Egyptian Sample Research Articles

Mathematics teachers’ awareness of effective teaching practices: A comparative study

This study aimed to explore mathematics teachers’ awareness of effective teaching practices issued by the United States National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM, 2014a) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt and to compare the results using the comparative descriptive method. The Saudi sample comprised 651 teachers, and the Egyptian sample included 620 teachers. Data were collected through an awareness scale of eight dimensions of effective teaching practices. The study found that mathematics teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt had high awareness of effective teaching practices. In addition, no differences were found in Saudi teachers’ awareness of potentially differentiating variables. However, there were differences attributable to the gender variable in favor of the female group. For Egyptian teachers, the results showed no statistically significant differences in awareness levels concerning gender and school stage. However, those with higher qualifications (master’s and doctoral degrees) showed significantly higher awareness than those with an average teaching experience of five-nine years. We identified areas to support high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for future professional development by highlighting and examining mathematics teachers’ awareness of effective practices. These findings have important implications for mathematics instruction specialists, coaches, and stakeholders in both countries.

Daily emotion regulation and emotional well-being: A replication and extension in Egypt

Emotion regulation (ER) strategies have been linked to emotional well-being. However, most studies on this topic have been conducted on Western samples. Furthermore, related studies that have been conducted with non-Western samples have examined the emotional consequences of a limited range of strategies. This paper aimed to replicate and extend prior research by investigating the link between a wide range of ER strategies and emotional well-being in an understudied region: the Middle East and North Africa region. A community sample of 169 Egyptian adults (18–65 years) completed a 14-day experience sampling study (5 surveys/day), measuring various ER strategies, as well as affect. Most adaptive engagement strategies (reappraisal, positive reframing, acceptance) were associated with greater emotional well-being. Meanwhile, most aversive cognitive preservation strategies (rumination, venting) and certain disengagement strategies (suppression, denial) were linked to lower emotional well-being. Results generally replicate past research from Western samples in an Egyptian sample: greater use of adaptive engagement strategies across contexts is emotionally beneficial, while frequent use of aversive cognitive preservation and disengagement strategies can be emotionally harmful.

Remarkable improvement of levansucrase production from a newly isolated Aspergillus niger MK788296 strain using agro-industrial wastes through statistical optimization techniques

Background and objectiveMicrobial levansucrase (LS) is a good source for the production of biologically active fructo-oligosaccharides and levan, which have diverse applications in pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, recent studies have focused on the enhancement of LS production through searching for potent microbial producers and optimization of the fermentation conditions. The present study aimed to use agro-industrial waste as a cost-effective carbon source for LS production and maximize the enzyme yield by optimization of the cultural conditions.Materials and methodsA potent fungal producer of LS was isolated from an Egyptian soil sample that was collected from Giza Governorate at a depth of 5 cm and identified based on internal transcribed spacer identification and then submitted to the gene bank database. The production of LS by the isolated strain was optimized by evaluating the best fermentation state and agro-industrial waste to be used in the fermentation process. After that, further optimization of culture medium composition was established by two statistical designs: the Plackett–Burman design followed by central composite design.Results and conclusionThe isolated strain was identified asAspergillus nigerMK788296. The first optimization approach declared that using the submerged fermentation technique and utilizing potato peels as the main carbon source led to a 2.4-fold increase in LS production. The statistical optimization resulted in a massive LS production (18870.3 U/ml) with a 59.4-fold increase in enzyme yield than the nonoptimized culture conditions.

Correlations of Corneal Epithelial Thickness with Dry Eye Symptoms among Egyptian Sample Patients

Correlations of Corneal Epithelial Thickness with Dry Eye Symptoms among Egyptian Sample Patients

Age estimation of children based on open apex measurement in the developing permanent dentition: an Egyptian formula

BackgroundCameriere’s original formula based on open apex measurements is a reliable, clinically applicable method for dental age estimation in different populations children. Dental development may differ between Egyptian children and other ethnic populations which may affect dental age accuracy using Cameriere’s formula.AimFirstly, to verify Cameriere’s original formula on large Egyptian children sample, secondly, to develop an Egyptian-specific formula based on Cameriere’s method.Material and methodsA prospective cross-sectional study of 762 good quality Orthopantomograms (OPGs) of 5–15 aged healthy Egyptian children selected from Nile Delta governorates between August 2020 and December 2021. Chronological age (CA) was calculated by subtracting birth date from radiograph date. OPGs were analyzed for N0, S, Xi morphologic variables using Sidexis program after that dental age was calculated using Cameriere’s formula then compared to CA. Multiple linear regression model was used to adapt Cameriere’s formula to construct an Egyptian formula. The same sample was used to verify the new formula accuracy.ResultsA total of 1093 OPGs were collected; 762 OPGs which met inclusion criteria were analyzed. Cameriere’s original formula revealed − 0.59- and − 0.53-year underestimation of females and males dental age (DA) respectively (p < 0.001). Regression analysis using the morphologic variables showed that X4, X7, N0 contributed significantly to CA yielding Egyptian-specific formula. New formula showed − 0.12-year male underestimation and 0.1-year female overestimation (p > 0.05).ConclusionEgyptian formula was more accurate than Cameriere’s formula in Egyptian children.Clinical relevanceEgyptian-specific formula decreases the gap between CA and DA, so a relative approximate age is obtained that helps proper diagnosis and treatment planning for orthodontic and pediatric dentistry problems.

Adult sex identification from Sacral and Coccygeal measurements in Egyptian Sample Using Multi Detector Computed Tomography

Adult sex identification from Sacral and Coccygeal measurements in Egyptian Sample Using Multi Detector Computed Tomography

The power of spirituality in symptomatic and functional outcomes of patients with major depressive disorder in an Egyptian sample

ABSTRACT Assessing the role of spirituality on outcomes in Arab patients with major depressive episode and the possible confounding factors is lacking. The aim of the present study was to determine whether spirituality was associated with symptomatic and functional outcomes in an outpatient facility. A total of 79 participants were consecutively enrolled in this study who presented to a psychiatry outpatient clinic over the course of two years. Baseline and follow-up variables were collected via direct interviews of the patients and their caregivers. In order to assess symptomatic outcome, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) is used monthly over 6 months and its percent of reduction is used as an indicator for symptomatic outcome, functional outcome was measured by the percentage of reduction of both scales (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODASII) and WHO Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-100)) that were administrated twice at baseline interview then after 6 months of follow-up (final interview), while spirituality of the sample was measured by using Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES) which assess the intrinsic Spirituality, it is a 16-item self-report measure designed to assess ordinary experiences of connection with the transcendent in daily life. Spirituality was significantly correlated to the disability scale percentage reduction (p = .003), while no significant relation between Spirituality with symptomatic outcome nor the quality of life aspect of functional outcome (p = .259) and (p = .134), respectively. Demonstrating a relationship between spirituality and functional outcome would suggest a new therapeutic route of improving interventions designed to increase outcome and improve quality of life and functioning for Arab patients with major depression.

عوامل الشخصية الخمسة لدى النازحين السوريين والفلسطينيين المقيمين في المخيمات اللبنانيةTHE FIVE BIG FACTORS OF PERSONALITY AMONG ISPLACED SYRIANS AND PALESTINIANS REFUGEES LIVING IN LEBANON

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are a major challenge at the social, economic and psychological levels, in addition to the issue of the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon in the wake of the Naksaa of 1948. The main hypothesis of this study is that the difficult circumstances experienced by the displaced may affect their personality traits. The sample consisted of 430 individuals, (n=204) Syrian refugees and (n=226) Palestinian refugees of both sexes. All the members of the sample responded to the Arabic Inventory of the Five Big Personality Factors. The inventory enjoys good to high alpha coefficients in both samples, and was administered by 15 social specialists during February and March 2022. The findings revealed statistically significant differences in neuroticism in both the Syrian and the Palestinian samples. Women’s mean scores were higher, while there were no statistically significant differences between the sexes on any of the other personality factors. Upon comparing the Syrian and the Palestinian samples on the personality factors, one statistically significant difference appeared in the neuroticism factor, where the Syrian mean scores were higher than those of the Palestinians, including the sexes. Calculating the correlation coefficients among the five factors, it was shown that the correlations in the Palestinian sample of both sexes were twice that of the Syrian sample of both sexes (10 to 5 statistically significant correlations). By conducting a factorial analysis of the correlations between the personality factors, two factors were extracted from the Syrian sample, labelled “Balanced Personality” and “Neuroticism vs. Extraversion”. In the sample of Palestine, one bipolar factor was extracted labeled “Stable personality vs Extraversion” Upon comparison with an Egyptian sample that lives in a stable environment, the factors of extraversion, conscientiousness in both the Syrian and the Palestinian samples were found to increase, which enables them to adapt to the current circumstances.

Violence patterns during the Covid-19 pandemic An Egyptian sample

Violence patterns during the Covid-19 pandemic An Egyptian sample

Assessment of Age and Sex Through Measuring of Maxillary Sinus using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in an Egyptian Sample

Assessment of Age and Sex Through Measuring of Maxillary Sinus using Cone Beam Computed Tomography in an Egyptian Sample

A study of emotional intelligence in an Egyptian sample of offspring of patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundEmotional intelligence is usually a construct measured in healthy children, now it may be used for relatives of schizophrenia, and considered as trait marker for schizophrenia. Offspring of parents with schizophrenia are considered children with high familial risk for major mental disorder. The aim of the study is to assess emotional intelligence in a group of off springs of a parent with schizophrenia and compare them to healthy control subjects, and to find possible relation between emotional intelligence in offspring and profile of symptoms in schizophrenic parents.ResultsOffspring of parents with schizophrenia had lower scores of emotional intelligences than their matched controls in emotion perception, self-esteem, low impulsivity and emotion regulation’s subsets of TEIQue-CF. There was correlation between offspring trait emotional intelligence and their parent’s duration of illness. There was no correlation found between schizophrenia severity in the parents and their offspring’s trait emotional intelligence.ConclusionsOffspring of parents with schizophrenia had impaired trait emotional intelligence in some of its facets when compared to normal healthy subjects.

Factors affecting mechanical thrombectomy outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients: an Egyptian sample

BackgroundStroke constitutes a major health problem worldwide, nowadays endovascular treatment is considered to be a standard of care in acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusion, accurate prediction of outcome of thrombectomy is essential for health care providers, patients and families. We studied different clinical and radiological variables that could predict functional outcome in stroke patients after thrombectomy. Thirty-four consecutive ischemic stroke patients were included, received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (iv-tpa), then mechanical thrombectomy was done. Patients were clinically assessed at admission with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) then evaluated by the Alberta Stroke Program early computerized tomography (CT) score (ASPECTS), clot burden scale (CBS) and collateral score (CS) in multiphase computerized tomography angiography (CTA) then good and poor outcomes at 3 months were defined by Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) of 0–2 and 3–6 points, respectively.ResultsFactors associated with good outcome (MRS 0–2) were lower admission NIHSS score (p < 0.037), small infarct core aspects ≥ 6 (p < 0.001), low clot burden (CBS 7–10) (p = 0.046) good collaterals (2–3) (p = 0.038) and absence of post-procedure hemorrhage (p < 0.0005).ConclusionsLow admission NIHSS score, absence of post-procedure hemorrhage, small infarct core, low clot burden and good collaterals are reliable factors for good clinical outcome.

Impact of “COVID-19” Lockdown on Male Sexual Behavior in Egyptian Sample

Objective To assess the changes in the sexual behavior of Egyptian married men during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Methods In a cross-sectional study, the sexual behavior of 164 Egyptian married men was examined through an online questionnaire, designed by the authors, and uploaded to strictly male social media groups using Google Forms. The questionnaire included demographic and clinical variables about age, stress level about COVID-19, fear of infection during sexual relations and also compared sexual behavior before the COVID-19 lockdown. Results 39.17% of the sample reported decrease in sexual desire, 28.05% reported decrease in sexual frequency, 17.68% reported decrease in sexual satisfaction and 22% reported fear of infection with COVID-19 during sexual relations. Severe stress about COVID-19, increased rate of marital conflicts and fear of infection with COVID-19 during sexual relations were significantly associated with decreased sexual desire, frequency and satisfaction. Conclusions This study demonstrated severe stress about COVID-19, increased rate of marital conflict and fear of infection with COVID-19 during sexual activity, all of which were significantly associated with decreased levels of sexual desire, frequency and satisfaction respectively among married Egyptian men during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Promoting education to manage stress, decreasing marital conflicts and the correction of the mistaken belief that COVID-19 is a sexually transmitted disease is highly important to promote healthy sexual relations during the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown period.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of an Egyptian Physicians Sample towards Dealing with Medico-legal Cases and Forensic Evidence

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of an Egyptian Physicians Sample towards Dealing with Medico-legal Cases and Forensic Evidence

Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in an Egyptian Sample of Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Quality of Life and Psychological Distress in an Egyptian Sample of Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Association between Quality of Diets and the Risk of Obesity Complication among a Sample of Egyptian Obese Women

Abstract&#x0D; Background: The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended. The aim of this study was to identify the awareness of a sample of Egyptian women about eating healthy diet, using Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet as an example.&#x0D; Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study included 109 Egyptian women random chosen, with age range 25-60 years. Full clinical examinations, anthropometric parameters, dietary recalls, and socioeconomic parameters were recorded. Biochemical analysis was done including serum lipid profile.&#x0D; Results: Data showed that a large percentage of the participants (56.9%) were consuming a poor-quality diet, while 20.0% were consuming intermediate quality diet. Only 16.5% and 9.2% of them were aware of eating a good and high-quality healthy diet. Data shows that the calories, macronutrients, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), cholesterol and sodium intake among both poor and the intermediate groups were higher, while their intake of the monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber, important vitamins and the minerals, was significantly low. The mean values of the BMI, body fat %, FFM (Fat Free Mass), waist circumference, visceral fat and LDL-C values showed significant differences between the groups at p≤ 0.05- 0.001, in favor of the good and high groups.&#x0D; Conclusions: Data of this study revealed that poor quality diet was widespread among studied Egyptian women sample; right food choice was associated with the educational level. So, helping individuals to make the right food choices will help in improve diet quality and health.

Study of the association between GLIS3 rs10758593 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Egyptian population

BackgroundGLIS3 (Gli-similar 3), a transcription factor, is involved in the maturation of pancreatic beta cells in fetal life, maintenance of cell mass as well as the control of insulin gene expression in adults. As a result, GLIS3 was reported as a susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and neonatal diabetes. Therefore, the goal of this study was to look into the association between the rs10758593 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the GLIS3 gene and T2DM in the Egyptian population.MethodsFrequencies of the rs10758593 (A/G) SNPs were determined in 100 T2DM patients (cases) and in 100 non-diabetic healthy subjects (controls) using real-time PCR.ResultsThe prevalence of the mutant genotypes, AA and AG, differed significantly between patients and controls. The AA genotype was more prevalent in the patients' group. The (AA) was found in 39% of the patients and 18% of the controls. While AG (heterozygous) genotype was found in 61% of the patients and 81% of the controls (p = 0.003). The AA genotype was significantly associated with T2DM. Moreover, The GLIS3 rs 10758593 mutation was found to be associated with the presence of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. In diabetic patients, a significant correlation between HbA1c with fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR was found.ConclusionThe rs10758593 polymorphism of the GLIS3 gene was found to be significantly associated with T2DM in an Egyptian population sample. Additionally, significant association between GLIS3 rs 10758593 mutation and the glycemic control was found.

A New Perspective of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Associated With Delayed Language Development: An Egyptian Sample.

Objective The current study aimed to get an easy objective method to detect attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by investigating the simple inflammatory blood ratios platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PRL), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) & the monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), for the sake of receiving early management to such cases and overcoming language affection as a comorbid symptom. Methods This study was conducted on two groups: Group 1 (SG) consisted of 70 ADHD children who had delayed language development (DLD), freshly diagnosed, according to DSM-V criteria, and those patients were not on medical treatment. Group 2 healthy group (HG) consisted of 44 healthy control normal children that were both physically and mentally free of the same socio-demographic characters of the first group. Results The PLR, NLR and MLR, were significantly higher in the ADHD group than the healthy control group (HG) group, although the simple blood indices were average. Conclusion Inflammation has a role as a comorbid cause of ADHD. Simple blood inflammatory mediators may be used as comorbid factors in ADHD. This study explained that the language abilities must be taken in consideration when assessing children with ADHD. The screening tools for inflammatory markers are important when dealing with ADHD children with/ without delayed language development (DLD). Also, working memory assessment is mandatory in ADHD with DLD to assign a special program in language therapy for each child.

SMA carrier testing using Real-time PCR as a potential preconception screening tool

BackgroundSMA is a neuromuscular genetic disorder causing irreversible degeneration of the anterior horn cells of lower motor neurons. According to the age of onset and severity of the condition, it is classified into 5 subtypes. SMA carrier’s frequency worldwide is 1:40–80. We used quantitative real-time PCR to determine the copy number of the disease-determining SMN1 gene by rapid and reliable assays. We studied the SMN1 gene copy number in Egyptian sample of 115 individuals, as well as in 10 SMA families.ResultsOur results showed that 57.4% of the couples with the previous history of an affected family members were carriers. On the individual level, carriers of single SMN1 gene copy rate are much higher than the previously reported frequency rates. The effect of consanguineous marriages appears evident in SMA as an autosomal recessive disorder.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the carrier frequency detected in our cohort was high, which possibly corresponds with the worldwide report of SMA as a leading genetic cause of death among infants. Considering the high rate of consanguinity in developing countries confirms the importance of national SMA carrier screening in Egypt. The qPCR carrier screening test is a rapid-cost effective test that can detect approximately 90% of carriers. A population-based preconception prenatal screening for couples will also help reduce the disease burden.

Risk factors for ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis in an Egyptian population sample

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of post-laser in situ keratomileusis (post-LASIK) ectasia in an Egyptian population sample. Design This is a retrospective case–control study. Patients and methods The study included 44 patients, who were classified into two groups. The first group (post-LASIK ectasia) included 31 eyes (18 patients) and the second group (LASIK without complications) included 52 eyes (26 patients). The comparison between the two groups included the pre-LASIK refractive error, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), corneal curvature, corneal thickness, corneal elevations, ectasia risk scoring, flap thickness, and residual stroma after LASIK. We also evaluated the changes that occurred in patients with ectasia in comparison to their pre-LASIK parameters. Results The prevalence of post-LASIK ectasia was 0.22%. The degree of myopia, astigmatism, maximum keratometry reading (K-max), ectasia risk scoring, and flap lift for retreatment were significantly higher in the ectasia group compared with the control group (P=0.041, 0.006, 0.016, 0.038, and 0.017, respectively), while the CDVA and residual stroma after LASIK were significantly less in the ectasia group (P=0.039 and 0.003, respectively). There was a statistically significant increase in astigmatism and change in its type and increased K-max and corneal elevations after ectasia. Conclusions The degree of myopia, astigmatism, CDVA, K-max, ectasia risk scoring, residual stroma after LASIK, and retreatment are risk factors for ectasia development.