Multimedia glosses and second language vocabulary learning: A second-round meta-analysis.

The use of glosses to aid vocabulary learning in second languages has been one of the most actively studied areas in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) literature. To compile research articles that examine the effect of utilizing glosses on second language (L2) vocabulary learning, the present study employed a second-order meta-analysis technique. The second-order meta-analysis is a study that synthesizes and analyzes the findings of multiple meta-analyses rather than individual primary studies, providing a higher level of abstraction and overview of existing evidence. The study synthesizes the results from seven primary meta-analyses conducted between 2008 and 2023, which included 136 original studies. Results showed that the overall mean effect size for using glosses was medium (g = 0.63 for the fixed-effect size model and 0.76 for the random-effect size model). The results showed that moderators had a significantly mitigated the effects of multimedia glosses. In particular, beginner-level students benefited greatly from being exposed to multimedia glosses, resulting in a large effect size. Additionally, the recognition test tended to produce a higher effect size compared to other types of vocabulary tests. Furthermore, glossing was found to be more effective in improving vocabulary acquisition in expository texts rather than narrative texts. Moreover, single-mode glosses were reported to be more effective than multi-mode glosses. The findings indicated that in-text glosses, out-text glosses, and bottom glosses exhibited a small effect size, whereas pop-up and margin glosses demonstrated a medium effect size. Implications for language learning and suggestions for future meta-analytic research are provided.

Knowledge and Awareness of Adults towards Nocturnal Enuresis in Children among the Medina Population.

Background: Nocturnal Enuresis (NE) is a common problem among children that is stressful for both the child and adults. There is a lack of adults' knowledge and awareness of the NE condition. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the adults' knowledge and awareness of NE in Medina City, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among adults in Medina through September and October 2023, using a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic characteristics and adults' knowledge and awareness of NE. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: The study was conducted among 553 adults in Medina, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 37.69 (10.775). Most participants (94.8%) were Saudi nationals, of which 84.4% were females, 76.3% were married, and 97.1% were urban residents with university degrees (80.3%). The mean (SD) total score of knowledge and awareness was 4.69 (1.783) out of 9 and 6.49 (2.167) out of 12, respectively. Being female (p < 0.001), with a university degree (p = 0.002), and knowing about enuresis in children (p = 0.011) are significant factors affecting adults' knowledge with higher scores than others. Conclusions: An inadequate knowledge and awareness level of NE in children was revealed among adults living in Medina City, Saudi Arabia. These results emphasize the need for targeted educational campaigns to enhance adults' knowledge and awareness of enuresis.

"Lost in Translation: The Readability Discrepancy of Online Patient Educational Materials for PCL Surgery".

Objectives: While the internet provides accessible medical information, often times it does not cater to the average patient's ability to understand medical text at a 6th and 8th grade reading level, per American Medical Association (AMA)/National Institute of Health (NIH) recommendations. This study looks to analyze current online materials relating to posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) surgery and their readability, understandability, and actionability. Methods: The top 100 Google searchs for "PCL surgery" were compiled. Research papers, procedural protocols, advertisements, and videos were excluded from the data collection. The readability was examined using 7 algorithms: the Flesch Reading Ease Score, Gunning Fog, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Coleman-Liau Index, SMOG index, Automated Readability Index and the Linsear Write Formula. Two evaluators assessed Understandability and Actionability of the results with the Patient Educational Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Outcome measures included Reading Grade Level, Reader's age minimum and maximum, Understandability, and Actionability. Results: Of the 100 results, 16 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant difference between the readability of the results from all algorithms and the current recommendation by AMA and NIH. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that there was no difference in readability as it pertained to which page they appeared on Google search. There was also no difference in readability between individual websites versus organizational websites (hospital and non-hospital educational websites). Three articles were at the 8th grade recommended reading level, and all three were from healthcare institutes. Conclusion: There is a discrepancy in readability between the recommendation of AMA/NIH and online educational materials regarding PCL surgeries, regardless of where they appear on Google and across different forums. The understandability and actionability were equally poor. Future research can focus on the readability and validity of video and social media as they are becoming increasingly popular sources of medical information.

Video Captioning and Subtitles in Second Language Listening Comprehension: Fast-Paced Versus Slow-Paced Speakers.

The present study examines the impact of implementing video captioning and subtitles on listening comprehension with special reference to the speaker's speed. A total of 64 undergraduate Saudi EFL learners were assigned into six groups: fast speaker with full captioning, fast speaker with subtitles, fast speaker with no captioning nor subtitles, slow speaker with full captioning, and slow speaker with subtitles, slow speaker with no captioning nor subtitles. Each group was instructed to watch a video in English under its assigned condition and then answered a listening test. Participants also answered a questionnaire to determine the impact of these conditions on their cognitive load. The results revealed that the group that viewed the video of slow speakers with a caption obtained the highest score on the listening comprehension test, followed by the group that viewed the video of fast speakers with a caption. The group that viewed no caption video of fast speakers obtained the lowest scores. The questionnaire analysis indicated that the students in the subtitle slow group reported using low mental effort, whereas the students in the caption fast group reported using very high mental effort followed by the students in the caption slow group who also reported using high mental effort.

Use of potentially inappropriate medication for elderly patients in tertiary care hospital of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Background and objectives: The elderly population is affected by chronic diseases and lifelong medication. The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria is a comprehensive approach to medication usage in the older population to reduce potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use. The purpose of this study was to assess the usage of PIMs in elderly patients upon discharge from tertiary care hospital settings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using the AGS Beers Criteria 2019. Methods: The data was obtained from the medical records of 1237 patients (>65 years) who were discharged from medical or surgical wards at two hospitals affiliated with King Abdulaziz Medical City. The data was analyzed to determine the prevalence of PIM prescription, and the proportional odds of the independent factors influencing outcomes were estimated using ordinal regression analysis for criteria 1 and 2, while Binary regression analysis was conducted for criterion 3. Results: There were approximately equal numbers of male and female participants in our study (male: 50.8 % vs. female: 49.2 %). One-third of the patients were above the age of 80 years, with 41 % being between the ages of 70 and 80 years. Moreover, almost 70 % of the samples had chronic illnesses. The overall prevalence of PIMs was 29.2 %, with 11 % of PIMs to be avoided in elderly patients and 17 % to be used with caution in the elderly, while disease-specific PIMs were identified in 1.2 % of the patients. The most common PIM class was proton pump inhibitors (44.41 %), and patients discharged from the surgical unit were more likely to be prescribed PIMs. Proton pump inhibitors (44.41 %) were the most inappropriately prescribed drug class, and patients discharged from the surgical unit were more likely to be prescribed PIMs. Conclusion: The study noticed that male gender, the presence of multiple diseases, and obesity are associated with more than one PIM prescription. There is a need to streamline the surgical department's prescription procedure to eliminate prescription disparities. Prescription monitoring is recommended to avoid medication errors, particularly in patients who are taking multiple medications.

Problems of Translating Oil Contracts of Multinational Companies from English into Arabic.

This study investigated challenges that Saudi undergraduate learners face in translating oil contracts from English into Arabic. The study used a quantitative approach of data collection. The sample of this study consisted of 18 Saudi undergraduate learners of transaction departments at some Saudi universities. To achieve the objectives of this study, a test was designed and administered. Additionally, the relevant theoretical framework of legal translation and features of oil contracts were analysed to pinpoint the problematic areas and the gaps. The results of the study indicated that undergraduate learners provided unacceptable translation based on lexical and textual features. On the other hand, they provided poor translation based on syntactic features. The study suggests some practical solutions to overcome the difficulties of legal texts for translators.

Prophylactic tranexamic acid among women undergoing vaginal delivery to reduce postpartum blood loss and related morbidities: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that inspected the efficacy and safety of prophylactic TXA compared with control (placebo/no treatment) among women undergoing vaginal delivery on reducing postpartum blood loss and related morbidities. METHODS: Six databases were screened from inception until 06-December-2021. The pooled data were summarized as mean difference or risk ratio, respectively, with 95% confidence interval in a fixed- or random-effects model. RESULTS: Sixteen studies comprising 17 RCT treatment arms were included. There were 7122 patients; 3611 and 3511 patients were allocated to prophylactic TXA and control groups, respectively. Overall, the included RCTs had a low risk of bias. Prophylactic TXA correlated with a significant decrease in mean postpartum blood loss and mean change in hemoglobin/hematocrit. Moreover, prophylactic TXA was linked to decreased incidence rates of postpartum hemorrhage, need for blood transfusion, and need for additional uterotonic agents. Nevertheless, prophylactic TXA culminated in significantly higher incidence rates of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, all of which were well-tolerated. There was no increased risk of thromboembolic events. Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of efficacy endpoints. There was no publication bias for the endpoint of mean postpartum blood loss. CONCLUSION: Among patients undergoing vaginal delivery, prophylactic TXA during active management of third stage of labor (AMTSL) appeared largely safe and correlated with a significant decrease in postpartum blood loss and related morbidities compared with control intervention. Prophylactic TXA should be integrated as a "formal" component of AMTSL among women undergoing vaginal delivery.

Preoperative duloxetine on postoperative pain after laparoscopic gynecological surgeries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative duloxetine on postoperative pain management after gynecologic laparoscopic surgeries. METHODS: A systematic search was done in Cochrane Library, PubMed, ISI web of science, and Scopus from inception to September 2021. We selected randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared preoperative duloxetine (intervention group) versus placebo (control group) among women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopic surgeries. Our primary outcomes were pain scores evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. Our secondary outcomes were the time required for the first analgesic request in minutes, postoperative analgesic consumption in milligrams, length of hospital stay in days, and side effects. RESULTS: Four RCTs with a total number of 244 patients were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. We found duloxetine was linked to a significant reduction in VAS pain scores at different time intervals. The first analgesic request was significantly earlier in the placebo group than in the duloxetine group (p = 0.03). In addition, duloxetine significantly reduced the postoperative analgesic consumption compared to placebo (MD= -41.97, 95% CI [-53.23, -30.72], p<0.001). However, both groups did not differ in the length of hospital stay and side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Duloxetine administration prior to gynecological laparoscopic surgeries is safe and effective in improving postoperative pain and analgesia.

Vasopressin to Control Blood Loss during Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: Minimizing intraoperative blood loss during hysterectomy is crucial to lessen associated perioperative morbidity. The aim of this investigation is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared vasopressin versus normal saline in controlling intraoperative blood loss during hysterectomy. DATA SOURCES: We screened 5 major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from inception till July 18, 2021. We used the following query search in all databases: (vasopressin OR arginine vasopressin OR argipressin OR antidiuretic hormone) AND (hysterectomy) AND (saline OR placebo OR control OR no treatment) AND (randomized OR randomised OR randomly). There was no language restriction during database screening. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We considered all studies that met the following evidence-based criteria: (1) patients: individuals undergoing hysterectomy for any indication, (2) intervention: vasopressin, (3) comparator: normal saline, placebo, or no treatment, (4) outcomes: reliable extraction of any of our endpoints, and (5) study design: RCTs. We assessed risk of bias of included studies and pooled endpoints as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). We performed statistical analysis using the Review Manager software, version 5.4.0. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Seven RCTs with an overall low risk of bias met the inclusion criteria. This meta-analysis included a total of 455 patients; 232 and 223 patients were allocated to vasopressin and control group, respectively. The majority of RCTs were vaginal hysterectomy (n = 5), few abdominal hysterectomy, (n = 2) and no laparoscopic hysterectomy. The mean estimated intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in favor of the vasopressin group compared with the control group (n = 6 RCTs, MD = -119.85 mL, 95% CI [-177.55, -62.14], p <.001). However, there was no significant difference between both groups regarding mean operating time, mean change in postoperative hemoglobin, mean hospital stay, rate of febrile morbidity, rate of pelvic infection, rate of perioperative blood transfusion, and rate of perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: Compared with normal saline, vasopressin significantly reduced the estimated blood loss during hysterectomy but did not change any clinically significant outcomes. In addition, vasopressin was safe and did not correlate with an increase in the rates of febrile morbidity or pelvic infection.

Misoprostol plus isosorbide mononitrate versus misoprostol alone for cervical ripening during labor induction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

AIM: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the maternal and neonatal outcomes of misoprostol+isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) versus misoprostol alone (control) in promoting cervical ripening during labor induction. METHODS: We searched five databases from inception until 05-May-2021. We assessed risk of bias of RCTs, meta-analyzed 23 endpoints, and pooled them as mean difference or risk ratio with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Overall, five RCTs met the inclusion criteria, comprising 850 patients (426 and 424 patients were allocated to misoprostol+ISMN and misoprostol group, respectively). Overall, the RCTs had a low risk of bias. Pertaining to maternal delivery-related outcomes, there was no significant difference between both groups regarding the mean interval from drug administration to delivery, rate of vaginal delivery, rate of cesarean section delivery, and rate of need for oxytocin augmentation. Pertaining to maternal drug-related side effects, the rate of maternal headache was significantly higher in disfavor of the misoprostol+ISMN compared with misoprostol alone. However, the rates of maternal nausea, hypotension, flushing, palpitation, dizziness, postpartum hemorrhage, and uterine tachysystole did not differ between both groups. Pertaining to neonatal outcomes, there was no significant difference between both groups regarding rates of NICU admission, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and Apgar score <7 at five minutes. CONCLUSION: Compared with misoprostol alone, co-administration of misoprostol+ISMN did not correlate with superior maternal delivery-related outcomes. The rate of maternal headache was significantly higher in disfavor of the misoprostol+ISMN group. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding neonatal endpoints.

Preoperative leukocytosis correlates with unfavorable pathological and survival outcomes in endometrial carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To meta-analytically examine the frequency and prognostic impact of preoperative leukocytosis in endometrial carcinoma (EC). METHODS: Five major databases were searched till 01-February-2021. Studies that evaluated the frequency of preoperative leukocytosis or its correlation with pathological and survival outcomes in EC patients were included. Data were pooled as mean differences (MD), odds ratios (OR), or hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Nine retrospective studies, with low risk of bias, were included. The pooled prevalence of preoperative leukocytosis was 11.2% (95% CI: 8.2-14.3). There was a significant correlation between preoperative leukocytosis and FIGO stage III-IV (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.60-2.75), ≥50% myometrial invasion (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.72), lymph node involvement (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.29-2.59), cervical involvement (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.68-3.13), adnexal involvement (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.42-3.31), and tumor size (MD = 1.10 cm, 95% CI: 0.63-1.58). However, preoperative leukocytosis did not significantly correlate with tumor grade II-III, non-endometrioid histology, peritoneal cytology, and lympho-vascular space involvement (p > 0.05). Additionally, preoperative leukocytosis correlated with higher rates of death (OR = 2.85, 95% CI: 2.03-4.00), tumor recurrence (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.21-4.61), and worse overall survival at univariate and multivariate analyses (HR = 2.90, 95% CI: 2.24-3.75 and HR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.59-2.94, respectively). As for disease-free survival, preoperative leukocytosis emerged as an independent prognostic factor on univariate (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.16-1.39) but not multivariate (HR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00-1.18) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative leukocytosis is common and correlates with poor pathological and survival outcomes in EC patients.

Measuring Students' Use of Zoom Application in Language Course Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM).

The study uses technology acceptance model (TAM) to gain insights into user reactions to the technology adopted for language learning. The study aims to analyze the correlation between the variables of TAM on using Zoom application in language learning, in addition to examining how gender and experience influence the use of technology. The participants of this study comprise of 75 undergraduate English-as-Foreign-Language learners who have studied for their courses online during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the study reveal a strong positive correlation between the actual use of Zoom and the students' attitudes and behavioral intention. In addition, there is a positive correlation between computer self-efficacy and other variables (i.e. PU, actual use, PEU, attitude and behavioral intention). Further, while the results reveal that there is no correlation between the gender and any variables of the model, it has been found that experience is positively correlated with the variables of TAM.

Asphaltene Adsorption from Toluene onto Silica through Thin Water Layers.

Asphaltenes in crude oil play a pivotal role in reservoir oil production because they control rock-surface wettability. Upon crude oil invasion into a brine-filled reservoir trap, rock adherence of sticky asphaltene agglomerates formed at the crude oil/brine interface can change the initially water-wet porous medium into mixed-oil wetting. If thick, stable water films coat the rock surfaces, however, asphaltenic-oil adhesion is thought to be prevented. We investigate whether water films influence the uptake of asphaltenes in crude oil onto silica surfaces. Water films of known thickness are formed at a silica surface in a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation and contacted by toluene-solubilized asphaltene. We confirm that thick water films prevent asphaltene molecular contact with the silica surface blocking asphaltene adhesion. The thicker the water film, the smaller is the amount of asphaltene deposited. Film thickness necessary for complete blockage onto silica is greater than about 500 nm, well beyond the range of molecular-chain contact. Water films of thickness less than 500 nm, sandwiched between toluene and solid silica, apparently rupture into thick water pockets and interposed molecularly thin water layers that permit asphaltene adherence.

Caregiving Appraisal by Family Caregivers of Stroke Survivors in Nigeria.

Introduction: Attending to caregiving experiences of family caregivers of stroke survivors is important in person-centered stroke rehabilitation. This study explored caregiving appraisals by family caregivers of stroke survivors in Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of family caregivers' negative and positive appraisals of caregiving was conducted using the 24-item 4-domain revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale (rCAS). Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to identify differences in caregiving appraisals based on specific caregiver and stroke survivor variables. Results: Seventy-three caregiver and care recipient dyads participated in the study. Mean age of the caregivers was 31.51 (9.82) years. From a score of 5, and higher scores depicting higher appraisal, mean (SD) score for caregiving satisfaction and caregiving mastery (positive appraisal domains) was 4.23 (0.97) and 4.04 (0.92) respectively while 2.29 (0.98) and 2.11 (0.93) were respectively recorded for caregiving burden and environmental impact (negative appraisal). Caregivers' gender, age, and employment status resulted in significantly different appraisals with female caregivers having higher caregiving mastery (U = 446, P<0.05), caregiving satisfaction (U = 384.5, P<0.01), and also caregiving burden (U = 382.5, P<0.01) compared to their male counterparts; while older (U = 330; P<0.05) and employed (U = 437.5, P<0.05) family caregivers reported higher caregiving satisfaction and burden respectively than younger and unemployed family caregivers. Conclusion: Given the comparatively higher positive caregiving appraisal, and the documented benefits of positive caregiving appraisal, efforts should be geared towards identifying effective means of reinforcing positive appraisal, and reducing negative stroke caregiving appraisal, especially for female, older and employed family caregivers.

Asthma insights and reality in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: The burden of asthma in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the extent to which guidelines are being followed for optimum asthma control are largely unknown. This survey assessed the current level of asthma control, the burden of the disease, and adherence to asthma guidelines by patients. METHODS: A face-to-face interview of 200 asthmatics in the UAE was conducted. In addition to the questionnaire administered by expert interviewers, each respondent self-completed an Asthma Control Test. The sample was stratified by region within the country and sampled proportionately. RESULTS: Sudden severe attacks of asthma were reported by 64% in the past year. Day time symptoms and night time symptoms were reported by 57.5% and 35.5%, respectively, in the past 4 weeks. Overall, 52.8% of the children and 17.1% of the adults missed school and work in the past year, respectively. The percentage of asthmatics that had emergency room visits within the past year was 27.5%, and 4% were hospitalized. Only 5.5% used inhaled corticosteroids in the past year and 47.5% were on short-acting beta-2 agonists. Only 17.8% ever owned a peak flow meter and only 30% ever had a lung function test. Only 17% had scheduled follow-up and 66% were followed-up by general practitioners. CONCLUSION: This survey shows that the current level of asthma control in the UAE is far from optimal. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the awareness among patients and update doctors about asthma control guidelines for attaining optimal asthma control, and thus reducing the burden of the disease.

Color-flow duplex hemodynamic assessment of runoff in ischemic lower limb revascularization.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the existence of hemodynamic arterial flow correlation between preoperative duplex scanning (DS) and intraoperative direct outflow resistance (IDOR) measurements in ischemic lower limb revascularization. Sixty-eight ischemic lower limbs were submitted to preoperative DS. Anatomic and hemodynamic arterial characteristics of the outflow system were recorded, and the results were considered in the distal anastomosis placement site decision making. IDOR measurements were obtained at the same arterial segment, and Pearson's correlation coefficient test was performed to study the preoperative DS power in predicting the intraoperative outflow resistance. DS was technically satisfactory and helped define the distal anastomosis site in 93.2% of the cases (supragenicular popliteal artery, 19 [27.9%]; infragenicular popliteal artery, 10 [14.7%]; crural artery, 31 [57.4%]). A positive correlation could be found between preoperative DS and IDOR (0.450; p < .001). This correlation was particularly powerful in the crural artery (0.715; p < .001) when compared with the popliteal arterial segment (0.237; p = .192). Preoperative DS may help define the best distal arterial and outflow segment to be revascularized based on anatomic and hemodynamic parameters. There is a positive flow correlation between preoperative DS and IDOR that seems to be stronger in crural revascularization surgery.