A home-based intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder: Outcomes for Saudi Arabian families

Parents of children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle to find appropriate educational and behavioural resources to support their children. These resources are particularly lacking in countries with fewer resources overall. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally appropriate training program for parents, specifically mothers, of children diagnosed with ASD in Saudi Arabia. The participants included Saudi parents (n=5) and their children (n=5), all 4 to 8 years of age. The single subject study utilised a multiple probe across participants design. The researcher and each parent collaboratively developed a home based intervention (HBI) to teach a specifically targeted skill for their child. Observational data was collected to measure the accuracy and reliability of the parents’ ability to deliver instruction to their children. The primary dependent variable was the parents’ fidelity in treatment implementation and the secondary dependent variable was the children’s acquisition of targeted skills. Results indicate a high level of fidelity of intervention (parents) with a high rate of acquisition (children) of the targeted skills. Implications of the study including limitations and future research are discussed

New Insights on Avoiding the Causes of Projects Delays: A Framework

In this paper, we study and analyze the reasons behind the delay of some projects. Our aim is shed light on how one reduces the effect of the different obstacles and improves achievement either in quality or time. Different challenges play the main reasons in the stalled project including planning, designing, construction, and weak leaders or poor administrative decisions. We focus on developing a framework that helps in improving the management of the projects and finishing the projects on time. This includes developing a contingency plan and coordination mechanism between internal and external stakeholders. Following the steps of the methodology will help project managers to avoid project delay and solve the problems of the staled ones. Finally, we represent some managerial insights and recommendations that related parties should follow with the projects

PREPARATION OF CHITOSAN-TPP NANOPARTICLES: THE INFLUENCE OF CHITOSAN POLYMERIC PROPERTIES AND FORMULATION VARIABLES

Objective: The aim of this work was to prepare chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) using sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) as crosslinker and to study the effect of chitosan polymeric properties and experimental conditions on the properties and stability of NPs.Methods: CS NPs were prepared by ionic gelation method, using TPP as a crosslinker. The particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP) and the morphologies of the NPs were studied. CS NPs prepared by varying the concentration of TPP, Chitosan molecular weight and its degree of deacetylation, the stirring speed, the rate of TPP addition and the freeze-drying method to study the effect of these variables on the NPs. The stability of the CS NPs was evaluated by storing aqueous suspensions of NPs and comparing the PS, PDI and ZP at the beginning and the end of the experiment.Results: This study shows that the PS, ZP and dispersity of the NPs depend on the chitosan polymeric properties and experimental conditions. The NPs sizes range between 145.73 and 724.23 nm. They all carried positive charges ranging between+4.32 and+43.67 mV. Most of the NPs have the same sizes after freeze-drying, but showed higher monodispersity and ZP, indicating higher stability. After twenty days of studying the stability, the NPs that had low ZP showed a large increment in size in comparison to the highly charged NPs.Conclusion: In conclusion, the polymeric properties and formulation variables in the ionic gelation method have a great influence on the CS NPs formed

Nanocomposite-based dual enzyme system for broad-spectrum scavenging of reactive oxygen species

A broad-spectrum reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging hybrid material (CASCADE) was developed by sequential adsorption of heparin (HEP) and poly(L-lysine) (PLL) polyelectrolytes together with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) antioxidant enzymes on layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoclay support. The synthetic conditions were optimized so that CASCADE possessed remarkable structural (no enzyme leakage) and colloidal (excellent resistance against salt-induced aggregation) stability. The obtained composite was active in decomposition of both superoxide radical anions and hydrogen peroxide in biochemical assays revealing that the strong electrostatic interaction with the functionalized support led to high enzyme loadings, nevertheless, it did not interfere with the native enzyme conformation. In vitro tests demonstrated that ROS generated in human cervical adenocarcinoma cells were successfully consumed by the hybrid material. The cellular uptake was not accompanied with any toxicity effects, which makes the developed CASCADE a promising candidate for treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases

Effect of routine pre-operative urethral catheterization of women undergoing minor gynaecological surgeries on urinary symptoms and urinary infections: a randomized control study

Background: The prevalence of urinary tract infection increases in young sexually active women, and women with previous UTI. Routine urethral catheterization performed for bladder evacuation before minor gynecological procedures and it is not clear whether this routine urethral catheterization associated with increased incidence of bacteriuria or UTIs or not. This study designed to detect the effect of routine uretheral catheterization for women undergoing minor gynecological surgeries on urinary symptoms and urinary infections.Methods: Two hundred and forty women infertile women scheduled for uterine assessment by diagnostic hysteroscopy before in-vitro fertilization in assisted reproduction unit of Ahmadi Hospital, Kuwait Oil Company were included in this study. Participants were randomized into; group I (catheterized group) and group II (non-catheterized group). Participants’ urine samples compared pre-operatively and post-operatively and they asked to complete about their pre and post-operative urinary symptoms.Results: Post-operative dysuria, frequency and urgency were significantly higher in catheterized group (22 (18.33%), 26 (21.66%) and 18 (15%); respectively) compared to non- catheterized group [5 (4.16%), 7 (5.83%) and 4 (3.33%); respectively]. Relative risk of dysuria, frequency and urgency after catheterization were 4.4, 3.7 and 4.5; respectively (95% CI; 1.7-11.2, 1.67-8.22 and 1.56-12.9; respectively). Asymptomatic bacteriuria, UTIs and subsequent need for antimicrobial therapy were also significantly high in catheterized group [15 (12.5%), 18 (15%) and 18 (15%); respectively) compared to non-catheterized group (3 (2.5%), 2 (1.96%) and 2 (1.96%); respectively]. Relative risk of asymptomatic bacteriuria and UTIs after catheterization in women undergoing minor gynecological procedures were 5 and 9; respectively (95%CI; 1.48-16.8 and 2.1-37.9).Conclusions: Catheterization in women undergoing minor gynecological surgery was associated with increased risk of dysuria, frequency, urgency, ASB, UTIs and subsequent antimicrobial therapy. Surgeons should revise the practice of routine preoperative catheterization for women undergoing minor gynecological procedures

Chronic vascular effects of oat phenolic acids and avenanthramides in pre- or stage 1 hypertensive adults

Wholegrain consumption is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Evidence from randomized controlled trials have established that the consumption of wholegrain oats lowers blood cholesterol, via a mechanism partly mediated by β-glucan soluble fiber. However, oats contain an arrayof phenolic acids, including ferulic acid and also structurally related avenanthramides, which mayalso contribute to the cardiovascular health benefits of oat intake. We investigated whether 4 weeks, daily consumption of oat phenolics leads to improvement in markers of CVD risk men and women.In a 3 arm crossover single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 28 volunteers consumed either: 1) oatmeal/oatcake intervention (-containing 48.9mg of phenolic acids and 19.2mg of avenanthramides); 2) oatbran concentrate+rice porridge/wheat cracker intervention (-containing 38.4mg of phenolic acidsand 0.5mg of avenanthramides) or 3) rice porridge/wheat cracker intervention (containing 13.8mg of phenolic acids). All treatments were matched in soluble fiber (4.8g) and energy (500kcal). The primary endpoint was FMD and other cardiovascular endpoints were blood pressure, LDI, LDL/HDL cholesterol, platelets and endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). All measures were taken at baseline and after three, 4 week long intervention periods and two washout periods.Our data indicates an increase by 1.09 %±0.41 %(Mean± SEM) in FMD response following high phenolic oat intake with a significant difference (P=0.007) between baseline and postintervention. Consumption of high phenolic oats also led to a significant improvement in 24-hour SBP, day time SBP and night time SBP (P<0.01, P<0.01 and P<0.05) and day time and night time DBP (p<0.05). There was also a significant decrease with total and LDL cholesterol after the consumption of moderate and high phenolic oat interventions (P<0.05) and a small improvement in LDI (both Ach and SNP) but not significant. The number of resting endothelial EVs were also found to be increasing after the consumption of high phenolic oats.The findings of this study may provide evidence about the role of oat phenolic acids and avenanthramides in cardiovascular health and contribute to more effective public health advice about the consumption of oats and healthy cardiovascular aging

Composition and content of phenolic acids and avenanthramides in commercial oat products: are oats an important polyphenol source for consumers?

Oats contain a range of phenolic acids and avenanthramides which may have health benefits. Analysis of 22 commercial oat products (oat bran concentrate, oat bran, flaked oats, rolled oats and oatcakes) using HPLC-DAD detected eleven bound and thirteen free + conjugated phenolic acids and avenanthramides. The oat products (excluding concentrate) provided between 15.79 and 25.05 mg total phenolic acids (9.9–19.33 mg bound, 4.96–5.72 mg free + conjugated) and between 1.1 and 2 mg of avenanthramides in a 40 g portion while an 11 g portion of oat concentrate provided 16.7 mg of total phenolic acids (15.17 mg bound, 1.53 mg free + conjugated) and 1.2 mg of avenanthramides. The compositions and concentrations of the components in the different products were broadly similar, with the major component being ferulic acid (58–78.1%). The results show that commercial oat products are a source of phenolic acids and avenanthramides for consumers

Acute Kidney Injury Caused Due to Colistin Therapy: A Case Report Study Analysis

An abrupt bout of kidney damage or failure that lasts a few hours to a few days is referred to as acute renal failure (ARF) or acute kidney injury (AKI). Nephrotoxicity is classified into the following categories: R-risk, I-injury, F-failure, L-loss of function, and E-end stage renal failure. It is inherited, brought on by medications, and associated with diabetes, liver diseases, and heart issues. Typically, a drug's dose-dependent nephrotoxicity affects its severity. Multi-medication resistant (MDR) infections have led to an unprecedented increase in the use of Colistin medicine. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and other gram-negative bacteria are to blame. One type of bacteria is Acinetobacter baumannii. This paper will provide the case of a 62-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital after receiving a diagnosis of venous thromboembolism and anemia. Human-acquired pneumonia results from Acinetobacter baumannii's multidrug resistance, which makes the bacteria only responsive to the antibiotics colistin and azithromycin meropenem. Two days after commencing the (Oliguria-500) medicine, there was a decrease in urine production. The renal parenchyma showed changes, and the levels of creatinine were elevated to 3.18 mg/dL. USG has been seen. Laboratory results indicate that he suffered from AKI Colistin and demonstrates strong (Naranjo score: 8) usually connected to AKI. Drug dosages were not changed. It was routine practice to monitor BUN and creatinine levels. The amount of urine produced increased to 2450 mL 15 days following treatment. Respiratory failure is one of the neurological side effects of collistin was ignored. On discharge day, the patient was stable and doing well. It seems from this that if the medication is beneficial and the risk is manageable, there is no reason to stop taking it; however, careful observation is needed. Diminish the quantity of adverse reactions

Game analysis on general purpose technology cooperative R&D with fairness concern from the technology chain perspective

General purpose technologies (GPTs) are regarded as a major source of productivity advancement and economic growth. As a kind of platform technology, GPTs have strong knowledge spillovers, which causes a single subject to lack R&D motivation and adopt a wait-and-see strategy. Cooperation R&D is an effective mode choice for GPTs. For this, three models based on upstream-led, downstream-led and balanced power structures were constructed to study the cooperation R&D modes of GPTs and influencing factors from a technology chain perspective. This study aims to reveal the effects of fairness concerns and power structures on three models. This study also focuses on the roles of knowledge spillovers and government support. The results indicate that different power structures will lead to an unequal distribution of profits between firm U and firm D in the technology chain. The balanced power structure should be the preferred model. The profits of firms in the leading position are always higher than those of firms in the following position. In addition, fairness concerns negatively impact the performance of firms, which may improve the bargaining ability of firms in the following position, but this does not bring a sustainable benefit. Government support (e.g., knowledge and technology support and R&D subsidies) and knowledge spillovers are two key factors influencing the decisions and outcomes of the technology chain. When a firm's relative innovation contribution level is greater, its profits in the leading position are the highest, followed by those in the balanced power structure, and they are lowest in the following position. In contrast, profits under balanced power are the highest, and those in the following position are still the lowest. This study enables a theoretical understanding of how and why the R&D process of GPTs can be regarded as a technology chain. It also sheds light on the fact that the balance power structure model should be the preferred choice and that both fairness concerns and government support should be considered for improving the R&D efficiency of GPT cooperation R&D in practice