Browsing by Author "Khamis, Amar Hassan"

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Awareness of Periodontal Health among Pregnant Females in Government Setting in United Arab Emirates
(2023) Khamis, Amar Hassan; Tawfik, Abdel Rahman; Bain, Crawford; Jamal, Mohamed; Atieh, Momen; Shah, Maanas
Objective: Periodontal disease is one of the most common infectious diseases. Several factors are associated with increased susceptibility of periodontal disease such as hormonal changes during pregnancy. Although pregnancy does not directly cause gingivitis, it can aggravate preexisting periodontal disease. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of the association between periodontal disease and pregnancy in pregnant females. Materials and Methods: A convenience sample of pregnant females attending two United Arab Emirates government hospitals was recruited for this study. A 23-item questionnaire was developed with four sections, covering sociodemographic details, oral hygiene, oral symptoms during pregnancy, and knowledge of periodontal health during pregnancy. The study was conducted between April and October 2017. All participants consented to the survey. Results: A total of 100 participants with a mean age of 31 years (± 5.9) completed the survey. Most respondents brushed their teeth 2 to 3 times a day (65%), used a manual toothbrush (93%) but only visited the dentist when in pain (62%). Few respondents self-reported any gingival signs and symptoms during pregnancy; 38% had bleeding gums, 27% had no gum swelling, and 34% had bad odor/taste/smell. Only 21% of pregnant females lost a tooth/teeth during pregnancy, 15% believed that pregnancy increased the likelihood of gum disease, and 66% of gynecologists did not advise a visit to the dentist. Housewives were significantly less knowledgeable about periodontal health than students/employed respondents (p = 0.01). Quality of knowledge was not associated with educational attainment (< 0.06). Respondents > 30 years of age were more likely to believe in “a tooth for a baby” than younger participants aged < 30 years (p < 0.05). A logistic regression model showed that educational attainment was not a predictor for the belief in “a tooth for a baby” but age was a significant predictor (odds ratio = 2.0).
Comparing the softening effect of three gutta-percha solvents on different types of gutta-percha with different application durations.
(2023) Atmeh, Amre R; Abdunabi, Farida; Khamis, Amar Hassan
Introduction: During non-surgical endodontic retreatment, gutta-percha (GP) solvents are indispensable in difficult cases when used with mechanical removal, however studies comparing their efficacy against different types of GP are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the softening effect of three solvents on the conventional (CGP), cross-linked carrier-based (CLGP), and thermoplasticized (TGP) and compare the effect of time on the softening effect of the solvents. Methods: Tested GP were embedded in cuboidal blocks of stone with their upper surfaces exposed (1 mm diameter). Three commercial GP solvents based on D-Limonene (DL), Eucalyptol oil (EO), and orange oil (OO) were added to the exposed GP before an indenter (weight = 1Kg) was applied. Using a digital camera, the indentation depth was measured (mm) directly after applying the solvent and indenter (T = 0), and after 1, 2, and 3 min of application (T = 1,2,3). The means of indentation depth were calculated and compared using a twoway analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test to assess the effect of the types of solvent, GP for each application duration, and Friedman’s test to evaluate the effect of application duration on the softening effect of solvents. Results: The type of GP (F = 261.43, p < 0.001), type of solvent (F = 3.57, p = 0.015), and application duration (F = 53.088, p < 0.001) were all found to significantly affect GP softening. DL exhibited the highest and only significant effect on CGP after 1 min (p < 0.05), while OO had the only significant effect against CLGP when applied for at least 2 min (p < 0.05). Both OO and EO had significant softening effects on TGP instantly or after 1 min of application, respectively. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that the softening effect of GP solvents varies depending on their type, their application duration, and the type of GP.
Enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets bonded with new bioactive composite (in-vitro study)
(2024) Khamis, Amar Hassan; Al Taai, Nameer
Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bioactive composite (ACTIVA) on enamel demineralisation when used as an orthodontic adhesive, compared to other adhesives. Materials and methods: Human upper premolars (n=64) were randomly divided into two equal groups; the first group stored the bonded teeth in deionised water for 30 days at 37°C, and the second group exposed the bonded teeth to acidic media. Each group was further subdivided into four subgroups, with eight premolars in each subgroup, based on the type of adhesive used to bond metal brackets: non-fluoride-releasing adhesive (Transbond XT), fluoride-releasing adhesive (Light Bond), light-cured, resin-reinforced glass ionomer (GC Fuji ortho LC), and bioactive restorative composite (ACTIVA BioACTIVE-RESTORATIVE). Enamel demineralization was assessed at baseline and after 30 days with a laser fluorescence device (DIAGNOdent™ Pen). Results: There were significant differences in fluorescence variation values (ΔFV) among all four tested adhesive systems in both water and acid groups after 30 days. Light Bond adhesive showed the highest fluorescence variation value, while glass ionomer showed the lowest, indicating less enamel demineralization around the bracket. ACTIVA had less enamel demineralisation in acidic media. However, there was no significant difference in enamel demineralisation between water storage and acidic media groups. Conclusion: ACTIVA (RMGIC + composite) exhibited less enamel demineralization than Light Bond; however, Fuji ortho LC showed the lowest enamel demineralization.
High-fidelity simulation versus case-based tutorial sessions for teaching pharmacology: Convergent mixed methods research investigating undergraduate medical students' performance and perception
(2024-08) Kaddoura, Rachid; Faraji, Hanan; Otaki, Farah; Radhakrishnan, Rajan; Stanley, Adrian; Jackson, Lisa; Mascarenhas, Sharon; Sudhir, Meghana; Alfroukh, Jalal; Ghelani, Hardik; Azar, Aida Joseph; Khamis, Amar Hassan; Jan, Reem Kais; Al Jayyousi, Reem
Abstract Introduction: Medical educators strive to improve their curricula to enhance the student learning experience. The use of high-fidelity simulation within basic and clinical medical science subjects has been one of these initiatives. However, there is paucity of evidence on using simulation for teaching pharmacology, especially in the Middle East and North Africa region, and the effectiveness of this teaching modality, relative to more traditional ones, have not been sufficiently investigated. Accordingly, this study compares the effects of high-fidelity simulation, which is designed in alignment with adult and experiential learning theories, and traditional case-based tutorial sessions on the performance and perception of undergraduate Year 2 medical students in pharmacology in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Methods: This study employed a convergent mixed methods approach. Forty-nine medical students were randomly assigned to one of two groups during the 16-week pharmacology course. Each group underwent one session delivered via high-fidelity simulation and another via a case-based tutorial. A short multiple-choice question quiz was administered twice (immediately upon completion of the respective sessions and 5 weeks afterwards) to assess knowledge retention. Furthermore, to explore the students' perceptions regarding the two modes of learning delivery (independently and in relation to each other), an evaluation survey was administered following the delivery of each session. Thereafter, the iterative joint display analysis was used to develop a holistic understanding of the effect of high-fidelity simulation in comparison to traditional case-based tutorial sessions on pharmacology learning in the context of the study. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in students' knowledge retention between high-fidelity simulation and case-based tutorial sessions. Yet, students expressed a greater preference for high-fidelity simulation, describing the corresponding sessions as more varied, better at reinforcing learning, and closer to reality. As such, the meta-inferences led to expansion of the overall understanding around students' satisfaction, to both confirmation and expansion of the systemic viewpoint around students' preferences, and lastly to refinement in relation to the perspective around retained knowledge. Conclusion: High-fidelity simulation was found to be as effective as case-based tutorial sessions in terms of students' retention of knowledge. Nonetheless, students demonstrated a greater preference for high-fidelity simulation. The study advocates caution in adapting high-fidelity simulation, where careful appraisal can lend itself to identifying contexts where it is most effective.
Risk and predictors of severity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and COVID-19 in Dubai
(2023) Khamis, Amar Hassan; Mukhopadhyay, Debasmita; Abdul, Fatima; Osama, Aya; Sulaiman, Fatima; Bayoumi, Riad Abdel Latif
Background: Globally, patients with diabetes suffer from increased disease severity and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Old age, high body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and complications of diabetes are recognized as major risk factors for infection severity and mortality. Aim: To investigate the risk and predictors of higher severity and mortality among inhospital patients with COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes (T2D) during the first wave of the pandemic in Dubai (March–September 2020). Methods: In this cross-sectional nested case-control study, a total of 1083 patients with COVID-19 were recruited. This study included 890 men and 193 women. Of these, 427 had T2D and 656 were non-diabetic. The clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data of the patients with and without T2D were compared. Independent predictors of mortality in COVID-19 non-survivors were identified in patients with and without T2D. Results: T2D patients with COVID-19 were older and had higher BMI than those without T2D. They had higher rates of comorbidities such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and more life-threatening complications. All laboratory parameters of disease severity were significantly higher than in those without T2D. Therefore, these patients had a longer hospital stay and a significantly higher mortality rate. They died from COVID-19 at a rate three times higher than patients without. Most laboratory and radiographic severity indices in non-survivors were high in patients with and without T2D. In the univariate analysis of the predictors of mortality among all COVID19 non-survivors, significant associations were identified with old age, increased white blood cell count, lymphopenia, and elevated serum troponin levels. In multivariate analysis, only lymphopenia was identified as an independent predictor of mortality among T2D non-survivors. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 and T2D were older with higher BMI, more comorbidities, higher disease severity indices, more severe proinflammatory state with cardiac involvement, and died from COVID-19 at three times the rate of patients without T2D. The identified mortality predictors will help healthcare workers prioritize the management of patients with COVID-19.
Risk and predictors of severity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes and COVID-19 in Dubai
(2023) Khamis, Amar Hassan; Mukhopadhyay, Debasmita; Abdul, Fatima; Osama, Aya; Sulaiman, Fatima; Bayoumi, Riad Abdel Latif
Background: Globally, patients with diabetes suffer from increased disease severity and mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Old age, high body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and complications of diabetes are recognized as major risk factors for infection severity and mortality. Aim: To investigate the risk and predictors of higher severity and mortality among inhospital patients with COVID-19 and type 2 diabetes (T2D) during the first wave of the pandemic in Dubai (March–September 2020). Methods: In this cross-sectional nested case-control study, a total of 1083 patients with COVID-19 were recruited. This study included 890 men and 193 women. Of these, 427 had T2D and 656 were non-diabetic. The clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data of the patients with and without T2D were compared. Independent predictors of mortality in COVID-19 non-survivors were identified in patients with and without T2D. Results: T2D patients with COVID-19 were older and had higher BMI than those without T2D. They had higher rates of comorbidities such as hypertension, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and more life-threatening complications. All laboratory parameters of disease severity were significantly higher than in those without T2D. Therefore, these patients had a longer hospital stay and a significantly higher mortality rate. They died from COVID-19 at a rate three times higher than patients without. Most laboratory and radiographic severity indices in non-survivors were high in patients with and without T2D. In the univariate analysis of the predictors of mortality among all COVID19 non-survivors, significant associations were identified with old age, increased white blood cell count, lymphopenia, and elevated serum troponin levels. In multivariate analysis, only lymphopenia was identified as an independent predictor of mortality among T2D non-survivors. Conclusion: Patients with COVID-19 and T2D were older with higher BMI, more comorbidities, higher disease severity indices, more severe proinflammatory state with cardiac involvement, and died from COVID-19 at three times the rate of patients without T2D. The identified mortality predictors will help healthcare workers prioritize the management of patients with COVID-19.