[Effect of early perceptual-motor enrichment on later fine motor development process of infants]

There is an agreement on impression of environment on the development in different ways. The environment effect could be passive or active. The environment enrichment is a passive method which is used to show the effect of environment on the development during infancy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of early perceptual-motor enrichment on later fine motor development process of infants. Fifteen 5 to 8-months-old healthy infants participated randomly in this study. According to their age, participants were divided homogenously in two groups: training [n=8, ages=6.5 +/- 2] and non-training [n=8, ages=6.5 +/- 2]. Training group had 36 training sessions [3 times in a week] for an hour at a perceptual-motor enrichment environment [involve vary manipulation and locomotion tools]. After 36 training sessions, at the first assessment stage, infant fine motor skills were evaluated by Peabody motor development scale. Three months later, all infants were kept in similar and normal condition. At the later assessment stage, after this three months, infant fine motor skills were evaluated by same scale. Data were analyzed by mixed ANOVA2 [group] x [stage]. Results indicated that in fine motor age equivalent, main effect of group [F[1,10]= 10.53, P=.009] and main effect of assessment stages [F[1,10] =96.33, P=.001] was significant. Interaction between groups and assessment stages [F[1,10]=2.58, P=.13] was not significant. Also, in fine motor scaled score, main effect of group [F[1,10]=6.65, P=.02] and main effect of assessment stages [F[1,10]=32.93, P=.001] was significant. Interaction between groups and assessment stages [F[1,10]=24, P=.63] was not significant. Generally, results show that training and experience have positive effect on later fine motor skills development of infant

Effect of movement direction variation in relation to gravity on generalized motor program recruitment in fast single joint elbow movements by use of surface electromyography

The precise control of arm kinematics and kinetics as well as interaction of the arm with the external word, is an essential condition to perform skillful motor actions. Gravity has significant effect on spatial orientation, proprioception, displacement, start and stop of hand movements. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of movement direction variation in relation to gravity on generalized motor program recruitment in fast single joint elbow movement by use of surface electromyography. Fifteen volunteer students [mean age 24.8 +/- 3.8 years] without sensory motor impairments participate in this study. Ninety percent of full range of motion at the elbow joint was used as goal degree. Subjects asked to do aimed elbow flexion as fast as possible in seven different direction in relation to gravity. While they were performing movements, surface electromyography was recorded from biceps and lateral head of triceps muscles. Relative timing, relative activity and sequence of contraction were derived from RMS. Data were analyzed by using repeated measure variance analysis. Muscle activation patterns were different in three positions from rest. There were significant difference between relative activity [p<0.001] and relative timing [p<0.003] in some positions. In fourth position, sequence of muscle contraction was different in seven subjects. It seems that change in movement direction in relation to gravity is one of effective parameters in movement planning and execution and it can recruit different generalized motor program

Dental visit patterns and periodontal treatment needs among Saudi students

The aim of this study was to report on dental visit patterns and their association with periodontal health among young Saudi Arabian students. A representative sample of 3090 students was randomly selected. The students' dental visit patterns were assessed with a questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out using the community periodontal index of treatment needs. Age, sex and education level were significantly associated with the periodontal health. The prevalence of periodontal disease was significantly lower among subjects who were taught the right way to brush their teeth by the dentist. The highest occurrence of healthy periodontium [23.9%] and the lowest need for complex treatment [0%] were found among students who had annual reminders for check-ups [only 2.8% of the students

Effect of education upon dentists' knowledge and attitude toward fissure sealants

Sealants are highly effective in preventing dental caries in pits and fissures of teeth. It has been shown, however, that sealants are not widely used by dentists. This study aimed to inform dental professionals about sealants and to evaluate the effect of such Information on dentists' knowledge, attitude and use of sealants. A total of 190 dentists were surveyed to determine their knowledge and attitude toward sealants. Respondents were randomly assigned to an "Education" group who received education materials in contrast with the "NO Education" group who did not receive any until after the education phase. After 12 months, 105 dentists responded to the post-intervention survey. Comparison between the two surveys showed that dentists' knowledge increased significantly in the '"Education" group. No difference was detected in the dentists' knowledge in the "No Education" group. However, dentists" attitude toward sealant use did not significantly improve in either of the groups. It is. therefore, concluded that continuing education was more likely to change dentists' knowledge rather than attitude and behaviour. Efforts to encourage sealant use by dentists should continue, but with the recognition that changes in behaviour occur over a long time and that other external factors in the professional environment may affect the rate of change

Visual laser ablation of the prostate [VLAP] with bare fiber in conjunction with laser bladder neck incision in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]

The objective of this paper was to assess the effectiveness of visual laser ablation of the prostate [VLAP] using a bare fiber with simultaneous laser incision of the bladder neck for patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. Sixty-seven patients with symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia were entered into a prospective trial where VLAP was done with neodymium: YAG laser, while the bladder neck incision was done with KTP laser was delivered using a bare fiber. There was marked improvement demonstrated at three months post-lasing in symptom score and flow rate. No significant changes were noticed in the subsequent follow-up. However, the bladder neck incision increased the rate of retrograde ejaculation without appreciable improvement in symptom score or flow rate when compared to other published data. None of the patients developed bladder neck contracture. VLAP, using a bare fiber, in conjunction with laser bladder neck incision, produces durable improvement in urine flow rate and symptom score in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia without the development of bladder neck contracturer. This method will reduce the costs of laser prostatectomy

Evaluation of a symptom score index for measurement of lower urinary symptoms in arabic form

To evaluate an Arabic translation of a score index for measuring the severity of symptoms produced by benign prostatic hypertrophy [BPH]. A prospective study on 84 subjects. We first translated the symptom score index from its original English-American language; this questionnaire was then given to patients to be self-administered, as intended by the American Urological Association [AUA]. Assistance by a relative or guidance from the managing physician was allowed when required. The Arabic symptom score index was evaluated by [1] the ability of patients to understand the questions; [2] the ability of patients to complete the answers; [3] test/retesting the same patients' symptoms after a short period of time [1 week]; and [4] any change in the score following treatment Our results indicate the usefulness of the symptom score index in Arabic for assessing patients with symptoms produced by BPH. An objective method of measuring these symptoms is now available for Arabic-speaking patients. Conclusion: The assessment of symptoms by a score index system has become standard medical policy and the Arabic translation should be used in the management of BPH in all Arabic-speaking patients

Pattern of premature tooth loss in the primary dentition of Saidi Arabian children

A study of premature tooth loss in the primary teeth of Saudi Arabian children was carried out to determine the magnitude and the major causes of such loss. Caries accounted for the majority of the teeth [80%] that were extracted. There was no difference amongst the sexes with regards to premature tooth loss. The age group 6-12 years, however, had the largest number of teeth extracted. The need for a preventive oral health program to combat early loss of primary teeth was stressed

Second generation extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy treatment for childhood urolithiasis

Among 1400 patients treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL] at our hospital, there were 38 children aged from 5 to 16 years. These children underwent 71 sessions of ESWL as the primary management of their urolithiasis using a second generation lithotriptor. At follow-up 3 months after the final session, 74% were stone free, 18% were labelled as having partial clearance and 4% were considered as showing failure of treatment. These figures do not include three patients who failed to complete their follow-up. These results compared favourably with other reported series in terms of clearance of stones and duration of hospitalization

Percutaneous cystolithotripsy in the management of vesical calculi in children

We describe a technique for removal of vesical calculi in children through a percutaneous approach. The technique was performed easily and successfully in six children. Convalescence was uneventful. The technical details and the advantages of this approach are outlined and discussed