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Testing is an effective method to determine learning outcomes for knowledge and skills learning domains. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in test achievements among 50 Saudi female English major students at the College of Languages at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh. The tests were administered using two different methods: paper-based and Blackboard-based (online). Additionally, the study explored the impact of these two test methods on students' achievement in terms of course learning outcomes. The results of the study indicated that there was no significant difference between the two test methods in terms of overall test scores. However, it was found that the Blackboard-based test resulted in slightly higher scores for knowledge domain outcomes, while the paper-based test showed higher scores for skills domain outcomes. The results obtained in this study suggest that both paper-based and Blackboard-based test methods can be equally effective at assessing the general achievement of students. However, the choice of test method may have a slight impact on the specific learning outcomes being assessed, with Blackboard-based tests favouring knowledge domain outcomes and paper-based tests favouring skills domain outcomes. Furthermore, when using Blackboard-based tests, time pressure should be taken into consideration, as it is observed to significantly influence students' performance in both learning domains.

Background: Hemorrhoids a prevalent anorectal disorder, have gained rising attention due to their impact on public health and quality of life. Despite their significance, limited research has addressed their prevalence and associated risk factors in the Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia. Thus, this study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hemorrhoids in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, from January to June 2023. Encompassing both urban and rural areas, the study focused on individuals aged 18 and above, excluding those with communication difficulties, mental illness, or severe conditions. Employing random sampling, a sample size of 420 was determined to ensure representation, and participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. The analysis was performed using R version 4.2.3. Results: The study included 475 participants, predominantly females (72.57%), aged 25 to 44 (53.38%), with higher education (82.28%) and Saudi nationality (98.31%). Prevalence of hemorrhoids was 13.29%, with 5.27% external, 2.53% internal, and 0.21% thrombosed hemorrhoids. Constipation (OR: 2.28, P = 0.001) and family history (OR: 4.77, P < 0.001) were significant risk factors. Complications were reported by 5.70%, including ulceration (1.05%) and severe bleeding (1.05%). Social norms hindered treatment seeking for 55.49%. While age correlated (P = 0.002 and P = 0.003) with increased odds of hemorrhoids, gender, marital status, nationality, education, employment, smoking, exercise, and fiber intake showed no significant associations. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study revealed a 13.2% prevalence of hemorrhoids mostly external underscoring the significance of factors such as constipation age group, fiber intake, and family history in increasing susceptibility.

The study aimed at examining determinants of market access among vanilla farmers in Kagera region of Tanzania. The study achieved specific objectives as follows; (i) to examine determinants for market access of vanilla produce in Kagera region and (ii) to determine the effect of market access determinants on market access of vanilla produce in Kagera region. The use of a mixed-methods approach was considered appropriate with integration of both qualitative and quantitative data whereas a sample of 385 vanilla farmers and key agricultural informants were included. Stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling and purposive sampling were adopted in selecting the sample selection. Data collection made use of structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Analysis of qualitative data was achieved using content analysis whereas application of logit model in determining the effect of market access determinants on market access of vanilla produce was considered relevant. The findings revealed that cooperative engagements, transportation infrastructure, access to credit and geographic factor positively and significantly influence market access (p

The research aimed to identify the effectiveness of a program on international health standards and investigate its impact on developing health concepts for kindergarten children. To achieve this objective, the quasi-experimental design of two groups: control and experimental was used. The main research sample consisted of (60) boys and girls. They were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group (30) and the control group (30). The homogeneity of the two groups was verified in the main variables. Then, the test of health concepts was applied after calculating the factors of difficulty, discrimination, and indications of validity and reliability. In addition, the program was applied to the experimental group, which consisted of (49) activities. The results of the research showed statistically significant differences at (0.05) between the means of the scores of the control group and the experimental group in the post-test of the test of health concepts in favor of the experimental group. This indicates the program's effectiveness in developing health concepts. The study also showed no statistically significant differences at (0.05) between the means of the male and female scores of the experimental group in acquiring the health concepts presented to them through the program. The research suggested several recommendations, the most important of which is the inclusion of international health standards in the self-learning curriculum for kindergarten.

Cancer remains a significant global health concern, and understanding factors that regulate cancer development is important. The microbiome, with its potential role in cancer development, progression, and treatment, has garnered increasing attention in recent years. The cervicovaginal and gastrointestinal microbiomes in females constitute complex biological ecosystems. Although the gut microbiome has been extensively studied, little is known about the cervicovaginal microbiome. The microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining local microenvironments and tissue homeostasis, but dysbiosis can disrupt this fine balance and contribute to pathological ramifications leading to cancer. This review explores the current understanding of the microbiome’s correlation with gynecological cancers and highlights the potential of microbiome-based interventions to improve outcomes in these cancers. In addition, this review underscores the gaps and limitations in the literature, such as findings in specific ethnicities compared with understudied ethnicities. In addition, discrepancies in molecular techniques and terminology (microbiome vs. microbiota) used in the literature are addressed. Emerging evidence linking gynecological cancers and dysbiosis underscores microbiota as a potential target for cancer prevention and therapy. Manipulating the microbiome, such as through the use of probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, or vaginal and fecal transplantation, has demonstrated benefits in the treatment of chronic and inflammatory conditions. Further translational research in this field is needed to integrate the benefits of beneficial microorganisms in the fight against gynecological cancers.

IntroductionMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia, reaching levels similar to those in the Western world. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence of neck, shoulder, and lower back pains (musculoskeletal pain, MSP) among students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia, from March 2023 to August 2023. Inclusion criteria were: university students aged 18 years and older of both sexes who agreed to participate in the study. The modified Nordic questionnaire was used, which comprised three parts.ResultsOut of 536 respondents, 337 were women and 199 were men. The average body mass index (BMI) of the study population was 25.3 ± 4.01. In total, 223 (41.60%) had a history of MSDs. Only 232 (43.28%) of the population did regular exercise. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, factors associated with MSDs are mobile device use (with both hands) with a large neck tilt below the horizon line position (OR = 2.276, CI 1.178–4.397, p = 0.014), family history of trauma (OR = 5.450, 95% CI 3.371–8.811, p = 0.000), family history of MSDs (OR = 4.241, 95% CI 2.296–7.835, p = 0.000), coffee consumption (OR = 1.967, CI 1.281–3.020, p = 0.002), and time spent on electronic devices: 1–3 h (OR = 0.252, 95% CI 0.124–0.511, p = 0.0001), 4–6 h (OR = 0.455, 95% CI 0.237–0.873, p = 0.018), and 6–9 h (OR = 0.348, 95% CI 0.184–0.660, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe present study concludes that MSP among university students is high. A history of trauma, a family history of MSDs, the hand and neck position when using electronic devices, the amount of time spent using them, and regular exercise are risk factors that are strongly associated with MSP. There is strong evidence to suggest that increasing physical activity plays a significant role in enhancing the functionality of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system and alleviating pain. It is recommended that universities implement educational programs to raise awareness and health screenings about the impact of device usage on MSK health and the benefits of regular exercise.

ObjectiveThis research aimed to study the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward physical activity (PA) of healthcare students at King Khalid University in Abha, Saudi Arabia.MethodsA prospective web-based cross-sectional study was carried out among healthcare students of King Khalid University from March to May 2024. The questionnaire contained questions on sociodemographic details, five questions about knowledge, eight questions about attitudes, and seven practice-related questions. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used.ResultsOut of the 383 participants, 175 (45.7%) were men and 208 (54.3%) were women. Most of the students, 292 (76.2%), had a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5–24.9. Among the 383, 264 (68.9%) showed good knowledge, 288 (75.2%) had positive attitudes, and 242 (63.2%) had satisfactory PA practice. Most of them, 310 (80.9%), were aware that “regular exercise helps promote strong bones and muscles.” Three hundred and fifty-two (91.9%) students believed that individuals who frequently engaged in PA had longer lifespans. More than half of the students (n = 239, 62.4%) engaged in the recommended level of PA. Of the students, 179 (46.8%) agreed that they planned to begin increasing their physical activity during the next 6 months. One hundred and fifty-six (40.7%) stated that they did sports with a high level of intensity for 20 min, three to five times a week, and 175 (45.7%) stated that they did moderate-intensity sports for 30 min, more than five times a week. None of the independent variables had a significant effect on good knowledge levels (p > 0.05). The regression results show being male OR = 0.473 (CI 0.285–0.783 p = 0.004), and being a first-or third-year student OR = 0.329 (CI 0.130–0.832 p = 0.013), OR = 0.276 (CI 0.100–0.762 p = 0.019) has a significant effect on positive attitude levels, while being male OR = 1.945 (CI 1.207–3.135 p = 0.006) and having a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 OR = 10.101 (CI 2.104–48.49 p = 0.004) has a significant effect on satisfactory practice levels.ConclusionThe majority of participants in our study showed good knowledge and positive attitudes toward PA. A lower number of participants, though still the majority, had satisfactory levels of PA. Health education and health promotion initiatives should maintain and enhance knowledge of the positive effects of PA on health.

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority pollutants due to their mutagenicity, persistence, and proven carcinogenicity. Consequently, we investigated the photooxidative degradation of prototypical toxic PAHs, namely anthracene (ANTH) and phenanthrene (PHEN), and naphthalene (NAPH) utilizing magnetic CrFe2O4 nanoparticles under visible light LED irradiation. The prepared nanoparticles, characterized by P-XRD, IR, and SEM, reveal a cubic (FCC) structure and an average particle size of 25.6 nm. On Ab initio study we employed spin polarized first-principle calculations using the Full-Potential Linearized Augmented Plane-Wave (FLAPW) method with GGA-mBJ potentials implemented in the Wien2k package to investigate the properties of CrFe2O4 spinel compound; the calculations reveal that CrFe2O4 adopts a cubic crystal structure with space group 227 (Fd-3 m), and exhibits semiconductor characteristics in both spin channels, featuring indirect band gaps of 1.12 eV (spin-up) and 0.43 eV (spin-down) at the Γ-L and K-Γ points, respectively. Furthermore, the material demonstrates ferromagnetic behavior, with a spin magnetic moment of 20 µB per unit cell. Optical spectra analysis concurs with band structure calculations, suggesting the suitability of this material for photovoltaic applications. The CrFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized through an eco-friendly approach using Boswellia carteri resin as a natural surfactant in an aqueous medium. Our synthesized materials exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance, leading to a rapid exponential decay of ANTH and PHEN over 3 h under visible LED light. The effect of different radical scavengers revealed the role of the percentage of active species OH, h+, and ˙O2− in the oxidation of selected PAHs. At neutral pH, the photo-degradation of PAHs (200 g L−1) by CrFe2O4 (10 mg) followed first-order kinetics and the Langmuir model (R2: 0.99). Exceptional degradation efficiencies were achieved, with ANTH exhibiting a removal efficiency of 99 %, PHEN of 90 %, and NAPH of 86 %. These results show the effectiveness of the synthesized materials as benign and environmentally friendly magnetic nanoparticles for removing carcinogenic PAHs, offering a sustainable, green, and reusable (n = 7) catalytic system to address this environmental challenge.

AbstractSeveral new amide derivatives having varied aromatic characteristics prepared efficiently via nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions are tested for corrosion inhibition of mild steel in 1 M HCl at 20, 40, and 60 °C range by gravimetric methods. All compounds have shown very good inhibition efficiency (IE%) in acidic solutions. Increasing the temperature (in the presence of the inhibitor in the higher concentration (100–1000 μM) are found to increase the inhibition efficiency of the amide’s derivatives. Results from gravimetric measurements further revealed that Inh. 4 shows excellently at 60 °C giving IE% of 91.88 at 1000 μM. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔGºads, ΔHºads, and ΔS ºads) for the adsorption process and kinetic parameters for the metal dissolution (or hydrogen evolution) reaction in the presence of the new derivatives were determined. Experimental results agree with the Temkin adsorption isotherm. The inhibition of corrosion in 1 M HCl, influenced by both physi- and chemisorption, was found to be under mixed control but predominantly under cathodic control as revealed by the potentiodynamic polarization measurements for Inh. 4. Frontier molecular orbital calculations predicted that the newly synthesized inhibitors with aromatic characteristics serve as donor-centers to the empty d-orbital of the metal atoms and would exhibit higher corrosion IE%.

AbstractPhthalocyanine is a safe and better biocompatible compound, and it has been used in diagnostic and cancer imaging. But the application in the treatment of colon and cervical cancer is elusive. In the present study, we have synthesized Iron (II) phthalocyanine and Zinc phthalocyanine respectively. The bonding, structure, and physical characteristics of the prepared products were analyzed and confirmed by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX methods. We have also examined the anti-cancer properties of the compounds on two different cancer cells (colon cancer HCT-116 and cervical cancer HeLa) by MTT assay. The cell viability assay results showed that a noteworthy reduction in the cell viability post-treatments of Iron (II) phthalocyanine. However, treatment of Zinc phthalocyanine did not show any inhibitory action on both HCT-116 and HeLa cancer cells. We have also calculated the inhibitory concentration (IC50) post treatment of Zinc phthalocyanine and Iron (II) phthalocyanine on HCT-116 and HeLa cells. The IC50 was 30 µg/ml for HCT-116 cells treated with Iron (II) phthalocyanine, whereas it was 33 µg/ml for the HeLa cells. We have also examined the impact of Zinc phthalocyanine and Iron (II) phthalocyanine on non-cancerous cells (HEK-293), and MTT results showed that Iron (II) phthalocyanine and Zinc phthalocyanine induced no significant inhibitory action on HEK-293 cells. In addition, we have also examined the anti-fungal action of Zinc phthalocyanine and Iron (II) phthalocyanine. We have also examined the impact of Iron (II) phthalocyanine on cancer cells using DAPI staining, we have found that was a major reduction in cancer cells population, but there is no reduction in the Iron (II) phthalocyanine -treated cells. We have found that Iron (II) phthalocyanine induced significant antifungal activity against Candida albicans, whereas no significant antifungal activity was observed with Zinc phthalocyanine.

In this case study, we describe a case of a subdural haemorrhage in an acutely severe asthmatic patient in a suspicious circumstance. A woman in her early 40s came to the emergency department with an acute asthmatic exacerbation. The autopsy showed subdural hemorrhage in the parieto-temporal area and slightly congested, overinflated lungs with mucus plugs and a thickened bronchiolar wall. This case report emphasizes the medicolegal aspect of the presence of subdural haemorrhage in an asthmatic patient who died in a suspicious circumstance.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: للتحقيق في انتشار ظاهرة المحتال بين طلاب طب الأسنان الجامعيين واستكشاف علاقتها بالجنس والسنة الأكاديمية. طرق البحث: تم إجراء البحث المقطعي الملاحظ على طلاب طب الأسنان الجامعيين من السنة الأولى إلى الخامسة في كلية طب الأسنان بجامعة القصيم ، بين فبراير وأبريل 2021. تم استخدام مقياس كلانس لظاهرة المحتال المدار إلكترونيا والمحقق مسبقا من 20 عنصرا كأداة لجمع البيانات. النتائج: بلغ معدل الاستجابة 80.59٪ (162 مستجيبا). أشارت النتائج إلى أن 8.8٪ من المشاركين كان لديهم حالات خفيفة، و 84.1٪ حالات متوسطة إلى شديدة، في حين أن 7.05٪ تعرضوا لتجارب مكثفة في ظاهرة المحتال. كان متوسط درجة ظاهرة المحتال أعلى بالنسبة للسنة الثالثة ولوحظ الحد الأدنى للقيمة لطلاب السنة الرابعة في طب الأسنان. تم العثور على علاقة ذات دلالة إحصائية بين درجات ظاهرة المحتال على مدار العام، بينما لم يلاحظ أي فرق كبير على أساس الجنس. الاستنتاجات: تنتشر ظاهرة المحتال بصور وأعداد كبيرة بين طلاب طب الأسنان. قد يكون لذلك آثار جسدية وعقلية ضارة مع عواقب سلبية وبالتالي تؤثر على تطوراتهم الفكرية والمهنية. تنفيذ المناهج المعدلة وخطط التطوير الذاتي هي بعض الحلول الموصى بها. Abstract: Objective: To investigate the prevalence of impostor phenomenon (IP) among undergraduate dental students and explore its relationship with gender and academic year. Methods: This study involved observational cross-sectional research involving undergraduate dental students (first to fifth year) at Qassim University Dental School, between February and April 2021. An electronically administered, 20-item pre-validated Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) was used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Mean IP scores of both genders were compared using t-tests, one-way ANOVA and Post-Hoc tests to establish the relationship between year-wise IP scores. Results: The response rate was 80.59% (162 respondents). The results indicated that 8.8% of the participants had mild IP experiences, 84.1% had moderate to severe IP experiences, and 7.05% exhibited intense IP experiences. The mean IP score was highest and lowest in the third and fourth-year dental students, respectively. A statistically significant relationship was identified between year wise IP scores, while no significant difference was observed based on gender. Conclusions: Impostor phenomenon is prevalent in substantial frequencies amongst dental students. This may have damaging physical and mental effects with negative consequences and could subsequently affect their intellectual and professional developments. The implementation of a modified curriculum and self-development plans are some of the recommended solutions.

ObjectivesIn postmenopausal states, women may not maintain blood pressure (BP) in the same way as men, even though most women follow their treatment plans and prescriptions more consistently than men. Biological and lifestyle factors influence the progression of hypertension in postmenopausal women (PMW). This study aimed to determine biosocial predictors associated with achieving the target BP in PMW with hypertension.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in the General Medicine Department at Karuna Medical College Hospital, Kerala, India. The definition of BP goal attainment was established based on the guidelines outlined by the VIII Joint National Committee 2014 (JNC VIII). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse biosocial predictors, such as educational status, employment status, body mass index (BMI), number of children, age at menarche, age at menopause, and number of co-morbidities, associated with BP goal achievement.ResultsOf the patients, 56.4% achieved their BP goals on monotherapy and 59.7% achieved it on combination therapy. Level of education [odds ratio (OR) = 1.275, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.234–7.172], employment status (OR = 0.853, 95% CI: 0.400–1.819), age at menopause (OR = 1.106, 95% CI: 0.881–1.149), number of children (OR = 1.152, 95% CI: 0.771–1.720), BMI (OR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.929–1.071), and number of co-morbidities (OR = 0.068, 95% CI: 0.088–1.093) did not show a significant relationship, and age at menarche (OR = 1.577, 95% CI: 1.031–2.412) showed a significant association with BP goal attainment among hypertensive postmenopausal women.ConclusionHalf of the hypertensive postmenopausal women did not achieve their BP goals. Interventions are required to expand screening coverage and, under the direction of medical professionals, there should be plans to improve hypertension control and increase awareness of the condition.

Background and objectivesPreterm birth (PTB) affects ~10% of births worldwide; however, most literature focused on short-term clinical outcomes, with much less focus on long-term socioeconomic outcomes after PTB. We examined associations between PTB and individuals' income, employment, and educational outcomes during early adulthood.MethodsWe conducted a population-level matched cohort study including all live births in Canada between 1990 and 1996, followed until 2018. Outcomes included Employment income per year in 2018 CAD and employment between ages 18 and 28 years, postsecondary education enrollment (18-22 years), and maximum educational attainment at age 22-27 years. Mean differences and risk ratios (RR) and differences (RD) were estimated using generalized estimating equation regression models for economic outcomes and multinomial logistic regression models for educational outcomes.ResultsOf 2.4 million births, 7% were born preterm (0.3%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 5.4% born extremely preterm (24-27 weeks), very preterm (28-31 weeks), moderately preterm (32-33 weeks), and late preterm (34-36 weeks) respectively). After matching on baseline characteristics (e.g., sex, province of birth, and parental demographics) and adjusting for age and period effects, preterm-born individuals, on average, had $958 CAD less employment income per year (95% CI: $854-$1062), 6% lower income per year, than term-born individuals, and were 2.13% less likely to be employed (1.98-2.29%). PTB was also negatively associated with university enrollment (RR 0.93 (0.91-0.94) and graduation with a university degree (RR 0.95 (0.94-0.97)). Mean income differences for those born 24-27 weeks were -$5,463 CAD per year (17% lower), and adjusted RR were 0.55 for university enrollment and graduation.ConclusionIn this population-based study, preterm birth was associated with lower economic and educational achievements at least until the late twenties. The associations were stronger with decreasing GA at birth. Policymakers, clinicians, and parents should be aware that the socioeconomic impact of PTB is not limited to the early neonatal period but extends into adulthood.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243524.].

Objectives: To estimate the incidence of pituitary adenomas (PA) in adult Omani patients and describe its epidemiological, clinical, and radiological characteristics. Methods: In this longitudinal, descriptive study, we reviewed the records of all PA patients from January 2015 to January 2020 who presented at the endocrinology facilities at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat. Results: The participants comprised of 112 Omani patients with PA. The incidence of PA among all adult patients at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (inpatient and outpatient) over five years (2015–2020) was 0.23%. The cohort had a mean age of 41.0±15.0 years. Of the 112 patients included in this study, 79 (70.5%) were women. Nearly half (51; 45.5%) of adenomas were prolactinomas while 46 (41.1%) were non-functioning adenomas, and seven (6.3%) were growth hormone-secreting adenomas while six (5.4%) were adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting adenomas. Headache was present in 67 (59.8%) patients, followed by visual field defects (40; 35.7%), galactorrhea (26; 23.2%), and fatigue (19; 17.0%). The majority of women (45/79; 57.0%) presented with menstrual cycle abnormalities. Radiological appearances were nearly equally distributed between micro- and macroadenomas. Most cases (58/112; 52.0%) of PA were treated medically by cabergoline, octreotide, and replacement therapies such as hydrocortisone and thyroxin, 38 (33.9%) were treated surgically (mainly by trans-sphenoidal pituitary resection), and the remaining 10 (8.9%) cases were subjected to radiotherapy. Medical treatment combined with surgery was employed for 15 (13.4%) patients. Conclusions: In our investigation, PA was primarily prevalent among Omani female patients, and the most common subtype of pituitary tumors was prolactinomas. The most common presentation symptom was headaches; most female patients had menstrual irregularities. Medical treatment was the primary approach for the applicable types of PAs, while surgery and radiotherapy were found to be secondary and tertiary treatment options, respectively.