bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Middle ear cholesteatoma: a study of correlation between HRCT temporal bone and intraoperative surgical findings
Authors: Chavada Payal S. , Khavdu Paresh J. , Fefar Alpesh D. , Mehta Manish R. 
Published: August 2018

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Cholesteatoma is a long-standing infection of the middle ear cleft having erosive properties. Chronic ear discharge and decreased hearing are most common clinical presentation. Multi-directional tomography of high quality can provide a detailed understanding of the interpretation of anatomical structures visualized by HRCT. Knowledge of the anatomical variations and changes induced by pathology in the temporal bone are the guiding marbles for surgery.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is a Prospective study consisted of 100 cases of chronic suppurative otitis media of unsafe type requiring ear surgery admitted in the E.N.T. department of P.D.U. Civil Hospital Rajkot in 2 years from December 2015 to December 2017. A total no. of 100 patients of both gender between 5 to 80 years has been included in the study. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> In this study, 58% patients were females while males were 42%. Left ear (46%) was involved more as compared to right ear (40%). Most of the patients belonged to 11-20 (25%) years of age group. mean age is 24.5 years. Most common symptoms were ear discharge (98%) and decreased hearing (83%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> HRCT guides the surgeon on the possible surgical hazards before the surgery and helps in earlier management and operative complications. The use of CT in the case of chronic suppurative otitis media does provide valuable information. HRCT scanning is a unique method of detection of early cholesteatoma as well as detection of cho­lesteatoma in hidden areas. In addition, HRCT scanning serves as a road map to assist the surgeon during cholesteatoma surgery.</p>
Role of high resolution computed tomography of temporal bone in preoperative evaluation of chronic suppurative otitis media
Authors: Prakash M. D. , Tarannum Afshan 
Published: August 2018

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a common condition seen in patients attending ENT department. The diagnosis of cholesteatoma is usually made on otologic examination. The necessity for HRCT imaging in an uncomplicated case is controversial. The objective was<strong> </strong>to evaluate preoperative HRCT temporal bone and to determine its’ usefulness in patients with Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) undergoing surgery.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This study was a prospective study involving 30 cases of CSOM with cholestaetoma. All the patients underwent pre-operative HRCT screening followed by surgical exploration of middle ear cleft. Pre-operative CT scan and intra-operative findings recorded and compared. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Out of total 30 patients of CSOM, 16 (53%) were males and (90%) presented with chief complaints of otorrhoea. HRCT scan was found to be very sensitive (100%) in detecting cholesteatoma in middle ear cleft but differentiation between granulations or cholesteatoma wasn’t possible. HRCT satisfactorily delineated ossicular erosion except stapes suprastructure erosion which had 81.8% sensitivity and specificity 88.88%. For bony boundaries of middle ear, HRCT showed very high sensitivity and specificity for detecting scutum erosion, tegmen erosion, mastoid cortex erosion, jugular bulb dehiscence and bony external auditory canal erosion. It was moderately sensitive for LSCC Erosion (75%), Facial canal erosion (80%) and Sinus plate erosion (85.7%).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> These results indicate that preoperative CT temporal bone scan of patients with CSOM serves as an important guide in surgical approach for otolaryngologists, although there are limitations in evaluation of the CT results.</p>
A study of cisplatin chemotherapy and hearing loss
Authors: Sivasankari L. , Subramanian Lalitha 
Published: August 2018

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Various medications have been associated with ototoxicity. Platinum containing chemotherapeutic agents are associated with cochleotoxicity, characterized by high frequency hearing loss. Cisplatin and related agents are absorbed by the cochlear hair cells, resulting in ototoxicity through the production of reactive oxygen species.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> About 67 patients, irrespective of the type of cancer, fit to undergo chemotherapy were considered for study after meticulous examination. Audiograms were taken prior to chemotherapy, at the end of each cycle of chemotherapy, and follow-up audiograms at 3 months and 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Among 37% of the patients with normal hearing, 10% of the patients developed sensorineural hearing loss after treatment. Among 63% of the patients with prior mild sensorineural hearing loss, 11.8% developed worsening of hearing after completion of treatment.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Audiologic monitoring is important in patients undergoing cisplatin chemotherapy and post- chemotherapy auditory monitoring is essential to rehabilitate the patients with Sensorineural hearing loss.</p>
Impact of type of graft material on outcome of tympanoplasty: a comparison between temporalis fascia and cartilage with perichondrium
Authors: Tadke Kanchan , Ghorpade Randhir , Lahane Vaibhav , Mundada P. S. 
Published: August 2018

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Various graft materials have been used to repair tympanic membrane perforations. Temporalis fascia and cartilage with or without perichondrium are the most commonly used materials. The objective of the study was to compare the anatomical and functional success in type I tympanoplasty by using cartilage- perichondrium graft with that of temporalis fascia in a homogenous group of population.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 64 patients with chronic otitis media - mucosal type were included in the study. This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care centre between December 2012 to October 2014. Patients were grouped randomly between temporalis fascia (34/64) and cartilage group (30/64). In the fascia group, the graft was placed by underlay technique. In the cartilage group, tragal cartilage was thinned by cartilage thinner keeping the perichondrium attached on one side. The graft was placed by underlay or over-underlay technique. Postoperative results i.e. graft take up (anatomical success) and hearing improvement (functional success) were evaluated at 6 months. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Graft take up rate was 94.11% for fascia group and 96.66% for cartilage group. The mean pure tone air bone gaps pre and postoperatively in the fascia group were 26.4±6.55 dB and 11.47±6.5 dB respectively, whereas for cartilage-perichondrium group, the values were 28.3±5.86 dB and 13.2±6.48 dB respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the graft take up rate and postoperative hearing improvement between the two groups (p≥0.05).</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Cartilage with perichondrium can be considered as an alternative to more traditional grafting material for tympanic membrane reconstruction.</p>
Clinical study of fungal sinusitis
Authors: Waghray Jyotika 
Published: August 2018

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Fungal sinusitis is a distinct clinical entity characterized by inflammation of the sinus mucosa caused by fungal infection like aspergillus (fumigatus, niger, flavus), mucormycosis, candida (albicans), scedosporium, pencillium. Mostly immunocompromised patients, farmers, garbage cleaners, and patients on prolonged nasal sprays are affected. There are different types of fungal sinusitis: fungal mycetoma, allergic fungal, chronic indolent and fulminant sinusitis having symptoms like chronic headache and facial swelling with visual impairment. Patients have thick purulent nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, cheek swelling and may be polyposis. Resident bacterial flora probably inhibits colonization by fungi through a number of mechanisms. Thus antimicrobial therapy predisposes to both the overgrowth of normal fungal flora, e.g., Candida species, and growth of opportunists like Aspergillus<sup>1</sup>. Allergic fungal rhinosinusitis is the most common entity. Aspergillosis is the most common fungal infection. Of these aspergillus fumigatus is the most common fungal pathogen. Maxillary sinuses are commonly involved.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is a prospective study carried out at department of otorhinolaryngology at Kunal Institute of Medical Specialities Pvt Ltd. Evaluation by proper history taking and clinical examination after which the patient is selected for nasal swab, culture and sensitivity. Plain x-ray nose and paranasal sinuses. CT scans nose and paranasal sinuses. Diagnostic nasal endoscopy. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Allergic fungal sinusitis was the most common entity found with aspergillosis being the most common organism.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Allergic fungal sinusitis was most commonly found in the age group of 20 to 29 years with maxillary sinus most commonly affected. </p>
A rare cause for aphonia - Ortners syndrome
Authors: Ramasamy Punithakumar , Kale Suresh Babu , Ramalingam Senthilkumar , Veerappa Murugesan 
Published: August 2018

<p>Rheumatic mitral stenosis is prevalent in the developing world and presents with a wide array of manifestations. Aphonia and hoarseness of voice secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis (Ortner’s syndrome) is an uncommon manifestation of mitral stenosis. We present a case severe mitral stenosis with moderate to severe tricuspid valve regurgitation and severe pulmonary artery hypertension that was masquerading as aphonia and hoarseness of voice for eight months. Mitral valve replacement and tricuspid annuloplasty was done and the quality of voice improved post-surgery. </p>
Assessment of functional outcome of surgical management of proximal humerus fracture treated with PHILOS plate
Authors: Jagiasi Jairam D. , Patel Mihir R. , Daliya Sagar G. , Bochare Amol , Vora Manan 
Published: August 2018

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Proximal humeral fractures were treated conservatively in the past and often had compromised functional results. With the advancement of surgical techniques, these fractures, especially displaced, are now more often managed operatively; to meet the needs of the patient, provide early rehabilitation and better functional outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the functional outcome of operative management of proximal humeral fractures with Philos plate fixation.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this prospective study, 30 patients aged 19-75 years (mean age 47.1 years) with fractures of the proximal humerus, including two-, three-, and four-part fractures, were treated by open reduction internal fixation with Philos plating. Patients’ functional outcomes were evaluated based on subjective (35 points) and objective (65 points) parameters, as per the constant scoring system.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Functional outcome based on the constant scoring system of the patient at 6 month follow-up were compared. Excellent results were seen in 12 patients (40%), 2 had very good results (6.66%), 9 patients were having good (30%) and 6 had fair (20%) functional outcome. One patient had poor functional results (3.33%). Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head was observed in one patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Philos plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures provides good stable fixation with good functional outcome and is a feasible option.</p><p> </p>
Plagiarism, culture, the Middle East and Westernization: a mixed methods study
Authors: Nash Julie 
Published: August 2018

Academic integrity is of great importance to insure a consistent determination of what constitutes plagiarism across regions of the world. Academic integrity research spans a global scale and regardless of where the researcher is from, they are building on a pool of research findings that have no physical boundaries. Basic agreed upon research standards and fundamentals must be established to ensure the validity and reliability of the body of academic research. Problematic to the situation are differences in cultural definitions of what constitutes plagiarism. Therefore, this study aimed to build the body of knowledge on the current condition of plagiarism levels as well as perform a sample comparison of some patterns in Eastern and Western culture. A document analysis was conducted for two universities, one in the USA and one in Saudi Arabia. In addition, a survey was conducted in an academic context in Saudi Arabia to investigate students’ and faculty’s understanding of what constitutes plagiarism. It was predicted that Saudi Arabia is shifting towards a Westernized definition of plagiarism; results partially supported this hypothesis.
ﺗﻌ ﺗﺑ ر اﻟﻧز ا ھﺔ ا ﻷﻛﺎ دﯾ ﻣﯾﺔ ذا ت أ ھﻣﯾ ﺔ ﻛﺑﯾ رة ﻟ ﺿ ﻣﺎ ن ﺗ ﺣدﯾد ﺛﺎﺑ ت ﻟ ﻣﺎ ﯾ ﺷﻛ ل ا ﻻﻧﺗ ﺣﺎ ل ﻋﺑ ر ﻣﻧﺎ طق اﻟ ﻌﺎﻟ م. ﺗ ﻣﺗد أﺑ ﺣﺎ ث اﻟﻧ زا ھﺔ ا ﻷﻛﺎ دﯾ ﻣﯾ ﺔ ﻋﻠ ﻰ ﻧ طﺎ ق ﻋﺎﻟ ﻣ ﻲ وﺑ ﻐ ض اﻟﻧ ظر ﻋن اﻟ ﻣﻛﺎ ن اﻟذ ي ﯾﻧﺗ ﻣ ﻲ إﻟﯾﮫ اﻟﺑﺎ ﺣ ث، ﻓﮭ ﻲ ﺗ ﻌﺗ ﻣد ﻋﻠ ﻰ ﻣ ﺟﻣوﻋﺔ ﻣ ن ﻧﺗﺎﺋ ﺞ ا ﻷﺑ ﺣﺎ ث اﻟﺗ ﻲ ﻻ ﺗ وﺟد ﻟ ﮭﺎ ﺣد ود ﻣﺎدﯾﺔ. ﯾ ﺟ ب و ﺿﻊ اﻟﻣﻌﺎﯾﯾر ا ﻷﺳﺎ ﺳﯾﺔ اﻟﻣﺗﻔ ق ﻋﻠﯾﮭﺎ وا ﻷﺳﺎ ﺳﯾﺎ ت ﻟ ﺿﻣﺎ ن ﺻﺣﺔ وﻣوﺛوﻗﯾﺔ ھﯾﺋﺔ اﻟﺑ ﺣث ا ﻷﻛﺎدﯾﻣﻲ. ا ﻹﺷﻛﺎﻟﯾﺔ ﻓ ﻲ اﻟﻣو ﻗ ف ھ ﻲ ا ﺧ ﺗ ﻼ ﻓﺎ ت ﻓ ﻲ اﻟ ﺗ ﻌر ﯾﻔﺎ ت اﻟ ﺛﻘ ﺎﻓﯾ ﺔ ﻟ ﻣﺎ ﯾ ﺷ ﻛ ل ا ﻻ ﻧﺗ ﺣ ﺎ ل . وﻟ ذﻟ ك ، ھدﻓ ت ھذه اﻟ د را ﺳﺔ إﻟ ﻰ ﺑﻧﺎ ء ﺟﺳد اﻟ ﻣﻌرﻓﺔ ﺣول اﻟ ﺣﺎﻟ ﺔ اﻟ را ھﻧ ﺔ ﻟﻣﺳﺗ وﯾﺎ ت ا ﻻﻧﺗ ﺣﺎ ل وﻛذﻟ ك إ ﺟرا ء ﻣﻘﺎ رﻧ ﺔ ﻧ ﻣوذ ﺟﯾ ﺔ ﻟﺑﻌ ض ا ﻷﻧﻣﺎ ط ﻓ ﻲ اﻟﺛﻘﺎﻓﺔ اﻟ ﺷرﻗﯾ ﺔ واﻟ ﻐرﺑ ﯾ ﺔ. ﺗم إ ﺟرا ء ﺗ ﺣﻠﯾ ل ﻟﻠ وﺛﺎﺋ ق ﻟ ﺟﺎ ﻣﻌﺗﯾ ن، وا ﺣدة ﻓ ﻲ اﻟ وﻻﯾﺎ ت اﻟ ﻣﺗ ﺣدة ا ﻷﻣرﯾ ﻛﯾ ﺔ ووا ﺣدة ﻓ ﻲ اﻟ ﻣﻣﻠ ﻛﺔ اﻟ ﻌرﺑ ﯾ ﺔ اﻟ ﺳﻌودﯾ ﺔ. ﺑﺎ ﻹ ﺿ ﺎﻓﺔ إﻟ ﻰ ذﻟ ك، أ ﺟرﯾ ت د را ﺳﺔ ا ﺳﺗﻘ ﺻ ﺎﺋﯾ ﺔ ﻓ ﻲ ﺳﯾﺎ ق أﻛ ﺎ دﯾﻣﻲ ﻓ ﻲ اﻟ ﻣﻣﻠﻛﺔ اﻟ ﻌرﺑﯾ ﺔ اﻟ ﺳﻌودﯾ ﺔ ﻟﻠﺗ ﺣﻘﯾ ق ﻓ ﻲ ﻓﮭم اﻟ طﻼب وھﯾﺋ ﺔ اﻟﺗد رﯾ س ﻟ ﻣﺎ ﯾ ﺷﻛ ل ا ﻻﻧﺗ ﺣﺎ ل. ﻛﺎ ن ﻣ ن اﻟ ﻣﺗ وﻗ ﻊ أ ن ﺗﺗﺟ ﮫ اﻟﻣﻣﻠ ﻛﺔ اﻟﻌر ﺑﯾ ﺔ اﻟﺳ ﻌو دﯾ ﺔ ﻧﺣو ﺗﻌرﯾ ف اﻟ ﻐرﺑﯾﯾ ن ﻟ ﻼﻧﺗﺣ ﺎ ل وﻗ د د ﻋﻣ ت اﻟ ﻧﺗ ﺎﺋﺞ ھذه اﻟﻔ ر ﺿ ﯾﺔ ﺟز ﺋﯾﺎ.
Write to improve: exploring the impact of an automated feedback tool on Bahraini learners of English
Authors: Wali Fatema , Huijser Henk 
Published: August 2018

The development of written accuracy among learners of English as a Second Language (ESL) has always been a primary concern for ESL teachers and researchers in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition (SLA). While a vast body of research has examined written corrective feedback on students’ written products, few studies have focused on the development of written accuracy among Arabic speaking learners of English using automated feedback tools. This case study first examined the level of written accuracy of Bahraini learners of English in their second year at a higher education institute, highlighting the frequency of errors influenced by their first language (Arabic). The course following this first stage included a significant component of automated feedback on students’ writing; and this study explored the impact that the use of these feedback tools had on learners’ writing in English, tracking development over the course of an academic semester. A corpus of students’ initial writings and subsequent revisions was analysed to identify whether there was an improvement in the accuracy of students’ texts; and students’ perceptions were elicited.
ﻟط ﺎﻟ ﻣﺎ ﻛﺎ ن ﺗ طوﯾ ر اﻟدﻗﺔ ﻓ ﻲ ﻣﮭﺎ رة اﻟ ﻛﺗﺎﺑﺔ ﺑﯾ ن ﻣﺗ ﻌﻠ ﻣ ﻲ اﻟﻠ ﻐﺔ ا ﻹﻧ ﺟﻠﯾ زﯾﺔ ﻛﻠ ﻐﺔ ﺛﺎﻧﯾﺔ اﻟ ﺷـ ﻐ ل اﻟ ﺷـﺎ ﻏل ﻟ ﻣﻌﻠ ﻣ ﻲ اﻟﻠ ﻐﺔ ا ﻹﻧﺟ ﻠﯾ زﯾﺔ واﻟﺑﺎﺣ ﺛﯾ ن ﻓ ﻲ اﻟﻠ ﻐو ﯾﺎ ت اﻟ ﺗ ط ﺑﯾﻘﯾ ﺔ و ا ﻛﺗ ﺳ ـﺎ ب اﻟﻠ ﻐﺔ اﻟ ﺛﺎﻧﯾ ﺔ. ﻓ ﻲ ﺣ ﯾ ن أ ن ﻣ ﺟ ﻣو ﻋ ﺔ ﻛﺑﯾ ر ة ﻣ ن ا ﻷ ﺑ ﺣ ﺎ ث ﻗد د ر ﺳ ـ ت ﻣ ﻼ ﺣ ظ ﺎ ت ﺗ ﺻ ـ ﺣ ﯾ ﺣ ﯾ ﺔ ﺧ ط ﯾ ﺔ ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ﻛﺗﺎﺑﺎ ت اﻟط ﻼ ب ، ﻓﻘ د رﻛز ت د را ﺳ ــﺎ ت ﻗﻠﯾﻠ ﺔ ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ﺗ ط وﯾ ر اﻟ دﻗﺔ ﻓ ﻲ ﻣﮭﺎ رة اﻟ ﻛﺗﺎﺑ ﺔ ﺑﯾ ن ﻣﺗ ﻌﻠ ﻣ ﻲ اﻟﻠ ﻐﺔ ا ﻹ ﻧ ﺟ ﻠﯾ زﯾ ﺔ اﻟﻧﺎ ط ﻘﯾ ن ﺑﺎﻟ ﻌرﺑﯾ ﺔ ﺑﺎ ﺳ ــﺗ ﺧ دا م أدو ا ت اﻟ ﺗ ﻐذﯾ ﺔ ا ﻻ ﺳ ـــﺗ ر ﺟ ﺎ ﻋ ﯾ ﺔ ﻋ ﺑ ر ا ﻹ ﻧﺗ ر ﻧ ت . ﺗ ﺗ ﻧ ﺎ و ل د ر ا ﺳ ـ ـ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﺣ ﺎ ﻟ ﺔ ھ ذ ه أ و ﻻً ﻣ ﺳ ـ ـ ﺗ و ى ا ﻟ د ﻗ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻛ ﺗ و ﺑ ﺔ ﻟ ﻠ ﻣ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ ﻣ ﯾ ن ا ﻟ ﺑ ﺣ ر ﯾ ﻧ ﯾ ﯾ ن ﻟ ﻠ ﻐ ﺔ ا ﻹ ﻧ ﺟ ﻠ ﯾ ز ﯾ ﺔ ﻓ ﻲ ﺳـ ﻧﺗ ﮭم اﻟﺛﺎﻧﯾ ﺔ ﻓ ﻲ ﻣؤﺳـ ﺳـ ﺔ ﻟﻠﺗ ﻌﻠﯾم اﻟﻌﺎﻟ ﻲ ، ﻣﻊ اﻟﺗ رﻛﯾ ز ﻋﻠ ﻰ ﺗﻛرا ر أ ﺧطﺎ ء اﻟﺗدا ﺧل ﺑﯾ ن اﻟﻠ ﻐﺔ ا ﻻوﻟ ﻰ واﻟﺛﺎﻧﯾﺔ. ﺛم ﺗ ﺳـﺗﻛ ﺷـ ف اﻟد را ﺳـ ﺔ ﺗﺄﺛﯾ ر أ دو ا ت اﻟ ﻣ ﻼﺣظﺎ ت ﻋﺑ ر ا ﻹﻧﺗ رﻧ ت ﻋﻠ ﻰ ﻛﺗﺎﺑﺔ اﻟ ﻣﺗ ﻌﻠ ﻣﯾ ن ﺑﺎﻟﻠ ﻐﺔ ا ﻹﻧ ﺟﻠﯾ زﯾﺔ ﻛﻠ ﻐﺔ ﺛﺎ ﻧﯾ ﺔ، وﺗ ﺗﺑ ﻊ اﻟﺗ طور ﺧﻼل اﻟﻔ ﺻ ـــ ل اﻟ د را ﺳـــ ﻲ. ﯾﺗ ﺿ ـــ ﻣ ن ا ﻟ ﺗ د ﺧ ل ا ﻟ ﻣ ط ﺑ ق ﻟ ﺗ ﺣ ﺳـ ﯾ ن ﺗ ﻧ ﻣ ﯾ ﺔ ﻣ ﮭ ﺎ ر ا ت ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ ﻣ ﯾ ن ﻣ ﻛ و ﻧًﺎ ﻣ ﮭ ﻣً ﺎ ﻟ ﻠ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ ﯾ ق ﻋ ﺑ ر ا ﻹ ﻧ ﺗ ر ﻧ ت . ﻗ ﺎ ﻣ ت ا ﻟ د ر ا ﺳـ ﺔ ﺑ ﺗ ﺣ ﻠ ﯾ ل ﻣ ﺟ ﻣ و ﻋ ﺔ ﻣ ن ا ﻟ ﻛ ﺗ ﺎ ﺑ ﺎ ت ا ﻷ و ﻟ ﯾ ﺔ وا ﻟ ﻣرا ﺟﻌﺎ ت اﻟ ﻼﺣ ﻘﺔ ﻟﻠط ﻼ ب ، ﺑﺎﻹ ﺿ ﺎﻓﺔ إﻟ ﻰ ﻣر ا ﺟ ﻌﺎ ت اﻟ ﻧ ظ ر ا ء، ﻟﺗﺣ دﯾد ﻣﺎ إ ذا ﻛﺎ ن ھﻧﺎ ك ﺗ ﺣ ﺳ ن ﻓ ﻲ دﻗﺔ اﻟﻧ ﺻ و ص اﻟﻣﻛﺗ و ﺑ ﺔ ﻟﻠط ﻼ ب .
Student-led seminars as an active learning strategy to enhance English as a foreign language procrastinating students’ achievement
Authors: Al-Amri Majid 
Published: August 2018

Research has demonstrated that high percentages of undergraduate college students self-report they engage in academic procrastination which has significant adverse effects on academic progress with relative consistency. The present study was designed to help English as a foreign language (EFL) procrastinators study on a regular basis, and also to extend the learning of the high achievers. To do so, seventy English as a Foreign Language students in the study were classified by level of procrastination based on scores on the Procrastination Scale (Tuckman, 1991). Half of the students experienced the student-led seminars condition; the other half experienced the assignments condition. Although the student-led seminars condition produced significantly higher scores overall on a final achievement examination than the outline condition did, a significant interaction between condition and student procrastination level reflected an almost 14% advantage for the student-led seminars condition among high procrastinators. There was almost no difference between student-led seminars and assignments conditions for medium and low procrastinators. In addition, the qualitative data revealed high levels of satisfaction among students in the experimental group regarding the seminars and the instructor, as well as the perceived amount of new information learned.
ﻟﻘد أﺛﺑﺗ ت اﻟ د ر ا ﺳ ﺎ ت اﻟ ﺳ ﺎﺑﻘﺔ ا ر ﺗﻔﺎ ع ﻧ ﺳ ﺑ ﺔ اﻟﺗ ﺳ وﯾ ف ا ﻷ ﻛﺎ دﯾ ﻣ ﻲ ﻟ د ى ط ﻼ ب اﻟ ﺟ ﺎ ﻣﻌﺎ ت و ﺗﺄﺛﯾ ر ه اﻟ ﺳ ﻠﺑ ﻲ ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ﺗﺣﺻ ﯾﻠ ﮭم ا ﻷﻛﺎدﯾ ﻣ ﻲ. ﻟذ ﻟ ك ﺗم ﺗﺻﻣﯾم ھذه اﻟدرا ﺳﺔ ﻟﻐر ض ﻣﺳﺎ ﻋدة اﻟﻣﺳوﻓﯾ ن أﻛﺎ د ﯾ ﻣ ﯾ ﺎً ﻣ ن ط ﻼ ب ا ﻟ ﻠ ﻐ ﺔ ا ﻹ ﻧ ﺟ ﻠ ﯾ ز ﯾ ﺔ ﻛ ﻠ ﻐ ﺔ أ ﺟ ﻧ ﺑ ﯾ ﺔ وﻛ ذﻟ ك ﻟﺗﻌزﯾ ز ﻣ ﺳﺗ و ى اﻟ طﻼب ذو ي اﻟ ﺗ ﺣﺻ ﯾل ا ﻷﻛﺎدﯾﻣﻲ اﻟﻣرﺗﻔﻊ. وا ﺷﺗﻣﻠ ت ﻋ ﯾ ﻧ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﺑ ﺣ ث ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ﺳ ﺑ ﻌ ﯾ ن ط ﺎ ﻟ ﺑ ﺎً ﻣ ن ط ﻼ ب ا ﻟ ﻠ ﻐ ﺔ ا ﻹ ﻧ ﺟ ﻠ ﯾ ز ﯾ ﺔ ﻛ ﻠ ﻐ ﺔ أ ﺟ ﻧ ﺑ ﯾ ﺔ ﻓ ﻲ ا ﻟ ﻣ ر ﺣ ﻠ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﺟ ﺎ ﻣ ﻌ ﯾ ﺔ . وﺗ م ﺗﻘ ﺳﯾم اﻟ طﻼب ﺑﻧ ﺎ ء ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ﻣﻘ ﯾﺎ س اﻟﺗ ﺳوﯾ ف ) Tuckman, 1991 ( اﻟ ﻰ ﺛﻼث ﻣ ﺳﺗ وﯾﺎ ت: ﻋﺎﻟ ﻲ، ﻣﺗ وﺳط، وﻣﻧ ﺧﻔ ض ، وﺗم ا ﺳﺗ ﺧدام اﻟﺣ ﻠﻘﺎ ت اﻟد ر ا ﺳ ﯾ ﺔ اﻟ ﺗ ﻲ ﯾﻘ و دھ ﺎ اﻟط ﺎﻟ ب ﻣﻊ إ ﺣ د ى اﻟ ﺷ ﻌ ب اﻟ د ر ا ﺳ ﯾ ﺔ ) 30 طﺎ ﻟ ب(، وﺗم أ ﺳﺗ ﺧدام اﻟ وا ﺟﺑﺎ ت اﻟد را ﺳﯾﺔ ﻣﻊ طﻼب اﻟ ﺷﻌﺑﺔ اﻷﺧر ى. أظﮭر ت اﻟد را ﺳﺔ ﻓﺎﻋ ﻠﯾ ﺔ اﻟ ﺣ ﻠﻘﺎت اﻟ د ر ا ﺳ ﯾ ﺔ اﻟﺗ ﻲ ﯾﻘ ودھﺎ اﻟ ط ﺎﻟ ب ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ا ﻷ دا ء ا ﻷ ﻛﺎ دﯾ ﻣ ﻲ ﻟ د ى اﻟ ط ﻼب ﻓ ﻲ اﻟﻣﺟﻣوﻋﺔ اﻟ ﺗ ﺟ ر ﯾﺑﯾ ﺔ و ﺧ ﺻ و ﺻ ﺎً ﻟ د ى ا ﻟ ط ﻼ ب ذ و ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺳ ﺗ و ى ا ﻟ ﻌ ﺎ ﻟ ﻲ ﻣ ن ا ﻟ ﺗ ﺳ و ﯾ ف ا ﻷ ﻛ ﺎ د ﯾ ﻣ ﻲ ) 14 %( . ﻛذﻟ ك أ ظﮭر ت اﻟدرا ﺳﺔ ر ﺿﺎ اﻟ طﻼب ﻋن اﻟ ﺣﻠﻘﺎ ت اﻟد ر ا ﺳ ﯾ ﺔ و أ ﺳ ﺗﺎ ذ اﻟﻣﻘ ر ر و ﻛذﻟ ك ﻛﻣﯾ ﺔ اﻟﻣﻌر ﻓﺔ اﻟﺟ دﯾدة اﻟ ﺗ ﻲ ﺗم ا ﻛﺗ ﺳ ﺎﺑ ﮭﺎ.
Circadian Rhythm and Melatonin in the Treatment of Depression
Authors: Satyanarayanan Senthil Kumaran , Su Huanxing , Lin Yi-Wen , Su Kuan-Pin 
Published: August 2018

Background:
Circadian rhythm disruption underlies the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders,
especially depression. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies affecting endogenous circadian
rhythms have been developed with specificity to alter the circadian dysfunction. The current management strategy
with antidepressants is far from being satisfactory in addressing this issue. In recent years, attempts at discovering
new antidepressants focused on a melatonergic system which is known to be altered in depression have led to a
potential option for treatment of depression.

Methods:
We reviewed all recently published relevant articles on melatonin and its analogues to look for their
implication in the treatment of circadian rhythm disruption and depression.

Results:
Melatonin, a pleiotropic regulator molecule and its analogues (ramelteon, agomelatine, TIK-301, Neu-
P11 and tasimelteon) have been observed to resynchronize the circadian rhythm and some were said to alleviate
depressive symptoms in depressed subjects.

Conclusion:
This review focuses on substantial advances in the melatonin-based chronobiologic intervention and
its responses in the treatment of depression.
Targeted Liposomes for siRNA Delivery to Cancer
Authors: Eloy Josimar O. , Petrilli Raquel , Raspantini Giovanni Loureiro , Lee Robert J. 
Published: August 2018

Background:
RNA interference is a promising therapeutic tool for the treatment of a variety of diseases,
with great potential for cancer therapy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), however, presents several drawbacks
that hamper its therapeutic application. Lipid nanoparticles, including liposomes, are delivery systems with
great potential for siRNA delivery, protecting it from degradation, enhancing its cell uptake with the ability of
controlled release. However, non-specific delivery and side effects could potentially limit the in vivo application.
Therefore, targeting lipid nanoparticles to overexpressed receptors of cancer cells represents a strategy for better
therapeutic outcome, with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. For this purpose, lipid nanoparticles could be
functionalized with several moieties that can be recognized by cancer cells more than by normal cells. These
ligands include folate, transferrin, peptides, oligosaccharides, monoclonal antibodies and aptamers.

Methods:
In this paper, we reviewed functionalization strategies and addressed the major in vitro and in vivo
findings in the field of cancer treatment with siRNA.

Results:
Many papers showed enhanced siRNA delivery by targeted liposomes, resulting in enhanced drug uptake
and better cytotoxicity, with consequent better tumor growth control in xenograft studies.

Conclusion:
siRNA delivery mediated by functionalized liposomes is promising, but clinical trials need to be
conducted.