The Concept of Simile in Relevance Theory: An Analysis of the Degree of Relevance of the Simile “Houris” in the Holy Qur\u27an

This study deals with simile as a figure of speech in the field of theoretical linguistics and relevance theory. It presents a model in analyzing the degree of relevance in comparing “Houris” in the Quranic discourse, based on the inductive approach in reviewing related literature and the descriptive approach in selecting the material. In other words, this study further illustrates some of its pragmatic functions via Qur\u27anic discourse by utilizing the selected simile of Houris -the nymphs of paradise in the Qur\u27anic verses: and wide-eyed houris, as the likeness of nestled pearls (Al-Waqi\u27ah: 22-23). The use of relevance theory here reaffirms the analytical benefits of cognitive linguistic accounts. This paper is divided into two main sections. The first section is for providing conceptual clarity to the notion of simile as a single basic phenomenon. The second section provides the practical application of the study’s theoretical premise by scrutinizing the realization the Degree of Relevance of the simile “Houris” in the Holy Qur\u27an. This study finds that simile is more related to metaphor than to literal comparison. Unlike literal comparison, both metaphor and simile figuratively involve ad hoc concepts, even though the concepts work, and are constructed and perceived differently. It further reveals that Qur\u27anic simile is used as a cognitive tool that facilitates inferential and interpretative processes via its communication of abstract and unseen and nuanced themes of God’s message to its audience. The houris\u27 similes essentially provide its recipients with strong ostensive stimuli with strong contextual effects, while the contents enable them to exert the least cognitive effort to grasp the intangible and immeasurable, and infer the utterance intended meaning

Correction to: The prevalence and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; the case of Jordan

It has been highlighted that the original article [1], published 21 February 2018, contained some errors in Table 3. This correction article shows the correct version of Table 3 and the changes that were made

The prevalence and risk factors of peripheral neuropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus; the case of Jordan

Abstract Background Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. This study is conducted to determine the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, Jordan. A total of 1003 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited. Data were collected from participants during a face-to-face structured interview. DPN was assessed using the translated version of Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Results The overall prevalence of DPN based on MNSI was 39.5%. The most frequently reported symptoms were numbness (32.3%) and pain with walking (29.7%), while the least reported symptoms were the history of amputation (1.3%) and loss of sensation in legs/feet while walking (3.8%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that unemployment, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, diabetic retinopathy and long standing DM (diabetes of ≥ 5 years) were significantly associated with DPN. Conclusion Peripheral Neuropathy is highly prevalent among Jordanian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. DPN was significantly associated with duration of DM, dyslipidemia, diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, and unemployment. Early detection and appropriate intervention are mandatory among high-risk groups

The Spectrum of Glomerulonephritis in Saudi Arabia: The Results of the Saudi Registry

Only few studies regarding glomerulonephritis, with relatively small numbers of patients, have so far been published from different centers in Saudi Arabia, and have reported conflicting results regarding the patterns, even in the same city. The possible reasons for these differences include the small number of patients in the different studies, differences in the indications for renal biopsies, referral bias, geographical differences, and, sometimes, the non-availability of the necessary diagnostic facilities in the reporting centers. In order to overcome these problems, a registry for glomerulonephropathy was attempted in Saudi Arabia. Six large referral hospitals from different regions of Saudi Arabia participated in this registry. Biopsy reports and clinical information of 1294 renal biopsies were obtained. There were 782 renal biopsies due to glomerulonephritis (GN) accounting for 77.2&#x0025; of the total biopsies. Five hundred eighty seven <i> (72.6&#x0025;) </i> were primary glomerulonephritidis. Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (21.3&#x0025;) and membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) (20.7&#x0025;) were the most common types found in the primary glomerulonephritidis. Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) was present in only 10.6&#x0025; of the cases. IgA nephropathy was found in <i> 6.5&#x0025; </i> of the cases. Of the secondary glomerulo-nephritides, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was the most common indication for biopsy <i> (57.0&#x0025;) </i> and amyloidosis was found in only <i> 3.2&#x0025; </i> of the biopsies. In conclusion, FSGS and MPGN were the most common forms of primary glomerulonephritis in adult patients in Saudi Arabia. MGN was not as common as in the western world. SLE was the commonest cause of secondary GN. Amyloidosis was not as common as in other Arab countries. There is a need for more centers from Saudi Arabia to join this national GN registry. Similar registries can be established in different Arab countries, which all would, hopefully, lead to a Pan-Arab GN registry