The role of FGF growth factors in the development of chemotherapy drug resistance in ovarian cancer cells.

Ovarian cancer is the most gynecological cancer, it has a 5-year mortality rate greater than 70%. When ovarian cancer patients undergo chemotherapy their gene expression changes. This project is studying a particular group of genes called Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), which have been found to be very important in cancer. The hypothesis predicted that significant changes in the expression of FGF proteins are associated with the development of drug resistance in ovarian cancer. Previous work developed three resistant cell lines from the A2780 ovarian cancer cell line (A2780CBN, A2780DXL, A2780CBNDXL), In the previous studies, microarray analysis was performed to find changes in gene expression in the three cell lines. We have been able to confirm some of the changes that indicated a possible role for FGF gene expression changes in drug resistance. However, we could only confirm a change in protein expression for one of the FGF factors, FGF23, which was altered in A2780CBN and A2780CBNDXL resistant cell lines.Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biolog

Review of theory of human resources development training (learning) participation

Studies on training (learning) participation in human resources development program in the organizations are very sparse despites its importance in human resources development activities.This article tends to focus attention on identifying the factors influencing the training participation in human resources development intervention.This topic is very important in human resources development research because of the increasing concerns on e-learning drop-out rate, HRD measurement and evaluation. A comprehensive review of literature is presented to identify research gap in participation and completion of HRD – related intervention program. A conceptual framework of HRD training participation is proposed to describe the pattern, factors, structure and the interrelationship between the variables.Finally, the usefulness and applicability of the theory is discussed. In addition, the implication for future research will be discussed in detail

The relationship between academic library usage and perceived personal performance in Kuwait

Academic libraries around the world often have to justify high maintenance costs. High maintenance costs of university libraries are often justified by the belief that regular use of an academic library improves the grades of students. However, this is a difficult statement to support, therefore demonstrating the link between library use and student outcomes is critical to ensuring that library investment continues. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted and the findings were analysed to derive users’ perceptions. The findings revealed interesting results regarding how users make use of the library and how users feel the library improves their personal performance. Overall, the perception of all three groups of the academic libraries within Kuwait is positive, however many users are dissatisfied with some academic library services. Students answered positively regarding their grades and use of the academic library. Academics and administrators were generally positive and offered an experienced insight into the quality of the library. This study offers the first perception based results in Kuwait. The inclusion of administrators’ perceptions is also novel in terms of the Gulf States. A refined model was designed based on the overall findings within the study. This model can be applied to any academic library, regardless of size or collection type. Based on findings, the researcher recommends taking the following points into consideration in order to improve library services and facilities for all users. Improvements could be made in the structure of library training courses and academic libraries should be providing flexible spaces for individuals and group study as well as social activities

The Present Status of Public Libraries in the State of Kuwait: Librarians’ Perspectives

This study aims to explore librarians’ perspectives regarding the present status of public libraries and their activities to serve the community in Kuwait. To achieve the objectives of the study, a descriptive analytical method was used. A random sample of 262 librarians was chosen to answer 42 questions in a questionnaire that was divided into six dimensions: the role and reality of public libraries (9 questions), the availability of information services (6 questions), the use of IT (6 questions), the library environment (7 questions), the administration and financial level (6 questions), and awareness of whole library activities (8 questions). The data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics to calculate correlations. The study found that public libraries must support users and offer advanced materials to meet a wide range of print and digital needs. Attention must be given to these materials, and the libraries’ valuable contribution to society should be acknowledged. The value of this study lies in the exploration and understanding of librarians’ perspectives, which are indispensable for improving the services and resources provided by public libraries. Keywords: public library, librarians, librarians’ perspectives, library status, Kuwait DOI: 10.7176/IKM/12-3-04 Publication date:May 31st 202

The present status of public libraries in the state of Kuwait: librarians’ perspectives

تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى استكشاف وجهات نظر المكتبيين فيما يتعلق بالوضع الحالي للمكتبات العامة، وأنشطتها لخدمة المجتمع في الكويت، ولتحقيق أهداف الدراسة تم استخدام المنهج الوصفي التحليلي، وقد تم اختيار عينة عشوائية تتألف من 262 أمين مكتبة للإجابة على 42 سؤالاً في استبيان تم تقسيمه إلى خمسة أبعاد: دور المكتبات العامة (9 أسئلة) ، وتوافر خدمات المعلومات (6 أسئلة) ، واستخدام تقنية المعلومات (6 أسئلة) ، وبيئة المكتبات (7 أسئلة) ، والمستوى الإداري والمالي (6 أسئلة) والتوعية بأنشطة المكتبة (8 أسئلة)، وقد تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام برنامج SPSS  لحساب تقديرات أمناء المكتبات، والفروقات الإحصائية باستخدام General linear model ، وقد وجدت الدراسة  مستوى منخفضا  لجميع محاور الدراسة مع وجود فروق دالة إحصائيا في تقديرات أمناء المكتبات تعود لمتغير الجنس والعمر والمؤهل العلمي وعدد سنوات الخبرة، وقد أوصت الدراسة بضرورة دعم المكتبات للمستخدمين، وبخاصة فيما يتعلق بتوفير مواد متقدمة لتلبية مجموعة واسعة من الاحتياجات المطبوعة والرقمية، وتوفير البيئة المناسبة  مع التركيز على التوعية بأنشطة المكتبة، وتكمن قيمة هذه الدراسة في استكشاف وفهم وجهات نظر المكتبيين، وهو أمر لا غنى عنه لتحسين الخدمات والموارد التي تقدمها المكتبات العامة.This study aims to explore librarians’ perspectives regarding the present status of public libraries and their activities to serve the community in Kuwait. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive analytical method was used. A random sample of 262 librarians was chosen to answer 42 questions in a questionnaire that was divided into five dimensions: the role of public libraries (9 questions), the availability of information services (6 questions), using information technology (6 questions), library environment (7 questions), the administration and financial level (6 questions) and awareness of whole library activities (8 questions). The data were analysed using SPSS Statistics to calculate the estimate of the librarians’ responses and the significant statistical differences in their responses using General linear model. The study found a low level for all axes of the study, with statistically significant differences in the librarians\u27 estimates due to the variable gender, age, educational qualification and number of years of experience. The study recommended the need to support libraries for users, especially with regard to providing advanced materials to meet a wide range of print and digital needs and providing the appropriate environment with a focus on awareness of library activities. The value of this study lies in exploring and understanding the perspectives of librarians, which is indispensable for improving services and resources offered by public libraries

Perindopril-induced angioedema of the lips and tongue: a case report

Abstract Background Ace inhibitor-induced angioedema, characterized by sudden-onset swelling of the mucous membrane, skin, or both, is a rare occurrence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Because of its safety and efficacy, perindopril is a commonly prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Here we describe the clinical manifestations, management, and outcome of perindopril-induced angioedema of the lips and tongue in a 65-year-old Saudi man. Case presentation A 65-year-old Saudi Arab man presented to an emergency department with lip and tongue swelling and dysphagia. There were no systemic symptoms and no past history of a similar event. He had been consuming perindopril 5 mg and amlodipine 5 mg for the last 3 weeks: brand name, Coveram, from the company Servier (Ireland) Industries Ltd.; one tablet of Coveram contains 3.395 mg perindopril corresponding to 5 mg perindopril arginine and 6.935 mg amlodipine besilate corresponding to 5 mg amlodipine. A physical examination revealed considerable swelling of his lips and tongue. Examinations of other systems, including his cardiovascular and respiratory systems, revealed unremarkable findings. All laboratory parameters were also normal. Electrocardiography demonstrated sinus rhythm, a normal P axis, and V-rate of 50–99. A clinical diagnosis of perindopril-induced angioedema was made, and perindopril was discontinued. The angioedema resolved completely after the administration of antihistamines and corticosteroids. Conclusions Angioedema caused by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors is an uncommon occurrence in Saudi Arabia. The findings from this case are expected to raise awareness about this condition among clinicians in this country