The Effectiveness of a programme-based Vocabulary Learning Strategies for Developing English Vocabulary for EFL Female Students at Taif University

The study of vocabulary can be considered a chief issue which the second language students encounter within the learning of another language especially, for non-English major students. This study aims at assessing the influence of a suggested program for enhancing EFL students` vocabulary and vocabulary learning strategies use. The sample of this study consists of (123) females, it is parted into two sections; the experimental group consists of 55 female students and the control group consists of 68 female students. During the course of the study, learners were randomly chosen and randomly were divided into the experimental and control groups. The aim of the study is twofold: (a) to assess if there exist notable discrepancies between these two groups on the English Language Vocabulary post-test and vocabulary language learning strategies. The study also aims to analyze if there exist important discrepancies in the mean grades of pre and post-test of the English Language Vocabulary test and vocabulary language learning strategies. The research applied will continue for 12 weeks throughout the second semester which includes the proposed program. Students` vocabulary learning strategies were measured by Schmitt’s (1997) questionnaire. This questionnaire contains 58 items covering five main strategies that are determination plans, social plans, memory tactics, cognitive plans and meta-cognitive programs. While the Students` English Language Vocabulary size was measured by English Language vocabulary test that was designed by the researchers. The research accomplished lasted for three months that encompasses the suggested plan. The gathered data demonstrated that there existed statistically important discrepancies between the experimental group and the control group on the post-test, in which the experimental one was more bolded. It also uncovred that there existed statistically important discrepancies among the pre-test and post-test outcomes for the experimental group on the diction examination. Moreover, the grades depicted that there existed statistically notable discrepancies among the experimental group and its counterpart. The data of the present research have notable insinuations for the learners and make an enhanced case for the study of diction and vocabulary

Microbiological Contamination of Mobile Phones of Clinicians in Intensive Care Units and Neonatal Care Units in Public Hospitals in Kuwait

Background: The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of microbiological contamination of mobile phones that belong to clinicians in intensive care units (ICUs), pediatric intensive care units (PICUs), and neonatal care units (NCUs) in all public secondary care hospitals in Kuwait. The study also aimed to describe mobile phones disinfection practices as well as factors associated with mobile phone contamination. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included all clinicians with mobile phones in ICUs, PICUs, and NCUs in all secondary care hospitals in Kuwait. Samples for culture were collected from mobile phones and transported for microbiological identification using standard laboratory methods. Self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on mobile phones disinfection practices. Results: Out of 213 mobile phones, 157 (73.7 %, 95 % CI [67.2-79.5 %]) were colonized. Coagulase-negative staphylococci followed by Micrococcus were predominantly isolated from the mobile phones; 62.9 % and 28.6 % of all mobile phones, respectively. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Gram-negative bacteria were identified in 1.4 % and 7.0 % of the mobile phones, respectively. Sixty-eight clinicians (33.5 %) reported that they disinfected their mobile phones, with the majority disinfecting their mobile phones only when they get dirty. The only factor that was significantly associated with mobile phone contamination was whether a clinician has ever disinfected his/her mobile phone; adjusted odds ratio 2.42 (95 % CI [1.08-5.41], p-value = 0.031). Conclusion: The prevalence of mobile phone contamination is high in ICUs, PICUs, and NCUs in public secondary care hospitals in Kuwait. Although some of the isolated organisms can be considered non-pathogenic, various reports described their potential harm particularly among patients in ICU and NCU settings. Isolation of MRSA and Gram-negative bacteria from mobile phones of clinicians treating patients in high-risk healthcare settings is of a major concern, and calls for efforts to consider guidelines for mobile phone disinfection

Artificial Intelligence as a Substitute for Human Creativity

Creativity has always been perceived as a human trait, even though the exact neural mechanisms remain unknown, it has been the subject of research and debate for a long time. The recent development of AI technologies and increased interest in AI has led to many projects capable of performing tasks that have been previously regarded as impossible without human creativity. Music composition, visual arts, literature, and science represent areas in which these technologies have started to both help and replace the creative human, with the question of whether AI can be creative and capable of creation more realistic than ever. This review aims to provide an extensive perspective over several state-of-the art technologies and applications based on AI which are currently being implemented into areas of interest closely correlated to human creativity, as well as the economic impact the development of such technologies might have on those domains

Herbal Remedies for Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Conventional treatments for IBS-C often provide limited efficiency, leading to an increasing interest in exploring herbal remedies. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in the management of IBS-C. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to July 2023 and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Results: Overall, the included studies demonstrated some evidence of the beneficial effects of herbal remedies on IBS-C symptoms, including improvements in bowel frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain, and quality of life. However, the heterogeneity of the interventions and outcome measures limited the ability to perform a meta-analysis. Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that herbal remedies may have potential benefits in the management of IBS-C. However, the quality of evidence is limited, and further well-designed, large-scale RCTs are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of specific herbal remedies for IBS-C. Clinicians should exercise caution when recommending herbal remedies and consider individual patient characteristics and preferences

Exclusion Diets in Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia represents one of the most common and prevalent disorders of the brain–gut interaction, with a large number of widespread risk factors being identified. With an intricate pathogenesis and symptomatology, it heavily impacts the quality of life and, due to the limited efficacy of traditional pharmacological agents, patients are likely to seek other medical and non-medical solutions to their problem. Over the last few years, significant research in this domain has emphasized the importance of various psychological therapies and nutritional recommendations. Nevertheless, a correlation has been established between functional dyspepsia and food intolerances, with more and more patients adopting different kinds of exclusion diets, leading to weight loss, restrictive eating behaviour and an imbalanced nutritional state, further negatively impacting their quality of life. Thus, in this systematic review, we aimed at analysing the impact and efficiency of certain exclusion diets undertook by patients, more precisely, the gluten-free diet and the low-FODMAP diet

The Effectiveness of a programme-based Vocabulary Learning Strategies for Developing English Vocabulary for EFL Female Students at Taif University

The study of vocabulary can be considered a chief issue which the second language students encounter within the learning of another language especially, for non-English major students. This study aims at assessing the influence of a suggested program for enhancing EFL students` vocabulary and vocabulary learning strategies use. The sample of this study consists of (123) females, it is parted into two sections; the experimental group consists of 55 female students and the control group consists of 68 female students. During the course of the study, learners were randomly chosen and randomly were divided into the experimental and control groups. The aim of the study is twofold: (a) to assess if there exist notable discrepancies between these two groups on the English Language Vocabulary post-test and vocabulary language learning strategies. The study also aims to analyze if there exist important discrepancies in the mean grades of pre and post-test of the English Language Vocabulary test and vocabulary language learning strategies. The research applied will continue for 12 weeks throughout the second semester which includes the proposed program. Students` vocabulary learning strategies were measured by Schmitt’s (1997) questionnaire. This questionnaire contains 58 items covering five main strategies that are determination plans, social plans, memory tactics, cognitive plans and meta-cognitive programs. While the Students` English Language Vocabulary size was measured by English Language vocabulary test that was designed by the researchers. The research accomplished lasted for three months that encompasses the suggested plan. The gathered data demonstrated that there existed statistically important discrepancies between the experimental group and the control group on the post-test, in which the experimental one was more bolded. It also uncovred that there existed statistically important discrepancies among the pre-test and post-test outcomes for the experimental group on the diction examination. Moreover, the grades depicted that there existed statistically notable discrepancies among the experimental group and its counterpart. The data of the present research have notable insinuations for the learners and make an enhanced case for the study of diction and vocabulary.

Acute Coronary Syndromes and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: “Un Affaire de Coeur”

Background and Aims. Both nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and ischemic heart disease have common pathogenic links. Evidence for the association of NAFLD with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), complex multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD), and increased mortality risk in ACS patients is still under investigation. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review aiming to clarify these gaps in evidence. Methods. We conducted a systematic search on PubMed and EMBASE with predefined keywords searching for observational studies published till August 2020. NAFLD diagnosis was accepted if confirmed through biopsy, imaging techniques, surrogate markers, or codes. Full articles that satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. We used the NHLBI quality assessment tool to evaluate included studies. Results. Seventeen observational studies with a total study population of approximately 21 million subjects were included. Eleven studies evaluated whether NAFLD is an independent risk factor for developing ACS with conflicting results, of which eight studies demonstrated a significant association between NAFLD and ACS, mainly in Asian populations, while three reported a lack of an independent association. Conflicting results were reported in studies conducted in Europe and North America. Moreover, a total of five studies evaluated whether NAFLD and fatty liver severity in ACS patients are associated with a complex multivessel CAD disease, where all studies confirmed a significant association. Furthermore, seven out of eight studies evaluating NAFLD and hepatic steatosis severity as a predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in ACS patients demonstrated a significant independent association. Conclusions. NAFLD patients are associated with an independently increased risk of developing ACS, mainly in Asian populations, with inconsistent results in North American and European individuals. Moreover, NAFLD and hepatic steatosis severity were both independently correlated with complex multivessel CAD, mortality, and in-hospital MACE in ACS patients

Acute Coronary Syndromes and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: The Gut–Heart Connection

(1) Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) induces a process of systemic inflammation, sharing common ground with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Growing evidence points towards a possible association between IBD and an increased risk of ACS, yet the topic is still inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review aiming to clarify these gaps in the evidence. (2) Methods: We conducted a systematic search on EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and PubMed, identifying observational studies published prior to November 2020. The diagnosis of IBD was confirmed via histopathology or codes. Full articles that fulfilled our criteria were included. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). (3) Results: We included twenty observational studies with a total population of ~132 million subjects. Fifteen studies reported a significant association between ACS and IBD, while the remaining five studies reported no increase in ACS risk in IBD patients. (4) Conclusions: ACS risk in IBD patients is related to hospitalizations, acute active flares, periods of active disease, and complications, with a risk reduction during remission. Interestingly, a general increase in ACS risk was reported in younger IBD patients. The role of corticosteroids and oral contraceptive pills in increasing the ACS risk of IBD patients should be investigated

Do Colonic Mucosal Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Levels Play a Role in Diverticular Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Diverticular disease (DD) is the most frequent condition in the Western world that affects the colon. Although chronic mild inflammatory processes have recently been proposed as a central factor in DD, limited information is currently available regarding the role of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis aiming to assess the mucosal TNF-α levels in DD. We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify observational studies assessing the TNF-α levels in DD. Full-text articles that satisfied our inclusion and exclusion criteria were included, and a quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). The principal summary outcome was the mean difference (MD). The results were reported as MD (95% confidence interval (CI)). A total of 12 articles involving 883 subjects were included in the qualitative synthesis, out of which 6 studies were included in our quantitative synthesis. We did not observe statistical significance related to the mucosal TNF-α levels in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) vs. the controls (0.517 (95% CI −1.148–2.182)), and symptomatic vs. asymptomatic DD patients (0.657 (95% CI −0.883–2.196)). However, the TNF-α levels were found to be significantly increased in DD compared to irritable bowel disease (IBS) patients (27.368 (95% CI 23.744–30.992)), and segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) vs. IBS patients (25.303 (95% CI 19.823–30.784)). Between SUDD and the controls, as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic DD, there were no significant differences in the mucosal TNF-α levels. However, the TNF-α levels were considerably higher in DD and SCAD patients than IBS patients. Our findings suggest that TNF-α may play a key role in the pathogenesis of DD in specific subgroups and could potentially be a target for future therapies

The Visceral Adiposity Index in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Liver Fibrosis—Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: In order to avoid a liver biopsy in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), several noninvasive biomarkers have been studied lately. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the visceral adiposity index (VAI) in NAFLD and liver fibrosis, in addition to its accuracy in predicting NAFLD and NASH. (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, identifying observational studies assessing the VAI in NAFLD and liver fibrosis. QUADAS-2 was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. The principal summary outcomes were mean difference (MD) and area under the curve (AUC). (3) Results: A total of 24 studies were included in our review. VAI levels were significantly increased in NAFLD (biopsy-proven and ultrasound-diagnosed), simple steatosis vs. controls, and severe steatosis vs. simple steatosis. However, no significant MD was found according to sex, liver fibrosis severity, simple vs. moderate and moderate vs. severe steatosis, pediatric NAFLD, and NASH patients. The VAI predicted NAFLD (AUC 0.767) and NASH (AUC 0.732). (4) Conclusions: The VAI has a predictive value in diagnosing NAFLD and NASH, with significantly increased values in adult NAFLD patients, simple steatosis compared to controls, and severe steatosis compared to simple steatosis