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Buildings with excellent thermal performance offer numerous benefits, including reduced energy consumption for climatization, minimized environmental impact, and enhanced comfort for occupants. In regions with extreme temperatures, like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the importance of thermal efficiency is even more pronounced. Therefore, this study evaluates the thermal performance of two 3D printed structures in the UAE by employing experimental and theoretical analyses of their U-values following ISO 9869:1 and a thermal bridge analysis in accordance with ISO 6781. The investigated 3D printed structures utilized different insulation approaches, which led to valuable conclusions. Uninsulated large cavities in 3D printed walls adversely affect their thermal performance. Filling these cavities with insulating materials could reduce the U-value by up to 60%. Similarly, adding a continuous exterior insulative layer improves the U-value while minimizing thermal bridge risk. Thermal bridges were most problematic at the joints between 3D printed sections, embedded structural elements, and around doors or windows. These insights underscore the significance of thermal optimization and advocate for the adoption of 3D printing in construction to achieve energy conservation and environmental responsibility. Implementing the study’s conclusions can potentially drive the development of more energy-efficient 3D printed buildings.

Abstract The prevalence of teeth impaction varies substantially between different populations, and the impaction of third molars is the most commonly recorded. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and pattern of the third molars impactions among Yemeni population. This was a retrospective radiographic study conducted in Yemen between 2022 and 2023. The digital panoramic radiographs were collected from two major X-ray centers in Yemen. The angular position and depth of the impacted third molars were assessed according to the classifications of Winter and of Pell and Gregory, respectively. All radiographs were evaluated twice by one investigator in a two-week interval, and Kappa test was used for intra-rater reliability. Gender-wise differences, differences between both sides, and differences between maxilla and mandible were analyzed using Chi-squared tes with odds ratio (OR) for the risk of impaction. A P-value

Abstract Background and Aim Breast cancer is the most frequently occurring malignant disease in women and remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among females worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate the imaging findings of breast cancer in women under the age of 40 and analyze their pathological patterns. Method A retrospective study was conducted from 2013 to 2019, involving 120 patients below 40 years of age with pathologically confirmed primary epithelial breast cancers. The data were collected from the electronic records of a tertiary hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Mammograms were performed for 115 patients, ultrasounds were conducted for all patients, and MRI scans were carried out for 47 patients. Results All radiological findings and clinical characteristics of the 120 cases were retrieved from our digital-based system. The majority of breast cancer patients (83.4%) were between 30 and 40 years old, and the most common clinical presentation was a mass (45.8%). Out of the 73 patients who underwent genetic tests, 32.9% tested positive for gene mutations. No statistically significant correlation was found between specific age groups and breast composition (P = 0.216), specific mammogram abnormalities such as masses (P = 0.262), or microcalcifications (P = 0.421). Ultrasonography was performed for all patients, with abnormalities detected in only one patient who was diagnosed with Paget’s disease of the nipple. Masses, with or without parenchymal changes, were the predominant feature in 88.3% of cases. Conclusion The imaging findings in breast cancer cases typically involve masses with suspicious features, irregular shape, and spiculated margins on mammograms, and irregular shape with microlobulated or angular margins on ultrasound. MRI features commonly include masses with irregular shape and heterogeneous enhancement. The luminal B subtype was identified as the most prevalent pathological feature, characterized by a high proliferative index (Ki-67%). Graphical Abstract

Nuclear Protein in Testis (NUT)-rearranged tumors comprise predominantly NUT carcinoma but also include certain lymphomas, leukemias, skin appendage tumors, and sarcomas. Although histologically diverse, all are genetically identified by oncogenic rearrangement in the NUTM1 gene. Many fusion partners occur, and NSD3 is NUT carcinoma’s third most common partner. Herein, we present a case of a 26-year-old man with an NSD3::NUTM1 fusion sarcoma. The patient presented at the age of 13 months with a scalp nodule. Over the next 24 years, he experienced five local recurrences and ultimately expired of a rapidly progressive recurrence. His treatment included surgical resections, radiation, and various chemotherapies. Deceptively, the clinical presentation and histopathology aligned with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, a diagnosis rendered at initial resection with concurrence by a national soft tissue tumor expert. The patient’s exceptionally long survival could be due to NSD3 as the fusion partner, aided by the initial small tumor size and young patient age. Thus, this case expands NUT fusion sarcomas’ histologic and immunohistochemical profile to include mimicking a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). Additionally, it indicates that the NSD3::NUTM1 fusion can drive sarcoma genesis.

Objective: This study assessed the influence of chitosan nanoparticles on the fluoride-releasing ability of 4 glass ionomer cement (GIC) through an in vitro analysis. Methods: Four types of GIC (type II light cure universal restorative, type II universal restorative, GC Fuji VII, and type IX) were modified with nanochitosan particles; 10% chitosan was added to the glass ionomer liquid. Six specimens for each of the 4 groups were created, using expendable Teflon moulds. Discs of each type of GIC (n = 6) were immersed in deionised water at various time intervals. Electrodes selective for fluoride ions were employed to analyse the amount of released fluoride at 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Results: Chitosan-modified GICs showed greater fluoride release than conventional GICs at all time points. All samples showed an initial high release of fluoride that tapered off with time. The total amount of fluoride released increased from the 1st day to the 28th day on adding chitosan to all the 4 types of GIC. Amongst those, type IX high-strength posterior extra with chitosan released a considerably higher quantity of fluoride at all time intervals. Conclusions: In all the experimental groups, adding chitosan to the glass ionomer liquid had an accelerating effect on its fluoride-releasing property.

Background: Herd immunity for COVID-19 is the ultimate goal to end the pandemic. Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has been a subject of considerable debate regarding vaccines effectiveness. This ongoing discussion and other evolving variables contribute to the hesitancy toward vaccines and levels of vaccination acceptance among both the healthcare workers and the public. This study was conducted to assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and hesitancy among the Saudi Arabian population during the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey conducted between June 28 and July 5, 2021. The survey collected sociodemographic information, personal and family history of previous COVID-19 infection, adherence to precautionary measures, COVID-19 vaccination status, parental willingness to vaccinate their teenage children, and address variable associated with hesitancy to receive vaccination. Results: Among the 4071 participants, 67 % were women, 86 % of the participants received COVID-19 vaccine, 70 % had very high or high commitment with COVID-19 precautionary measures. On multivariate analysis, vaccine hesitancy was less likely in men (OR 0.652, p-value

Abstract Background Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare type of breast carcinoma. It accounts for 0.2–1% of all invasive breast carcinoma. The aim of this study is to investigate the radiological features of this tumor and correlate them with the pathological findings. Results Of the 22 patients with pathology-proven metaplastic cancers, 18 patients (81.82%) presented with a palpable mass. The majority of the mammogram findings were masses with irregular shapes (n = 12, 63.16%) and indistinct margins (n = 11, 57.89%). Similarly, the majority of the ultrasound studies showed masses with irregular shapes (n = 16, 72.73%) and indistinct margins (n = 8, 36.36%). Most of the echopatterns were complex or with heterogeneous textures, each presented in eight cases (36.36%). More than half of the cases had a posterior acoustic enhancement (n = 12, 54.55%). Most of the cases tested negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2 protein, and they were high-grade tumors with a high proliferative index (Ki-67%) of > 15%. Conclusion MBC is a rare and distinct aggressive breast cancer with no definite characteristic imaging compared to other breast cancer. It shows a mass with irregular shape and indistinct margins in both mammogram and ultrasound. Additionally, it reveals posterior acoustic enhancement and rarely contains microcalcifications. The correlation with the pathological findings is crucial for the diagnosis and subsequent appropriate treatment.

Introduction: Gap detection tests are crucial clinical tools for identifying auditory processing disorders that result from abnormalities in the central auditory nervous system. These tests assess the ability to resolve temporal information in sounds, which aids in the diagnosis of auditory temporal processing issues. This study explores the directional effects of marker frequencies on gap detection tasks with respect to the conditions of long and short frequency disparity (separation). Methods: We measured the gap detection thresholds (GDTs) using four across-channel narrowband noise conditions (1–2, 2–1, 1–4, and 4–1 kHz). A within-subject study design involved 29 healthy individuals with normal hearing. Stimuli were presented monaurally using headphones routed via a calibrated audiometer. Results: The condition with long frequency disparity and a low leading frequency (1–4 kHz) exhibited higher GDTs compared to the other across-channel conditions. However, we did not observe this effect in the other condition with long frequency disparity and a high leading frequency (4–1 kHz), which did not show significant differences from the two conditions with short frequency disparity. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the combined effects of the spectral characteristics of the gap markers, including frequency disparity and order of presentation, influence the temporal resolution ability of auditory gap detection. Clinicians evaluating a patient suspected to have central auditory disorders should recognize that the across-channel GDTs may not consistently increase as the frequency separation between the markers increases. Plain Language Summary: Gap detection tests are essential while performing hearing assessments that are aimed to tap central auditory processing abilities. Different varieties of gap detection tests are evaluated for their sensitivity, and across-channel gap detection is noted to have high potential to detect central auditory processing disorders. However, any variations in the stimulus frequencies would impact the results of gap detection thresholds. Present study would enlighten the reader with the impact of such variations in stimuli on the outcome gap detection measures. The result of the study indicates when the two marker frequencies are close in nature (one-octave difference), then the order of their presentation did not change the outcome measures significantly. But, when the two marker frequencies are wide in nature (two-octave difference), then the order of their presentation changed the outcome measures significantly. The measured gap detection thresholds are better if high-frequency segment presented initially followed by the low frequency. Further, the study also provides valuable discussions on the results obtained. The study would add necessary understanding and precautions about the stimulus while using gap detection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to explore the evidence-based practice (EBP) pattern among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists in Saudi Arabia. A total of 48 clinicians working in Saudi Arabia completed a questionnaire that investigated patterns, attitudes, skills, and time and resources at the workplace related to EBP. The results showed that SLPs and audiologists held favorable attitudes toward EBP, and the use of research studies to guide clinical decision making was increased among the participants with previous EBP training. Also, the study found that skills and knowledge related to EBP need to be enhanced, but they were not major barriers to EBP implementation. Limited resources appeared to impose some hindrances, whereas insufficient time at the workplace was found to be a major challenge for EBP implementation. Overall, the findings from this study highlight the importance of increasing the continuing education and professional time for EBP activities in the workplace.

The technology of additive manufacturing, especially 3D concrete printing (3DCP), has been recently adopted in the construction industry as a viable alternative to traditional construction methods. Although the technology offers a wide variety of structural, economic, and environmental benefits, it is still restricted in use due to certain limitations that are still under research. This paper explains the fundamentals of the 3D printing process, its potential, challenges, as well as the different 3D printing systems. The recent literature is explored for recommended materials that possess the required properties for 3D printing, as well as reinforcement methods and techniques. This paper also reviews 3D printing extrusion using concrete and foam and explores the effect of both materials and extruding systems on the final product. The application of different additive construction systems with Building Information Modeling (BIM)-integrated algorithms are also discussed in this paper. It is believed that with providing a comprehensive knowledge of 3D printing for concrete construction, there is a huge potential to change the way cementitious materials are formulated and sustainability aspects are implemented, especially for complicated designs.

Nuclear Protein in Testis (NUT)-rearranged tumors comprise predominantly NUT carcinoma but also include certain lymphomas, leukemias, skin appendage tumors, and sarcomas. Although histologically diverse, all are genetically identified by oncogenic rearrangement in the NUTM1 gene. Many fusion partners occur, and NSD3 is NUT carcinoma's third most common partner. Herein, we present a case of a 26-year-old man with an NSD3::NUTM1 fusion sarcoma. The patient presented at the age of 13 months with a scalp nodule. Over the next 24 years, he experienced five local recurrences and ultimately expired of a rapidly progressive recurrence. His treatment included surgical resections, radiation, and various chemotherapies. Deceptively, the clinical presentation and histopathology aligned with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, a diagnosis rendered at initial resection with concurrence by a national soft tissue tumor expert. The patient's exceptionally long survival could be due to NSD3 as the fusion partner, aided by the initial small tumor size and young patient age. Thus, this case expands NUT fusion sarcomas' histologic and immunohistochemical profile to include mimicking a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). Additionally, it indicates that the NSD3::NUTM1 fusion can drive sarcoma genesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at reinforcing the control adhesive (CA) with two concentrations (2.5% & 5%) of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) and evaluating the impact of these additions on the adhesive’s properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX) spectroscopy were utilized to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental mapping of the filler CNPs. To investigate the adhesive’s properties, rheological assessment, shear bond strength (SBS) testing, analysis of the adhesive–dentin interface, degree of conversion (DC) analysis, and failure mode investigations were carried out. The SEM micrographs of CNPs verified roughly hexagonal-shaped cylindrical particles. The EDX plotting established the presence of carbon (C), oxygen (O), and zirconia (Zr). Upon rheological assessment, a gradual reduction in the viscosity was observed for all the adhesives at higher angular frequencies. The SBS testing revealed the highest values for 2.5% CNP adhesive group (25.15 ± 3.08 MPa) followed by 5% CNP adhesive group (24.25 ± 3.05 MPa). Adhesive type interfacial failures were most commonly found in this study. The 5% CNP containing adhesive revealed thicker resin tags and a uniform hybrid layer without any gaps (compared with 2.5% CNP adhesive and CA). The reinforcement of the CA with 2.5% and 5% CNPs augmented the adhesive’s bond strength. Nevertheless, a diminished viscosity (at higher angular frequencies) and reduced DC were observed for the two CNP reinforced adhesives. CNP reinforced dentin adhesives are effective in enhancing the adhesive bond integrity of resin to dentin.

Trusted computing architecture ensures the behavior of software that runs on a user machine by protecting software-level attacks. Due to the potential of exposing a user's private information while accessing a system, many studies have focused on analyzing existing protocols to develop new methods based on biometrics or additional devices to add new layers of security to the authentication process. For a few years, the idea of utilizing the combination of something you know with something you have and a personal authentication device (PAD) has become common in verification protocols. Very recently, a more secure PAD, namely the Offline Personal Authentication Device (OffPAD), was invented to improve the authentication process. This single device can be used to manage the identities of both users and service providers as well as support the authentication process, while being offline most of the time. In this paper, a rigorous vulnerability analysis for OffPAD-based authentication techniques is conducted using an attack tree analysis. Finally, to overcome the vulnerabilities, mitigation techniques are proposed.

Saad M Bindawas,1 Vishal Vennu,1 Hussam Mawajdeh,2 Hisham Alhaidary2 1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, 2Comprehensive Rehabilitation Care Department, Rehabilitation Hospital, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Background: Among various risk factors, age has been identified as a nonmodifiable risk factor for stroke that influences functional outcomes after inpatient stroke rehabilitation in the developed world as well as in Saudi Arabia (SA). The demand for inpatient stroke rehabilitation services increases with population aging and stroke incidence; however, these services are limited in SA.Objective: To examine functional outcomes by age after inpatient stroke rehabilitation in SA.Patients and methods: Data from 418 patients with stroke who underwent inpatient stroke rehabilitation at the King Fahad Medical City-Rehabilitation Hospital, Riyadh, SA, between November 2008 and December 2014 were collected from electronic medical records. According to the patients’ age, we classified participants into two groups: adults, aged