Perfectionism and Academic Self-Handicapped among Gifted Students: An Explanatory Model

This study aimed to examine the relationship between perfectionism and academic self-handicapping strategies among gifted students in Jordan. This study used a mixed-method approach to explore the relationship as well as exploring any other factors associated with using such strategies. The Revised Almost Perfect Scale (APS-R) and the Academic Self-Handicapping Strategies Scale were used to measure perfectionism and academic self-handicapping among 242 gifted students on a high school for gifted learners. Subsequently, the researchers conducted four focus group discussions with 23 gifted students to identify the factors that may lead those students to use self-handicapping strategies. The results showed that Self-handicapped students were 4.58 times more likely to be maladaptive perfectionists than non-self-handicapped students. The results also revealed a combination of environmental, personal, and cultural factors that contributed to the use of these strategies by gifted students. This study has proposed an explanatory model to illustrate the relationship between perfectionism, academic self-handicapping, and factors that might be related. Finally, this study provided a range of educational implications that can be used in the field of gifted education

Impact of timely obstetric simulation on vaginal breech delivery management

Background: The management of breech presentations represents a significant challenge in obstetrics, necessitating advanced skills for optimal clinical outcomes. Simulation-based training has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the proficiency of healthcare professionals in assisted vaginal breech deliveries, potentially improving neonatal outcomes. Methods: This research study was conducted at Rafic Hariri University Hospital, Beirut, to evaluate the impact of simulation-based training on the management of breech presentations. Using Robson’s classification, a comparative analysis was performed on the outcomes of breech deliveries before and after the implementation of this training. The focus was primarily on assisted vaginal deliveries within the R6 (all nulliparous women with a single breech baby, cesarean section) and R7 (all multiparous women with a single breech baby, cesarean section) groups. Results: Post-training, there was a notable increase in the rate of assisted vaginal deliveries in the R6 category, indicating the effectiveness of the simulation-based training. However, the rate of assisted vaginal deliveries within the R7 group showed no significant change. Additionally, the positive impact of the training demonstrated a time-sensitive decline, underscoring the necessity for ongoing practice and reinforcement of skills. Conclusions: Simulation-based training offers substantial benefits in managing breech presentations, particularly evident in the increased rate of assisted vaginal deliveries among nulliparous women (R6). However, the absence of change in the multiparous women (R7) group and the time-sensitive reduction in training effectiveness highlight the critical need for continuous skill development and reinforcement

Intrauterine device is embraced by the placenta

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a contraceptive method which are tiny, T-shaped plastic, that is placed within the uterus and left there, is used all throughout the world with more than 99% effectiveness rate. Pregnancy with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in situ is very rare. Intracavitary pregnancy with an IUD can lead to a higher risk of infection and preterm birth. We described a case of a live birth with an IUD inserted into the placenta. A 27-year-old Syrian woman in G4P3 with a history of healthy vaginal deliveries arrived in our delivery room at 39+3 weeks gestation complaining of labor pain A vaginal examination revealed bulging membranes and a fully dilated cervix. She delivered a live baby boy, weighing 3100 g and being sent to the nursery with an APGAR score of 9 to 10. When the placenta was examined, a white foreign object that was embedded there was discovered to be an intrauterine device. Although intrauterine pregnancy is a potential problem that must be taken into account, ectopic pregnancy is a reasonably common complication of intrauterine contraceptive devices. Although several studies have shown that term pregnancies with excellent prognoses can occur after the removal of intrauterine devices, close monitoring is necessary to detect misplaced copper-T and prevent undesired births

Irritable bowel syndrome among nurses working in King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that can cause disability and economic burden. Nurses are a vital part of the medical team and their well-being is an important issue. Yet, few studies have been done concerning IBS among nurses.Objectives: To determine the prevalence, severity, and predictors of IBS among nurses working at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 229 nurses who fulfilled the eligibility criteria. They were selected by stratified random sampling during 20142015. A validated, confidential, selfadministered data collection sheet was used for collection of personal and sociodemographic data. Rome III Criteria, IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were included. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. A multiple logistic regression analysis was done to determine the predictors of IBS.Results: The prevalence of IBS among nurses was 14.4%, and IBS-Mixed type was the commonest variety (54.5%). Positive family history of IBS, working in outpatient clinics, having day shift, poor sleep quality, and high anxiety and depression scale scores were significantly associated with IBS. After controlling for confounding factors in regression analysis, the predictors of IBS were food hypersensitivity (aOR4.52; 95% CI: 1.8011.33), morbid anxiety (aOR4.34; 95% CI: 1.4912.67), and positive family history of IBS (aOR3.38; 95% CI: 1.1213.23).Conclusion: The prevalence of IBS was 14.4%. Food hypersensitivity, morbid anxiety, and family history were the predictors of IBS. Screening and management of IBS, food hypersensitivity, and psychological problems among nurses are recommended.Keywords: irritable bowel syndrome; nurses; prevalence; predictors; severity; anxiety; depression; sleep qualit

Impact of recurrent miscarriage on maternal outcomes in subsequent pregnancy:The Mutaba’ah study

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of recurrent miscarriage (RM) and investigate the association between RM and adverse maternal outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. Participants and Methods: This is an interim analysis of a prospective study of 1737 pregnant women with gravidity of two or more prior to the current pregnancy. These women joined the Mutaba’ah Study between May 2017 and April 2019 and were followed up until they delivered. Hospital medical records were used to extract data on past pregnancy history and the progress and outcomes of the current pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, mode of delivery, preterm delivery, and complications at birth. Results: Amongst pregnant women with at least two previous pregnancies (n=1737), there were 234 (13.5%) women with a history of two or more consecutive miscarriages. Women with RM were slightly older, more parous, and more likely to have had previous infertility treatment (all p-values &lt;0.05). Women with a history of RM had independently significant increased odds of cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.81, 95% CI 1.24–2.65) and preterm (&lt;37 weeks, aOR: 2.52, 95% CI 1.56–4.08) or very preterm delivery (&lt;32 weeks, aOR: 7.02 95% CI 2.41–20.46) in subsequent pregnancies than women who did not have a history of RM. Conclusion: Women with a history of RM were twice as likely to undergo cesarean section and seven times more likely to deliver prior to 32 weeks of gestation than women without a history of RM. The study findings support the need for early pregnancy monitoring or assessment units to ensure better follow-up and customized care for at-risk pregnant women with a history of RM.</p

The aftermath of 'Beirutshima': the role of nursing quantum leadership in primary health care centers

Background: The healthcare system in Lebanon faced unprecedented challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating beirut blast on August 4th, 2020. The aftermath highlighted the system's vulnerability, corruption, and incapacity to provide essential services, leading to an urgent need for leadership transformation within primary healthcare centers (PHCs). Methods: This qualitative cross-sectional study assessed the quantum leadership skills of nurses in 30 PHCs within a 5-kilometer radius of the blast site. Data were collected six months post-blast using a self-administered questionnaire based on a binary outcome scale of agreement and disagreement, analyzed with IBM SPSS-19 software to evaluate the potential for leadership improvement. Results: The findings indicate a significant correlation between quantum leadership skills and the operational effectiveness of PHCs, particularly those managed by the Ministry of Public Health, which exhibited superior quantum leadership skills compared to others. Conclusions: The study underscores the necessity for a new leadership paradigm rooted in quantum theory to navigate the healthcare system through crises effectively. A quantum leader, characterized by heightened organizational consciousness and energy, is pivotal for ensuring a seamless transition towards recovery and resilience, ultimately fostering a breakthrough in the face of systemic breakdowns

Pharmacy education and practice in 13 middle eastern countries

The Arab world has influenced the art and science of pharmacy for centuries. Pharmacy education and practice is continuing to evolve in the Arabic-speaking traditional Middle East countries, although relatively little information has been published in the English press. Our goal was to providea high-level synopsis of conditions in this region. We selected 13 countries for review. Information was obtained by reviewing the available published literature and individual university and program web sites, as well as contacting with program or country representatives. Seventy-eight active pharmacy schools in 12 countries were identified. At least 14,000 students (over 75% from Egypt) are admitted into baccalaureate degree programs every year. The 5-year baccalaureate degree remains the first professional degree to practice. While changes in pharmacy education have been relatively rapid over the past decade, the advancement of pharmacy practice, particularly in the private sector, appears to be slower. Hospital pharmacists often possess an advanced degree and tend to have a higher level of practice compared to that of community pharmacists. Despite the adversities that face academics and practitioners alike, there is a strong desire to advance the science and practice of pharmacy in the Middle East

Studying the effect of silymarin against oxidative stress induced by chemotherapeutic protocol in breast cancer women

Breast cancer became the commonest type of cancers among Iraqi women since the last two decades. The main underlying cause is thought to be DNA damage; much of which is oxidative in nature. CAF protocol (Cyclophosphamide + Adriamycin + 5-FU) associated with toxic effects in several body organs, mainly through production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Silymarin, the dried extract of a ripe seeds of the plant silybium marianum, was found to be a powerful antioxidant protective agent against toxin -induced tissue damage .The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible time and dose-dependent protective effect of the orally administered silymarin as antioxidant agent against oxidative stress induced by CAF protocol (mainly Adriamycin) in breast cancer women. This study included 94 subjects, 20 were healthy control women (for matching with oxidative stress markers) and 74 were breast cancer women that randomly distributed and allocated into three groups: Group (A): Include 24 patients who received CAF protocol by I.V infusion once every 21 days and for 63days. Group (B): Include 25 patients who received 210mg/day of along with the same CAF protocol of group (A); Group (C): Include 25 patients who received 420mg/day of silymarin along with the same CAF protocol of group (A). Oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSH) were measured at baseline (zero time), after 21, 42, and 63 days of treatment for each patient group. Our results showed an increase in the oxidative stress for both baseline patients and those treated with CAF protocol, manifested by significant increase in MDA levels and GSH depletion, a state which is significantly reversed by use of silymarin, in a time and dose-dependent manner. Breast cancer and its antineoplastic CAF protocol produce free radicals which attenuate antioxidant defense mechanism of the body leading to several toxic effects on different body organs, so the use of antioxidant agent (silymarin) in this study may ameliorate, in a time and dose-dependant manner,theharmfuleffects of this protocol

A geometrical analysis of inclined and tilted spherical plough discs

An analysis is presented of the ef fect of disc geometry in relation to its areas of contact with soil at the working depth , treating the disc as a segment of a thin spherical shell . In addition , the ef fects of the disc angle of tilt , the disc angle of inclination to its direction of motion and the working depth are examined in detail . Shallow and deep disc concavities are considered . A presentation is made of formulae derived for disc critical angle and depth and for bearing and pressure areas of contact with the soil on vertical and horizontal planes . In addition , a study was made of the overlapping of soil working areas when adjacent discs are working in a gang arrangement . The ef fects of inside and outside sharpening of the circumferential edge of the disc are also examined . For the practical range of tilt angle (15 Њ to 25 Њ ) and disc angle (35 Њ to 55 Њ ) it is shown that the bearing area of the rear spherical area of discs is zero , so there is no soil contact with the rear surface of the disc . The vertical pressure area is only slightly af fected by tilt angle and there is little dif ference for the two disc concavities . Disc angle and working depth have significant ef fects on this area . The horizontal presssure area is not af fected by disc angle over its practical range . It has larger values for the 81 mm concavity than for the 51 mm concavity and is significantly influenced by tilt angle and working depth . Discs working in a gang , have overlapping of the areas of soil cut for disc angles and spacings (180 to 300 mm) adopted in practice . The area cut by an individual disc is not markedly af fected by disc angle . Inside and outside sharpening does not significantly af fect the overall findings concerning critical disc parameters . The flat bevelled surface formed by outside sharpening will generally be in contact with soil over the practical range of tilt and disc angles