Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception toward Radiation Hazards and Protection among Dental Professionals in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Radiation hazards are harmful, and it becomes precarious when there is a professional negligence or ignorance. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge, attitude and perception among dental students and dental practitioners toward dental radiation and to assess the difference in knowledge between dentists, dental staff and dental students. Materials and methods: The study was comprised of 550 participants. The information was collected from each participant through structured questionnaire consisting of 39 close-ended questions. Statistical analysis: Chisquare to test the association of knowledge, attitudes and perception (KAP) with gender, occupational sector and educational qualification and one way analysis of variance to compare the difference in means of KAP between the three different groups of professionals and gender. Results: Out of the 550 dental professionals who participated in the study, 293 (53%) were dental students, 83 (15%) were dental staff and 174 (32%) were dentists. Dental students showed higher KAP values towards radiation hazards protection followed by dentists and dental staff. Conclusion: From the results obtained in this study, it was noted that the KAP level with regard to radiation protection was higher among dental students compared to dentists, and the least KAP value was found with dental staff.

RISK OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY AND HYPONATREMIA IN LONG-DISTANCE RUNNERS

@#Long-distance running has gathered some momentum among health-conscious participants. However, some studies have revealed association between long-distance running and development of acute kidney injury. Although the impact usually lasts only for a few days after the event, some participants have been admitted for severe acute kidney injury, the minority of which require dialysis treatment. The mechanisms underlying the injury may include dehydration, development of rhabdomyolysis, heat stroke and concomitant use of NSAIDS. Unfortunately, there is no long-term follow-up study to determine the long-term effect on kidney function. Acute hyponatremia may develop in a significant proportion of long-distance runners. Majority of them were asymptomatic but a few fatal cases which were supposedly due to cerebral oedema have been reported. Excessive intake of hypotonic drinks, excessive sweating and secretion of non-osmotic antidiuretic hormone have been postulated to be the causes of hyponatremia. This mini review will discuss the pathophysiology of the development of acute kidney injury and hyponatremia. It will also discuss the prevention and treatment of both conditions

Ecological perspective for landscape planning

This study aimed to assess the ecological landscape planning in the natural reserves in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. To achieve the objective of the study used the descriptive approach, the collected information obtained from official bodies and research centers.The study tool consists from two questionnaires, one for the population in the natural reserves and surrounding areas, and the another for the natural reserves visitor. The study sample consisted of 200 visitors and 250 members of the population in Dibbin and Mujib and Shaumari.The SPSS package used for data analysis. The study revealed that the contribution of ecological landscape planning in the increasing of the tourist importance, and there was an urgent need for the rehabilitation of ecological landscape planning to achieve its goals. The study recommend that there need for the planners and concerned about the natural reserves in Jordan to adopt a new input in the ecological landscape planning to develop and implement an integrated management plans, based on the balance between the planning of protected areas.The study recommend increasing the interest in the surrounding areas to prevent abuse, environmental degradation and change planning objectives parallel to the ecological landscape planning objectives

[Ecological awareness level of local community ladies in Deir Alla and its relation to certain factors]

This research aims at finding out the level of ecological awareness for local community ladies in Deir Alla and study the relation between the level of ecological awareness and some independent variables like personal and socioeconomic characters. In order to achieve this aim, the researchers prepared a test to measure a number of ecological knowledge and effect of the above mentioned variables. The test was based on the researchers' reading of a number of studies and research papers related to research problem. Randomly selected ladies of 200 were chosen and interviewed individually and subjected for questionnaires by using form prepared by the researchers. The questionnaire was included tow parts, first was the personal and socioeconomic characters of the ladies, and the second was a measure of the level of ecological awareness. The data were collected and checked its truth by some experts and other related persons. For data analysis, replicates, percentages, mean standard deviations, Pearson and Spearman correlation, coefficient chi-square and t-test were used that test of hypothesis and determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The most important results were: 1- There was three categories for ecological awareness level which were low [<45] points, medium [45-79] points and high [> 79] points. It was found that 17%, 74%, and 9% of ladies were fall down in the low, medium, and high levels respectively. 2- There was a significant relationship between ecological awareness level and each of lady age, information resources and educational level. 3- There was no significant relationship between ecological awareness level and each of number of family, income, and full-time profession of housewife. 4- The results of this study recommends the strengthening of the role of ecological extension and awareness of Ladies in local communities in the province of the Deir Alla and the transfer of knowledge of ecology for them through the preparation of a scientific plan and a process for the accurate detailed results of this study, in accordance with the ecological awareness level in the study area

[Impact of the human activities on the eco-tourism sites: a case study Ajloun Forest Reserve forests and its vicinity - Jordan]

Ajloun Reserve is considered one of the most important reserves established in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in order to promote development, tourism and the environment on one hand and to preserve the natural and environmental components in the other hand. This research deals with the impact of human activities on the touristic environment of the Ajloun reserve and its vicinity. This research aiming at identifying the environmental changes that have occurred in Ajloun preserve by touristic human activities within the preserve and its vicinity. As well as to develop an integrated management and implementation plan based on the balance between the preserve layout and its vicinity to prevent exploitation and environmental degradation, and awareness of the negative environmental change witnessed in the preserve. This research indicated that human activity for residents in the reserve and its vicinity areas is the primary theme for maintaining the environmental and natural components of the reserve through participation in the planning and oversight of the process and the implementation of any projects related to the preserve. To integrate this activity with the other sectors in the region such as agriculture, industry and tourism for the benefit of residents in these areas. Accordingly, the researcher has followed a methodology based on field visits to the reserve and personal contact inside the reserve, and the local population in neighboring villages to collect information and data from which to describe and analyze human activities in the preserve and its vicinity and the use of desktop tools and internet and field observations. The researcher has come up with a set of findings and recommendations, as the need to put restrictions on human activities within the presewe and its vicinity through the goals of these activities and its positive and negative environmental and natural impacts. Through the invitation of planners and stakeholders on preserve to the adoption of new entries in the preserve layout administratively and environmentally based on a balance between human activities undertaken within the preserve and the activities that take place in its vicinity

Trends in dental caries and missing teeth in adult patients in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

The aim of the study was to determine dental caries prevalence and severity among adult patients attending Al-Ahsa Dental Center in Al-Ahsa Region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 544 adult patients, 42% males and 58% females with a mean age of 42.7 +/- 18.1 years, were examined for dental caries utilizing WHO criteria for diagnosis of dental caries. The caries prevalence among the sample was 89.2% with a mean DMFT score of 13.24 +/- 11.53. The mean DMFT scores of the patients from urban areas [14.03 +/- 12.11] were significantly higher than patients from rural areas [11.39 +/- 9.84] [P<0.01]. Missing teeth was the major component of the total DMFT score. About 17% of the patients were edentulous. However, more than half [56.8%] of the patients above 61 years were edentulous. In conclusion, the caries prevalence and severity were very high among the subjects studied

relation of semi-adjustable articulators to clinical outcome-a review

Success or failure of prosthodontic clinical procedures often relies on the proper application of the principles of occlusion. This article reviews in vitro and in vivo studies on strategies that attempt to explain the capabilities of semi-adjustable instruments In the development of occlusion. This critical review enables the clinician to choose the most suitable instrument to improve clinical outcomes. Scientific studies have been reviewed in relation to the following components of semi-adjustable instruments: [1] condylar-fossa mechanism, [2] intercondylar distance, and [3] anterior incisal guidance and type of incisal guide pins. Positive and negative restorative occlusal errors using semi-adjustable articulators are explained and documented. Recommendations are provided for the selection of articulators that meet clinical requirements

Gingival health among individuals on hemodialysis in a saudi population

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the gingival health status among patients on hemodialysis. Ninety Saudi patients on hemodialysis participated in the study, and were divided into three subgroups of those who have been on dialysis for 1] less than one year; 2]1 to 3 years; and 3] for more than 3 years. Four indices: the debris index [Di]; the calculus Index [Cl]; the plaque Index [PII] and the gingival index [GI] were used. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance [ANOVA]. The means of debris index were 1.65, 2.07, and 2.15, with SD +/- 0.67, 0.47 and 0.48 respectively for the subgroups.The means of plaque index were 1.72, 2.16 and 2.26, with SD +/- 0.64, 0.36 and 0.42 respectively for the revealed groups. The means of calculus index were 1.58, 2.02 and 2.09, with SD +/- 0.58, 0.28 and 0.39 respectively for the subgroups. The means of gingival index were 1.43, 2.97 and 2.06 with SD +/- 0.67, 0.38 and 0.35 for the subgroups respectively. Results showed a 100% prevalence of mild to moderate gingivitis. Tukey's post hoc test showed significant difference in all indices between the 1st and 2nd subgroups, and between the1st and 3rd subgroups, while no significant difference was found between 2nd and 3rd subgroups. It was concluded that periodontal disease is prevalent in renal dialysis patients who showed unacceptable level of oral hygiene and which may increase with the chronicity of the illness

Infection control measures among dentists practising in Saudi Arabia

A national study of oral health care delivery system was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The methodology was based on the International Collaborative Study of Oral Health Outcomes [ICS-lI]. A part of that study was to survey the dental practitioners for their knowledge. attitudes and practices. A 128-item questionnaire was administered to dentists practicing in multiple countrywide locations [5 provinces] and the number of respondents totaled 481. Results showed that 92% used a new pair of gloves for each patient; 85.32% wore face masks; for all procedures; 50.84% used eyewear or glasses for all procedures; 98.32% used a sterilized disposable needle for each patient 27.14% sterilized with autoclave handpieces after each patient; 90.2% sterilized hand instruments in the autoclave after each use; and 89.3% reported enhanced implementation of infection control procedures since they learned about AIDS. Approximately 26.3% disagreed and 8.5% strongly disagreed that they had adequate Infection control training to treat AIDS patients. Over 37.3% strongly agreed and 30.3% agreed that they felt unsafe treating AIDS patients. It is concluded that Saudi Arabia, a rapidly modernizing middle-income nation, is making excellent progress in implementing barrier techniques in the dental care delivery system. In view of worldwide AIDS epidemic, it is vital that adequate infection control continues and greater efforts made in this area with more information provided to dentists about AIDS

Dental emergency needs during Hajj

The religious ritual Hajj or Pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. A significant improvement has been made in the facilities provided for the pilgrims. Providing further, sufficient facilities for an ever increasing number of pilgrims from all over the world will require thorough planning and large sums of money. The aim of this study was to obtain and analyse data pertaining to dental services offered to the pilgrims during the 3-day Hajj period of 1 987. A questionnaire was designed to include the majority of dental emergencies with added information pertaining to certain medical and personal data. A total of 1079 patients who attended different satellite clinics for dental emergencies were included in the study

Pneumococcal infection in hospitalized patients: a four-year study in Malaysia.

A total of 90 cases of pneumococcal infections were identified at a major referral hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia during a study period of four years. Pneumonia was the most common clinical presentation (41 cases) followed by meningitis (19 cases). Of 48 patients who were followed-up during the microbiology consultation round, 11 died, 9 were children below two years old. Capsular typing was carried out on 57 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from blood and body fluids of 43 children and 14 adults. 38 strains isolated from pharyngeal specimens were also typed. Types 6A (11 strains), 6B (7 strains), 14 (8 strains) and 19A (8 strains) predominated in children. The strains from older patients comprised 3 isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (types 18B, 6B and 14), five from blood (4 strains, type 1 and 1 strain, type 4) and six from pus (1 strain, type 14, 3 strains type 23F and 2 strains type 34). The isolates from pharyngeal specimens belonged to capsular type similar to those implicated in infections. 90% of the types reported in this study are included in the 23 valent pneumococcal vaccines. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of penicillin, cefuroxime, chloramphenicol and rifampicin were determined for selected strains. 4.1% of isolates were resistant to penicillin (3/74), 4.5% to cefuroxime (2/44), 6.5% to chloramphenicol (3/46) and 14.6% to rifampicin (6/41).

Demand for dental care in Saudi Arabia

In order to assess the demand for dental care in Riyadh, 1, 856 files of adult Saudi from different areas of Riyadh were examined or the chief complications among those who attended the clinics at the College of Dentistry, King Saudi University. The results show that 45.78% of the patients sought comprehensive restorative treatment, 27.42% needed periodontal treatment, 8.45% needed prostheses, 9.85% needed surgical treatment, 3.07% needed endodontic therapy, and 2.31% needed orthodontic treatment. There was no significant difference between the male and female groups [P> 0.01]. The role of preventive dentistry has been emphasized