E-training Environment for Developing Capstone Teaching Skills for STEM Teachers in Egypt

The research investigated the effectiveness of using an E-training environment in developing Capstone teaching skills among STEM teachers. To achieve the aim of the research, the researchers applied the one groups' quasi-experimental design and utilized three instruments as follows;1) list of the Capstone teaching skills; 2) Pre-Post achievement test developed by the researcher and implemented before and after applying the training content; 3) The observation card to observe acquiring the Capstone teaching skills  determined by the researcher and they are two main fields of the needed skills, (EDP Field, and Process management field) comprising eight (8) main skills that are subdivided into sixty four (64) subskills required for the STEM teachers, after applying the training content through the E-training environment. The participants were chosen randomly (N=27) at Obour STEM School Cairo Governorate, Egypt. the researchers selected the quasi-experimental design in terms of the research population, the sample of the research, is one experimental group, and the methodology of the research. The researchers relied on pre-and post-testing procedures applied on the research group, the first test has been posted to the trainees after collecting their responses on the training needs survey or a questionnaire that included 68 questions to identify their needs, the pre-test comprises 70 questions about the 64 sub-skill, then after that the training needs have been determined based on the pre-test results, through a month the training has been held Online on the Microsoft Teams as a main platform, by the end of the training sessions, the trainees have been asked to solve the post-test which is reapplied once again after another month .Therefore, the current research attempted to investigate the effectiveness of using the E-Training environment based on the SOLE technique as (the independent variable) in developing the Capstone teaching  skills as (the dependent variable) among STEM teachers. Quantitative results showed that There is statistically significant difference at the level of (a<=0.05) between the pre-test and post- achievement test of the experimental group on developing Capstone teaching achievement of STEM teachers in favor of the post -test. And also, there is statistically significant difference at the level of (a<=0.05) between the pre-test and post- observation card of the experimental group on developing Capstone teaching skills of STEM teachers in favor of the post -test. So, the researchers recommended employing the E-Training environment based on the SOLE technique in developing the Capstone teaching skills among STEM teachers in Egypt

Prognostic Significance of Notch-4, SATB-2, and Glutaminase-1 in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Background: Neurogenic locus notch homology 4 (Notch-4) is crucial in maintaining stem cells. Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB-2) is a transcription factor that binds to the nuclear matrix and serves various functions, including brain development. Glutaminase-1 (GLS-1) plays a pivotal role in cancer cell metabolism, growth, and proliferation. This study aims to assess the expression of these markers in colorectal cancer, establishing correlations with clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival.Method: In this retrospective study, we retrieved and analyzed 68 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of primary colorectal adenocarcinoma, not otherwise specified cases, and adjacent normal mucosa. Notch-4, SATB-2 and GLS-1 expressions were analyzed using immunohistochemistry at the Zagazig School of Medicine, Egypt.Results: High expressions of Notch-4 and GLS-1 and low expression of SATB-2 were observed in colonic adenocarcinoma but not in adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa (P < 0.001). High expressions of Notch-4 and GLS-1, along with low expression of SATB-2, were associated with a higher tumor grade, advanced stage (P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and poor disease-free survival and overall survival rates (P < 0.001).Conclusion: High expression of Notch-4 and GLS-1 is correlated with a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer, while high expression of SATB-2 is associated with a favorable prognosis for colorectal carcinoma. These markers can aid in predicting tumor prognosis and guiding targeted therapy for colorectal carcinoma

Thyroid Hormone Indices in Computer Workers with Emphasis on the Role of Zinc Supplementation

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of computer monitor-emitted radiation on thyroid hormones and the possible protective role of zinc supplementation.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included three groups. The first group (group B) consisted of 42 computer workers. This group was given Zinc supplementation in the form of one tablet daily for eight weeks. The second group (group A) comprised the same 42 computer workers after zinc supplementation. A group of 63 subjects whose job does not entail computer use was recruited as a control Group (Group C). All participants filled a questionnaire including detailed medical and occupational histories. They were subjected to full clinical examination. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and zinc levels were measured in all participants. RESULTS: TSH, FT3, FT4 and zinc concentrations were decreased significantly in group B relative to group C. In group A, all tested parameters were improved when compared with group B. The obtained results revealed that radiation emitted from computers led to changes in TSH and thyroid hormones (FT3 and FT4) in the workers. CONCLUSION: Improvement after supplementation suggests that zinc can ameliorate hazards of such radiation on thyroid hormone indices

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

BackgroundDisorders affecting the nervous system are diverse and include neurodevelopmental disorders, late-life neurodegeneration, and newly emergent conditions, such as cognitive impairment following COVID-19. Previous publications from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study estimated the burden of 15 neurological conditions in 2015 and 2016, but these analyses did not include neurodevelopmental disorders, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11, or a subset of cases of congenital, neonatal, and infectious conditions that cause neurological damage. Here, we estimate nervous system health loss caused by 37 unique conditions and their associated risk factors globally, regionally, and nationally from 1990 to 2021.MethodsWe estimated mortality, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), years of life lost (YLLs), and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), by age and sex in 204 countries and territories, from 1990 to 2021. We included morbidity and deaths due to neurological conditions, for which health loss is directly due to damage to the CNS or peripheral nervous system. We also isolated neurological health loss from conditions for which nervous system morbidity is a consequence, but not the primary feature, including a subset of congenital conditions (ie, chromosomal anomalies and congenital birth defects), neonatal conditions (ie, jaundice, preterm birth, and sepsis), infectious diseases (ie, COVID-19, cystic echinococcosis, malaria, syphilis, and Zika virus disease), and diabetic neuropathy. By conducting a sequela-level analysis of the health outcomes for these conditions, only cases where nervous system damage occurred were included, and YLDs were recalculated to isolate the non-fatal burden directly attributable to nervous system health loss. A comorbidity correction was used to calculate total prevalence of all conditions that affect the nervous system combined.FindingsGlobally, the 37 conditions affecting the nervous system were collectively ranked as the leading group cause of DALYs in 2021 (443 million, 95% UI 378–521), affecting 3·40 billion (3·20–3·62) individuals (43·1%, 40·5–45·9 of the global population); global DALY counts attributed to these conditions increased by 18·2% (8·7–26·7) between 1990 and 2021. Age-standardised rates of deaths per 100 000 people attributed to these conditions decreased from 1990 to 2021 by 33·6% (27·6–38·8), and age-standardised rates of DALYs attributed to these conditions decreased by 27·0% (21·5–32·4). Age-standardised prevalence was almost stable, with a change of 1·5% (0·7–2·4). The ten conditions with the highest age-standardised DALYs in 2021 were stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications due to preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancer.InterpretationAs the leading cause of overall disease burden in the world, with increasing global DALY counts, effective prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies for disorders affecting the nervous system are needed

Diagnostic performance of sonoelastographic Tsukuba score and strain ratio in evaluation of breast masses

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the use of strain index ratio by sonoelastography to differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions. Patients & Methods: This prospective study including 40 females, complaining of breast masses which were suspicious to be malignant on clinical examination. All patients were submitted to B-mode Ultrasound and sonoelastography. Biopsy as a gold standard and pathological study were done for all breast lesions. Results: US examination of every mass was done and categorized according to BI-RADS categories according to ACR2013, according to US lexicon. Sonoelastography examination with Lesions classification was performed on the basis of a 5-point scoring method proposed by Tsukuba elasticity score. Then measurements of strain ratio were done. Statistical analysis of combination of the three methods was sensitivity of 96.7%, specificity of 100% when we use cut off value of 3–4 in elastography score and ≤3 cut off value of strain ratio. Conclusion: The combined use of strain ratio with Tsukuba score and BI-RADS categorization increased the diagnostic performance in differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions. Keywords: Elastography, Breast masses, Strain ratio, Ultrasound, BI-RADS classification, Tsukuba scor

Evaluation of Some faba bean genotypes against chocolate spot disease using cDNA fragments of chitinase gene and some traditional methods. Asian

Abstract: Thirteen faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes were assessed under greenhouse and field conditions in 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 seasons, using morphological and molecular characterization methods for resistance to chocolate spot diseases caused by Botrytis fabae A significant variation among the tested genotypes and their reaction to the disease was found under greenhouse condition. Sakha 1, Sakha 2 and Nubaria-1 were resistant, indicating by the lowest disease severity. Whereas Giza 40, line 375 and Cairo 25 where susceptible. Other faba bean genotypes were moderately susceptible. Reverse-Transcription (RT-PCR) showed that Chitinase gene is expressed at early stages in infected faba bean leaves. By using of Chitinase specific primers DNA fragment at molecular weight 900 bp appeared at 48 hrs. in six faba bean genotype upon infection with the pathogen 48 hrs after inoculation and disappeared in the healthy plants. This fragment detected only in the resistance cultivars Sakha-1, Sakha-2 and Nubaria-1 and some moderate resistance genotype including Giza-3, line-24H and line 36. At the same time no signal was detected in other infected genotypes or healthy ones. Field results of testing genotype against chocolate spot diseases differed slightly than that of greenhouse. The estimates of heritability in broad sense ranged from 0.90 to 0.99, High values of heritability were obtained for seed yield/plant (0.99), followed by plant dry weight, plant height, seeds/pod across the two seasons. However, No relationship was found between resistance of genotypes against B. fabae and their morphological characterizes under field conditions