Thermal and mechanical performance assessment of composite (CPCM) for energy storage.

Phase change materials (PCMs) face obstacles in being widely used due to issues with heat transfer and maintaining their shape. In this research, instead of using binders, the Hexadecane (H) is melted in such a way that the capillary forces of the molten wax allow it to be impregnated into the low-density polyethylene (P) molecules and bind it together as a composite. It was found that the hot melt extrusion (HME) combines the two materials at the micro-scale, forming a phase change composite (CPCM) with various geometries that possesses superior latent heat and shape stability during phase transition.

Vitamin E for the Prevention of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious condition that may develop in patients undergoing diagnostic radiologic procedures. Several treatments have been assessed to prevent CIN development. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of vitamin E in the prevention of CIN compared to intravenous (IV) saline hydration.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Treatment in Kuwait-A Retrospective Analysis from the Nation's Largest Hospital.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way dentistry has been practiced the world over. This study sought to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the patterns of attendance for dental treatment in a large hospital in Kuwait through comparisons with data from the year prior to the pandemic.

Methods: A total of 176,690 appointment records from 34,250 patients presenting to the AlJahra specialist hospital in Kuwait for dental treatment from April 2019 to March 2021 were analyzed.

Enhancement of 3D Mass and Heat Transfer within a Porous Ceramic Exchanger by Flow-Induced Vibration.

This work investigates heat transfer enhancement for a porous ceramic heat exchanger. The effect of flow-induced vibration of exchanging air flow through porous tube banks has been tested. A numerical model able to assess the vibration effect on heat and mass transfer inside a porous ceramic exchanger has been carefully developed.

An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm.

We assess progress toward the protection of 50% of the terrestrial biosphere to address the species-extinction crisis and conserve a global ecological heritage for future generations. Using a map of Earth's 846 terrestrial ecoregions, we show that 98 ecoregions (12%) exceed Half Protected; 313 ecoregions (37%) fall short of Half Protected but have sufficient unaltered habitat remaining to reach the target; and 207 ecoregions (24%) are in peril, where an average of only 4% of natural habitat remains. We propose a Global Deal for Nature-a companion to the Paris Climate Deal-to promote increased habitat protection and restoration, national- and ecoregion-scale conservation strategies, and the empowerment of indigenous peoples to protect their sovereign lands.

Periodontal health of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Kuwait: a case-control study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal health in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Subjects And Methods: Periodontal health was clinically examined and compared in 95 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and 61 healthy control subjects (4-14 years old). Plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing were assessed on the 6 Ramfjord index teeth.

Diabetes mellitus and periodontal health: dentists' knowledge.

Objectives: There is a strong body of evidence to support the relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus. Unless dental practitioners are aware of this link, they cannot apply the information to their daily practice. The aim of the study was, therefore, to evaluate the knowledge of dental practitioners concerning the effect of diabetes on periodontal health.

Knowledge about the association between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus: contrasting dentists and physicians.

Background: There is a strong body of evidence that supports the relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM). Many patients are unaware of the effects of diabetes on oral health. Whether health care providers are applying the information about the link between DM and periodontal diseases in their practices depends on the levels of their knowledge of such valuable information.

Barriers to seeking preventive dental care by Kuwaiti adults.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of preventive dental visits and to identify self-reported barriers for this practice among Kuwaiti adults.

Materials And Methods: A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of Kuwaiti nationals 18 years of age or older recruited from all six health districts of Kuwait. A total of 2,400 questionnaires were distributed.

Assessment of pain associated with the surgical placement of dental implants.

Background: Despite increasing popularity and established predictability, limited information is available on the pain experience associated with the surgical placement of dental implants. The aim of this study was to assess patient-reported pain during and after implant insertion and to evaluate factors associated with this pain.

Methods: This was a prospective, two-center study of adult patients scheduled for the surgical placement of one or more implants.

Self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of Kuwaiti adults.

Objective: The aims of this study were to examine self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of a sample of adult Kuwaitis.

Materials And Methods: A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to 2,400 adult Kuwaiti nationals from all 6 governates of Kuwait assessing socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene habits, and oral health problems.

Results: Of the 2,400 questionnaires, 1,925 (80.

Reasons for tooth extraction in Kuwait.

Objectives: To investigate reasons for tooth extraction and its association with age and gender in Kuwait.

Subjects And Methods: A record of all tooth extractions performed in 21 general dental practice centers during a 1-month period was logged on specially designed study forms. The patient's age and gender, number of teeth extracted, and the reason(s) for the extraction were recorded.

Association of periodontal disease severity with diabetes duration and diabetic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: The association between periodontal disease severity and diabetes complications and duration in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) was investigated in this comparative cross-sectional study.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-nine patients with type 1 DM of < or = 5 years duration were compared with 43 patients with > 5 years duration of DM. Complete medical history and examination and assessments of retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy were performed, followed by assessments of the plaque index (PI), pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and the number of missing teeth by one examiner masked to the diabetic status of the patients.

Factors influencing treatment outcomes in mandibular Class II furcation defects.

Background: Factors influencing treatment outcomes in furcation defects remain to be studied. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the association between factors and clinical parameters that may influence treatment outcomes in mandibular Class II furcation defects.

Methods: Twenty-seven systemically healthy subjects with a Class II buccal or lingual furcation defect in lower molars were treated.

Implant recommendation as a replacement option after tooth loss for periodontal reasons.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of implant recommendation by general dental practitioners to patients who had extractions as a result of periodontal disease and factors that influenced their decisions.

Materials And Methods: Dentists in each of 20 general dental practice centers in Kuwait were asked to document replacement options given to patients after all tooth extractions performed for periodontal reasons within a 30-day period. The association of demographic and medical/dental history variables with the decision to recommend an implant was statistically tested.

Effects of a mineralized human cancellous bone allograft in regeneration of mandibular Class II furcation defects.

Background: A solvent-preserved, mineralized human cancellous bone allograft (MBA) was recently developed. However, its effect in regenerating furcation defects remains to be determined. Hence, the aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of this newly introduced MBA, with and without a bioabsorbable collagen membrane, for the treatment of mandibular class II furcation defects.

Factors associated with self-reported halitosis in Kuwaiti patients.

Objectives: Oral malodor is a common complaint of dental patients, yet limited data is available on the actual prevalence of this condition. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported halitosis in Kuwaiti patients.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of Kuwaiti adults using a 19-point self-administered structured questionnaire on self-perception of halitosis.

Risk indicators for tooth loss due to periodontal disease.

Background: Several risk indicators for periodontal disease severity have been identified. The association of these factors with tooth loss for periodontal reasons was investigated in this cross-sectional comparative study.

Methods: All extractions performed in 21 general dental practice clinics (25% of such clinics in Kuwait) over a 30-day period were recorded.

Dental patient awareness of smoking effects on oral health: Comparison of smokers and non-smokers.

Objectives: The negative effects of cigarette smoking on oral health are well established, yet few studies assessed patient awareness of such effects. The aim of this study was to examine differences in dental patient knowledge and awareness of the effects of smoking on oral health between smokers and non-smokers.

Methods: Adult patients from 12 dental centers in Kuwait were asked to complete a 14-point self-administered structured questionnaire on the effects of smoking on oral health in this cross-sectional survey.

Effects of vitamin-B complex supplementation on periodontal wound healing.

Background: Reports have demonstrated that nutrient supplements, in particular vitamin-B complex (Vit-B), can positively influence wound healing processes. However, limited information is available on the effects of Vit-B on periodontal wound healing.

Methods: A total of 30 patients (13 males, 17 females) presenting with generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this study.

Factors associated with implant recommendation for single-tooth replacement.

The use of dental implants for single-tooth replacement has been established as a predictable treatment option; yet, limited data are available as to how frequently this option is recommended to patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of implant recommendation by general dental practitioners after single-tooth extraction and factors influencing their decision to recommend an implant. All single-tooth extractions performed in 26 general dental practice clinics in Kuwait over a 30-day period were examined.

Clinical response of azithromycin as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in smokers.

Background: Antibiotic therapy can be used in very specific periodontal treatment situations such as in refractory cases of periodontal disease found to be more prevalent in smokers. This study was designed to determine the efficacy of azithromycin (AZM) when combined with scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic periodontitis in smokers.

Methods: Thirty-one subjects were enrolled into a 6-month randomized, single-masked trial to evaluate clinical, microbial (using benzoyl- DL-arginine naphthylamine [BANA] assay), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) levels in response to SRP alone or SRP + AZM.

Effects of implant thread geometry on percentage of osseointegration and resistance to reverse torque in the tibia of rabbits.

Background: Dental implant thread geometry has been proposed as a potential factor affecting implant stability and the percentage of osseointegration. Therefore, the aim of this prospective, randomized, parallel arm study was to evaluate the effects of dental implant thread design on the quality and percent of osseointegration and resistance to reverse torque in the tibia of rabbits.

Methods: Seventy-two custom-made, screw-shaped, commercially pure titanium implants (3.