Precise Method Research Articles

Optimal selection of diagnostic method for diabetes mellitus using complex bipolar fuzzy dynamic data

Diabetes mellitus refers to a collection of metabolic disorders that affect the way carbohydrates are processed in the body. It is a prominent worldwide health issue. Precise and reliable decision-making methods are critical for identifying the most effective method of detecting diabetes mellitus. This research work highlights the resolution of the aforementioned decision-making scenarios by utilizing dynamic aggregation operators in the complex bipolar fuzzy (CBF) framework. Dynamic aggregation operators, known for their versatility and accuracy, play an important role in decision-making processes by successfully incorporating changes in data over time. The complex bipolar fuzzy set (CBFS) theory is advantageous in efficiently capturing vagueness because it can incorporate extensive problem descriptions that exhibit periodicity and bipolar ambiguity. In this study, we introduce two novel dynamic aggregation operators, namely, the CBF dynamic ordered weighted averaging (CBFDyOWA) operator and the CBF dynamic ordered weighted geometric (CBFDyOWG) operator. In addition, we examine some important characteristics of these operators. We formulate a modified score function to address the shortcomings of the current score function in the CBF settings. Furthermore, we employ these operators to offer a systematic technique to tackle multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) problems using CBF data. We resolve a MADM problem by determining the most appropriate method for diagnosing diabetes mellitus using the developed operators, demonstrating their usefulness in decision-making procedures. Finally, we perform an in-depth comparison to show the stability and dependability of the derived techniques by comparing them with a wide range of their existing counterparts.

Development and validation of UV spectroscopic method for the quantification of bempedoic acid in bulk and marketed product

Simple, rapid and precise UV spectroscopic method using two solvent blends such as Methanol: Distilled water 3:1 (DW) and Acetonitrile: Distilled water 3:2 (DW) were developed for the estimation of Bempedoic acid in bulk and marketed tablets as per ICH guidelines. The two proposed solvent blends validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, ruggedness and solution stability. The percent recoveries in the marketed tablet formulations were found to be good agreement with the label claim. The UV method validated statistically and the results suggest proposed solvent blends can employed for the routine analysis of Bempedoic acid in bulk and marketed tablet formulations.

A review: On HPLC method for estimation of methylcobalamin

Methylcobalamin, a vital vitamin B12 analog, is susceptible to degradation under thermal stress, leading to changes in PH. Trigeminal neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, facial paralysis and megaloblastic anemia can be treated by the use of Methylcobalamin injection. A new simple, precise, economically viable and efficient High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic (HPLC) method for the estimation of Methylcobalamin (MeB12) in bulk drugs and pharmaceutical dosage formulations was developed and validated. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD, LOQ and robustness as per ICH guidelines. The method was tested with commercially available MeB12 drugs and the concentration methylcobalamine was found to be accurate.

Precise localization method for faulty idlers in belt conveyors based on visual and auditory bimodal fusion

Precise localization method for faulty idlers in belt conveyors based on visual and auditory bimodal fusion

EFFECT OF ANNEALING TEMPERATURE ON THE STRUCTURAL AND THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF CuFeS2 NANOPARTICLES PREPARED BY THE HYDROTHERMAL METHOD

The current study described precise and simple hydrothermal method used to synthesize CuFeS2 nanoparticles. The thermoelectric properties of CuFeS2 nanoparticles were studied under different conditions of annealing treatment. The phase structure, functional groups, and thermal stability of the CuFeS2 nanoparticles samples were analyzed via X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of the synthesized nanoparticles closely matched the CuFeS2 chalcopyrite patterns. FT-IR measurements confirmed the presence of the characteristic S-O, Fe-S, and O-H groups in the structure of the prepared nanoparticles. The TGA results indicate that the CuFeS2 nanoparticles are thermally stable below 650°C. The scan electron microscope (SEM) measurements revealed that the particle size of all the samples was less than 100 nm after the annealing treatment. The optical measurements showed that the absorbance edges of the CuFeS2 samples shifted to longer wavelengths after the annealing treatment. The thermoelectric measurements indicated that the annealing treatment modulated the electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, power factor, and thermal conductivity of the CuFeS2 samples.

Buckling analysis of orthotropic plates with various boundary conditions using a new hyperbolic shear displacement model: an analytical approach

PurposeThis paper introduces a closed-form solution for analyzing the buckling behavior of orthotropic plates using a refined plate theory with four variable parameters, leveraging a new hyperbolic shear displacement model.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed theory incorporates a quadratic variation of transverse shear strains across the plate’s thickness and satisfies zero traction boundary conditions on both the upper and lower surfaces without employing shear correction factors. The governing equations are derived from the principle of minimum total potential energy. Closed-form solutions for rectangular plates, with two opposite edges simply supported and the remaining two edges subjected to arbitrary boundary conditions, are obtained using the state space approach to the Levy-type solution. Comparative studies are conducted to validate the accuracy of the obtained results.FindingsThe paper successfully examines and discusses in detail the effects of boundary conditions, loading conditions, variations in modulus ratio and thickness ratio on the critical buckling load of orthotropic plates.Originality/valueThis study presents a novel and precise method for evaluating the buckling behavior of orthotropic plates. The refined plate theory, without the need for shear correction factors, offers significant insights and improvements in understanding the critical buckling load under various conditions, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of structural analysis.

P-2299. Febrile neutropenia in cancer: a retrospective analysis in a dominican tertiary hospital

Abstract Background Febrile neutropenia (FN) poses a significant threat to cancer patients, often leading to severe infections. This study aims to characterize the epidemiology and sources of infection among hospitalized cancer patients experiencing FN at Hospital General de la Plaza De la Salud. By elucidating these factors, we strive to enhance patient care and outcome within our context. Source: Statistical registry of the authors. Methods We conducted a retrospective study at a 289-beds in a tertiary care center in the Dominican Republic from March 2021 to March 2024, assessing 258 hospitalized patients with severe neutropenia. 42 cancer patients met the inclusion criteria (absolute neutrophil count less than 500 cells/µL and fever greater than 38.3°C) and data was collected reviewing the eCharts. Source: Statistical registry of the authors. Results 24 patients were male (57.1%), with a median age of 44 (IQR=27). 34 (80.9%) patients had hematologic malignancy, with acute myeloid leukemia being the most common (n=19; 45.2%), followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=7; 16.7%). Cause of fever was identified for 28 patients, which included bacteremia (13/28; 30.9%), respiratory tract infection (7/28; 16.7%), skin and soft tissue infection (5/28; 11.9%) and others (3/28; 10.7%). An etiological agent was documented in 20 cases, of which the most common was bacterial (15/20;75%); Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6/15; 40%), Escherichia coli (5/15; 33.3%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (2/15; 20%), 4/20 (20%) were viral; 3/4 due to SARS-COV2 and 1/4 due to dengue, and 1/20 (5%) had Candida albicans. 14 (33.3%) patients had fever of unknown origin. 24/42 patients (68%) had a MASCC score < 21. Mortality rate was 30.9% (n=13), of which 12 (92%) had a MASCC score < 21 (p=0.02). p=0.33. Source: Statistical registry of the authors. Conclusion This study emphasizes how infectious complications greatly impact cancer patients experiencing febrile neutropenia, especially those with hematologic malignancies. Bacterial infections, notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, are prevalent, highlighting the urgency of precise diagnostic methods for tailored antimicrobial treatment. The link between low MASCC scores and higher mortality rates focuses the importance of this risk assessment tool in guiding clinical decisions. These findings stress the necessity for improved multidisciplinary strategies to enhance the outlook for this vulnerable patient group. MASCC risk vs outcome p=0.02 Source: Statistical registry of the authors. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Detection and quantification of true proteins, casein fractions, and their genetic variants, and whey proteins in goat milk by Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

The protein profile of milk is an increasingly important research topic in relation to the technological properties of milk for cheese-making and value of it for human nutrition. Goats are a valuable source of milk worldwide, but there is no precise and rapid method for the simultaneous identification and quantification of the genetic variants of the major protein fractions. In this study we devised a method for the rapid identification and quantification of the main genetic variants of αS1-, αS2-, β- and κ- caseins, and of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin (whey proteins) in caprine milk using an HPLC-UV reverse-phase C8 column. The R2 of the calibration equations was > 0.99 for all 15 protein fractions identified. A total of 520 milk samples were taken from 260 goats (in duplicates) of 6 different breeds reared on 22 farms operating different farming systems, ranging from traditional/extensive to modern/intensive, and analyzed them to externally validate the method. Milk samples from DNA-genotyped goats were used to identify the genetic variants of the caseins. Compared with other studies, with our method we were able to separate the main genetic variant of caseins within a total run time of 24 min and with a repeatability > 92% for all fractions except for the C variant of κ-casein. Farms were found to be the major source of the variability in the contents of true proteins (56.1% of total variance), true caseins (48.6%), κ-casein C (50.6%) and whey proteins (52.9-62.9%) in goats' milk, whereas individual goat within farm was the most important source of variability in the contents of individual caseins and their genetic variants (53.9% to 94.7%).

Construction of Photosensitizer Candidates in Photodynamic Therapy: Computer Aided Design, Calculation, and Screening.

Thiophene and pyrrole units are extensively utilized in light-responsive materials and have significantly advanced the field of organic photovoltaics (OPV). This progress has inspired our exploration of photosensitizers (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Currently, traditional PS face limitations in clinical application, including a restricted variety and narrow applicability. Drawing upon molecular design concepts from OPV, we aim to transcend these limitations in PDT. Given the abundance of candidate molecules, effective screening is crucial. Theoretical calculations and electronic structure analyses serve as precise and practical screening methods. In this study, we adopted strategies successfully employed in OPV molecular design, focusing on donor-acceptor (D-A) and acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) structures. Using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), we systematically designed combinations of promising organic fragments. These fragments include polythiophene and polypyrrole-dominated donor structures, paired with five electron acceptors: indene (Ind), diketopyrrole (DPP), naphthalimide (Ni), benzothiazole (Btd), and dithiazolyl diketopyrrole (Tbo). Through meticulous calculations, we obtained electronic structures and spectral properties for all candidate molecules, facilitating an efficient screening process. Our findings highlight that those combinations of polypyrrole-based frameworks with DPP, Ni, and Btd show significant promise for PS applications. Approximately 13% of candidates were selected through comprehensive comparison, markedly reducing molecular design time and experimental costs. This interdisciplinary approach holds potential to pave the way for more targeted and successful PS designs.

Development of HEK293T cell reference materials for β-thalassemia genetic testing using prime editing

Abstract Objectives β-thalassemias, caused by mutations in HBB, are hereditary blood disorders that impose a significant global health burden. Detecting these mutations through accurate genetic analysis is essential. This study aimed to create a panel of cell type reference materials for β-thalassemia genetic testing using prime editing (PE), a flexible and precise genomic editing method. Methods PE3 systems were designed to target specific HBB mutations, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs) (−32 (C>A), CD 17 (A>T)), insertions (CD 14/15 (+G), CD 71–72 (+A)), and deletions (CD 31 (−C), CD 41/42 (−TTCT)). HEK293T cells were edited to carry these mutations. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm the accurate introduction of homozygous and heterozygous mutations. The cell lines were further verified using commercial reverse dot-blot hybridization and melting curve assays. Results We successfully constructed 12 stable HEK293T cell lines carrying the intended homozygous or heterozygous HBB mutations using PE3 systems. No off-target mutations in the HBB were detected by Sanger sequencing in these stable cell lines, even after more than 10 weeks of culturing. Additionally, all target mutations were accurately and consistently detected using two reverse dot-blot hybridization kits and one melting curve assay kit. Conclusions The 12 stable cell lines exhibited accurate and stable HBB mutations, making them valuable reference materials for β-thalassemia genetic testing. PE3 systems show potential for generating a comprehensive panel of HBB mutations, particularly those that are clinically rare.

Computed Tomographic Anatomy of the Head in Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus).

Nowadays, computed tomography (CT) scanning is one of the most practical and precise diagnostic imaging methods that can be utilized to evaluate the head in birds. This study aimed to present the normal anatomical data of the head of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) using the CT method. In this research, the features of this bird's head were investigated in terms of bones, joints, muscles, sinuses and other constituent tissues. The current retrospective cross-sectional study used carcasses of six adult cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) (three males and three females) with an average age of 1-3years and an average weight of 75-110g. After preparing the CT images, the head of each parrot underwent gross anatomy studies. Based on the results, reconstructed CT images could identify most structures of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) head. Parietal, mandible, occiput, maxillary, premaxillary, palatine, pterygoid, quadrate, temporal bones, epithelial membranes, external ear canal and bony labyrinth, ossicles and entoglossal bones, different parts of the infraorbital sinus, brain hemispheres and various parts of the eyeball and conchae of the nasal cavities were examined in CT images. The results related to the CT evaluation and anatomical examination of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) head demonstrated a high correlation. The results of this research can be employed as a reference and a suitable atlas for identifying anatomical features, examining different species of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), teaching anatomy and interpreting CT scan images, as well as performing clinical examinations and treating this type of parrot.

Development of a one-step multiplex RT-qPCR method for rapid detection of bovine diarrhea viruses

IntroductionViral calf diarrhea poses a significant challenge to the cattle industry worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality rates, leading to substantial economic losses. The clinical symptoms associated with various diarrhea pathogens often overlap, complicating accurate diagnosis; thus, there is an urgent need for rapid and precise diagnostic methods to improve prevention and treatment efforts. In this study, we developed a one-step multiplex reverse-transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (mRT-qPCR) that enables the simultaneous detection of three key viral pathogens responsible for calf diarrhea: bovine kobuvirus (BKoV), bovine astrovirus (BoAstV), and bovine torovirus (BToV). However, development of accurate and rapid methods to distinguish these three viruses is helpful for the early detection, disease surveillance, and control of viral calf diarrhea.MethodsSpecific primers and minor groove binder (MGB)-based probes were designed targeting the 3D region of BKoV, ORF1 region of BoAstV, and N region of BToV. The sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility ability were evaluated for the mRT-qPCR. Further, 80 bovine fecal samples were subjected to the mRT-qPCR, and the results were verified using conventional reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) or PCR methods and sequencing methods.ResultsThis novel method demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity,achieving a detection limit of 24 copies/mL for each pathogen. Furthermore, the assay exhibited excellent reproducibility, with coefficients of variation below 1.5%, a strong linear correlation (R2 > 0.996), and an amplification efficiency between 90% and 110%. Validation with 80 clinical samples from both diarrheic and non-diarrheic cattle across four farms in Shanghai showed a high degree of concordance with RT-PCR, with positive detection rates for BKoV, BoAstV, and BToV at 28.75%, 8.75%, and 3.75%, respectively, highlighting the predominance of BKoV and BoAstV. Notably, this study represents the first identification of BKoV, BoAstV, and BToV in the Shanghai region.DiscussionThe mRT-qPCR is a robust, rapid, and simple tool for identifying viral pathogens associated with calf diarrhea, facilitating the development of effective prevention and control measures that are vital for the future sustainability of the cattle industry.

Brain Age as a New Measure of Disease Stratification in Huntington's Disease.

Despite advancements in understanding Huntington's disease (HD) over the past two decades, absence of disease-modifying treatments remains a challenge. Accurately characterizing progression states is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions. Various factors contribute to this challenge, including the need for precise methods that can account for the complex nature of HD progression. This study aims to address this gap by leveraging the concept of the brain's biological age as a foundation for a data-driven clustering method to delineate various states of progression. Brain-predicted age, influenced by somatic expansion and its impact on brain volumes, offers a promising avenue for stratification by stratifying subgroups and determining the optimal timing for interventions. To achieve this, data from 953 participants across diverse cohorts, including PREDICT-HD, TRACK-HD, and IMAGE-HD, were meticulously analyzed. Brain-predicted age was computed using sophisticated algorithms, and participants were categorized into four groups based on CAG and age product score. Unsupervised k-means clustering with brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD) was then employed to identify distinct progression states. The analysis revealed significant disparities in brain-predicted age between HD participants and controls, with these differences becoming more pronounced as the disease progressed. Brain-PAD demonstrated a correlation with disease severity, effectively identifying five distinct progression states characterized by significant longitudinal disparities. These findings highlight the potential of brain-PAD in capturing HD progression states, thereby enhancing prognostic methodologies and providing valuable insights for future clinical trial designs and interventions. © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Comparative analysis of the prediction accuracy of hydrogen cloud explosion overpressure peak based on three kinds of theoretical models

Abstract Hydrogen energy is pivotal in the energy transition due to its high efficiency and zero-emission characteristics. However, the potential for explosions constrains its broader application. Gaining insights into the dynamics of overpressure in hydrogen explosions is vital for the safe design of explosion-proof facilities and the determination of equipment spacing. This study investigates hydrogen explosions in open spaces of 1 m³ and 27 m³ volumes, analyzing flame propagation and overpressure distribution. It also evaluates the accuracy of three theoretical models in predicting peak overpressure. The results reveal that the spherical flame from a hydrogen cloud explosion transforms into an ellipsoidal shape upon contact with the ground. The average flame propagation velocity across different equivalent ratio is ordered as follows: Va (φ = 1.0) > Va (φ = 1.5) > Va (φ = 2.5) > Va (φ = 0.5). At equivalent distances, the peak overpressure of hydrogen cloud explosions is comparable across both scales. The traditional trinitrotoluene model overestimates the peak overpressure of hydrogen cloud explosions at both scales. The optimized trinitrotoluene model achieves over 90% accuracy in predicting hydrogen cloud explosions in 1m³ volumes but shows decreased accuracy in 27 m³ explosions. At source intensity level 3, the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek multi-energy model exhibits a prediction accuracy of over 70% for peak overpressure in hydrogen cloud explosions, with consistent performance across different scales, rendering it a more reliable model for such predictions. This research enhances hydrogen safety assessment technologies by providing a more precise method for evaluating large-scale hydrogen cloud explosion risks.

Optimized PCF architectures for THz detection of aquatic pathogens: Enhancing water quality monitoring.

Waterborne bacteria pose a serious hazard to human health, hence a precise detection method is required to identify them. A photonic crystal fiber sensor that takes into account the dangers of aquatic bacteria has been suggested, and its optical characteristics in the THz range have been quantitatively assessed. The PCF sensor was designed and examined as computed in Comsol Multiphysics, a program in which uses the method of "Finite Element Method" (FEM). At 3.2 THz operating frequency, the proposed sensor performs better than the others in all tested cases, with a high sensitivity of 96.78% for Vibrio cholera, 97.54% for E. coli, and 97.40% for Bacillus anthracis. It also has a very low CL of 2.095 × 10-13 dB/cm for Vibrio cholera, 4.411 × 10-11 dB/cm for E. coli, and 1.355 × 10-11 dB/cm for Bacillus anthracis. The existing architecture has the potential to produce the sensor efficiently and scalable, opening the door for commercial applications. The innovation is in the optimization of structural parameters to increase the fiber's sensitivity to bacterial presence, thereby improving the interaction between terahertz waves and bacterial cells. It targets bacterial macromolecule absorption peaks to increase sensitivity. Localized field augmentation, which concentrates THz vibrations where bacteria interact more, may arise from optimization. By improving scattering, structural alterations can help identify bacteria by their characteristic scattering patterns. These improvements improve the sensor's trace bacteria detection. These factors increase the sensor's aquatic germ detection when combined. In aqueous environments, this results in a more precise and efficient detection, which could facilitate the real-time monitoring of bacterial contamination. Public health and water quality control may be significantly affected by these developments.

A novel method for multi-matrix arsenic speciation analysis by anion-exchange HPLC-ICP-MS in the framework of the third (French) total diet study.

This study presents the development and validation of a precise analytical method for the speciation analysis of arsenic (As) compounds, including inorganic species [As(III) and As(V)] and organic species such as monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). The method employs anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (AE HPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To optimize the sample preparation process, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and heat-assisted extraction (HAE) techniques were evaluated and compared. Separation of all four arsenic species was achieved with baseline resolution within 10 min, utilizing an anion-exchange column and a mobile phase gradient of 0.5 and 5 mM ammonium carbonate with 3% (v/v) methanol at a pH of 9.3. The method validation followed the accuracy profile approach, employing six different food matrices analyzed in duplicate over six separate days within a 6-week period. The method demonstrated good intermediate reproducibility, with coefficients of variation (CVR) ranging from 4.7% to 5.5%, while the bias was < 3%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) for the four species was 6.25 μg/kg (dry weight, dw), and the limit of detection (LOD) was 1.88 µg/kg (dw). These results confirm the robustness, accuracy, and suitability of the method for routine As speciation analysis across a variety of food matrices. The method is specifically intended to be applied to the analysis of a panel of food samples as part of the ongoing (French) third total diet study.

A Novel Mechanics-Based Design for Overcorrection in Clear Aligner Orthodontics via Finite Element Analysis

A simplified mechanics model of aligner–tooth interaction was developed to establish a precise computational method for overcorrection design in clear aligner orthodontics. Validated through finite element analysis and experiments, the results demonstrated that designing the movement of only the target teeth on the aligner leads to uneven force distribution on adjacent teeth, while an overcorrection design can evenly distribute the reaction force generated by pushing the target teeth to the anchorage teeth, reducing the maximum force on the anchorage teeth, minimizing unplanned tooth movement, and improving the efficacy of the designed tooth movement for all teeth.

Precise phenotyping method using image data for carcass marbling score in Hanwoo cattle.

With the development of the Korean economy, demand for high-quality beef, specifically Hanwoo beef, is escalating, with marbling traits-measured by the widely used marbling score-being a key contributor to meat palatability. The differences between the high-quality and the lower-quality meat, according to the satisfaction of the customers, are not the result from only the degree of marbling but also from the delicacy of the marbling flecks distribution. Using the computer marbling analysis technique, an index for quantifying marbling fineness of 256 sirloin cuts at 12th- 13th thoracic vertebra named F7 index was developed in this study. F7 index is defined as the standard deviation of the ratios of marbling particles area to the tile area, was developed in this study. At the optimal step size of 70 tiles per axis, F7 index discriminated dramatically the finely marbled and coarsely marbled sirloin with Beef Marbling Score from 6 to 9, with P value = 1.340 × 10-27 < 0.05 of. Although the efficiency of computer image analysis procedure with the F7 index is still being optimized, the F7 index shows great potential to enhance the accuracy of Hanwoo beef quality grading alongside marbling score and support the development of improved breeding strategies for the Hanwoo cattle population in Korea.

The impact of resective epilepsy surgery on the brain network: evidence from post-surgical imaging.

Resective epilepsy surgery can be an effective treatment for patients with medication-resistant focal epilepsy. Epilepsy resection consists of the surgical removal of an epileptic focus to stop seizure generation and disrupt the epileptic network. However, even focal surgical resections for epilepsy lead to widespread brain network changes. Understanding the impact of epilepsy surgery on the brain is crucial to improve surgical outcomes for patients. Here we provide a summary of studies imaging the postsurgical effects of epilepsy resection on the brain. We focus on MRI and PET studies of temporal lobe and pediatric epilepsy, reflecting the current literature. We discuss three potential mechanisms for surgery-induced brain changes: damage and degeneration, recovery, and reorganization. We additionally review the postsurgical brain correlates of surgical outcomes as well as the potential to predict the impact of surgery on an individual patient's brain. A comprehensive characterization of the impact of surgery on the brain and precise methods to predict these brain network changes could lead to more personalized surgeries that improve seizure outcomes and reduce neuropsychological deficits after surgery.

Current Awareness of Removable Prosthodontics in Dentists at King Abdulaziz University

Background: Removable prosthodontics is a branch of prosthodontics that requires a high level of knowledge and great skills. This include the basic and advanced understanding of various principles and the practical skills that are crucial to deliver a good quality and satisfactory removable prostheses. To provide a successful prosthodontic treatment in partially dentate patients with removable partial denture (RPD), the awareness of basic RPD principles and design is mandatory.Therefore, academic education utilizes the good teaching strategies and precise assessment methods for the students to fulfil the required preclinical and clinical skills. In addition, to meet the planned level of competencies, the basic learning domains are required to be fulfilled. In removable prosthodontics, fulfilment of the required knowledge and skills are very crucial to deliver a high-quality prosthesis. In academic study, students are exposed to different learning experiences throughout their years of study to prepare them becoming competent graduates. Some students may face difficulties in understanding and applying the mechanobiological principles of removable partial denture. Therefore, the assessment of their knowledge and cognitive skills, as well as, the current teaching strategies is crucial to reflect upon those strategies and to plan for implementation of future teaching improvements.In this study, students and general dentists were assessed regarding their awareness and understanding of RPD principles and deign which is the initial step in performing this prosthodontic treatment option. Also, pre-lecture and post-lecture assessment was planned to reflect upon the teaching strategy in removable prosthodontics among undergraduate students. Materials and methods: A well-structured online questionnaire in removable partial denture design and principles was formulated to assess the knowledge and cognitive skills of undergraduate, postgraduate students and general dentists at KAU. Also, a pre-lecture and post-lecture assessments were carried out for fifth-year undergraduate students. Results: The proportion of correct answers were higher in female than male students among postgraduates and undergraduates (P&lt;0.05). Also, Postgraduate students showed the highest level of proportion compared to the undergraduates (P&lt;0.05). In addition, a significant higher proportion and scores of correct answers were reported in the after-lecture response among fifth-year students (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The level of awareness of removable partial denture increases with the level of experience and lectures are considered as the corner stone in teaching of his branch of prosthodontics