The Effectiveness of Teaching Method Based on the Components of Concept-Rich Instruction Approach in Students Achievement on Linear Algebra Course and Their Attitudes Towards Mathematics

The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a teaching strategy based on a Concept-Rich Instruction approach in the student’s achievement in a linear algebra course and their attitudes towards mathematics. The study sample consisted of (112) male and female students divided into two groups. An experimental group of (55) male and female students taught using a teaching strategy based on Concept-Rich Instruction. A control group of (57) male and female students were taught traditionally. The study data were collected using a mathematical test and a questionnaire that measures students' attitudes towards mathematics. The study results showed statistically significant differences between the two study groups and in favor of the experimental group in the achievement test and the measure of attitudes towards mathematics. The study recommended using the Concept-Rich Instruction approach in teaching the linear algebra course to improve achievement, enhance students' attitudes towards mathematics, and invite students to use these components. As well as recommend conducting similar studies on other mathematics courses such as calculus, differential equations, probability etc

Galaxolide-contaminated soil and tolerance strategies in soybean plants using biofertilization and selenium nanoparticle supplementation

The current study aimed to address the response of soybean (Glycine max) plants to biofertilization and selenium supplementation treatments under galaxolide contamination of soil. In this regard, a pot experiment was carried out where the soybean plants were treated with the plant growth-promoting Actinobacteria (Actinobacterium sp.) as a biofertilizer (PGPB treatment) and/or selenium nanoparticles (Se treatment; 25 mg L-1) under two non-polluted and galaxolide-polluted soils (250 mg galaxolide per kg of soil) to assess the modifications in some plant physiological and biochemical traits. Although higher accumulation of oxidative biomarkers, including hydrogen peroxide (+180%), malondialdehyde (+163%), and protein oxidation (+125%), indicating oxidative stress in galaxolide-contaminated plants, an apparent decline in their contents was observed in response to biofertilization/supplementation treatments in contaminated soil, especially. It was mainly related to the higher detoxification of ROS in PGPB- and Se-treated plants under galaxolide-induced oxidative stress, in which the direct ROS-scavenging enzymes (+44 -179%), enzymatic (+34 - 293%) and non-enzymatic (+35 - 98%) components of the ascorbate-glutathione pathway, and antioxidant molecules (+38 - 370%) were more activated than in control plants. In addition, a higher accumulation of detoxification activity markers, including phytochelatins (+32%) and metallothioneins (+79%), were found in the combined treatments (PGPB+Se) under galaxolide contamination. Moreover, combined treatment with PGPB and Se ameliorated the levels of chlorophyll a content (+58%), stomatal conductance (+57%), the maximum efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (+36%), and photorespiratory metabolism (including +99% in glycolate oxidase and +54% in hydroxypyruvate reductase activity) in leaves under galaxolide contamination, which resulted in higher photosynthesis capacity (+36%) and biomass production (+74%) in galaxolide-stressed plants as compared to control group. In conclusion, the application of beneficial Actinobacteria and selenium nanoparticles as biofertilization/supplementation is expected to be useful for improving plant toleration and adaptation against galaxolide contamination

Insights into seeds priming effects using a magnetic field and algal treatments on growth and productivity of faba bean under salinity stress conditions

Soil fertility and crop productivity in the Nile Delta are severely threatened by soil salinization. Hence, the development of reliable techniques to enhance the salinity tolerance of plants is an essential prerequisite for the desirable sustainable agricultural development in Egypt. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of seeds priming using a magnetic field (MF) at different exposure times (0, 15, 30, and 45 min), either alone or combined with seeds pre-soaking or foliar spraying with seaweed extracts of Hydroclathrus clathratus and Acanthophora spicifera. The effects on soil properties, growth, yield, and seed quality of Vicia faba grown in saline soil were assessed. Results indicated that MF-treated seeds (MFTS), either alone or coupled with seaweed treatments, distinctly improved soil characterization by decreasing EC and pH niches, and also increased the availability of soil macro- and micronutrient elements, particularly at MF long exposure time (≥30 min). MFTS and/or MFTS with seaweed treatments at 30 min improved soil fertility indices (CO2 evolution and nitrogenase activity) and induced the highest increases of macro- and micro-nutrient contents in seeds, plant growth and seed quality. Additionally, enhancement of chlorophyll a and b, carbohydrates and amino acids, and decreasing proline levels were the bases of salinity stress alleviation. Conclusively, seed priming in the MF coupled with foliar spraying of seaweed extracts could be a sustainable and affordable approach for cultivating V. faba plants under salinity stress conditions

Efficacy of metformin monotherapy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients treated at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Metformin monotherapy is the primary therapeutic approach in most cases of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as it is safe, efficient, and is known to lower risks like vascular complications in patients. Previous studies have shown that glycemic control provided by metformin monotherapy is not consistent and needs to be monitored in association with other factors. Due to the complex nature of the disease and other factors like genetic predisposition, ethnicity, and geographic distribution, it is crucial to investigate its effect on the Saudi population. This study aimed to evaluate the glycemic response of metformin monotherapy in individuals with newly diagnosed T2DM who had not previously taken any other medications. Methods: A retrospective study model was followed to determine metformin monotherapy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients. The efficacy of the metformin monotherapy was evaluated in the patients who were drug naive and had undergone treatment for six months. Results: HbA1c levels for our study population (n=136) before and after metformin monotherapy for a period of six months was collected from patient records. The study cohort included both male (n=71) and female (n=67) patients. There was a significant difference in the HbA1c levels of all diabetes patients before (Mean=9.1, SD=2.84) and after (Mean=7.13, SD=1.51) medication; 2-tailed significance p<0.001. Conclusions: Metformin monotherapy was effective in reducing the HbA1c levels across both genders and all age groups in the present study. These results suggest that metformin monotherapy could be the first line of therapy for newly diagnosed T2DM individuals

Green Synthesized of Thymus vulgaris Chitosan Nanoparticles Induce Relative WRKY-Genes Expression in Solanum lycopersicum against Fusarium solani, the Causal Agent of Root Rot Disease

: Fusarium solani is a plant pathogenic fungus that causes tomato root rot disease and yield losses in tomato production. The current study's main goal is testing the antibacterial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Thyme vulgaris essential oil (ThE-CsNPs) against F. solani in vitro and in vivo. GC-MS analysis was used to determine the chemical constituents of thyme EO. ThE-CsNPs were investigated using transmission electron microscopy before being physicochemically characterized using FT-IR. ThE-CsNPs were tested for antifungal activity against F. solani mycelial growth in vitro. A pot trial was conducted to determine the most effective dose of ThE-CsNPs on the morph/physiological characteristics of Solanum lycopersicum, as well as the severity of fusarium root rot. The relative gene expression of WRKY transcript factors and defense-associated genes were quantified in root tissues under all treatment conditions. In vitro results revealed that ThE-CsNPs (1%) had potent antifungal efficacy against F. solani radial mycelium growth. The expression of three WRKY transcription factors and three tomato defense-related genes was upregulated. Total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant enzyme activity were all increased. The outfindings of this study strongly suggested the use of ThE-CsNPs in controlling fusarium root rot on tomatoes; however, other experiments remain necessary before they are recommended

Past, Present, and Future Perspectives on the Systemic Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) — A Comprehensive Review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent cancer, the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and the first leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. Management of primary locally advanced, inoperable, recurrent or metastatic HCC is very challenging and continues to be a topic of controversy. Herein, we shed light on the past, present, and future perspectives on the systemic therapy (hormonal therapy, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and novel molecularly targeted therapy) for management of patients with advanced HCC

Association of MBL2 gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis susceptibility: Trial sequence meta-analysis as evidence

© 2019 Mandal et al. Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) or mannose-binding protein (MBP), encoded by MBL2 gene and secreted by the liver, activates complement system through lectin pathway in innate immunity against the host’s infection. Conflictingly, a number of MBL2 variants, rs1800450 (A\u3eB), rs1800451 (A\u3eC), rs5030737 (A\u3eD), rs7096206 (Y\u3eX), rs11003125 (H\u3eL), and rs7095891 (P\u3eQ) allele, have been found to be associated with compromised serum levels and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) susceptibility. The present meta-analysis study was performed to evaluate the potential association of these MBL2 gene variants with PTB susceptibility. Materials and methods: A quantitative synthesis was performed on PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, and Google Scholar web database searches. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled odds ratios and 95% CIs for all the genetic models. Results: A total of 14 eligible studies were included to analyze their pooled data for associations between alleles, genotypes, and minor allele carriers. The statistical analysis revealed the significant reduced PTB risk with homozygous variant genotype of rs1800451 polymorphism (CC vs AA: P=0.043; OR =0.828, 95% CI =0.689–0.994). Contrary to this, the variant allele of rs5030737 polymorphism showed association with increased PTB risk (D vs A: P=0.026; OR =1.563, 95% CI =1.054–2.317). However, the other genetic models of rs1800450 (A\u3eB), rs7096206 (Y\u3eX), and rs11003125 (H\u3eL) MBL2 gene polymorphisms did not divulge any association with PTB susceptibility. Conclusion: The current meta-analysis concludes that rs1800451 (A\u3eC) and rs5030737 (A\u3eD) polymorphisms of MBL2 gene play a significant role in PTB susceptibility. Further, well-designed epidemiological studies with larger sample size including consideration of environmental factors are warranted for the future

Free sugar intake is associated with reduced proportion of circulating invariant natural killer T cells among women experiencing overweight and obesity

BackgroundHigher prevalence of obesity has been observed among women compared to men, which can be explained partly by the higher consumption of sweets and physical inactivity. Obesity can alter immune cell infiltration, and therefore increase the susceptibility to develop chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between free sugar intake and other unhealthy lifestyle habits in relation to the proportion of circulating iNKT cells among women with healthy weight and women experiencing overweight and obesity.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 51 Saudi women > 18 years, wherein their daily free sugar intake was assessed using the validated Food Frequency Questionnaire. Data on smoking status, physical activity, and supplement use were also collected. Anthropometric data including height, weight, waist circumference were objectively measured from each participants. The proportion of circulating iNKT cells was determined using flow cytometry.ResultsSmoking, physical activity, supplement use, and weight status were not associated with proportion of circulating iNKT cells. Significant association was found between proportion of circulating iNKT cells and total free sugar intake and free sugar intake coming from solid food sources only among women experiencing overweight and obesity (Beta: -0.10: Standard Error: 0.04 [95% Confidence Interval: -0.18 to -0.01], p= 0.034) and (Beta: -0.15: Standard Error: 0.05 [95% Confidence Interval: -0.25 to -0.05], p= 0.005), respectively.ConclusionExcessive free sugar consumption may alter iNKT cells and consequently increase the risk for chronic inflammation and metabolic disorders