INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEMS OF ADDRESSING A CLASS OF MIXED-ABILITY STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF SOME ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS AT SUDAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

This paper investigates the problem of addressing a class of mixed-ability students and the effect of solving this problem on improving the students’ performance in English Language at Sudan University of Science and Technology. The objectives of this study are to analyze, identify and assess this problem. The writer uses an interview addressed to (5 instructors of English language). The data were statistically analyzed by the researcher. The findings of the study indicate that instructors agree that classroom activities motivation and praising help students to be active and disciplined. Furthermore, they hold a positive attitude towards teaching a class that has students of different or blended abilities. The overall trend is that instructors generally feel positive about dealing with a class with students of different levels. The study provides some recommendations to tackle the problems addressing students with mixed abilities. This is concerned with training instructors to solve this problem and deal with the problems that may arise.  Article visualizations

The effectiveness of the Covid 19 vaccine in reducing infection in Dongola city, Northern State, Sudan

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a communicable disease spread throughout the world after its first appearance in the Chinese city of Wuhan in 2019.Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against infection and controlling the disease.Methods: This cross-sectional study community based was conducted in Dongola city. Sample size of 800 were randomly selected, from the city population, data were collected using validated questionnaires and it was analyzed using both the Microsoft Excel program and the statistical package of the Social Sciences program (SSPS).Results: The study showed that there was a significant association between infection with Covid-19 and age, increases among the middle age groups by 61% and decreases among the elder group by 2%. Significant association found between infection with Covid-19 and the type of work, the infection increases among the health sector by 33% compared with workers of other sectors, and this can directly associate with the level of exposure of individuals and sources of infection. Vaccination coverage showed significant association with age, as the coverage increases among the middle age groups by 70% and decreases among the others due to the accessibility of vaccination.Conclusions: Based on the research findings its recommended to increase vaccination coverage among elderly individuals and workers in the administrative field and self-employment, raising health awareness about the importance of the vaccine, clarifying the importance of personal protective methods in reducing the spread of the disease among the population

Management of Undescended Testis in Gezira National Center for Pediatric Surgery (2009–2011)

Background: Undescended Testis (UDT) or Cryptorchidism is the most common genital problem encountered in paediatrics. Untreated UDT/cryptorchidism clearly has deleterious effects on the testis over time. In Gezira National Center for Pediatrics Surgery (GNCPS) UDT\Cryptorchidism had been treated since early 80s. During this period no study was taken to evaluate this condition. Methods:  This is a retro-prospective descriptive study done over a 2 year period from Oct 2009 to Oct 2011 including all patients with UDT operated on in the GNCPS. Patients were evaluated regarding the age at presentation, age at surgery, site of the UDT, location of the testes, investigations done and treatment modality. Results: A total of 232 children underwent orchidopexy for UDT in GNCPS, 81.5% of those patients were older than 2 years. Bilateral cases were 16.8%. Nonpalpable testes found in 36.6% of cases. Dartos pouch fixation was used in 79.8 % of the cases. Conclusion:  the majority of children with UDT presented at an age older than two year which reflect the delay in diagnosis due to lack of adequate neonatal examination. ملخص: خلفية: مرض الخصية المعلقة هو من اكثر الأمراض المتعلقة بالجهاز التناسلي شيوعا لدى الاطفال. عدم انزال الخصية المعلقة له اثار وخيمة على الخصية كلما تقدم الزمن. في مركز الجزيرة القومي لجراحة الاطفال يتم علاج الخصية المعلقة بانتظام منذ اوائل الثمانينات ورغما عن ذلك لم تجرى اي ابحاث لدراسة هذه الحالة. الطريقة والبحث: هذه الدراسة هي دراسة وصفية لاحقة تم اجراؤها خلال عامين ابتداء من اكتوبر 2009 حتى اكتوبر 2011 جميع المرضى الذين تم اجراء عمليات جراحية لهم لإنزال الخصية المعلقة تمت دراستهم من حيث العمر الذي حضر به للمستشفى, العمر الذي اجريت فيه العملية٬ اتجاه الخصية المعلقة ومكانها٬ الفحوصات التى اجريت له والعلاج الذي تلقاه. النتائج: خلال فترة الدراسة 232 طفل تم علاجهم في المركز 81.5% منهم كانت اعمارهم فوق السنتين %16.8  منهم كانت المشكلة بالجانبين و %36.6 منهم لم تكن الخصية محسوسة بالكشف السريري. تم استعمال التثبيت في جراب دارتوس في %79.8 من الحالات. الخلاصة: ان غالبية الحالات تحضر في عمر اكثر من عامين مما ينعكس سلبا على العلاج ويحدث هذا التأخير نتيجة لقلة الكشف على حديثي الولادة. &nbsp

A Systematic Review of the Association of Low Platelet Counts and Preeclampsia

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy-related disorder that affects women worldwide; representing as a main cause of feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The present systematic review aims to evaluate the reported values of platelet count differences in preeclamptic women and compare them to normotensive pregnant women as controls.Methods: Pubmed-NCBI, Web of Science and Google scholar Database were searched till November 2023 using the keywords “Preeclampsia OR eclampsia AND platelet count". Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies reporting data on platelet count in preeclampsia in comparison to normotensive pregnant women were included. Results: Ten articles were included, with a total of 870 preeclampsia cases and 1409 controls. The mean (SD) of the platelets count was significantly lower in preeclamptic women compared to normotensive pregnant women [195.2 (55.7) % vs. 249.4 (52.5) %, P < 0.001]. The mean difference was 55.18, 95% CI = 38.33–72.04. However, it was insignificantly lower in women with severe preeclampsia compared to those with mild preeclampsia [178(42.11) vs. 216 (48.69), respectively, P =0.76]. The mean difference was 40.6, 95% CI = 34.24–46.95. Conclusions: The platelets count is low in preeclampsia and can be considered as a promising laboratory marker for the detection and follow-up of pregnant women who develop preeclampsia

Gynecological Malignancies Managed in The Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Oncology, Wadmedani-Sudan During 1999-2005

Introduction: Gynecological malignancies (GMs) are one of the most prevalent cancers in Africa. Objective of this work is to review data of patients with GMs treated in Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Molecular Biology and Oncology (INMO)-University of Gezira -Wadmedani- Sudan, and reflect on characteristics of GMs in Central Sudan. Material and Methods: A retrospective hospital-based descriptive study was conducted to review GMs patients records treated in INMO from year 1999-2005. Analysis included age, residence, stage, topography and morphology of the cancer. Results: During study period GMs constituted about 20.5 percent of all women malignancies and it is the second commonest female cancer preceded by breast (36.7%). Most of the patients were housewives from rural areas of Gezira and nearby States.  The sites were ovary, 41%, cervix, 34%, uterus, 13.8%, uterine choriocarcinoma, 7.9%, vulva cancer, 2.9% and no single case of vaginal carcinoma was reported. The mean age of all patients was 52.45 years, Median age for ovarian cancer was, 50, cervix 55, uterus 55, Choriocarcinoma of the uterus 35 and vulva 60 years of age. Almost all varieties of histopathological types were seen. Fifty eight percent of patients presented with stage III & IV. Conclusions: GMs are common and present in late stages. The commonest GMs was ovarian cancer which affect relatively young patients. Cervix was the second common site and affect relatively older age group. Vulvar cancer was relatively rare and vaginal cancer was not seen. For the improvement of the outcome early detection, management guidelines and financial support are highly recommended

Primary School Teachers’ Perspectives on ADHD in Alkadrow, Khartoum, Sudan

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition, commonly manifests during early childhood and has the potential to adversely affect an individual’s social, academic, and occupational performance in multiple settings. Students with ADHD may struggle with attention, focus, listening, and completing schoolwork. Additionally, they may exhibit restless or disruptive behavior in class and may have learning disabilities that affect their academic performance. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of primary school teachers on ADHD in Alkadrow, Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Alkadrow-Bahri locality, Sudan, over a period of three to six months in 2022. The study population included primary school teachers who had taught for at least one year and encountered at least one student with ADHD. A convenience sampling technique was used to select a minimum of 59 participants, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions. SPSS version 23 was used to analyze the data, including descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: The study had 59 participants, with the majority being female and in the age group of 41–45 years. The participants were mostly married and had obtained psychology courses, with a bachelor’s degree being the most common level of education. Many participants had over 20 years of teaching experience. Regarding the attitude toward attention deficit hyperactivity, most participants strongly agreed that they did have a negative/positive attitude toward it, and a majority agreed or were neutral toward ADHD. However, in the case of attention deficit hyperactivity, a significant percentage of participants disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement. Conclusion: The study found that most participants had a negative attitude toward student referrals for medical care and believed that most symptoms of ADHD can be lowered by aging. Additionally, more than half strongly disagreed that punishment has a positive effect on ADHD

Delirium management and current practice among Intensive Care Units Doctors, Khartoum [version 4; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Delirium is a brain dysfunction characterized by attention and cognitive disturbances in a fluctuating manner. The international guidelines recommend daily screening for delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) are the most commonly used methods for assessing delirium. This study aimed to identify barriers and gaps in knowledge and practice. This was a hospital-based Cross-Sectional study. Stratified random sampling was used in this study. 72 ICU doctors were randomly selected. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive data were presented, and the chi-squared test was used to determine the associations among variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. More than 70% of the doctors were ≤ 30 years of age and female. A total of 69.4% of the participants had < 1year of experience. In total, 94.4% of the participants worked in medical ICUs. Less than 20% of the doctors used delirium assessment tools, with a statistically significant difference based on experience (p=0.012). Delirium was not regularly assessed in 13.9% of the patients. Non-pharmacological management was applied by 76.4% of doctors, and communication with patients was the most frequent (75%). Haloperidol was the most commonly used drug (83.3%). A total of 40.3% of doctors did not stop delirium medication on ICU discharge. A regular delirium assessment was performed. However, the use of validated assessment tools is uncommon. Nonpharmacological management of delirium is important and is mostly performed. Our doctors prescribed antipsychotics for the treatment of both forms of delirium, and almost half of them did not stop the medications on ICU discharge. Medication reconciliation and contact with the next in-charge of the patients are important

Delirium management and current practice among Intensive Care Units Doctors, Khartoum [version 3; peer review: 1 approved, 2 approved with reservations]

Delirium is a brain dysfunction characterized by attention and cognitive disturbances in a fluctuating manner. The international guidelines recommend daily screening for delirium. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) and Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) are the most commonly used methods for assessing delirium. This study aimed to identify barriers and gaps in knowledge and practice. This was a hospital-based Cross-Sectional study. Stratified random sampling was used in this study. 72 ICU doctors were randomly selected. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive data were presented, and the chi-squared test was used to determine the associations among variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. More than 70% of the doctors were ≤ 30 years of age and female. A total of 69.4% of the participants had < 1year of experience. In total, 94.4% of the participants worked in medical ICUs. Less than 20% of the doctors used delirium assessment tools, with a statistically significant difference based on experience (p=0.012). Delirium was not regularly assessed in 13.9% of the patients. Non-pharmacological management was applied by 76.4% of doctors, and communication with patients was the most frequent (75%). Haloperidol was the most commonly used drug (83.3%). A total of 40.3% of doctors did not stop delirium medication on ICU discharge. A regular delirium assessment was performed. However, the use of validated assessment tools is uncommon. Nonpharmacological management of delirium is important and is mostly performed. Our doctors prescribed antipsychotics for the treatment of both forms of delirium, and almost half of them did not stop the medications on ICU discharge. Medication reconciliation and contact with the next in-charge of the patients are important

Prevalence of smoking cigarettes and beliefs regarding smoking habits among medical students: a cross-sectional study in Sudan

BackgroundSmoking is a common problem in university students worldwide. Smoking is one of the most dangerous social phenomena and has a significant impact on public health. This study investigated the beliefs and attitudes of medical students toward smoking in Sudan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students at Al Neelain University, Sudan, from March to June 2022 using a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of eight items on demographic characteristics and 13 on the beliefs and attitudes toward smoking. Other data included smoking status, smoking habits, the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and smoking duration. Data analysis was performed descriptively, and chi-square test and logistic regression were conducted using SPSS version 24. Statistical significance was set at 0.05.ResultsA total of 336 students participated in this study, and the smoking prevalence was 48.8% (41.1% in men and 7.7% in women). In total, 76.8% reported smoking daily at a rate of 5–10 cigarettes per day. In terms of students’ beliefs about smoking, 86.8% disagreed with selling cigarettes at the university. Of the respondents, 68.4% did not approve smoking on campus. There was a relationship between smoking habits and the age group of 22–25 years, which was the highest smoking category among students (p-value = 0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of cigarette smoking among medical students is disturbing, particularly as they are future doctors. There is a need to include plans to reduce smoking among students that can be incorporated into courses and special programs

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P &lt; 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely