented with episodes of generalized tonic colonic seizures. She had a history of recurring seizures. Upon further investigations, she was diagnosed with brain space-occupying lesions initially suspected as low-grade glioma. Considering the lesion site, the patient was deemed a suitable candidate for an AC. To achieve conscious sedation, the patient received infusions of remifentanil and propofol at varying rates. During the procedure, the patient was under sedation and was regularly tested for response to predetermined commands. The tumor was successfully excised by using a combination of local anesthesia on the scalp and by the administration of propofol and boluses through a systemic infusion.

A novel approach for enhancing the color and antimicrobial properties of pine and beech wood using Se-NPs.

Pine wood (PW) and beech wood (BW) are the most used wood in furniture and other applications owing to their unique characteristics and low machining cost. However, their biodegradability and varied moisture content limit their wider use and durability. Therefore, in this study, nanotechnology was used as a novel eco-friendly approach to enhance the durability, antimicrobial properties, and color of wood. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) were prepared in spherical shape at varied concentrations (25 and 50 mM) using an eco-friendly method in the range of 35-80 and 40-155 nm, respectively. Se-NPs formation at the nanoscale was confirmed using UV/Vis analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared Se-NPs were then impregnated into PW and BW for different periods ranging from 2 h to 1 week. The treated wood were then leached in distilled water for 14 days to eliminate excess Se-NPs from the wood surface. The treated wood surfaces were examined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the depth of Se-NPs penetration into the treated wood at both tangential and radial sides was determined. Se-NPs impacts on the color properties, density, moisture content and antimicrobial activities of the treated wood were evaluated. PW treated with Se-NPs showed better antimicrobial and color characteristics than treated BW. PW samples immersed in 50 mM Se-NPs for 2 h showed the highest K/S values, whereas the highest antimicrobial values were obtained for those immersed at the same concentration for 2 days, and 1 week.

Postnatal imaging of conjoined twins: a customized multimodality approach.

Medical imaging plays a crucial role in the management of conjoined twins. The role of imaging is to explore the anatomy, outline the shared organs and determine whether surgery is feasible. It also serves as a roadmap for successful separation. Additionally, imaging helps with counseling parents about prognosis. This review aims to illustrate recent advances in different imaging modalities and their role in the management of the various types of conjoined twins with an emphasis on relevant tips for optimal imaging.

Development and validation of Ran as a prognostic marker in stage I and stage II primary breast cancer.

PURPOSE: Existing prognostic biomarkers are inadequate for stratifying breast cancer patients with the highest risk of tumor progression at the time of diagnosis. Here, we demonstrate that the small GTPase Ran has predictive value for breast cancer (BC) patients as a whole, and for specific BC subtypes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ran expression was quantified by immunohistochemistry in 263 patients with primary breast cancer diagnosed at the Breast Unit, Royal Liverpool Hospital. Additionally as an independent validation, we also analyzed the mRNA expressions of Ran, ER, PR, and Cerb-2, the triple-negative endocrine receptors, and their associations with patient survival in a combined patient cohorts of multiple public datasets (n = 1079). We analyzed the data with Spearman's rank correlation and Kaplan-Meier plots coupled with Wilcoxon-Gehan tests, respectively. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Ran nuclear, cytoplasmic, and total staining are substantially associated with poor survival, independent of conventional prognostic markers such as estrogen receptor (ER), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and lymph node status. According to the datasets, Ran was significantly correlated with distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and relapse-free survival (RFS). CONCLUSION: We found that Ran expression is a unique predictive biomarker for patient survival, metastasis, and tumor relapse. This biomarker could be used for diagnostic purposes, using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor biopsy samples from breast cancer patients in the early stages.

Material extrusion of thermoplastic acrylic for intraoral devices: Technical feasibility and evaluation.

With global demand for 3D printed medical devices on the rise, the search for safer, inexpensive, and sustainable methods is timely. Herein, we assessed the practicality of the material extrusion process for acrylic denture bases of which successful outcomes can be extended to implant surgical guides, orthodontic splints, impression trays, record bases and obturators for cleft palates or other maxillary defects. Representative materials comprising denture prototypes and test samples were designed and built with in-house polymethylmethacrylate filaments using varying print directions (PDs), layer heights (LHs) and reinforcements (RFs) with short glass fiber. The study undertook a comprehensive evaluation of the materials to determine their flexural, fracture, and thermal properties. Additional analyses for tensile and compressive properties, chemical composition, residual monomer, and surface roughness (Ra) were completed for parts with optimum parameters. Micrographic analysis of the acrylic composites revealed adequate fiber-matrix compatibility and predictably, their mechanical properties improved simultaneously with RFs and decreased LHs. Fiber reinforcement also improved the overall thermal conductivity of the materials. Ra, on the other hand, improved visibly with decreased RFs and LHs and the prototypes were effortlessly polished and characterized with veneering composites to mimic gingival tissues. In terms of chemical stability, the residual methyl methacrylate monomer contents are well below standards threshold for biological reactions. Notably, 5 vol% acrylic composites built with 0.05 mm LH in 0° on z-axis produced optimum properties that are superior to those of conventional acrylic, milled acrylic and 3D printed photopolymers. Finite element modeling successfully replicated the tensile properties of the prototypes. It may well be argued that the material extrusion process is cost-effective; however, the speed of manufacturing could be longer than that of established methods. Although the mean Ra is within an acceptable range, mandatory manual finishing and aesthetic pigmentation are required for long-term intraoral use. At a proof-of-concept level, it is evident that the material extrusion process can be applied to build inexpensive, safe, and robust thermoplastic acrylic devices. The broad outcomes of this novel study are equally worthy of academic reflection, and further translation to the clinic.

Phase II, Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Investigating the Efficacy of Mebendazole in the Management of Symptomatic COVID-19 Patients.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the world, affecting almost all nations and territories. The current double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial sought to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of mebendazole as an adjuvant therapy for outpatients with COVID-19. The patients were recruited and divided into two groups: a Mebendazole-treated group and placebo group. The mebendazole and placebo groups were matched for age, sex, and complete blood count (CBC) with differential and liver and kidney function tests at baseline. On the third day, the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were lower (2.03 ± 1.45 vs. 5.45 ± 3.95, p < 0.001) and the cycle threshold (CT) levels were higher (27.21 ± 3.81 vs. 24.40 ± 3.09, p = 0.046) significantly in the mebendazole group than in the placebo group on the third day. Furthermore, CRP decreased and CT dramatically increased on day three compared to the baseline day in the mebendazole group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.008, respectively). There was a significant inverse correlation between lymphocytes and CT levels in the mebendazole group (r = -0.491, p = 0.039) but not in the placebo group (r = 0.051, p = 0.888). Mebendazole therapy increased innate immunity and returned inflammation to normal levels in COVID-19 outpatients faster than it did in the placebo group in this clinical trial. Our findings add to the growing body of research on the clinical and microbiological benefits of repurposing antiparasitic therapy, specifically mebendazole, for SARS-CoV-2 infection and other viral infections.

Clinical Phenotypes of PCOS: a Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study examines the Doi-Alshoumer PCOS clinical phenotype classification in relation to measured clinical and biochemical characteristics of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Two cohorts of women (Kuwait and Rotterdam) diagnosed with PCOS (FAI > 4.5%) were examined. These phenotypes were created using neuroendocrine dysfunction (IRMA LH/FSH ratio > 1 or LH > 6 IU/L) and menstrual cycle status (oligo/amenorrhea) to create three phenotypes: (A) neuroendocrine dysfunction and oligo/amenorrhea, (B) without neuroendocrine dysfunction but with oligo/amenorrhea, and (C) without neuroendocrine dysfunction and with regular cycles. These phenotypes were compared in terms of hormonal, biochemical, and anthropometric measures. The three suggested phenotypes (A, B, and C) were shown to be sufficiently distinct in terms of hormonal, biochemical, and anthropometric measures. Patients who were classified as phenotype A had neuroendocrine dysfunction, excess LH (and LH/FSH ratio), irregular cycles, excess A4, infertility, excess T, highest FAI and E2, and excess 17αOHPG when compared to the other phenotypes. Patients classified as phenotype B had irregular cycles, no neuroendocrine dysfunction, obesity, acanthosis nigricans, and insulin resistance. Lastly, patients classified as phenotype C had regular cycles, acne, hirsutism, excess P4, and the highest P4 to E2 molar ratio. The differences across phenotypes suggested distinct phenotypic expression of this syndrome, and the biochemical and clinical correlates of each phenotype are likely to be useful in the management of women with PCOS. These phenotypic criteria are distinct from criteria used for diagnosis.

Fungal-Mediated Silver Nanoparticle and Biochar Synergy against Colorectal Cancer Cells and Pathogenic Bacteria.

BACKGROUND: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are attractive substrates for new medicinal treatments. Biochar is pyrolyzed biomass. Its porous architecture allows it to hold and gather minuscule particles, through which nanoparticles can accumulate in its porous structure. This study examined AgNPs' antibacterial and anticancer properties alone and combined with biochar. METHODS: The fungus Emericella dentata was responsible for biosynthesis of AgNPs. The characterization of AgNPs using STEM images and a Zetasizer was carried out. Accordingly, the antibacterial and antiproliferation activity of AgNPs and biochar was studied using MIC and MTT assays, respectively. To evaluate the antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of AgNPs with biochar, VEGF and cytokines including TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-beta were tested using an ELISA assay. RESULTS: The size of the AgNPs ranged from 10 to 80 nm, with more than 70% of them being smaller than 40 nm. The combination of AgNPs and biochar enhanced the antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. Furthermore, this combination showed antiproliferative properties against HT29 cancer cells with high selectivity to fibroblasts at low concentrations. AgNPs with biochar significantly reduced VEGF and proinflammatory cytokine expression levels. CONCLUSIONS: Biochar and AgNPs may be novel treatments for bacteria and colorectal cancer cells, according to the current findings.

Tracking and evaluating motion skills in laparoscopy with inertial sensors.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of surgical instrument motion is applicable in surgical skill assessment and monitoring of the learning progress in laparoscopy. Current commercial instrument tracking technology (optical or electromagnetic) has specific limitations and is expensive. Therefore, in this study, we apply inexpensive, off-the-shelf inertial sensors to track laparoscopic instruments in a training scenario. METHODS: We calibrated two laparoscopic instruments to the inertial sensor and investigated its accuracy on a 3D-printed phantom. In a user study during a one-week laparoscopy training course with medical students and physicians, we then documented and compared the training effect in laparoscopic tasks on a commercially available laparoscopy trainer (Laparo Analytic, Laparo Medical Simulators, Wilcza, Poland) and the newly developed tracking setup. RESULTS: Eighteen participants (twelve medical students and six physicians) participated in the study. The student subgroup showed significantly poorer results for the count of swings (CS) and count of rotations (CR) at the beginning of the training compared to the physician subgroup (p = 0.012 and p = 0.042). After training, the student subgroup showed significant improvements in the rotatory angle sum, CS, and CR (p = 0.025, p = 0.004 and p = 0.024). After training, there were no significant differences between medical students and physicians. There was a strong correlation between the measured learning success (LS) from the data of our inertial measurement unit system (LSIMU) and the Laparo Analytic (LSLap) (Pearson's r = 0.79). CONCLUSION: In the current study, we observed a good and valid performance of inertial measurement units as a possible tool for instrument tracking and surgical skill assessment. Moreover, we conclude that the sensor can meaningfully examine the learning progress of medical students in an ex-vivo setting.

Clinical factors to consider in definitive treatment planning for patients with tooth wear.

Diagnosis, disease control and prevention are the precursors to successful definitive restorative treatment of pathological tooth wear. This case series illustrates how proposed key clinical features can influence treatment complexity and provide the clinician with a logical sequence of treatment options for definitive management of tooth wear.

Sustainable and resilient e-commerce under COVID-19 pandemic: a hybrid grey decision-making approach.

E-commerce saw a paradigm shift during COVID. Consumers turned to online shopping when pandemic lockdowns caused brick-and-mortar stores to shut for extended periods. Although the pandemic drove more buyers online, it had negative impacts that affected e-commerce performance. This study assesses both positive and negative impacts and their relative significance. The findings are then used to prioritize different strategies for e-commerce development in four vibrant Middle Eastern economies: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. The study employs a hybrid approach incorporating grey analytical hierarchy process (GAHP) and grey relational analysis (GRA). The GAHP evaluates the relative significance of impacts, whereas the GRA ranks the strategies. The study is based on the responses from 36 local e-commerce specialists. The findings revealed that the supply chain disruption was a rather significant factor, and that "expanding supplier base" was a top-ranked strategy. The study suggests that increasing market share of e-commerce will necessitate the improvement of the supply chains, including the expansion of the supply base, as well as the establishment of sustainable supply chains. In addition to that, the moment has come to implement meaningful changes, such as digital transformation of supply chains, in order to fulfil customer expectations.