Sara Farag - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Sara Farag
![Research paper thumbnail of Identification and Rating of Medical Translator Mobile Applications Using the APPLICATIONS Scoring System [32I]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/116804363/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2017
INTRODUCTION: With an increasing number of limited-English proficiency (LEP) patients, many healt... more INTRODUCTION: With an increasing number of limited-English proficiency (LEP) patients, many health care providers are turning to medical translator applications (apps) for assistance. However, no known published reviews or evaluations of these apps exist. Our objective was to identify and rate medical translator apps using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. METHODS: A list of apps was identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the search term, “medical translator.” Apps not found on two different searches, not in an English-based platform, not used for translation, or not functional after purchase were excluded. The remaining apps were rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, which includes both objective and subjective criteria and evaluation of special features such as audio, microphone, and keyboard capabilities. App comprehensiveness was a weighted score defined by the number of non-English languages included in each app relative to the proportion of non-Eng...
Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2016
INTRODUCTION: Triplet pregnancies with a hydatidiform mole and two co-existing fetuses (HMTCF) ar... more INTRODUCTION: Triplet pregnancies with a hydatidiform mole and two co-existing fetuses (HMTCF) are rare, mostly resulting from infertility treatments. METHODS: This is a case of a 30 year old Caucasian G1P0 with infertility who underwent successful in vitro fertilization with a three-embryo transfer resulting in a triplet gestation of a HMTCF. RESULTS: The patient experienced preterm labor with bleeding and subsequent delivery of live twins at 26 weeks via cesarean. Her Beta HCG levels dropped appropriately and she had a normal postpartum course. CONCLUSION: The outcomes vary amongst reported cases: 32% terminated electively or due to maternal complications; 9% had spontaneous abortions; and 59% delivered vaginally or by cesarean delivery, for whom the average gestational age at delivery was 29±5 weeks. Of the pregnancies that were allowed to continue, 60% resulted in one or more live twin births. Antepartum complications included vaginal bleeding (55%), pre-eclampsia (23%), hyperemesis gravidarum (14%), hyperthyroidism (9%), and persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (41%). Patients with HMTCF should be counseled about the risks of such a pregnancy.
Novel Research in Microbiology Journal, 2021
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) currently represents a major health emergency worldwide. Earl... more Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) currently represents a major health emergency worldwide. Early recognition of severe forms of this virus is essential to align effective management and treatment strategies. Presepsin (PSP), the soluble cluster of differentiation (CD14) subtype; is a useful biomarker not only for early diagnosis of sepsis but also could be used as a predictive for the severity and mortality in septic patients, as well as in pneumonia. This study aimed to investigate the potential utility of PSP as a predictive indicator of disease severity in COVID-19 patients. A total of 42 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study and stratified into moderate and severe groups, in addition to 15 healthy patients as controls. The PSP levels were measured using Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) within 24 h (1 day) as well as on the 5 th day of admission to the Geriatrics hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, in addition to other relevant laboratory tests perfo...
Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2019
Despite considerable research the evidence around the antidiabetic properties of cinnamon remains... more Despite considerable research the evidence around the antidiabetic properties of cinnamon remains equivocal, and this may be due to varietal differences which is an aspect that is understudied. This study systematically compared the anti-hyperglycaemic properties of the four major commercial cinnamon types used around the world (Chinese; Cinnamomum cassia [CC], Indonesian; C. burmanii [IC], Vietnamese; C. loureirii [VC], and Ceylon; C. zeylanicum [SC]). LC-MS analysis showed distinct diffrences in the phytochemical profiles of cinnamon with SC showing the lowest coumarin concentration. CC and IC had the highest polyphenol levels and antioxidant potential, and all four types differed significantly in their content (P < 0.001). All cinnamon types showed potent species-specific effects on starch digestion enzyme activity inhibition (P < 0.001), CC was most effective against α-amylase and all four strongly inhibited α-glucosidase compared to acarbose. Cinnamon significantly reduced starch breakdown during oral (P = 0.006) and gastric (P = 0.029) phases of gastro-intestinal digestion with IC and SC showing consistent effects. No effects of cinnamon were seen in the intestinal phase. IC, VC and SC showed the greatest potential to inhibit formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) during digestion. In conclusion, cinnamon demonstrates antihyperglycaemic properties, however effects are species-specific with best overall properties seen for Ceylon cinnamon.
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2017
To compare the amount of patient displacement when a memory foam pad is used versus a bean bag wi... more To compare the amount of patient displacement when a memory foam pad is used versus a bean bag with shoulder braces. The secondary aim was to evaluate for postoperative extremity symptoms including pain, numbness, and weakness. Design: A prospective randomized pilot study (Canadian Task Force classification I). Setting: A single academic institution. Patients: Women ≥18 years of age undergoing laparoscopic or robotic gynecologic surgery. Interventions: Patients were randomized to be positioned on the memory foam pad (group A) or the bean bag with shoulder braces (group B) preoperatively. The patients' positions were measured before and after the procedure, and the displacement was recorded. Patients were followed postoperatively and questioned regarding upper extremity or lower extremity weakness, numbness, and pain. Demographic characteristics were collected using the electronic medical record. Measurements and Main Results: Forty-three patients were included in the study (22 in group A and 21 in group B). The demographic and intraoperative characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. The patients in group A moved a mean distance of 3.80 ± 3.32 cm, whereas those in group B moved a mean distance of 1.07 ± 1.93 cm (p = .002). A Pearson correlation coefficient did not yield a correlation between patient displacement and age, body mass index, length of surgery, or pathology weight. In group A, 2 patients had lower extremity numbness, and 1 patient had upper extremity numbness. In group B, 1 patient had upper extremity pain, and 1 patient had both upper and lower extremity numbness. These patients had complete resolution of their symptoms within the first 2 weeks postoperatively, with the exception of 1 patient in group A whose lower extremity numbness resolved 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Positioning patients on the bean bag with shoulder braces resulted in significantly less displacement during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery when compared with the memory foam pad. All postoperative extremity numbness, weakness, and pain were temporary and resolved completely in our cohort. A larger study would be necessary to determine the true incidence of peripheral nerve injuries because these are rare complications of laparoscopic surgeries. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (2018) 25, 153-157 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of AAGL.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2015
The goal of this study was to determine the health effects of living downstream from mines in the... more The goal of this study was to determine the health effects of living downstream from mines in the Potosí region of Bolivia. Methods: Histories, physical examinations, and urinalyses were completed on adults recruited from mining and nonmining villages in Bolivia. Blood concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined in a subset of participants. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Mining region participants had significantly higher frequencies of hypertension, hematuria, and ketonuria. Hematuria was significantly elevated among those watering livestock downstream from mines and eating grains from their own farm (odds ratio = 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 17.7). Significantly higher blood concentrations of Pb were observed in a subsample of participants with hematuria (4.80 μg/dL vs 10.91 μg/dL; P = 0.026). Conclusions: Efforts to abate environmental exposure to toxic metals seem warranted.
British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2014
Aim: The present investigations aimed at studying the effect of sterilization by gamma irradiatio... more Aim: The present investigations aimed at studying the effect of sterilization by gamma irradiation on amoxicillin and cefaclor antibiotics. They have been irradiated in solid dry state and the probable changes in physicochemical and microbiological properties were studied Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from 2011 to 2013 in the Drug Radiation Research Department, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority. Methodology: Amoxicillin and cefaclor compounds in solid states were exposed to γ Original Research Article British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 4(17): 2046-2067, 2014 2047 irradiation in air atmosphere at room temperature, with a dose of 25kGy and afterwards they had been subjected to microbiological and analytical tests checking their sterility and antibacterial activitiy it was tested against different pathogenic bacterial species by measuring MIC using Microdilution technique and microplate reader. Then their chemical stability were evaluated by different techniques. EPR, FTIR, UV analysis, mass spectroscopy, and melting point. Results and conclusion: The results showed that the majority of initial unirradiated compounds had a slight degree contamination with Bacillus, Micrococcus genera, and fungi. By applying γ irradiation at 25kGy it showed sterilization of the tested antibiotics and keeping their antibacterial activity. The EPR analysis results showed formation of free radicals. The other analytical tests (FTIR), (UV) analysis ,mass spectroscopy, and melting point results proved that the antibiotics analyzed are radioresistant and can be sterilized by irradiation with a dose of 25kGy, without any detrimental effect on their properities and antibacterial activity.
2011 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 2011
ABSTRACT
2010 8th IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics, 2010
2013 11th IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics (INDIN), 2013
ABSTRACT This paper addresses a major challenge in data-driven haptic modeling of deformable obje... more ABSTRACT This paper addresses a major challenge in data-driven haptic modeling of deformable objects. Data-driven modeling is done for specific objects and is difficult to generalize for nearly isometric objects that have similarities in semantics or topology. This limitation prevents the wide use of the data-driven modeling techniques when compared with parametric methods such as finite element methods. The proposed solution is to incorporate deformation transfer methods when processing similar instances. The contributions of this work are focused on the novel automatic shape correspondence method that overcomes the problems of symmetry and semantics presence requirement. The results shows that the proposed algorithm can efficiently calculate the correspondence and transfer deformations for a range of similar 3D objects.
2011 9th IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics, 2011
This paper addresses the problem of heterogeneous deformable model accuracy using the finite elem... more This paper addresses the problem of heterogeneous deformable model accuracy using the finite element methods (FEM). Classic FEM uses predefined shape functions for inter- polation and does not account easily for regions of discontinu- ities. Extended finite element methods (XFEM) use enrichment functions to compensate for the change in an element degrees of freedom (DoFs) in deformable objects. The XFEM
ACM SIGGRAPH 2010 Posters, 2010
Segmenting 3D meshes into distinct components is vital and necessary for more efficient processin... more Segmenting 3D meshes into distinct components is vital and necessary for more efficient processing and usability. The smaller segments are usually easier to process and can be associated with with semantics or geometric features. This can be used in 3D parametrization, 3D database creation, animation, deformation transfer and many other 3D graphics applications. However, automating such a process is challenging
Telemedicine and e-Health, 2018
IMPORTANCE With an increasing number of patients requiring translator services, many providers ar... more IMPORTANCE With an increasing number of patients requiring translator services, many providers are turning to mobile applications (apps) for assistance. However, there have been no published reviews of medical translator apps. OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate medical translator mobile apps using an adapted APPLICATIONS scoring system. DESIGN A list of apps was identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, using the search term, "medical translator." Apps not found on two different searches, not in an English-based platform, not used for translation, or not functional after purchase, were excluded. The remaining apps were evaluated using an adapted APPLICATIONS scoring system, which included both objective and subjective criteria. App comprehensiveness was a weighted score defined by the number of non-English languages included in each app relative to the proportion of non-English speakers in the United States. SETTING The Apple iTunes and Google Play stores. PARTICIPANTS Medical translator apps identified using the search term "medical translator." Main Outcomes and Measures: Compilation of medical translator apps for provider usage. RESULTS A total of 524 apps were initially found. After applying the exclusion criteria, 20 (8.2%) apps from the Google Play store and 26 (9.2%) apps from the Apple iTunes store remained for evaluation. The highest scoring apps, Canopy Medical Translator, Universal Doctor Speaker, and Vocre Translate, scored 13.5 out of 18.7 possible points. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A large proportion of apps initially found did not function as medical translator apps. Using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, we have identified and evaluated medical translator apps for providers who care for non-English speaking patients.
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2018
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2018
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, 2018
Introduction: Thousands of medical applications (apps) are available for mobile devices. Finding ... more Introduction: Thousands of medical applications (apps) are available for mobile devices. Finding accurate, health care provider-centered apps may be time consuming and frustrating for urogynecologists. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate urogynecology (urogyn) apps using a modified APPLICATIONS scoring system. Materials and Methods: Urogyn apps were identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play Stores using the following 10 MeSH terms: urogynecology, incontinence, prolapse, urinary tract infection, pelvic surgery, fecal incontinence, defecation disorder, voiding disorder, urethral diverticulum, and fistula. Patient-centered and inaccurate apps were excluded. The remaining apps were evaluated with a modified APPLICATIONS scoring system, which included both objective and subjective criteria to determine each app's ability to aid in clinical decision making and to provide informational data. Objective rating components were price, paid subscription, literature referenced, in-app purchases, Internet connectivity, advertisements, text search field, interplatform compatibility and incorporated images, figures, videos, and special features. Subjective rating components were ease of navigation and presentation. Results: Our search yielded 133 and 235 apps in the Apple iTunes and Google Play Stores, respectively. Only 8 apps (4 of which were in both stores) were determined to be accurate and useful; these were evaluated using the modified APPLICATIONS scoring system. The top-rated app was Practical Urology. Conclusion: Few accurate clinical decision-making and informational apps exist for urogynecologists. Apps varied by comprehensiveness and quality. This study highlights the importance of systematically reviewing and rating medical apps. It also emphasizes the need for developing accurate apps for urogynecologists that improve health care provider performance and patient outcomes.
Journal of minimally invasive gynecology, Jan 28, 2017
Surgical adhesions can lead to significant consequences including abdominopelvic pain, bowel obst... more Surgical adhesions can lead to significant consequences including abdominopelvic pain, bowel obstruction, subfertility, and subsequent surgery. Although laparoscopic surgery is associated with a decreased risk of adhesion formation, methods to further decrease adhesions are warranted. We systematically reviewed literature addressing the management, prevention, and sequelae of adhesions in women undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and found 6566 records. The primary outcome was adhesion formation. The secondary outcomes were abdominopelvic pain, quality of life, subfertility, pregnancy, bowel obstruction, urinary symptoms, and subsequent surgery. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 studies remained for qualitative synthesis. Risk of bias assessments were applied independently by 2 authors. There was evidence that Hyalobarrier Gel (Anika Therapeutics, Bedford, MA), HyaReg...
![Research paper thumbnail of Identifying and Rating Urogynecology Applications Using the APPLICATIONS Scoring System [4G]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/100416546/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2017
agents, pessary and surgical correction. Recently laser treatments have been reported as a treatm... more agents, pessary and surgical correction. Recently laser treatments have been reported as a treatment option.
Telemedicine and e-Health, 2017
To identify and rate reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) mobile applications (apps) ... more To identify and rate reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) mobile applications (apps) targeted toward REI providers. A list of REI apps was found in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the following seven MeSH terms: reproductive endocrinology, REI, infertility, fertility, In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, and embryology. Patient-centered apps were excluded. The remaining apps were then evaluated for accuracy using reliable references. Mobile technology. None. Accurate apps were evaluated for comprehensiveness (the extent of the ability to aid in clinical decision-making) and rated with objective and subjective components using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. Using the seven REI-related MeSH terms, 985 apps and 1,194 apps were identified in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, respectively. Of these unique apps, only 20 remained after excluding patient-centered apps. Upon further review for applicability to REI specifically and content accuracy, only seven apps remained. These seven apps were then rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. Only 0.32% of 2,179 apps reviewed for this study were useful to REI providers. There is potential for further mobile resource development in the area of REI, given the limited number and varying comprehensiveness and quality of available apps.
Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2016
INTRODUCTION: Of the thousands of mobile applications (apps) available to obstetrician-gynecologi... more INTRODUCTION: Of the thousands of mobile applications (apps) available to obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns), less than 15% have been shown to be potentially useful. This study systematically identifies the number of iOS and Android apps useful to reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialists. METHODS: A list of REI apps was found in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the following seven MESH terms: reproductive endocrinology, REI, infertility, fertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and embryology. Patient-based apps and inaccurate apps were excluded. The apps were then evaluated for app comprehensiveness. Apps were analyzed using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, rating components such as price, literature used, internet connectivity, text search capacity, and inter-device compatibility. Subjective rating components included ease of navigation and overall presentation. RESULTS: Using the seven REI-related MESH terms, 919 apps and 1194 apps were identified in the iTunes and Google Play stores, respectively. Of these unique apps, only 18 remained after excluding patient-based or non-REI apps. After further reviewing for content accuracy and comprehensiveness, only 5 apps remained. These 5 apps were then rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system and described. CONCLUSION: Using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, we identified very few useful apps for the REI specialist. An organized effort is needed across all ob-gyn subspecialties to identify, evaluate, and recommend development of apps so that optimal patient care may be provided.
Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2017
INTRODUCTION: With an increasing number of limited-English proficiency (LEP) patients, many healt... more INTRODUCTION: With an increasing number of limited-English proficiency (LEP) patients, many health care providers are turning to medical translator applications (apps) for assistance. However, no known published reviews or evaluations of these apps exist. Our objective was to identify and rate medical translator apps using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. METHODS: A list of apps was identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the search term, “medical translator.” Apps not found on two different searches, not in an English-based platform, not used for translation, or not functional after purchase were excluded. The remaining apps were rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, which includes both objective and subjective criteria and evaluation of special features such as audio, microphone, and keyboard capabilities. App comprehensiveness was a weighted score defined by the number of non-English languages included in each app relative to the proportion of non-Eng...
Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2016
INTRODUCTION: Triplet pregnancies with a hydatidiform mole and two co-existing fetuses (HMTCF) ar... more INTRODUCTION: Triplet pregnancies with a hydatidiform mole and two co-existing fetuses (HMTCF) are rare, mostly resulting from infertility treatments. METHODS: This is a case of a 30 year old Caucasian G1P0 with infertility who underwent successful in vitro fertilization with a three-embryo transfer resulting in a triplet gestation of a HMTCF. RESULTS: The patient experienced preterm labor with bleeding and subsequent delivery of live twins at 26 weeks via cesarean. Her Beta HCG levels dropped appropriately and she had a normal postpartum course. CONCLUSION: The outcomes vary amongst reported cases: 32% terminated electively or due to maternal complications; 9% had spontaneous abortions; and 59% delivered vaginally or by cesarean delivery, for whom the average gestational age at delivery was 29±5 weeks. Of the pregnancies that were allowed to continue, 60% resulted in one or more live twin births. Antepartum complications included vaginal bleeding (55%), pre-eclampsia (23%), hyperemesis gravidarum (14%), hyperthyroidism (9%), and persistent gestational trophoblastic disease (41%). Patients with HMTCF should be counseled about the risks of such a pregnancy.
Novel Research in Microbiology Journal, 2021
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) currently represents a major health emergency worldwide. Earl... more Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) currently represents a major health emergency worldwide. Early recognition of severe forms of this virus is essential to align effective management and treatment strategies. Presepsin (PSP), the soluble cluster of differentiation (CD14) subtype; is a useful biomarker not only for early diagnosis of sepsis but also could be used as a predictive for the severity and mortality in septic patients, as well as in pneumonia. This study aimed to investigate the potential utility of PSP as a predictive indicator of disease severity in COVID-19 patients. A total of 42 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study and stratified into moderate and severe groups, in addition to 15 healthy patients as controls. The PSP levels were measured using Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) within 24 h (1 day) as well as on the 5 th day of admission to the Geriatrics hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, in addition to other relevant laboratory tests perfo...
Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, 2019
Despite considerable research the evidence around the antidiabetic properties of cinnamon remains... more Despite considerable research the evidence around the antidiabetic properties of cinnamon remains equivocal, and this may be due to varietal differences which is an aspect that is understudied. This study systematically compared the anti-hyperglycaemic properties of the four major commercial cinnamon types used around the world (Chinese; Cinnamomum cassia [CC], Indonesian; C. burmanii [IC], Vietnamese; C. loureirii [VC], and Ceylon; C. zeylanicum [SC]). LC-MS analysis showed distinct diffrences in the phytochemical profiles of cinnamon with SC showing the lowest coumarin concentration. CC and IC had the highest polyphenol levels and antioxidant potential, and all four types differed significantly in their content (P < 0.001). All cinnamon types showed potent species-specific effects on starch digestion enzyme activity inhibition (P < 0.001), CC was most effective against α-amylase and all four strongly inhibited α-glucosidase compared to acarbose. Cinnamon significantly reduced starch breakdown during oral (P = 0.006) and gastric (P = 0.029) phases of gastro-intestinal digestion with IC and SC showing consistent effects. No effects of cinnamon were seen in the intestinal phase. IC, VC and SC showed the greatest potential to inhibit formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) during digestion. In conclusion, cinnamon demonstrates antihyperglycaemic properties, however effects are species-specific with best overall properties seen for Ceylon cinnamon.
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2017
To compare the amount of patient displacement when a memory foam pad is used versus a bean bag wi... more To compare the amount of patient displacement when a memory foam pad is used versus a bean bag with shoulder braces. The secondary aim was to evaluate for postoperative extremity symptoms including pain, numbness, and weakness. Design: A prospective randomized pilot study (Canadian Task Force classification I). Setting: A single academic institution. Patients: Women ≥18 years of age undergoing laparoscopic or robotic gynecologic surgery. Interventions: Patients were randomized to be positioned on the memory foam pad (group A) or the bean bag with shoulder braces (group B) preoperatively. The patients' positions were measured before and after the procedure, and the displacement was recorded. Patients were followed postoperatively and questioned regarding upper extremity or lower extremity weakness, numbness, and pain. Demographic characteristics were collected using the electronic medical record. Measurements and Main Results: Forty-three patients were included in the study (22 in group A and 21 in group B). The demographic and intraoperative characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. The patients in group A moved a mean distance of 3.80 ± 3.32 cm, whereas those in group B moved a mean distance of 1.07 ± 1.93 cm (p = .002). A Pearson correlation coefficient did not yield a correlation between patient displacement and age, body mass index, length of surgery, or pathology weight. In group A, 2 patients had lower extremity numbness, and 1 patient had upper extremity numbness. In group B, 1 patient had upper extremity pain, and 1 patient had both upper and lower extremity numbness. These patients had complete resolution of their symptoms within the first 2 weeks postoperatively, with the exception of 1 patient in group A whose lower extremity numbness resolved 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Positioning patients on the bean bag with shoulder braces resulted in significantly less displacement during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery when compared with the memory foam pad. All postoperative extremity numbness, weakness, and pain were temporary and resolved completely in our cohort. A larger study would be necessary to determine the true incidence of peripheral nerve injuries because these are rare complications of laparoscopic surgeries. Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (2018) 25, 153-157 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of AAGL.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 2015
The goal of this study was to determine the health effects of living downstream from mines in the... more The goal of this study was to determine the health effects of living downstream from mines in the Potosí region of Bolivia. Methods: Histories, physical examinations, and urinalyses were completed on adults recruited from mining and nonmining villages in Bolivia. Blood concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined in a subset of participants. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Mining region participants had significantly higher frequencies of hypertension, hematuria, and ketonuria. Hematuria was significantly elevated among those watering livestock downstream from mines and eating grains from their own farm (odds ratio = 4.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 17.7). Significantly higher blood concentrations of Pb were observed in a subsample of participants with hematuria (4.80 μg/dL vs 10.91 μg/dL; P = 0.026). Conclusions: Efforts to abate environmental exposure to toxic metals seem warranted.
British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 2014
Aim: The present investigations aimed at studying the effect of sterilization by gamma irradiatio... more Aim: The present investigations aimed at studying the effect of sterilization by gamma irradiation on amoxicillin and cefaclor antibiotics. They have been irradiated in solid dry state and the probable changes in physicochemical and microbiological properties were studied Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from 2011 to 2013 in the Drug Radiation Research Department, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority. Methodology: Amoxicillin and cefaclor compounds in solid states were exposed to γ Original Research Article British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 4(17): 2046-2067, 2014 2047 irradiation in air atmosphere at room temperature, with a dose of 25kGy and afterwards they had been subjected to microbiological and analytical tests checking their sterility and antibacterial activitiy it was tested against different pathogenic bacterial species by measuring MIC using Microdilution technique and microplate reader. Then their chemical stability were evaluated by different techniques. EPR, FTIR, UV analysis, mass spectroscopy, and melting point. Results and conclusion: The results showed that the majority of initial unirradiated compounds had a slight degree contamination with Bacillus, Micrococcus genera, and fungi. By applying γ irradiation at 25kGy it showed sterilization of the tested antibiotics and keeping their antibacterial activity. The EPR analysis results showed formation of free radicals. The other analytical tests (FTIR), (UV) analysis ,mass spectroscopy, and melting point results proved that the antibiotics analyzed are radioresistant and can be sterilized by irradiation with a dose of 25kGy, without any detrimental effect on their properities and antibacterial activity.
2011 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics, 2011
ABSTRACT
2010 8th IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics, 2010
2013 11th IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics (INDIN), 2013
ABSTRACT This paper addresses a major challenge in data-driven haptic modeling of deformable obje... more ABSTRACT This paper addresses a major challenge in data-driven haptic modeling of deformable objects. Data-driven modeling is done for specific objects and is difficult to generalize for nearly isometric objects that have similarities in semantics or topology. This limitation prevents the wide use of the data-driven modeling techniques when compared with parametric methods such as finite element methods. The proposed solution is to incorporate deformation transfer methods when processing similar instances. The contributions of this work are focused on the novel automatic shape correspondence method that overcomes the problems of symmetry and semantics presence requirement. The results shows that the proposed algorithm can efficiently calculate the correspondence and transfer deformations for a range of similar 3D objects.
2011 9th IEEE International Conference on Industrial Informatics, 2011
This paper addresses the problem of heterogeneous deformable model accuracy using the finite elem... more This paper addresses the problem of heterogeneous deformable model accuracy using the finite element methods (FEM). Classic FEM uses predefined shape functions for inter- polation and does not account easily for regions of discontinu- ities. Extended finite element methods (XFEM) use enrichment functions to compensate for the change in an element degrees of freedom (DoFs) in deformable objects. The XFEM
ACM SIGGRAPH 2010 Posters, 2010
Segmenting 3D meshes into distinct components is vital and necessary for more efficient processin... more Segmenting 3D meshes into distinct components is vital and necessary for more efficient processing and usability. The smaller segments are usually easier to process and can be associated with with semantics or geometric features. This can be used in 3D parametrization, 3D database creation, animation, deformation transfer and many other 3D graphics applications. However, automating such a process is challenging
Telemedicine and e-Health, 2018
IMPORTANCE With an increasing number of patients requiring translator services, many providers ar... more IMPORTANCE With an increasing number of patients requiring translator services, many providers are turning to mobile applications (apps) for assistance. However, there have been no published reviews of medical translator apps. OBJECTIVE To identify and evaluate medical translator mobile apps using an adapted APPLICATIONS scoring system. DESIGN A list of apps was identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, using the search term, "medical translator." Apps not found on two different searches, not in an English-based platform, not used for translation, or not functional after purchase, were excluded. The remaining apps were evaluated using an adapted APPLICATIONS scoring system, which included both objective and subjective criteria. App comprehensiveness was a weighted score defined by the number of non-English languages included in each app relative to the proportion of non-English speakers in the United States. SETTING The Apple iTunes and Google Play stores. PARTICIPANTS Medical translator apps identified using the search term "medical translator." Main Outcomes and Measures: Compilation of medical translator apps for provider usage. RESULTS A total of 524 apps were initially found. After applying the exclusion criteria, 20 (8.2%) apps from the Google Play store and 26 (9.2%) apps from the Apple iTunes store remained for evaluation. The highest scoring apps, Canopy Medical Translator, Universal Doctor Speaker, and Vocre Translate, scored 13.5 out of 18.7 possible points. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE A large proportion of apps initially found did not function as medical translator apps. Using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, we have identified and evaluated medical translator apps for providers who care for non-English speaking patients.
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2018
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2018
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, 2018
Introduction: Thousands of medical applications (apps) are available for mobile devices. Finding ... more Introduction: Thousands of medical applications (apps) are available for mobile devices. Finding accurate, health care provider-centered apps may be time consuming and frustrating for urogynecologists. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate urogynecology (urogyn) apps using a modified APPLICATIONS scoring system. Materials and Methods: Urogyn apps were identified from the Apple iTunes and Google Play Stores using the following 10 MeSH terms: urogynecology, incontinence, prolapse, urinary tract infection, pelvic surgery, fecal incontinence, defecation disorder, voiding disorder, urethral diverticulum, and fistula. Patient-centered and inaccurate apps were excluded. The remaining apps were evaluated with a modified APPLICATIONS scoring system, which included both objective and subjective criteria to determine each app's ability to aid in clinical decision making and to provide informational data. Objective rating components were price, paid subscription, literature referenced, in-app purchases, Internet connectivity, advertisements, text search field, interplatform compatibility and incorporated images, figures, videos, and special features. Subjective rating components were ease of navigation and presentation. Results: Our search yielded 133 and 235 apps in the Apple iTunes and Google Play Stores, respectively. Only 8 apps (4 of which were in both stores) were determined to be accurate and useful; these were evaluated using the modified APPLICATIONS scoring system. The top-rated app was Practical Urology. Conclusion: Few accurate clinical decision-making and informational apps exist for urogynecologists. Apps varied by comprehensiveness and quality. This study highlights the importance of systematically reviewing and rating medical apps. It also emphasizes the need for developing accurate apps for urogynecologists that improve health care provider performance and patient outcomes.
Journal of minimally invasive gynecology, Jan 28, 2017
Surgical adhesions can lead to significant consequences including abdominopelvic pain, bowel obst... more Surgical adhesions can lead to significant consequences including abdominopelvic pain, bowel obstruction, subfertility, and subsequent surgery. Although laparoscopic surgery is associated with a decreased risk of adhesion formation, methods to further decrease adhesions are warranted. We systematically reviewed literature addressing the management, prevention, and sequelae of adhesions in women undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and found 6566 records. The primary outcome was adhesion formation. The secondary outcomes were abdominopelvic pain, quality of life, subfertility, pregnancy, bowel obstruction, urinary symptoms, and subsequent surgery. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 52 studies remained for qualitative synthesis. Risk of bias assessments were applied independently by 2 authors. There was evidence that Hyalobarrier Gel (Anika Therapeutics, Bedford, MA), HyaReg...
Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2017
agents, pessary and surgical correction. Recently laser treatments have been reported as a treatm... more agents, pessary and surgical correction. Recently laser treatments have been reported as a treatment option.
Telemedicine and e-Health, 2017
To identify and rate reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) mobile applications (apps) ... more To identify and rate reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) mobile applications (apps) targeted toward REI providers. A list of REI apps was found in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the following seven MeSH terms: reproductive endocrinology, REI, infertility, fertility, In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, and embryology. Patient-centered apps were excluded. The remaining apps were then evaluated for accuracy using reliable references. Mobile technology. None. Accurate apps were evaluated for comprehensiveness (the extent of the ability to aid in clinical decision-making) and rated with objective and subjective components using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. Using the seven REI-related MeSH terms, 985 apps and 1,194 apps were identified in the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores, respectively. Of these unique apps, only 20 remained after excluding patient-centered apps. Upon further review for applicability to REI specifically and content accuracy, only seven apps remained. These seven apps were then rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system. Only 0.32% of 2,179 apps reviewed for this study were useful to REI providers. There is potential for further mobile resource development in the area of REI, given the limited number and varying comprehensiveness and quality of available apps.
Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2016
INTRODUCTION: Of the thousands of mobile applications (apps) available to obstetrician-gynecologi... more INTRODUCTION: Of the thousands of mobile applications (apps) available to obstetrician-gynecologists (ob-gyns), less than 15% have been shown to be potentially useful. This study systematically identifies the number of iOS and Android apps useful to reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialists. METHODS: A list of REI apps was found in both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores using the following seven MESH terms: reproductive endocrinology, REI, infertility, fertility, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and embryology. Patient-based apps and inaccurate apps were excluded. The apps were then evaluated for app comprehensiveness. Apps were analyzed using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, rating components such as price, literature used, internet connectivity, text search capacity, and inter-device compatibility. Subjective rating components included ease of navigation and overall presentation. RESULTS: Using the seven REI-related MESH terms, 919 apps and 1194 apps were identified in the iTunes and Google Play stores, respectively. Of these unique apps, only 18 remained after excluding patient-based or non-REI apps. After further reviewing for content accuracy and comprehensiveness, only 5 apps remained. These 5 apps were then rated using the APPLICATIONS scoring system and described. CONCLUSION: Using the APPLICATIONS scoring system, we identified very few useful apps for the REI specialist. An organized effort is needed across all ob-gyn subspecialties to identify, evaluate, and recommend development of apps so that optimal patient care may be provided.