Al-Azhar University Research Articles

Content Analysis of Study Plans for Bachelor's Social Work in Palestinian Universities

The study aimed to analyze the content of study plans for bachelor’s Social Work programs in Palestinian universities, that is (The Islamic University, Al-Quds Open University, Al-Azhar University, Al-Aqsa University, An-Najah National University, Bethlehem University, Palestine Ahliya University, and Al-Quds University). In light of the quality standards set by the Ministry of Higher Education in Palestine, The study used the qualitative approach to analyze data through the (MAXQDA, 2020) qualitative analysis program, the study used a content analysis tool. Prepared by the researcher to analyze the content of the study plans. After making sure of its validity and reliability. The results of the study found that there is great homogeneity in the number of hours of the study plans for Bachelor's social work programs in Palestinian universities and that there is some homogeneity at the level of the field training courses, and courses of basic and secondary methods of social work, and general courses in the field of social work, while there was homogeneity between the study plans for the Bachelor's of social work programs in Palestinian universities at level of courses in the fields of social work.

Effectiveness of Venous Stenting for the Treatment of Lower Extremity Chronic Thrombotic Venous Obstruction

Patients with venous hypertension have significant morbidity and poor quality of life. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and congenital defects that led to chronic outflow blockage are frequent causes of venous hypertension. It is known that the venovenous bypass has been the standard method used in the treatment of chronic iliofemoral vein occlusions. Percutaneous recanalization has earlier been shown to be technically possible. With venoplasty and stenting, we used an aggressive endovascular strategy to treat the iliofemoral venous thrombotic occlusion. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous venous stenting performed in our hospital for cases with chronic thrombotic venous outflow blockage of the iliofemoral vein segment. From May 2019 to April 2021, the medical records were reviewed for sixty-three patients diagnosed with symptomatic iliofemoral thrombotic occlusive disease and treated with venous stenting. The procedures' results were analyzed at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. The medical records of 63 cases (44 women with a median age of 49.52 years) with chronic outflow block of iliofemoral vein segment who were treated with endovascular venous stenting were reviewed retrospectively. Optimal success was obtained in 56 cases (88.9%). Twelve months primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 76.8%, 80.4%, and 87.5%, respectively, while it was 73.2%, 80.4%, and 87.5%, respectively, after 2 years. The procedure-related complication rate was 6.3%. Puncture site hematoma was observed in 2 patients (3.2%). Early (30-days) stent thrombosis occurred in 2 patients (3.2%). Most importantly, there was no procedure-related mortality. Endovascular treatment with balloon angioplasty and stenting of chronic venous thrombotic occlusions is an effective and safe procedure associated with a high technical rate of success and excellent patency rates. Accordingly, it should be considered the first line in the treatment of symptomatic iliofemoral vein occlusion.

The prevalence of central retinal vein occlusion was observed in middle age patients with post-covid syndrome multicenter study

Background: The World Health Organization pronounced the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Patients with COVID-19 are more likely to have multisystem thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. This study estimates the clinical characteristics of patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) post-COVID-19 infection in three governorates of Egypt. Methods: A retrospective randomized study was conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. We revised medical records for patients presented to Ophthalmology departments with CRVO. We considered all patients above 30 years old of both sexes without risk factors for central vein occlusion. Results:Central retinal vein occlusion was observed in post-COVID syndrome at younger ages, rather than the ordinary cases. The most presenting symptoms were fever, dyspnea, and a cough with significant hypoxia and elevated D-dimer level. Conclusion:Our study asserts the importance of more investigation into ocular complications associated with COVID-19. Physicians should be vigilant for acute visual symptoms in COVID-19 patients. Patients presenting with thromboembolism should be screened for COVID-19 infection as a presumed etiology. D-dimer may have an important prognostic value for disease severity. Anti-coagulant medications may be required on a long-term basis after COVID-19 infections.Keywords: acute visual symptoms, ophthalmic evaluation, thromboembolism

Proposed Procedures for Developing Managerial Performance of the Faculties of Al-Azhar University in The Light of Strategic Flexibility Approach

Objectives: The study aimed to present proposed procedures for developing the managerial performance of Al-Azhar University faculties in light of strategic flexibility approach (strategic sensitivity, clarity of vision, core capabilities, selection of strategic goals, joint responsibility, and responsiveness) by recognizing the degree of the importance of practicing its dimensions from the faculty members viewpoint, and calculating the statistically significant differences among the sample members about the degree of importance of their practice, attributed to the study variables (scientific degree - college nature - college headquarters or branch).
 Methods: The study used the descriptive method, and a questionnaire consisting of (36) items, which was applied to a sample of (587) faculty members at the university to collect data.
 Results: The study concluded with the agreement of the sample members on the importance of practicing the dimensions of strategic flexibility for the development of managerial performance at Al-Azhar University faculties with a degree of “very important” and with a mean of (4.44), there are no statistically significant differences at the level (0.05) attributed to the study variables (scientific degree- the college nature- The college headquarters or branch), and the study presented proposed procedures to develop the institutional performance at Al-Azhar University.
 Conclusions: The study recommended the importance of adopting the proposed procedures to develop managerial performance through the application of the dimensions of strategic flexibility at Al-Azhar University and in other Egyptian universities, due to the similarity of structures and systems in these universities, and the importance of the university’s administrative, financial and academic independence so that it is able to adapt to various variables, and to attract qualified scientific and administrative staff.

Assessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density and neurophysiological studies in patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy

Abstract Background Idiopathic polyneuropathy is an asymmetrical, length-dependent neuropathy in which neurophysiology demonstrates axonal damage involving large fibers, along with insidious onset and slow progression over 6 months, with no identified etiology in spite of thorough investigations. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic role of clinical, electrophysiological, and histopathological studies in patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy. Methods Case–control study included 20 patients with clinical and neurophysiological evidence of sensory or sensory–motor neuropathy with no apparent etiology after laboratory investigation were recruited from 127 patients with sensory–motor neuropathy of unknown etiology (the patients group). Twenty apparently healthy individuals, age- and sex-matched, with no neuropathy symptoms (the control group), were recruited from the Neurology Clinic of Al-Azhar University, Assuit. Results Age of onset of patients with idiopathic polyneuropathy (44–70) years, duration of illness (1–6) years, 60% had painful neuropathy, diagnostic neuropathic pain questioner (DN4 score) (5–7), abnormal pin brick (80%), abnormal vibration (90%), abnormal fine touch (75%), distal weakness (70%), and lost ankle reflex (90%). In the control group, there were substantial differences with respect to prolonged latency, diminished sympathetic skin response amplitude, and significant intraepidermal nerve fiber density reduction in skin biopsy cases. In diagnosing idiopathic polyneuropathy, the specificity and sensitivity of sympathetic skin response were (80–86)% and (81–89.5)%, respectively, whereas those of diminished intraepidermal nerve fiber density were (92.5%) and (97.5%), respectively. Conclusion The assessment of intraepidermal nerve fiber density had an important good diagnostic role in cases presented with polyneuropathy.

Attitudes of the students of the Faculty of Agriculture in Cairo- Al Azhar University towards self-employment

Attitudes of the students of the Faculty of Agriculture in Cairo- Al Azhar University towards self-employment

Code mixing in Arabic Conversation among Indonesian Students of Al-Azhar University

The purpose of this research is to determine the form of code mixing used in WhatsApp group conversations among Indonesian students at Al-Azhar University Egypt and the factors causing code mixing in their conversations. This research is literary research using qualitative approach. The data obtained are analyzed using sociolinguistic theories, especially code-mixing. The objects of this research consist of words and sentences found in the conversations. The data, words and sentences, are taken from WhatsApp group named Sufara-Indonesia. In order to get data, researcher utilized documentation method, in which data are collected from WhatsApp conversation, followed by note-taking techniques. The results of the research are mixed language found in 40 sentences. Among the data, 32 are in the form of word, and 5 are in the form of phrases, 3 are clauses. This research also found that among factors influencing code-mixing are their habit of using their mother tongue, Indonesian language, and their intimacy for they live in the same place far from their home land.

Peningkatan Kualitas Mengajar Dosen Fakultas Hukum Universitas Al Azhar Indonesia Melalui Pelatihan Experiental Learning dan Pembaruan Kurikulum MBKM

<p><strong>The MBKM program initiated by the Ministry of Education and Culture in the past year has had an impact on the teaching and learning process of lecturers at the Faculty of Law at UAI. The existence of the MBKM program makes the Faculty of Law in collaboration with Vrije University hold Experiential Learning training for all permanent and non-permanent lecturers, as an effort to improve the quality of lecturer learning. This study uses a descriptive-qualitative method and a questionnaire-based Spearman's Coefficient with 20 permanent and non-permanent lecturers as respondents in the Faculty of Law UAI. FH UAI also realizes that MBKM and Experiential Learning are expected to have a significant impact on the quality of the profile of graduates as candidates for superior and useful human resources in society and the world of work, of course, it takes time and a process that is not simple to implement and achieve results. optimal. The implementation of MBKM and Experiential Learning still leaves several problems that become challenges for teachers in particular and need to be faced together with related parties both within Al-Azhar University Indonesia, government agencies and relevant partners.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong><em> – Lecturer, Experiental learning training, MBKM, Fakultas hukum UAI.</em></p>

Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsia remains a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with several adverse pregnancy outcomes. Aim: The current study aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and preeclampsia. Research Design: A case control design. Setting: The study was conducted at the antenatal clinic at Al zahraa hospital – Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. Sample: Purposive sample (120 pregnant women), was divided into study group (n=60) and control group (n=60). Tools: Two tools for data collection. First tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire which used to assess demographic data, obstetrical history, family history, physical examination to diagnose preeclampsia and laboratory investigation to confirm the diagnosis. Second tool: Serum vitamin D levels of both groups were measured by using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Result: Significant lower mean vitamin D of study group compared to control group with highly statistical significant difference between both groups. In addition, there were 3-fold increased odds of developing preeclampsia in pregnant women who had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml). Also, observed that when vitamin D level decreases, the severity of preeclampsia increases. 

Effectiveness of using Web Quests in Developing Oral Expression Skills in French among the students at the Faculty of Education – Al-Azhar University

Effectiveness of using Web Quests in Developing Oral Expression Skills in French among the students at the Faculty of Education – Al-Azhar University

Modeling the Relationships Between Academic Boredom, Self-Compassion, and Quality of Academic Life Among University Students

Academic boredom and self-compassion are among the numerous variables that affect the academic life quality of university students, although the literature investigating these variables together is scarce. In this study, we develop a model to indicate the direct and indirect relationships and effects between academic boredom, self-compassion, and the quality of academic life of university students. The research sample comprised 478 male and female students from the Faculty of Education at Assiut Al-Azhar University. Academic boredom, academic quality of life, and self-compassion scales were used for data analysis. The results revealed that the proposed structural model achieved a satisfactory goodness-of-fit level with the participants’ data and that the research variables had direct and indirect relationships and effects. The findings also demonstrated that self-compassion partly mediated the relationship between academic boredom and academic quality of life. Recommendations and research suggestions are also provided.

Clinical Audits in Colposcopy at Al-Azhar University Hospital

Clinical Audits in Colposcopy at Al-Azhar University Hospital

Effect of new oral anticoagulants on microcirculation in ischemic diabetic foot ulcer

Background and aim Diabetic patients with foot ulcer and peripheral ischemia were shown to be associated with hypercoagulation and dysfunction in the fibrinolytic system that in turn would affect the healing of the ulcer. The authors aimed to investigate the role of rivaroxaban in improving the microcirculation of the skin and peripheral tissues and how it can improve ischemic diabetic foot ulcers. Patient and methods The authors conducted an observational retrospective case–control study at Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, from January 2015 till December 2020. Diabetic patients with foot ulcer and peripheral limb ischemia who received rivaroxaban till ulcer healing were considered as the case group, whereas patients who did not receive rivaroxaban were considered as the control group. Clinical assessment and pulse oximeter were used for the assessment of transcutaneous microcirculation. Results Throughout the 5 years of the study, 172 patients were included; the case group included 87 patients and the control group included 85 patients. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the improvement of limb ischemia, tissue plasminogen activator antigen, and transcutaneous microcirculation (P<0.05). Before the treatment, there was a significant correlation between both permeability coefficient and plasma fibrinogen and transcutaneous microcirculation. Conclusion The oxygenation of the ulcer and the microcirculation were found to be improved in the case group and accelerate wound healing in the ischemic diabetic foot.

Climate change necessitates a change in the cultivation date of caraway ( Carum carvi L.)

By 2050, global crop demand is projected to rise by 60–110%. Crop yields have also been impacted by climate change in some nations, and these impacts are likely to continue. To prevent the influence of climate change on crop output, it is critical to adjust planting times in weather-related open fields to meet food security concerns. Present study was carried out at Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt, during two successive seasons, 2019 and 2020. It was aimed to study the effect of different sowing times (1st and 15th October, 1st and 15th November), and plant spacings (25, 20, and 15 cm) on growth, fruit yield, and oil production of caraway ( Carum carvi L.) plants. The results showed that sowing caraway plants on 15th October with plant spacing of 25 cm gave the highest dry weight (72.6 g∙plant –1), fresh weight (266.15 g∙plant –1), seed yield (37.43 g∙plant –1), and oil yield (0.659 cm3∙plant –1). The maximum umbels (50.83 number per plant) and essential oil (1.78%) were also recorded in the plants receiving same treatment. On the other hand, plants sown at 15th November with spacing of 15 cm exhibited the minimum values of recorded traits. While the highest value of plant height gave with sowing caraway plants on 15th October with plant spacing of 15 cm (135.35 cm). In conclusion, the plants sowed on October 15th with a maximum plant spacing of 25 cm had the highest values of the evaluated morphological, biochemical, and yield attributes of caraway.

Evaluation of Double-Faced Tubularized Preputial Flap versus Duckett's Procedure for Repair of Penoscrotal Hypospadias with Significant Penile Curvature: A Comparative Study.

Background Proximal hypospadias, with significant curvature, is one of the most challenging anomalies. Great diversity and a large number of procedures described over the last 4 decades confirmed the fact that no single procedure has been universally accepted or successful. So, the aim of this study is to evaluate double-faced tubularized preputial flap (DFPF) versus transverse tubularized inner preputial flap (Duckett's procedure) as regards surgical outcomes, complications rate, and cosmetic results for repair of penoscrotal hypospadias with chordee. Patients and Methods. This was a prospective comparative study on 144 children with primary penoscrotal hypospadias with moderate or severe chordee, conducted at New Damietta and Assuit hospitals, Al-Azhar University, from March 2016 to March 2022. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups; group A (n = 72) underwent DFPF, and group B (n = 72) underwent Duckett's procedure. Results No significant difference was identified as regards demographic data. The follow-up period ranged from 20 to 66 months (mean of 28 months after DFPF and 31 months after Duckett's repair), and the complication rate was 20.1% (29 of 144 children). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups as regards the urethral stricture, penile rotation, and total complication rate. HOSE score was adopted for assessment of surgical outcomes, urine stream, and cosmetic results. Conclusions The DFPF technique is feasible and reliable for one-stage repair of penoscrotal hypospadias with chordee and can be considered as a good option as it ensures better surgical and cosmetic outcomes with lower incidence of complications.

Incidence, Outcomes and Predictors of Aortic Regurgitation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Al Azhar University Hospitals and National Heart Institute, Egypt

Background: Aortic regurgitation (AR), which has ill-defined predictors and an unknown long-term influence on outcomes, is a significant transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) constraint. Objective: this research aimed to assess the prevalence, identify predictors, and evaluate the outcomes of aortic regurgitation following trans catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). 1. To calculate the prevalence of aortic regurgitation in elderly patients receiving trans catheter aortic valve implantation who have severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. 2. To determine aortic regurgitation risk factors after trans catheter aortic valve implantation. Methods: From November 2017 to November 2020, this prospective observational study was done in the National Heart Institute on severe aortic valve stenosis patients above 65 years who were candidates for aortic valve replacement from the outpatient department. Results: LVEF significantly improved. Compared to before TAVI (55.08 ± 9.71), LVEF elevated to 58.9 ± 8.8 (P<0.001). Twenty-five patients (83.3%) showed class III/IV, four patients (13.3%) showed class II, and one patient (3.3%) showed class I before TAVI. While after TAVI, three patients (10%) only showed NYHA class III/IV, six patients (20 %) in class II, and 21 patients (70%) improved to be in class I. The left ventricular mass index mean was 158 ±32.37 before TAVI and 133.50 ±21.96 after TAVI (p<0.001). Compared to before TAVI (0.75 ± 0.2), mean aortic valve area was improved to 2.0 ± 0.2 following TAVI (P<0.001). A significant reduction in the mean pressure gradient from 47 ± 11.08 mmHg across the native valve prior to TAVI to 10.28 ± 3.21 mmHg across the prosthetic valve following TAVI (P <0.001). Expert commentary: The clinical and results of TAVR devices were clearly outlined in literature study. The study showed a high incidence of pacemaker implantation with Core valve and aortic regurgitation. This information strongly supports the need for a randomized trial with sufficient power to compare the most recent self-expandable valve generation to balloon expandable valves. In the 2019 PARTNER 3 prospective randomized trial, it was discovered that, when compared to surgical management, low-risk patients (defined as STS 4%) had a lower risk of the composite outcome of stroke, death, and rehospitalization at 1 year. Additionally, it was shown that TAVR had a lower risk of stroke and required less time in the hospital (3 days as opposed to 7, P0.001) than surgery [1]. In addition, despite an elevated permanent pacemaker implantation rate, the 2019 Medtronic Evolut Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement revealed no inferiority for composite all-cause stroke and death, as well as a statistically significant decrease in the rates of life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury and atrial fibrillation, compared with SAVR at 30 days following the procedure [2]. Conclusion: According to the study in high-risk patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, TAVI is alternative, viable, safe, and successful therapy compared to traditional open-heart surgery.

Comparative study between thulium laser and cold knife visual urethrotomy for treatment of short bulbomembranous urethral stricture.

Introduction:The classical way to treat urethral stricture is the direct vision cold knife internal urethrotomy (DVIU). Along with advances in laser technology, laser urethrotomy is widely used, such as neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, argon, potassium titanyl phosphate, and thulium laser. We aimed to compare thulium laser urethrotomy (TLU) and cold knife visual urethrotomy (CKVU) in terms of short bulbomembranous urethral stricture management.Materials and methods:This prospective interventional study was conducted for 24 months, from January 2018 to January 2020, on 60 patients with primary short bulbo-membranous urethral stricture who came to the Department of Urology of Al-Azhar University Hospital, New Damietta, Egypt. We divided these patients into 2 age-matched groups; 30 patients treated with CKVU and 30 patients with TLU.Results:Regarding efficacy, postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) was reduced significantly in both groups (P < .001) after 6 months of follow-up; however, the reduction in TLU was greater than CKVU (P = .008). The improvement of Qmax after 6 months was significant and comparable in both groups. Regarding the quality of life, both groups showed a significant (<0.05) improvement in international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) scale, without no significant difference between both groups (>0.05). TLU showed a significantly (P = .038) shorter operative duration (24 ± 4.17 min) than CKVU duration (33 ± 4.86 min). Compared with CKVU, TLU was associated with less blood loss during surgery (P = .001), lower recurrence rate (46.7% vs. 19.97%, respectively), and lower frequencies of urethral dilatation (P = .001).Conclusion:TLU is an effective and safe therapy for managing bulbomembranous urethral strictures, with a relatively low recurrence rate. Further investigations of other techniques are recommended to look for the most appropriate procedure to combat the urethral stricture problem.

Towards Environmental Sustainability of Existing Buildings in Egypt: Case Study of the Building of the Faculty of Engineering – Department of Architecture – Al-Azhar University – Cairo

Towards Environmental Sustainability of Existing Buildings in Egypt: Case Study of the Building of the Faculty of Engineering – Department of Architecture – Al-Azhar University – Cairo

Suture Button Fixation for Treatment of Acute Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmotic Injury

Introduction and Aim: Ankle fractures are common fractures encountered by the orthopedic surgeons in their daily clinical practice. The syndesmosis complex stabilizes the mortis by securing the fibula into the fibular notch. The current work aimed to evaluate the outcome of suture button fixation for treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries.&#x0D; Patients and methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. It included twenty patients with distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injury. They were operated upon by suture button fixation at Al-Azhar University Hospital (New Damietta) and were assessed clinically and radiologically directly and followed up over four months after surgery.&#x0D; Results: Patient’s age ranged from 25-54 years with the mean value of 39±7.3 years. Female patients were 15 (75%). The left side was 14(70%) affected in patients, while the right 6 patients (30%). The functional outcomes were 95% excellent and 5% good. There was no post-operative complication except one case complicated with superficial infection and another case complicated with wound dehiscent. All cases were operated on the same day of fracture except two cases presented by severe edema and skin bullae and the operation was delay one week until the edema subsided. Time to full weight bearing ranged 5 to 6 weeks.&#x0D; Conclusion: The suture button technique is considered a viable alternative option to replace screw fixation for syndesmosis injuries. It normalizes the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis that remains normal throughout the follow up duration.

A case oriented study: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) on a wild urease negative Proteus mirabilis isolated from deep surgical site infection (SSI) at El Hussein University Hospital, Al Azhar University Cairo, Egypt

A case oriented study: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) on a wild urease negative Proteus mirabilis isolated from deep surgical site infection (SSI) at El Hussein University Hospital, Al Azhar University Cairo, Egypt