Teaching effectiveness and learning outcomes of baccalaureate nursing students in a critical care practicum: a lebanese experience

This process-product replicated study examines the relationship between the clinical teacher behavior effectiveness of critical care instructors and baccalaureate nursing students' learning outcomes in a critical care practicum. Teacher behaviors that were found to be significantly associated with student learning outcomes included flexibility, giving opportunity to observe, quality of answering questions, quality of discourse, feedback specificity, and concern for the learner's progress and problems.     

Delphinidin immobilized on silver nanoparticles for the simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid,noradrenalin, uric acid,and tryptophan

In the present study, the fabrication of a new modified electrode for electrocatalytic oxidation of noradrenalin, based on the delphinidin immobilized on silver nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the redox properties of this modified electrode. The surface charge transfer rate constant (k_s) and the charge transfer coefficient (α) for the electron transfer between the glassy carbon electrode and the immobilized delphinidin were calculated. The differential pulse voltammetry exhibited two linear dynamic ranges and a detection limit of 0.40μM for noradrenalin determination. Moreover, the present electrode could separate the oxidation peak potentials of ascorbic acid, noradrenalin, uric acid, and tryptophan in a mixture. The usefulness of this nanosensor was also investigated for the determination of ascorbic acid, noradrenalin, and uric acid in pharmaceutical and biological fluid samples with satisfactory results.     

Early amniotomy after vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose

To review all cases of genitourinary fistula, their causes, management and outcome.

Materials and methods

A retrospective chart review of all fistula cases referred to the Urogynecology Department, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2005 to December 2011.

Results

Sixteen genitourinary fistula cases were identified; nine (56 %) cases of vesicovaginal fistula, four (25 %) cases of vesicouterine fistula, and three (19 %) cases of vesicocervical fistula. Mean age was 41 (29–61) and mean parity was 7.4 (2–15). Out of the 16 cases, 12 (75 %) had obstetrical surgical complications, of which 8 (50 %) had complications of cesarean sections. Twelve of 15 cases (80 %) were cured after primary surgical repair, 2 (13 %) after secondary repair and 1 after tertiary repair. One case was cured after conservative management.

Conclusion

Most of the genitourinary fistulae were of iatrogenic obstetric causes, mainly cesarean section with none of the cases due to obstructed labor unlike fistulae in developing countries or developed countries fistulae (iatrogenic gynecologic origin).     

Synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of novel pyridazine and pyridazinone derivatives as non-ulcerogenic agents

Herein, we report the synthesis and pharmacological properties of several series of pyridazine and pyridazinone derivatives. All the synthesized compounds were tested, in vivo, for their anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic properties against indomethacin, as a reference compound. Compounds 4a and 9d have shown a potent anti-inflammatory activity more than indomethacin with rapid onset of action and safe gastric profile. The latter compounds were then selected for further investigation. In the MTT assay in vitro, both compounds were identified as potent and selective COX-2 inhibitors.     

Glutathione-related factors and oxidative stress in autism, a review

Autism spectrum disorders are complex neuro-developmental disorders whose neurobiology is proposed to be associated with oxidative stress which is induced by reactive oxygen species. The process of oxidative stress can be a target for therapeutic interventions. In this study, we aimed to review the role of oxidative stress, plasma glutathione (GSH), and related factors as the potential sources of damage to the brain as well as the possible related factors which reduce the oxidative stress. Methylation capacity, sulfates level, and the total glutathione level are decreased in autism. On the other hand, both oxidized glutathione and the ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione are increased in autism. In addition, the activity of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as a part of the antioxidative stress system are decreased. The current literature suggests an imbalance of oxidative and anti-oxidative stress systems in autism. Glutathione is involved in neuro-protection against oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation in autism by improving the anti-oxidative stress system. Decreasing the oxidative stress might be a potential treatment for autism.     

Vascular endothelial growth factor family of ligands and receptors: review

VEGF signaling often represents a critical rate-limiting step in physiological angiogenesis. The VEGF family comprises seven secreted glycoproteins that are designated VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-E, placental growth factor (PlGF) and VEGF-F. The VEGF family members bind their cognate receptors. The receptors identified so far are designated VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3 and the neuropilins (NP-1 and NP-2). We review in this article the biology of the VEGF ligands and the receptors.