239 research outputs found
Developing an ESP-Based Language Learning Environment to Help Students Improve Critical Thinking Skills in Written Output
In recent years, as a result of both research discoveries in the fields of foreign language acquisition and learning, the concept of teaching and learning has undergone a significant transformation. English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a learner-centered approach to teaching English as a foreign language that emphasizes developing communicative proficiency in niche industries such agronomy, commerce, academia, accountancy, education, engineering, and information technology. This concept of English-for-Teaching as a restricted form of ESP for the classroom builds on the knowledge that instructors already have about teaching while also introducing and validating specific classroom terminology. When students interact and cooperate with one another, ESP practice emerges naturally in a language learning setting. Two major aspects that ESP highlights are the growth of dialogical interaction and the establishment of ecologically complete learning environments. In this essay, we create an ESP to aid students in the development of their critical thinking (CT) abilities in written output. We combine the Synergy model, Brain-based learning, and the Flipped Classroom models to create an ESP environment. Students CT abilities and academic success served as the studys criteria. The Course Satisfaction Questionnaire and placement exams were used to obtain the statistical data. Using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient (CAC) and Spearman correlation coefficient, the test on CT data was interpreted, and the combined data was examined using SPSS (V 26.0). By immersing students in problem-solving- based learning (PBL), this paradigm helps students develop their CT skills. It also helps students achieve academically by elevating their sense of accountability for learning outcomes and promoting the use of a variety of learning strategies
Neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix inside an incarcerated Amyand’s hernia
AbstractAmyand’s hernia is a rare type of hernia where the vermiform appendix is within an inguinal hernia sac. Tumors of the appendix are quite uncommon. The coincidence of an Amyand’s hernia with neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix, as in our case, is even more rarely reported.We report the case of an 81-year-old male who presented with an incarcerated right inguinal hernia. After resuscitation, the clinical diagnosis was confirmed by computed tomography. It showed an incarcerated right inguinal hernia which contained the distal ileum, cecum, thickened appendix, as well as a small amount of fluid. Subsequently, the patient was prepared for emergency surgery. During the operation, the hernia sac was found and opened. The appendix was swollen. Therefore, appendectomy was performed. The inguinal defect was repaired using the Modified Bassini Technique. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and surprisingly the histopathology of the appendix revealed a 1.5cm well-differentiated low grade neuroendocrine tumor (carcinoid) of the appendix tip.An incidental finding of neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix in a patient with s hernia is extremely rare. A high index of suspicion is the key to diagnose such a coincidence in order to safely and optimally treat such a condition
Assessment of Optimal Production Through Assembly Line-Balancing and Product-Mix Flexibility
Timely accomplishment of production targets is a challenging task in low volume–high variety environment. Assessment of the manufacturing flexibility of a production system assists in achieving the desired objectives. In this research, the operational flexibility of a production system is investigated which operates under the low-volume high-variety production scenario. Prospective dimensions of theproduction flexibility are studied to analyze its interface with the integrated functional units. It was analyzed that with a low-volumeoperational flexibility (OF) varies rationally despite high job varieties. Line-balancing and queuing techniques are applied to ascertain theoptimum productivity. A sensitivity analysis is also performed to evaluate the critical parameters that affect the OF and productivity level.OF index of the production system was estimated by means of the optimized production parameters. A comparative analysis is performedto evaluate the flexibility in conventional and flexible production cells. Analytical and computational results show a close approximationand validate the implemented schemes
Administration error of benzathine penicillin G in a Saudi male
Background
Benzathine penicillin G is indicated for intramuscular (IM ) administration. There have been reports of unintentional intravenous (IV ) administration, which has been associated with cardiorespiratory arrest and death. This article reports on a case of inadvertent IV administration of benzathine penicillin G instead of IM injection.
Clinical details
A 29‐year‐old Saudi army male with no history of any chronic illness visited the Security Forces Hospital in Makkah because of injuries to his left hand and left ear as a result of a bomb blast. The patient underwent surgery, and was conscious, oriented and vitally stable after the operation. He was prescribed benzathine penicillin G to prevent wound infection, but the injection was incorrectly administered IV instead of IM .
Outcomes
The patient did not exhibit any visible clinical symptoms after receiving the drug via the wrong route. The patient's vital signs were fine and he did not have a fever. The full complete blood count was normal, except for a mild elevation in the neutrophil count (84%) and a mild decrease in lymphocytes (8.8%). Random blood glucose was 149 mg/dL and the activated partial thromboplastin time was 39.3 s. All other laboratory investigations were within the normal range. The creatinine concentration fluctuated between 0.8 and 1 mg/dL.
Conclusion
This was an obvious case of a drug‐related problem categorised as a ‘wrong route error’. The role of clinical pharmacists in preventing such errors is important to ensure patient safety.Scopu
Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Guidelines: Analytical Method Validation (Version 2.0)
Since postmortem forensic toxicology involves analyzing body fluids and organs from death cases, interpreting that information and studying the sudden unexpected and/or unexplained deaths as coroner’s cases or fall under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. Reliable results and valid analytical data are an essential requirement for proper interpretation of forensic toxicology cases, especially when evaluating scientific studies and daily routine work, and when presenting any toxicological findings as criminal evidence.
In contrast, the results of unreliable analyses can be disputed in court and can also lead to unfair legal judgments against the defendant, or can result in wrong treatment in cases of rehabilitation of patients. In order to establish strong evidence and make a correct decision, the lab is asked to give high quality data that are based on reliable analytical methods. For that reason, all new analytical methods used in forensic toxicology including the clinical diagnosis of causes of death require careful care during the development of the analytical method and during its application. This is also an urgent need in the context of quality management and accreditation, especially as those issues have become increasingly important in the science of poisons and drug analysis in recent years
Increasing Plant Tolerance to Drought Stress by Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi
Abstract: The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Glomus mosseae in three levels of soil infestation (300, 600 and 900 spores pot -1 ) to improve tolerance of maize plants (Zea mays L.) for drought stress conditions with bearing in mind determine some plant growth parameters (PGP) and biochemical [plant height, stem length, root length, plant fresh wt., shoot dry wt., root dry wt., root/shoot ratio, plant chlorophyll content, soluble protein, proline in leaves and Phosphorus (P) uptake] in the presence or absence of G. mosseae. The result shown that the drought treatment causing decrease in values of almost PGP, except plant root dry weight, which was increased when comparing with well irrigation treatment. The plants treated by G. mossea were recorded a significant (P˂0.05) increase in all PGP comparing with untreated plants in both normal irrigation and drought stress. The highest PGP values were recorded when plant inoculated by 900 spores pot -1 . The water deficit treatment was caused a significant decrease in plant soluble protein by rate 29.34% comparing with plants that well irrigate by normal way. While the G. mossea treatments were caused increase in plant soluble protein by rate 13.33, 22.18 and 29.27% in the normal irrigation treatment, and by rate 24.89, 36.25 and45.17% in the drought treatment comparing with plant in soil free from mycorrhizae. On contrast the proline content in plant leaves was increased in drought treatment by rate 22% comparing with plant in well irrigation. The treatments with G. mossea causing decreased in plant proline by rate 28.88, 38.05 and 43.19% in the drought treatment respectively with three levels of soil infestation. The drought treatment caused decrease in plant P uptake by rate 72.09% comparing with well irrigation treatment. The inculcation by G. mosseae caused increased in plant P uptake by rate 42.66, 76.11 and 79.32% in normal irrigation treatments and 88.34, 93.58 and 94.91% in drought stress comparing with plant free mycorrhizal in both water treatments
The Risks of Renal Angiomyolipoma: Reviewing the Evidence
Renal angiomyolipoma (RAML), though a rare benign tumor, may impose a significant morbidity or even mortality due to its unique characteristics and the complications subsequent to its treatment. The classic tumor variant is composed of smooth muscular, vascular, and fatty components. The most straightforward diagnosis is when the fat component is abundant and gives a characteristic appearance on different imaging studies. In fat-poor lesions, however, the diagnosis is difficult and presumed a renal cell carcinoma. Yet, some variants of RAML, though rare, express an aggressive behavior leading to metastasis and mortality. The challenge lies in the early detection of benign variants and identifying aggressive lesions for proper management. Another challenge is when the vascular tissue component predominates and poses a risk of hemorrhage that may extend to the retroperitoneum in a massive life-threatening condition. The predicament here is to identify the characteristics of tumors at risk of bleeding and provide a prophylactic treatment. According to the clinical presentation, different treatment modalities, prophylactic or therapeutic, are available that span the spectrum of observation, embolization, or surgery. Renal impairment may result from extensive tumor burden or as a complication of the management itself. Improvement of diagnostic techniques, super-selective embolization, nephron-sparing surgery, and late treatment with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have provided more effective and safe management strategies. In this review, we examine the evidence pertaining to the risks imposed by RAML to the patients and identify merits and hazards associated with different treatment modalities
Enzootic patterns of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus in imported African and local Arabian dromedary camels: a prospective genomic study
BACKGROUND: The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a lethal zoonotic pathogen endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. Dromedary camels are a likely source of infection and the virus probably originated in Africa. We studied the genetic diversity, geographical structure, infection prevalence, and age-associated prevalence among camels at the largest entry port of camels from Africa into the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS: In this prospective genomic study, we took nasal samples from camels imported from Sudan and Djibouti into the Port of Jeddah in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, over an almost 2-year period and local Arabian camels over 2 months in the year after surveillance of the port. We determined the prevalence of MERS-CoV infection, age-associated patterns of infection, and undertook phylogeographical and migration analyses to determine intercountry virus transmission after local lineage establishment. We compared all virological characteristics between the local and imported cohorts. We compared major gene deletions between African and Arabian strains of the virus. Reproductive numbers were inferred with Bayesian birth death skyline analyses. FINDINGS: Between Aug 10, 2016, and May 3, 2018, we collected samples from 1196 imported camels, of which 868 originated from Sudan and 328 from Djibouti, and between May 1, and June 25, 2018, we collected samples from 472 local camels, of which 189 were from Riyadh and 283 were from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Virus prevalence was higher in local camels than in imported camels (224 [47·5%] of 472 vs 157 [13·1%] of 1196; p<0·0001). Infection prevalence peaked among camels older than 1 year and aged up to 2 years in both groups, with 255 (66·9%) of 381 positive cases in this age group. Although the overall geographical distribution of the virus corresponded with the phylogenetic tree topology, some virus exchange was observed between countries corresponding with trade routes in the region. East and west African strains of the virus appear to be geographically separated, with an origin of west African strains in east Africa. African strains of the virus were not re-sampled in Saudi Arabia despite sampling approximately 1 year after importation from Africa. All local Arabian samples contained strains of the virus that belong to a novel recombinant clade (NRC) first detected in 2014 in Saudi Arabia. Reproduction number estimates informed by the sequences suggest sustained endemicity of NRC, with a mean Re of 1·16. INTERPRETATION: Despite frequent imports of MERS-CoV with camels from Africa, African lineages of MERS-CoV do not establish themselves in Saudi Arabia. Arabian strains of the virus should be tested for changes in virulence and transmissibility. FUNDING: German Ministry of Research and Education, EU Horizon 2020, and Emerging Diseases Clinical Trials Partnership
CAUSES AND MANAGEMENT OF VIRAL EYE INFECTION
Introduction: The eye is a fascinating organ for several reasons. It is not only have a composite structure, however it is considered an immune-privileged organ. The anatomy of the eye is composed of the anterior and posterior parts, the line of division is posterior to the lens. The anterior chamber lies within the anterior segment and is an immuneprivileged anatomical location, this is due to the fact that the T-cell response in this area is suppressed This protects the eye from potentially destructive immune attacks however it also makes defence against infectious agents challenging, particularly where T-cell responses are critical for immunological defence. Viruses could get into the eye by direct inoculation, or through haematogenous or neuronal spread. The diagnoses of viral eye infections are usually clinical one, helped by taking a thorough history and performing ophthalmic examination. But in challenging cases the lab tests are essential. In this review, we will discuss the most recent evidence regarding Causes and management of viral eye infection
Aim of work: In this review, we will discuss the most recent evidence regarding Causes and management of viral eye infection
Methodology: We did a systematic search for Causes and management of viral eye infection using PubMed search engine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Google Scholar search engine (https://scholar.google.com). All relevant studies were retrieved and discussed. We only included full articles.
Conclusions: A wide range of of viruses can affect the eye and cause viral eye infections, either as a primary infection or reactivation. Some affect the eye directly while the others indirectly but may still manifest with eye disease. One virus may affect several parts of the eye, while different viruses may cause the same eye disease. This could complicate the clinical diagnosis of viral eye disease, but the lab tests like PCR and antibody tests could assist in challenging cases where there may be diagnostic dilemma.
The HIV epidemic has had an huge impact on ophthalmology clinics, this is because the virus can cause different eye diseases, and the associated decrease in cell-mediated immunity makes the person highly susceptible to opportunistic viral eye infections, sometimes with severe morbidity. There could be other viruses that may affect the eye that we did not discuss.
Key words: Causes, management, viral eye infection
SIGNALING PATHWAYS REGULATED BY BRASSICACEAE EXTRACT INHIBIT THE FORMATION OF ADVANCED GLYCATED END PRODUCTS IN RAT BRAIN
Background: The goal of this study was identification signaling molecules mediated the formation of AGEs in brain of
rats injected with CdCl2 and the role of camel whey proteins and Brassicaceae extract on formation of AGEs in brain.
Methods: Ninety male rats were randomly grouped into five groups; Normal control (GpI) and the other rats (groups
II-V) were received a single dose of cadmium chloride i.p (5 μg/kg/b.w) for induction of neurodegeneration. Rats in
groups III-V were treated daily with whey protein (1g/kg b.w) or Brassicaceae extract (1mg/kg b.w) or combined
respectively for 12 weeks.
Results: It was found that whey protein combined with Brassicaceae extract prevented the formation of AGEs and
enhance the antioxidant activity compared with untreated group (
- …