7 research outputs found
Screening for preclinical chloroquine maculopathy using microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography
No full textObjective The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in screening of preclinical chloroquine maculopathy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
Study design This is a cross-sectional comparative study.
Patients and methods The study included 20 eyes of RA patients treated with chloroquine for more than 1 year (Group A), and 20 eyes of RA patients not treated by chloroquine (Group B). All patients were subjected to full ophthalmological examination, imaging with SD-OCT, and microperimetry. The study group ranged in age from 40 to 65 years with normal fundus.
Results The mean central foveal thickness was found to be thin both in Group A (178.25±33.27 μm) and Group B (180.15±36.56 μm), with a statistically nonsignificant difference between the two groups (P=0.864). The mean parafoveal thickness was thinner than normal in both groups in all quadrants (P0.05) in all quadrants. The mean test score perimetry and the mean foveal sensitivity were decreased in Group A (11.12±4.11 and 11.73±3.92, respectively) compared with Group B (12.86±2.14 and 13.10±2.48, respectively), but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.104 and 0.194, respectively).
Conclusion Retinal thinning in the form of foveal and parafoveal thinning was detected by SD-OCT in patients of both groups, whereas decreased macular sensitivity was detected in the chloroquine group only with normal macular sensitivity in the nonchloroquine group as detected by microperimetry
Retinal capillary density among healthy Egyptian and South Asian students: an optical coherence tomography angiography study
No full textAIM: To compare the macular and optic nerve perfusion and vascular architecture using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in normal eyes of Egyptian (Caucasians) and South Asian (Asians) volunteers. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical OCTA study performed on 90 eyes of South Asian (n=45) and Egyptians (n=45) were analyzed. All participants underwent best-corrected visual acuity test, slit lamp, and fundus examination. OCTA images; macular 6×6 mm2 grid and optic nerve 4.5×4.5 mm2 grid were used to examine the parafoveal and peripapillary regions, respectively. RESULTS: The mean capillary vessel density (CVD) in macular sectors among South Asians and Egyptians participants were (50.31%±2.53%, 51.2%±5.93%) and (49.71%±3.6%, 51.94%±4.79%) in superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexuses (DCP), respectively (P>0.05). Mean CVD in both groups was higher in DCP compared to SCP in all sectors but was not significant (P>0.05). Mean foveal CVD increases with an increase in central retinal thickness in both SCP and DCP (P<0.001), among both groups. Mean area of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was 0.28±0.09 and 0.27±0.08 mm2 in South Asian and Egyptians, respectively. FAZ area decreases with an increase in the thickness and foveal CVD (P<0.001). Mean CVD in the peripapillary area was 48.23%±5.78% in South Asian and 49.52%±2.38% in Egyptian volunteers. The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness was found to be higher in the nasal quadrant among South Asian females than the Egyptian females (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: No significant racial disparity is found in this study. The findings are helpful for assessing and improving the normative data on the differences in South Asian and Egyptian populations
TiO2/MoS2-rGO composite Photoanodes: A Path to improved electron transport and photovoltaic efficiency in Dye-Sensitized solar cells
No full textImproving the efficiency and viability of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) depends largely on addressing the material limitations of key components. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely regarded as the best-performing semiconductor for DSSC photoanodes, yet its binary composition imposes constraints that prevent DSSCs from achieving their full potential. In this study, we demonstrate that incorporating two-dimensional (2D) materials into TiO2 in the form of a nanocomposite significantly enhances its performance. Specifically, we investigate the application of a TiO2/MoS2-rGO nanocomposite as a photoanode material in DSSCs. While this composite has previously shown promise as an electrode material for supercapacitors and batteries, we reveal its substantial potential for DSSCs, particularly in improving the charge transport properties of bare TiO2 through the addition of MoS2 nanosheets, and enhancing porosity by introducing rGO into its lattice. Our results show an impressive 41% increase in efficiency, from 6.6% for pure TiO2-based DSSCs to 9.3% for DSSCs incorporating the TiO2/ MoS2-rGO photoanode. Comprehensive studies and analyses were conducted to explore various aspects of the material and device, establishing TiO2/MoS2-rGO as a promising alternative to bare TiO2 in DSSCs.Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA)- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [13276-bisha-2023-BU-R-3-1-SE]The Corresponding author (Prof. Ashraf A. Ali; the idea owner and P. I. of University of Bisha Nanotechnology Center- UBNTC) would like to declare that; This paper is derived from a research grant funded by the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA)- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia- with grant number (13276-bisha-2023-BU-R-3-1-SE
Interdisciplinary Insights and Global Perspectives on ADHD in Children: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis (2014–2024)
No full textThis study used bibliometric analysis to investigate the research on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in pediatric populations between January 2014 and January 2024. The Scopus database is utilized to gather a diverse array of scholarly research on this complex ailment. Our objective was to compile a comprehensive dataset on understanding and managing ADHD by selecting specific terms such as “ADHD in Children”, “ADHD Treatment and Management”, and “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder”. We utilized the advanced analytical capabilities of Biblioshiny (bibliometrix R-package) and VOSviewer (VOSviewer version 1.6.19), within our methodological framework, to do network analysis. By conducting this analysis, we were able to examine patterns in publications, author affiliations, the geographic spread of research, and identify influential texts and developing research topics. The findings underscore the collaborative endeavors of medicine, psychology, and neuroscience in tackling the physiological and psychological aspects of ADHD, with a focus on interdisciplinary contributions. The extensive global impact of ADHD research is highlighted by the significant contributions made by countries including the United States, China, the UK, the Netherlands, and Canada. Our data indicates a notable shift towards holistic strategies that encompass socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral aspects, alongside emerging practices like the utilization of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in research. This bibliometric study offers a comprehensive view of ADHD research by identifying significant patterns and clusters of themes. It illuminates the shifts in scientific conversation over time and identifies areas that show potential for additional research. The study advocates for ongoing collaboration across various disciplines and nations, emphasizing the significance of innovative strategies to enhance the well-being of those affected by ADHD
Author Correction: Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017
No full textAuthor Correction: Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017 (Nature Medicine, (2020), 26, 5, (750-759), 10.1038/s41591-020-0807-6)
No full textAn amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper
Mapping geographical inequalities in oral rehydration therapy coverage in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000-17
No full textAbstract: Background Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a form of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) for diarrhoea that has the potential to drastically reduce child mortality; yet, according to UNICEF estimates, less than half of children younger than 5 years with diarrhoea in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) received ORS in 2016. A variety of recommended home fluids (RHF) exist as alternative forms of ORT; however, it is unclear whether RHF prevent child mortality. Previous studies have shown considerable variation between countries in ORS and RHF use, but subnational variation is unknown. This study aims to produce high-resolution geospatial estimates of relative and absolute coverage of ORS, RHF, and ORT (use of either ORS or RHF) in LMICs. Methods We used a Bayesian geostatistical model including 15 spatial covariates and data from 385 household surveys across 94 LMICs to estimate annual proportions of children younger than 5 years of age with diarrhoea who received ORS or RHF (or both) on continuous continent-wide surfaces in 2000-17, and aggregated results to policy-relevant administrative units. Additionally, we analysed geographical inequality in coverage across administrative units and estimated the number of diarrhoeal deaths averted by increased coverage over the study period. Uncertainty in the mean coverage estimates was calculated by taking 250 draws from the posterior joint distribution of the model and creating uncertainty intervals (UIs) with the 2 center dot 5th and 97 center dot 5th percentiles of those 250 draws. Findings While ORS use among children with diarrhoea increased in some countries from 2000 to 2017, coverage remained below 50% in the majority (62 center dot 6%; 12 417 of 19 823) of second administrative-level units and an estimated 6 519 000 children (95% UI 5 254 000-7 733 000) with diarrhoea were not treated with any form of ORT in 2017. Increases in ORS use corresponded with declines in RHF in many locations, resulting in relatively constant overall ORT coverage from 2000 to 2017. Although ORS was uniformly distributed subnationally in some countries, within-country geographical inequalities persisted in others; 11 countries had at least a 50% difference in one of their units compared with the country mean. Increases in ORS use over time were correlated with declines in RHF use and in diarrhoeal mortality in many locations, and an estimated 52 230 diarrhoeal deaths (36 910-68 860) were averted by scaling up of ORS coverage between 2000 and 2017. Finally, we identified key subnational areas in Colombia, Nigeria, and Sudan as examples of where diarrhoeal mortality remains higher than average, while ORS coverage remains lower than average. Interpretation To our knowledge, this study is the first to produce and map subnational estimates of ORS, RHF, and ORT coverage and attributable child diarrhoeal deaths across LMICs from 2000 to 2017, allowing for tracking progress over time. Our novel results, combined with detailed subnational estimates of diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality, can support subnational needs assessments aimed at furthering policy makers' understanding of within-country disparities. Over 50 years after the discovery that led to this simple, cheap, and life-saving therapy, large gains in reducing mortality could still be made by reducing geographical inequalities in ORS coverage. Copyright (c) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license
