Perspectives of University Students and Faculty on remote education experiences during COVID-19- a qualitative study

Owing to COVID-19 the Ministry of Education in the United Arab Emirates mandated educational institutions to shift to remote learning. In this study the perspectives on remote learning, of both students and faculty, from the Science major, in a public university in Dubai have been explored. A qualitative research was conducted through focus group discussions using a semi-structured interview guide. All discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was carried out following coding and analyzing content using NVivo 12. Recurrent, emerging and diverging views were identified and represented under themes. Participants believed that altered human interaction was a major consideration in remote learning. Assessments were modified to reduce cheating however increasing students’ accountability and prudent use of questions was suggested as a more effective strategy. Challenges associated with technology, changes to the learning environment, wellbeing and institutional policies were highlighted. Advantages of remote learning included more inclusivity, flexibility, availability of recorded sessions and time efficiency. Also, remote learning had compelled faculty to enhance their technological skills. Including class participation as a graded component of courses, clear institutional guidelines on assessments, use of recordings and methods of communication were recommended. It was evident that students’ stances for learning were based on courses and disciplines, with a preference for synchronous lessons. Culture influenced interaction, assessments, acceptability, and accessibility of remote education. The views from this research will contribute to improving the adoption and outcomes of digital education in higher education in the field of science, while considering the sociocultural influences of the region

Epidemiology of brain tumors in the United Arab Emirates: A National Registry Cross-sectional Study

© 2020 The Author(s). Background: Cancer is the third leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); brain cancer ranks 10th among the cancers, with 2.9% of the primary cancers originating from the nervous system. The epidemiology of brain cancers has not been explored. The unique population dynamics of UAE make it a fertile ground for analyzing the epidemiology of brain cancer. In this study, we aim to look at the frequency patterns and distribution of malignant primary brain tumors in the UAE. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out using data obtained from the Tawam Hospital Cancer Registry for the years 1984-2017. The sample size included 756 diagnosed cases of malignant primary brain tumors in the UAE. Using SPSS and Excel software, frequencies, mean ages, histological type frequencies, average annual crude incidence rates and average annual age adjusted incidence rates were analyzed. Results: The expatriate population had higher percentage of brain tumors (72%) than the locals. The mean age at diagnosis was 33.48 years (± 21.14 years) with a male to female ratio of 1.69. Diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors were the most commonly diagnosed tumors overall. Older adults had more cases of lymphoma while embryonal and ependymal tumors were most commonly seen in younger age groups. The overall average annual crude incidence rate for 2013-2016 for all primary brain tumors was 0.56 per 100,000 population. Conclusion: This is the first cancer registry study in the UAE that describes histological types of primary brain tumors based on the WHO 2016 classification of brain tumors and highlights their incidence rates. Through this study, several patterns of incidence trends for brain tumors in the UAE, according to histological types, sex and age groups have been recognized. Comparative studies would help identify the influence of potential changes in lifestyle, environmental or occupational risk factors on primary brain tumors

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF RHEUM PALMATUM (CHINESE RHUBARB)

Recent probe of medicinal plants incorporated in traditional systems for curing infection and sustaining holistic health, has exposed good sum of therapeutic efficiency against deleterious infections and chronic illnesses. Rheum palmatum (Chinese Rhubarb, family Polygonaceae) is a significant medicinal herb, which finds an extensive use in Unani (Traditional) system of medicine. It has been traditionally employed as antiseptic, liver stimulant, diuretic, diabetes, stomachic, purgative/cathartic, anticholesterolemic, antitumor, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, tonic, antidiabetic, and wound healer. The most vital components from Rheum palmatum are the phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and anthraquinone derivatives such as aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, rhein, emodin and its glucorhein, and glycoside. Rhubarb also contains tannins which include hydrolysable-tannins, containing glycosidic or ester bonds composed of glucose, gallic acid, and other monosaccharide’s and condensed tannins, resulting principally from the flavone derivatives leukocyanidin and catechin. In recent years, new components such asrevandchinone-1, revandchinone-2, revandchinone-3, revandchinone-4, sulfemodin8-O-b-Dglucoside, and 6-methyl-rhein and aloe-emodin have been reported from the same class. It also encompasses some macro and micro mineral elements such as Ca, K, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Na, Cu, and Li. Anthraquinone derivatives demonstrate evidence of anti-microbial, antifungal, anti-proliferative, anti-Parkinson’s, immune enhancing, anticancer, antiulcer, antioxidant, and antiviral activities. This review article covers published study on therapeutic uses of different constituents from rhubarb

Why study power in digital spaces anyway? Considering power and participatory visual methods

In this article, we interrogate notions of power in relation to three participatory visual methods: drawing, photovoice, and making cellphilms (videos made on cell phones). In particular, we address power from the perspectives of Foucault, Freire, Giroux, and hooks in a consideration of the power structures operating in and around participatory visual research. We seek to understand the power dynamics that operate in participatory visual research—particularly in relation to digital media. In so doing, we foreground the notion of power in a discussion of a workshop on participatory visual methodologies that we conducted as part of a graduate student conference. Since participatory visual research artifacts can be both created and disseminated through digital spaces, this work offers implications for researchers working in this field. We conclude that more theoretical work needs to be done to enable us to articulate more fully the power dynamics at play in participatory visual research

Measuring differential gene expression by short read sequencing: quantitative comparison to 2-channel gene expression microarrays

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>High-throughput cDNA synthesis and sequencing of poly(A)-enriched RNA is rapidly emerging as a technology competing to replace microarrays as a quantitative platform for measuring gene expression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Consequently, we compared full length cDNA sequencing to 2-channel gene expression microarrays in the context of measuring differential gene expression. Because of its comparable cost to a gene expression microarray, our study focused on the data obtainable from a single lane of an Illumina 1 G sequencer. We compared sequencing data to a highly replicated microarray experiment profiling two divergent strains of <it>S. cerevisiae</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Using a large number of quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, more than previous studies, we found that neither technology is decisively better at measuring differential gene expression. Further, we report sequencing results from a diploid hybrid of two strains of <it>S. cerevisiae </it>that indicate full length cDNA sequencing can discover heterozygosity and measure quantitative allele-specific expression simultaneously.</p

Immunomodulatory interventions in myocardial infarction and heart failure: a systematic review of clinical trials and meta-analysis of IL-1 inhibition

Following a myocardial infarction (MI), the immune system helps to repair ischaemic damage and restore tissue integrity, but excessive inflammation has been implicated in adverse cardiac remodelling and development towards heart failure (HF). Pre-clinical studies suggest that timely resolution of inflammation may help prevent HF development and progression. Therapeutic attempts to prevent excessive post-MI inflammation in patients have included pharmacological interventions ranging from broad immunosuppression to immunomodulatory approaches targeting specific cell types or factors with the aim to maintain beneficial aspects of the early post-MI immune response. These include the blockade of early initiators of inflammation including reactive oxygen species and complement, inhibition of mast cell degranulation and leucocyte infiltration, blockade of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibition of adaptive B and T-lymphocytes. Herein, we provide a systematic review on post-MI immunomodulation trials and a meta-analysis of studies targeting the inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-1. Despite an enormous effort into a significant number of clinical trials on a variety of targets, a striking heterogeneity in study population, timing and type of treatment, and highly variable endpoints limits the possibility for meaningful meta-analyses. To conclude, we highlight critical considerations for future studies including (i) the therapeutic window of opportunity, (ii) immunological effects of routine post-MI medication, (iii) stratification of the highly diverse post-MI patient population, (iv) the potential benefits of combining immunomodulatory with regenerative therapies, and at last (v) the potential side effects of immunotherapies

Frequency Of Bacterial Co-Infections Isolated from Covid-19 Positive Patients From Tertiary Care Hospital Of Karachi

Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency of bacterial co-infections in COVID-19-positive patients. Methodology: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, Pakistan, from November 15, 2021, to April 15, 2022. Blood and respiratory tract samples were collected, including sputum, bronchial lavage, and tracheal aspirate. Clinical specimens were inoculated onto a Sheep blood agar plate, Chocolate agar plate (aerobic with 5% CO2), and MacConkey’s agar. Identification was followed by specific and standard microbiological protocols. COVID-19 was confirmed by qualitative PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: A total of 202 clinical samples, including blood, sputum, tracheal aspirates, and bronchial lavage, were collected from COVID-19-positive patients. Male patients were more common in sputum and tracheal aspirates, while female patients were more common in blood cultures. The majority of patients were over 60 years of age. Acinetobacter baumannii was predominantly isolated from blood and tracheal aspirates, exhibiting multidrug resistance, but showing complete sensitivity towards Colistin. Klebsiella pneumonia exhibited high prevalence in sputum, with complete resistance observed in Cephalosporins and Co-trimoxazole. Conclusion: The study concludes a high frequency of superadded bacterial co-infections, caused most prominently by Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The majority of these are multidrug-resistant pathogens, therefore, urgent action is required to control the spread of nosocomial infections by resistant strains, which are responsible for the high mortality rate among COVID-19 critical patients

Internet Use by Patients with Psychiatric Disorders in Search for General and Medical Informations

Background Internet is commonly used by the general population, notably for health information-seeking. There has been little research into its use by patients treated for a psychiatric disorder. Aim To evaluate the use of internet by patients with psychiatric disorders in searching for general and medical information. Methods In 2007, 319 patients followed in a university hospital psychiatric out-patient clinic, completed a 28-items self-administered questionnaire. Results Two hundred patients surveyed were internet users. Most of them (68.5%) used internet in order to find health-related information. Only a small part of the patients knew and used criteria reflecting the quality of contents of the websites consulted. Knowledge of English and private Internet access were the factors significantly associated with the search of information on health on Internet. Conclusions Internet is currently used by patients treated for psychiatric disorders, especially for medical seeking informatio

Compliance of smokeless tobacco supply chain actors and products with tobacco control laws in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan: Protocol for a multicentre sequential mixed-methods study

Introduction: South Asia is home to more than 300 million smokeless tobacco (ST) users. Bangladesh, India and Pakistan as signatories to the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) have developed policies aimed at curbing the use of tobacco. The objective of this study is to assess the compliance of ST point-of-sale (POS) vendors and the supply chain with the articles of the FCTC and specifically with national tobacco control laws. We also aim to assess disparities in compliance with tobacco control laws between ST and smoked tobacco products.Methods and analysis: The study will be carried out at two sites each in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. We will conduct a sequential mixed-methods study with five components: (1) mapping of ST POS, (2) analyses of ST samples packaging, (3) observation, (4) survey interviews of POS and (5) in-depth interviews with wholesale dealers/suppliers/manufacturers of ST. We aim to conduct at least 300 POS survey interviews and observations, and 6-10 in-depth interviews in each of the three countries. Data collection will be done by trained data collectors. The main statistical analysis will report the frequencies and proportions of shops that comply with the FCTC and local tobacco control policies, and provide a 95% CI of these estimates. The qualitative in-depth interview data will be analysed using the framework approach. The findings will be connected, each component informing the focus and/or design of the next component.Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approvals for the study have been received from the Health Sciences Research Governance Committee at the University of York, UK. In-country approvals were taken from the National Bioethics Committee in Pakistan, the Bangladesh Medical Research Council and the Indian Medical Research Council. Our results will be disseminated via scientific conferences, peer-reviewed research publications and press releases