115 research outputs found

    Being a mobile international postgraduate research student with family in the United Kingdom: conflict, contestation, and contradictions

    Get PDF
    The internationalisation of higher education has influenced the dramatic rise in the mobility of students, academics and knowledge across borders. There has been growing research interest focusing on international students studying abroad. While the student experience is an area of education that is often researched, most research focuses on experiences of undergraduate students. Also in the context of international students, greater research emphasis has been placed on the academic experiences and support available for undergraduates. While such research is important, less attention has been paid to the non-academic experiences of International Post-Graduate Research Students with Families (IPGRSF). This article seeks to fill this gap by focusing on the social worlds of IPGRSF in the UK, examining students’ nuclear family contexts that are often marginalised in discourse. The article legitimises the IPGRSF subaltern world by focusing on how students negotiate its demands; how they negotiate their roles as research students with their other roles as spouses and parents, and the interrelationships among these roles; and how the university as an institution interacts with the students’ subaltern world. The findings show that language plays a significant role in shaping the process of mobility as well as influencing the students’ and their families’ integration and networking in the host country. Also, the findings suggest that students often had positive experiences at departmental level, but felt let down by the wider university support

    English proficiency test as a predictor of academic achievement in a health sciences program

    Get PDF
    The present study aims to investigate possible correlations between academic achievement of freshman students based on English Proficiency Test (EPT) results and pre-admission criteria, i.e., High School Grade point average (GPA), the General Aptitude Test (GAT), and the Scholastic Achievement Admission Test (SAAT) at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) in Saudi Arabia. The study involved 528 first-year students enrolled in a pre-professional program in two campuses of the university. Pre- and post-tests of the EPT were conducted along with a demographic survey to gather details about the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis were applied to test the correlations between variables. The results showed a significant improvement in all components of the EPT in the two campuses. The differences in the scores among the GAT, SAAT, and EPT were significantly and positively correlated with the higher GPA. The analysis also revealed a strong correlation with higher GAT and SAAT results to scoring better in EPT and gaining a higher GPA. The improvement in the EPT results could indicate that the objectives of the English program were achieved. Finally, our study shows that the pre-admission criteria could predict students’ academic performance in an English program

    Syringocystadenoma Papilliferum: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

    Get PDF
    Syringocystadenoma papilliferum is a very rare, benign adnexal tumor that originates from the apocrine sweat glands. Herein, we report a 25-year-old male who presented with a 10-year history of an asymptomatic slowly growing skin lesion on his face. Skin examination revealed a solitary rounded 3 × 3 cm erythematous plaque with central crustation on the right side of his face. Punch skin biopsy was taken from the lesion. The epidermis showed downward papillomatous extensions. The dermis showed multiple epithelial sheets and dilated ducts that were lined by columnar cells. On the basis of the above clinicopathological findings, the diagnosis of syringocystadenoma papilliferum was made. The patient was reassured and referred to a surgeon for surgical excision of the lesion

    The Effect of Mycotoxins on Human Health

    Get PDF
    The aim of the current study is, what are mycotoxins, what are the risks of mycotoxins on human health, where are mycotoxins found in nature, and what are the health effects of mycotoxins on humans. the questionnaire was created electronically via the Google Drive program, and then it was distributed via mobile phone on the social networking program (WhatsApp)? Using e-mail for all participants to respond to the questionnaire. 650 questionnaires were distributed to all mobile groups, and 600 questionnaires were received on the researcher’s e-mail. (The target group is residents of the holy city of Mecca, aged 25-55 years)

    Identification and Characterization of Novel Mutations in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) in Saudi Subjects by Whole-Exome Sequencing

    Get PDF
    Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a condition usually caused by a single gene mutation and manifested by both renal and extrarenal features, eventually leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) by the median age of 60 years worldwide. Approximately 89% of ADPKD patients had either PKD1 or PKD2 gene mutations. The majority (85%) of the mutations are in the PKD1 gene, especially in the context of family history. Objectives: This study investigated the genetic basis and the undiscovered genes that are involved in ADPKD development among the Saudi population. Materials and Methods: In this study, 11 patients with chronic kidney disease were enrolled. The diagnosis of ADPKD was based on history and diagnostic images: CT images include enlargement of renal outlines, renal echogenicity, and presence of multiple renal cysts with dilated collecting ducts, loss of corticomedullary differentiation, and changes in GFR and serum creatinine levels. Next-generation whole-exome sequencing was conducted using the Ion Torrent PGM platform. Results: Of the 11 Saudi patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ADPKD, the most common heterozygote nonsynonymous variant in the PKD1 gene was exon15: (c.4264G > A). Two missense mutations were identified with a PKD1 (c.1758A > C and c.9774T > G), and one patient had a PKD2 mutation (c.1445T > G). Three detected variants were novel, identified at PKD1 (c.1758A > C), PKD2L2 (c.1364A > T), and TSC2 (deletion of a'a at the 3'UTR, R1680C) genes. Other variants in PKD1L1 (c.3813_381 4delinsTG) and PKD1L2 (c.404C > T) were also detected. The median age of end-stage renal disease for ADPK patients in Saudi Arabia was 30 years. Conclusion: This study reported a common variant in the PKD1 gene in Saudi patients with typical ADPKD. We also reported (to our knowledge) for the first time two novel missense variants in PKD1 and PKD2L2 genes and one indel mutation at the 3'UTR of the TSC2 gene. This study establishes that the reported mutations in the affected genes resulted in ADPKD development in the Saudi population by a median age of 30. Nevertheless, future protein-protein interaction studies to investigate the influence of these mutations on PKD1 and PKD2 functions are required. Furthermore, large-scale population-based studies to verify these findings are recommended

    Atypical Angioma Serpiginosum

    Get PDF
    Angioma serpiginosum is an uncommon, acquired vascular nevoid disorder with capillary dilation and proliferation in the papillary dermis. The eruptions are asymptomatic and characterized by grouped, erythematous to violaceous, serpiginous and punctate macules. The condition usually appears in females during adolescence on unilateral lower extremities and the buttocks. We report a rare case with a late onset and atypical distribution of lesions in a 48-year-old female patient who had groups of punctate lesions on her left foot for four to five years. Histopathological examination showed hyperkeratosis and multiple dilated and proliferated capillaries in the papillary dermis. Inflammation and extravasation of red blood cells were not found. According to the clinical and pathological findings, we established a diagnosis of angioma serpiginosum. She was treated with a pulsed dye laser, and the angiomatous lesions subsequently improved

    Bax/Bcl-2 Cascade Is Regulated by the EGFR Pathway: Therapeutic Targeting of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

    Get PDF
    Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) comprises 80%–85% of lung cancer cases. EGFR is involved in several cancer developments, including NSCLC. The EGFR pathway regulates the Bax/Bcl-2 cascade in NSCLC. Increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fundamental tumor progression has guided the development of numerous antitumor drugs. The development and improvement of rationally planned inhibitors and agents targeting particular cellular and biological pathways in cancer have been signified as a most important paradigm shift in the strategy to treat and manage lung cancer. Newer approaches and novel chemotherapeutic agents are required to accompany present cancer therapies for improving efficiency. Using natural products as a drug with an effective delivery system may benefit therapeutics. Naturally originated compounds such as phytochemicals provide crucial sources for novel agents/drugs and resources for tumor therapy. Applying the small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs)/phytochemicals has led to potent preclinical discoveries in various human tumor preclinical models, including lung cancer. In this review, we summarize recent information on the molecular mechanisms of the Bax/Bcl-2 cascade and EGFR pathway in NSCLC and target them for therapeutic implications. We further described the therapeutic potential of Bax/Bcl-2/EGFR SMIs, mainly those with more potent and selectivity, including gefitinib, EGCG, ABT-737, thymoquinone, quercetin, and venetoclax. In addition, we explained the targeting EGFR pathway and ongoing in vitro and in vivo and clinical investigations in NSCLC. Exploration of such inhibitors facilitates the future treatment and management of NSCLC

    Efficacy Of Digital Operating Room Technology , Role Of Nursing, Anesthesia And Radiology Team In OR Safety

    Get PDF
    Nowadays, operating rooms (ORs) are inefficient and overcrowded, and the turnover between cases is frequently lengthy and varied. In addition, the turnover rate is not consistent. The introduction of new technologies and devices into an environment that is already technologically complex is frequently done in a completely random manner. Both the data and photographs pertaining to patients are not integrated effectively or displayed in a timely manner. The system is put under additional strain as a result of the lack of integration of technology and information, which leads to further decreases in both efficiency and effectiveness. As a consequence, this may have an effect on the prices and the safety of patients. In order to improve efficiency, enhance safety, and lower the cost of care, it is vital to strengthen the integration of high technology, as well as to engage in teamwork, improve communication and coordination among services, providers, and personnel. Despite the fact that these daily realities are present, the conventional operating room is undergoing a transformation as a result of the introduction of new technology and paradigms into the clinical setting. Nursing, anesthesia and radiology team play a very important role in OR safety, as they form an excellent team in all aspects of collaboration

    An Overview Of Disinfectant And Antiseptic Techniques And Its Important In Nursing, Dentistry And Operating Theatre

    Get PDF
    In contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, intricate surgical and aesthetic treatments are performed, which are accompanied by a higher likelihood of infection complications. Thus, in order to guarantee improved results of the surgical treatments, it is imperative that adequate measures are implemented to reduce the occurrence of related infections. The infection control practices encompass meticulous scrubbing techniques for both the patient and the operator, adherence to specific protocols by the operating personnel during procedures, careful handling of instruments, and the maintenance of an aseptic environment throughout the entire procedure. The primary objective of this chapter is to present details regarding the preoperative, operative, and post-operative protocols that must be followed to enhance the safety of patients having surgical procedures

    Biogenic silver nanoparticles eradicate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from the sputum of COVID-19 patients

    Get PDF
    In recent investigations, secondary bacterial infections were found to be strongly related to mortality in COVID-19 patients. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria played an important role in the series of bacterial infections that accompany infection in COVID-19. The objective of the present study was to investigate the ability of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from strawberries (Fragaria ananassa L.) leaf extract without a chemical catalyst to inhibit Gram-negative P. aeruginosa and Gram-positive Staph aureus isolated from COVID-19 patient’s sputum. A wide range of measurements was performed on the synthesized AgNPs, including UV–vis, SEM, TEM, EDX, DLS, ζ -potential, XRD, and FTIR. UV-Visible spectral showed the absorbance at the wavelength 398 nm with an increase in the color intensity of the mixture after 8 h passed at the time of preparation confirming the high stability of the FA-AgNPs in the dark at room temperature. SEM and TEM measurements confirmed AgNPs with size ranges of ∼40-∼50 nm, whereas the DLS study confirmed their average hydrodynamic size as ∼53 nm. Furthermore, Ag NPs. EDX analysis showed the presence of the following elements: oxygen (40.46%), and silver (59.54%). Biosynthesized FA-AgNPs (ζ = −17.5 ± 3.1 mV) showed concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity for 48 h in both pathogenic strains. MTT tests showed concentration-dependent and line-specific effects of FA-AgNPs on cancer MCF-7 and normal liver WRL-68 cell cultures. According to the results, synthetic FA-AgNPs obtained through an environmentally friendly biological process are inexpensive and may inhibit the growth of bacteria isolated from COVID-19 patients
    • …
    corecore