Impact of Online Education on the Academic Motivation for University Rural Youth in Egypt

This research aimed to 1) describe some indicators related to distance education among university rural youth, 2) measure the academic motivation of respondents, 3) identify factors related to the academic motivation of respondents, and 4) identify the impact of distance education on the academic motivation of young rural university. Data were collected via an electronic questionnaire form distributed to the students of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University via WhatsApp groups; the rural students were urged to complete it. The number of completed forms was 416 during the period from June and July 2021. Frequencies, percentages and average, range, standard deviation, as well as correlation coefficient were used for data analysis and presentation. The results showed that the majority of respondents use the WhatsApp application (80%), the mobile internet package (54.6%), and the majority (51.9%) use online education for 2-3 hours per day. The results also showed that the average overall academic motivation of respondents was 109.76 ((which is approximately 78.4% of the overall scale). The results showed that there are significant correlations between the overall level of the students’ academic motivation with the variables of the overall level of electronic applications and smart devices used by respondents to access online learning and the total number of hours spent in online learning.  The results also showed the positive effect of online learning on academic motivation, according to 72.8% of respondents, where the motivation of internal organization had the greatest impact on online education according to 80.3% of respondents

Exploring determinants of antimicrobial prescribing behaviour using the theoretical domains framework.

Few theoretically-based, qualitative studies have explored determinants of antimicrobial prescribing behaviour in hospitals. Understanding these can promote successful development and implementation of behaviour change interventions (BCIs). To use the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore determinants of clinicians' antimicrobial prescribing behaviour, identifying barriers (i.e., impediments) and facilitators to appropriate antimicrobial practice. Semi-structured interviews with purposively-sampled doctors and pharmacists with a wide range of specialties and expertise in Hamad Medical Corporation hospitals in Qatar. Interviews based on previous quantitative research and the TDF were audio-recorded, transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers using the TDF as an initial coding framework. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing eight doctors and eight pharmacists. Inter-related determinants of antimicrobial prescribing behaviour linked to ten TDF domains were identified as barriers and facilitators that may contribute to inappropriate or appropriate antimicrobial prescribing. The main barriers identified were around hospital guidelines and electronic system deficiencies (environmental context and resources); knowledge gaps relating to guidelines and appropriate prescribing (knowledge); restricted roles/responsibilities of microbiologists and pharmacists (professional role and identity); challenging antimicrobial prescribing decisions (memory, attention and decision processes); and professional hierarchies and poor multidisciplinary teamworking (social influences). Key facilitators included guidelines compliance (goals and intentions), and participants’ beliefs about the consequences of appropriate or inappropriate prescribing. Further education and training, and some changes to guidelines including their accessibility were also considered essential. Antimicrobial prescribing behaviour in hospitals is a complex process influenced by a broad range of determinants including specific barriers and facilitators. The in-depth understanding of this complexity provided by this work may support the development of an effective BCI to promote appropriate antimicrobial stewardship

Evaluating the Impact of a Collaborative Care Model in Diabetes Management in a Primary Healthcare Setting in Qatar Using Real-World Data

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of Collaborative Care Model (CCM) on diabetes-related outcomes among patients with diabetes attending a primary care setting. Methods: A multiple-time series, retrospective, observational study with a control group among patients with diabetes followed-up at Qatar Petroleum Diabetes Clinic. The impact of CCM on glycemic control, blood pressure, lipid profile, and anthropometrics was evaluated at baseline and up to 17 months of follow-up. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using SPSS. Results: CCM significantly improved (p<0.05) the mean values (baseline vs. 17 months) of glycated hemoglobin A1c (6.9% vs. 6.5%), random blood glucose (194.38 mg/dL vs. 141.23 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.7 mmol/L vs. 2.8 mmol/L), total cholesterol (5.43 mmol/L vs. 4.34 mmol/L), weight (78.52 Kg vs. 77.85 Kg), and body mass index (30.41 Kg/m2 vs. 30.17 Kg/m2) over 17-months within the intervention group; whereas, no significant changes occurred within the control group. Similarly, the between group comparisons demonstrated the superiority of CCM over usual care in improving several clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Inefficiencies in delivering diabetes care can be circumvented by the integration of CCM. The implementation of CCM in a primary healthcare setting improved several diabetes-related outcomes over 17-months

Genomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Egypt: insights into spike protein thermodynamic stability

The overall pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic so far has been a series of waves; surges in new cases followed by declines. The appearance of novel mutations and variants underlie the rises in infections, making surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 mutations and prediction of variant evolution of utmost importance. In this study, we sequenced 320 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes isolated from patients from the outpatient COVID-19 clinic in the Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt 57357 (CCHE 57357) and the Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM). The samples were collected between March and December 2021, covering the third and fourth waves of the pandemic. The third wave was found to be dominated by Nextclade 20D in our samples, with a small number of alpha variants. The delta variant was found to dominate the fourth wave samples, with the appearance of omicron variants late in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that the omicron variants are closest genetically to early pandemic variants. Mutation analysis shows SNPs, stop codon mutation gain, and deletion/insertion mutations, with distinct patterns of mutations governed by Nextclade or WHO variant. Finally, we observed a large number of highly correlated mutations, and some negatively correlated mutations, and identified a general inclination toward mutations that lead to enhanced thermodynamic stability of the spike protein. Overall, this study contributes genetic and phylogenetic data, as well as provides insights into SARS-CoV-2 viral evolution that may eventually help in the prediction of evolving mutations for better vaccine development and drug targets

Assessment ameliorative role of fenugreek seeds and germinated fenugreek seeds on pancreatic and testicular gentamicin toxicity of male Swiss albino mice

Abstract Background Gentamicin is one of aminoglycoside antibiotic used for treatment of many infections due to its availability and less cost. The aim of this study aimed to assess the modulation effect of fenugreek seed and its germinated seeds on pancreatic and testicular toxicity induced by gentamicin in male Swiss albino mice. Forty male albino mice were divided into four treatment groups as follows: (1) control group, (2) gentamicin treated group, (3) gentamicin-fenugreek treated group and (4) gentamicin-germinated fenugreek treated group. Pancreatic and testicular tissues were collected for histopathological examinations, histochemical, and biochemical analysis as well as genetic study. Results Administration of gentamicin resulted in histopathological damage in pancreatic and testicular tissues as well as decreased glutathione peroxides, catalase and total antioxidant activity content in both pancreatic and testicular tissues compared to control group. Histopathological changes and antioxidant/oxidative alterations as well as DNA damage observed in gentamicin treated animals found were moderate improvement by fenugreek seeds administration and marked improvement by treatment with germinated fenugreek seeds. Conclusions Treated with gentamicin induced histopathological lesions, antioxidant/oxidant imbalance and DNA damage in the pancreatic and testicular. Treatment with germinated fenugreek seeds was more effective than fenugreek seeds in amelioration of pancreatic and testicular lesions, preventing high appearance of carbohydrate and accumulation of collagen fibers as well as oxidative damage and genotoxicity induced by gentamicin administration

The Ameliorating Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Extract on Hippocampus and Growth Plate Changes Associated With Propylthiouracil Induced Hypothyroidism in Juvenile Rats

Background: Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the production of the thyroid hormones and leads to gland dysfunction. Ashwagandha extract was used as an ayurvedic treatment and supposed to be as antihypothyroidism agent. Objectives: to investigate the impact of ashwagandha (Ash) extract on propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in rats. Subjects and Methods: The rats were divided into three groups, control group, PTU (hypothyroid) group (6mg/kg/day by oral route), PTU (6mg/kg/day by oral route) +Ash (50mg/kg/day by oral route) treated group. All treatment continued for 30 days. At the end of experiment, measurement of serum T3, T4 and TSH was performed. Thyroid gland, right sided tibia and dentate gyrus region of hippocampus were examined using histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical studies. All measurements were statistically analyzed. Results: Decrease in serum T3 and T4 and congestion of the blood capillaries, follicular distortion, and vacuolar degeneration of some follicular cells were exhibited in thyroid gland of hypothyroid group. Histological changes in growth plate cartilage in the form of decrease of matrix deposition and plate thickness were detected. Dentate gyrus showed distorted granule cell layer. Immunohistochemically, low expression of the GFAP was expressed in astrocytes. PTU+Ash treated group showed improvement of the previous changes. Conclusion: Administration of ashwagandha with PTU displayed protective effect on the thyroid gland and its associated histological changes in growth plate cartilage and dentate gyrus. Higher doses of ashwagandha should be used for extrapolation if it may give better results than the used dose

Supporting minority students through a reflexive approach to empowerment

Referring to the experiences of three Muslim refugee girls recently settled in Australia, this paper examines issues of schooling and empowerment. The paper draws on teacher and student interview data from a study that investigated inclusive approaches to addressing issues of cultural diversity in a secondary state high school in Queensland. The paper foregrounds the girls&rsquo; highly positive views of their experiences at the school; views that reflect the girls&rsquo; access to spaces of empowerment but belie the complexity and tensions involved in how empowerment was understood and approached by educators at the school. Theorising empowerment through poststructural understandings of agency, the paper examines conditions and ways of understanding that make possible spaces of empowerment for the girls. In particular, the paper argues for a reflexive approach to empowerment that is informed by an understanding of the framing discourses shaping minority student identity and a critical reflection on educator and school positionality

Impact of pharmacist-involved collaborative care on diabetes management in a primary healthcare setting using real-world data

Background Diabetes mellitus is a complex multi-system disorder, requiring multi-disciplinary care. The conventional care model, where physicians are the sole caregivers may not be optimal. Addition of other healthcare team members improves healthcare outcomes for patients with diabetes. Aim To evaluate the impact of pharmacist-involved collaborative care on diabetes-related outcomes among patients with diabetes attending a primary healthcare setting in Qatar using real-world data. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with diabetes attending Qatar Petroleum Diabetes Clinic. Patients were categorized as either receiving pharmacist-involved collaborative care (intervention group) or usual care (control group). Data were analyzed using SPSS®. Glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c), blood pressure, lipid profile, and body mass index were evaluated at baseline and up to 17 months of follow-up. Results After 17 months of follow-up, pharmacist-involved collaborative care compared to usual care resulted in a significant decrease in HbA1c (6.8 ± 1.2% vs. 7.1 ± 1.3%, p < 0.01). Moreover, compared to baseline, pharmacist-involved collaborative care significantly improved (p < 0.05) the levels of HbA1c (7.5% vs. 6.8%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.7 mmol/L vs. 2.8 mmol/L), total cholesterol (5.43 mmol/L vs. 4.34 mmol/L), and body mass index (30.42 kg/m2 vs. 30.17 kg/m2) after 17 months within the intervention group. However, no significant changes for these parameters occurred within the control group. Conclusion The implementation of pharmacist-involved collaborative care in a primary healthcare setting improved several diabetes-related outcomes over 17 months. Future studies should determine the long-term impact of this care model.The authors acknowledge Qatar University for funding the research through the Office of Research Support grant numbers QUST-2-CPH-2019-1 and QUST-2-CPH-2018-12.Scopu

Collaborative care model for diabetes in primary care settings in Qatar: a qualitative exploration among healthcare professionals and patients who experienced the service

Background: Diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent and associated with huge economic burden globally. The conventional care and management of diabetes mellitus is highly fragmented and complex, warranting the need for a comprehensive Collaborative Care Model (CCM). Little is known about the perception of patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers about CCM, its barriers and facilitators. This study aimed to explore the value of CCM in diabetes care at a primary healthcare (PHC) setting from the perspective of patients with diabetes and healthcare professionals (HCPs), in an effort to expand our current knowledge on collaborative care in diabetes at primary care level for the purpose of quality improvement and service expansion. Methods: Using an exploratory case study approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted among patients and HCPs who encountered CCM in Qatar during 2019 and 2020. The semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and the data were analysed and interpreted using a deductive-inductive thematic analysis approach. Results: Twelve patients and 12 HCPs at a diabetes clinic participated in one-to-one interviews. The interviews resulted in five different themes: the process and components of collaborative care model (four subthemes), current organizational support and resources (three subthemes), impact of collaborative care model on diabetes outcomes (three subthemes), enablers of collaborative care model (three subthemes), and barriers to collaborative care model (three subthemes). The participants indicated easy access to and communication with competent and pleasant HCPs. The patients appreciated the extra time spent with HCPs, frequent follow-up visits, and health education, which empowered them to self-manage diabetes. HCPs believed that successful CCM provision relied on their interest and commitment to care for patients with diabetes. Generally, participants identified barriers and facilitators that are related to patients, HCPs, and healthcare system. Conclusions: The providers and users of CCM had an overall positive perception and appreciation of this model in PHC settings. Barriers to CCM such as undesirable attributes of HCPs and patients, unsupportive hospital system, and high workload must be addressed before implementing the model in other PHC settings. 2021, The Author(s).This research was funded by Qatar University under the Student Grant (number QUST-2-CPH-2018-12). Qatar University played no role in the conduct of the study or the content of this manuscript.Scopu

The Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals and Patients on the Value of Collaborative Care Model for Diabetes in Primary Healthcare Settings in Qatar

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the top health priorities in Qatar due to its high prevalence of 15.5%, which is projected to increase to 29.7% by 2035. DM management is still challenging despite healthcare advancement, warranting the need for a comprehensive Collaborative Care Model (CCM). Therefore, we aim to evaluate the value of CCM in DM care at a primary healthcare (PHC) setting in Qatar. Methodology: This study was a qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals' (HCPs') and patients' perspectives on the value of CCM provided at the center. Twelve patients and twelve HCPs participated in semi-structured one-to-one interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed and interpreted using a deductive coding thematic analysis process. Results: The interviews resulted in 14 different themes under the predefined domains: components of CCM (five themes), the impact of CCM (three themes), facilitators of CCM provision (three themes), and barriers of CCM provision (three themes). The majority of the participants indicated easy access to and communication with HCPs at QPDC. Participants appreciated the extra time spent with HCPs, frequent follow-up visits, and health education, which empowered them to self-manage DM. Generally, participants identified barriers and facilitators related to patients, HCPs, and healthcare system. Conclusion: The providers and users of CCM had an overall positive perception and appreciation of this model in PHC settings. Barriers to CCM such as unpleasant attitude and undesirable attributes of HCPs and patients, unsupportive hospital system, and high workload must be addressed before implementing the model in other PHC setting