Search

This study examines the impact of ChatGPT on reducing the affective filter and enhancing speaking proficiency among EFL medical track students. An experimental group of 18 students participated in speaking practice facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) tools using ChatGPT. Specifically, the influence of ChatGPT was evaluated on motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety levels among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection through pre-posttests on speaking proficiency, as well as interviews. Results indicate a significant positive shift in students' anxiety levels post-intervention, along with improvements in speaking performance and reduced affective filter. ChatGPT's role in providing personalized feedback, simulated conversations, and a supportive learning environment is highlighted as an asset in language learning and emotional barrier mitigation. Further exploration into the long-term effects of AI technology in language learning is recommended to enhance teaching practices and create inclusive learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol is a widely used industrial and household alcohol that poses significant health risks upon exposure. Despite its extensive use, methanol poisoning remains a critical public health concern globally, often resulting from accidental or intentional ingestion and outbreaks linked to contaminated beverages. Methanol toxicity stems from its metabolic conversion to formaldehyde and formic acid, leading to severe metabolic acidosis and multiorgan damage, including profound CNS effects and visual impairments. Epidemiological data underscore the widespread impact of methanol poisoning, with alarming case fatality rates reported in various countries. Comprehensive prevention and effective management strategies are urgently needed to address the significant morbidity and mortality associated with methanol poisoning. The clinical manifestations of methanol toxicity vary between adult and pediatric populations and between acute and chronic exposure. Adults typically present with gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, whereas pediatric patients often exhibit more severe outcomes due to differences in metabolism and body weight. The diagnosis of methanol poisoning involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and advanced diagnostic techniques. The identification of metabolic acidosis, elevated anion and osmolal gaps, and confirmation through methanol and formate levels are critical for accurate diagnosis. Timely intervention is crucial, and the management of methanol poisoning includes securing the airway, breathing, and circulation; addressing metabolic acidosis with sodium bicarbonate; administering antidotes such as fomepizole or ethanol; and administering hemodialysis, which plays a pivotal role in eliminating methanol and its toxic metabolites, especially in severe cases. The complexity of methanol poisoning necessitates a comprehensive approach encompassing early recognition, prompt intervention, and coordinated care among healthcare providers. Increased awareness, effective prevention strategies, and timely treatment protocols are essential to mitigate severe health consequences and improve patient survival and recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acetaminophen is generally considered safe when used according to the recommended guidelines. Consumption in excessive doses can lead to severe liver damage and, in critical cases, may even result in death. To reduce the effects of acetaminophen overdose, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been established as the preferred intervention to prevent liver damage. Objectives: The purpose of this updated systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the potential benefits of a two-bag N-acetylcysteine (NAC) dosing regimen compared to the traditional three-bag protocol in the treatment of acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The research team utilized the PubMed and Cochrane databases to perform a thorough and comprehensive search of the relevant literature from the inception of these databases up until January 2024. Results: Nine studies were included. The overall use of two-bag NAC was associated with lower anaphylactic reactions and gastrointestinal symptoms compared to the three-bag method. The rate of liver toxicity resolution was the same between the two treatment groups. Conclusions: The two-bag NAC regimen can be considered a safe and effective method for managing acetaminophen toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As the pharmaceutical advertising landscape evolves with digital advancements, this study examines public awareness and perceptions of medication advertisements in Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the effects of regulatory frameworks and evaluates how they influence public understanding and attitudes toward these advertisements. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic survey in Saudi Arabia in December 2023. The survey was distributed on social media platforms and reached a diverse sample of 440 participants. It covered public perception and attitudes toward drug advertisements, knowledge of regulatory laws, and preferences regarding advertising mediums. Results: Out of the 440 participants in the study, who were primarily employees with bachelor's degrees, there was a clear awareness of drug advertisements. The average age of the group was 33 years, and a significant portion (71.1%) held a bachelor's degree, with 51.1% being employed. The findings revealed that 25.5% of participants frequently noticed drug ads, while 22.7% saw them very often. Although many found the ads informative, there were significant concerns about unrealistic expectations and the risk of overmedication; 89.8% believed the ads set unrealistic expectations about the effectiveness of medications. Additionally, 60.7% thought that celebrity endorsements might mislead the audience, and 91.1% felt that ads should provide more detailed information about potential risks and side effects. Regarding preferred advertising platforms, mobile apps and websites were favored (47%), followed closely by social media (46.4%). A striking 93.2% of participants believed that drug ads on social media should be subject to stricter regulations, and 96.4% wanted more proactive monitoring of online advertising. Many also reported using other sources, such as medical review sites, to verify medication information. Conclusions: Pharmaceutical advertising in Saudi Arabia must balance ethical transparency with educational value. The influence of digital platforms underscores the necessity for stricter regulation and accurate information dissemination. A collaborative approach is essential to align advertising practices with public health interests and regulatory standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hyperuricemia has been linked to various adverse clinical outcomes. Data on the clinical outcomes and the relationship between hyperuricemia and sepsis remain limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of hyperuricemia on clinical outcomes in sepsis patients and to identify whether it can predict the mortality in this patient population. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with sepsis admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023. The patients were divided into hyperuricemia and non-hyperuricemia groups. Hyperuricemia was defined as a serum uric acid level > 416.4 µmol/L (7.0 mg/dL) in males or >357.0 µmol/L (6.0 mg/dL) in females based on the first serum uric acid reading within 24 h of ICU admission. The primary outcome of this study was ICU mortality. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, progression to septic shock, and ICU and hospital lengths of stay (LOSs). Results: A total of 599 patients were included in the study. Among these, 303 were in hyperuricemia group, while 296 were in the non-hyperuricemia group. The incidence of ICU and in-hospital mortality was higher in the hyperuricemia group compared to the non-hyperuricemia group (26.7% vs. 18.9% (p < 0.001) and 34.7% vs. 19.3% (p < 0.001), respectively). After adjusting for cofounders, hyperuricemia was not a predictor of ICU mortality (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.95–2.43, p = 0.083). Most secondary outcomes were similar between the groups. However, the hyperuricemia group had a higher incidence of progression to septic shock (67.3% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.001), and hospital LOS was significantly longer in the hyperuricemia group (384 vs. 264 h, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that hyperuricemia in sepsis patients was associated with worse clinical outcomes such as higher ICU and hospital mortality. Moreover, there was a higher incidence of septic shock progression and longer hospital LOS. The other outcomes were not statistically significantly different. Further prospective research is warranted to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the use of various features of noun phrases employed in argumentative writing by Saudi college students, as well as differences in the complexity of these noun phrases between learners with varying levels of writing proficiency. Using the hypothesized developmental progression index proposed by Biber et al. (2011), the researcher analyzed argumentative essays to determine prenominal and postnominal modifiers. Additionally, manual coding of data was utilized to document and analyze the occurrence of noun premodifiers and postmodifiers. It was revealed that level-three students relied primarily on attributive adjectives and possessive nouns as premodifiers, whereas the most commonly used phrasal features for level-five students were of- phrases as noun modifiers and nouns as nominal pre-modifiers. The results of the study support the proposed developmental index by demonstrating that levelthree students, who are less proficient, heavily relied on attributive adjectives. This finding aligns with the notion that attributive adjectives are acquired at an early stage. Furthermore, the utilization of noun modifiers by level-five students, who belong to the more proficient group, exhibited a much higher resemblance to the frequencies observed in published academic prose compared to the usage by the less proficient group. The results of the study have the potential to contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of noun phrase use among Saudi EFL students' learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the impact of first language (L1) on adjective ordering among Saudi English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. The main hypothesis posited that the presence of a common adjective ordering convention in both Arabic and English would influence the proficiency and accuracy of Saudi EFL learners in generating this specific ordering in English. To test this hypothesis, 36 Saudi EFL learners representing high and low levels of proficiency were selected. They were instructed to arrange a set of adjectives in three combinations: non-absolute + absolute (NA), absolute + absolute (AA), and non-absolute + non-absolute (NN). Statistical analyses revealed that the performance of the NA combination, which exists in both languages, was superior to the NN and AA combinations for all participants. Additionally, a significant interaction was observed between the participants' proficiency levels and the adjective combinations, with the high-proficiency group outperforming the lowproficiency group in all combinations. These findings suggest that L1 influence may have a role in learning English adjective ordering and emphasize the importance of considering L1 transfer in EFL instruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective medication management, disposal, and donation are vital for public health and environmental sustainability. Improper handling of medications can lead to drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental damage. This study examines current practices and challenges in Saudi Arabia, identifying opportunities for improvement. Method: A cross-sectional survey conducted in October and November 2023 targeted the general population in Saudi Arabia. This study employed convenience sampling to explore medication usage, storage, disposal practices, and awareness of donation procedures. Data were analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: This study involved 430 respondents. Of these, 73.0% held a university degree, yet 66.3% were unaware of drug donation programs, and 84.2% lacked knowledge about proper medication disposal. Despite this, 71.4% believed that drug donation programs positively impact healthcare, and 87.9% saw them as reducing drug waste and environmental pollution. However, 48.1% expressed concerns about the potential misuse of donated medicines. Awareness and knowledge were significantly higher among participants aged 30 and above. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for enhanced public awareness, clear medication disposal guidelines, and ethically governed donation practices in Saudi Arabia. These measures can improve healthcare outcomes, protect the environment, and support global health and sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Professional certification programs play a crucial role in helping pharmacists develop specialized skills and establish their expertise in the field. This study explores how pharmacists in Saudi Arabia engage with these programs by examining their levels of awareness, attitudes, and participation. It also identifies the key barriers and motivators that influence their decision to pursue certification. Methods: An online survey was conducted among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia to assess participants' knowledge of certification programs, their perceived benefits, the actual participation rates, and their preferences regarding certification areas and assessment methods. Results: Out of 394 participating pharmacists, around 47% had never participated in a professional certification program, and about 27% of our sample were unaware of such programs in Saudi Arabia. Financial constraints and a lack of awareness were noted as the primary barriers to participation. Almost 55% showed an interest in Clinical Pharmacy Specialties certification, while 54% were inclined toward Pharmacy Management and Leadership certifications. A preference for practical assessments in certification programs was suggested by 55% of participants. Conclusions: This study highlights a significant need for increased awareness and accessibility to professional certification programs among pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Addressing participation barriers is vital to foster professional development and meet the healthcare sector's evolving demands in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the objectives of electrical distribution networks is to provide customers with access to high‐quality electricity. Because any disruptions in these systems result in voltage disorders, different devices are employed to offset these disruptions on consumers who are more susceptible. One of the most important and contemporary pieces of equipment that is connected in series with the network is dynamic voltage restoration (DVR), which shields delicate loads from network voltage issues by injecting the proper voltage. This article presents a DVR control scheme optimized with improved grey wolf optimization (IGWO) that uses a proportional derivative (PD) controller and adaptive notch filter (ANF). The output LC filter's resistance has been removed, and the control system has actively engaged in oscillation damping in order to accelerate dynamic responsiveness and lower system losses. The major component of the voltage, which comprises its frequency, amplitude, and phase, is extracted using ANF. The capacitor current of the output filter in this structure is fed back to the control system and from the current mode control in the inner loop to boost stability. Owing to the occasionally complex dynamic behavior in distribution networks, particularly during a fault, the system's frequency response has been altered and response speed has been accelerated using the PD controller. This kind of controller is distinguished by its accurate functioning in the presence of frequency deviations and its swifter dynamic reaction in the face of voltage swell and sag. In order to improve the THD and voltage sag indicators of the sensitive load, the PD coefficients were adjusted using the IGWO algorithm. As a consequence, the simulation results demonstrated that the suggested controller performed better than traditional controllers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if intravenous push (IVP) administration of piperacillin-tazobactam reduced the time to antibiotic administration compared to intravenous piggyback (IVPB) in emergency department (ED) patients who present with sepsis. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with sepsis who received piperacillin-tazobactam before and after implementation of an IVPB to IVP conversion protocol. Results: A total of 486 charts were reviewed and the final analysis included 127 patients in each group. The mean time to administration of piperacillin-tazobactam was 67 (± 48) minutes and 58 (± 36) minutes in the IVPB and IVP cohorts, respectively (P = NS). The time to administration of secondary antibiotics was reduced by 38 minutes in patients who received piperacillin-tazobactam by IVP (105 min ±69 vs 67 min ±37; P <.001). Nurse administration time was reduced by 11 min for piperacillin-tazobactam (54 min ±46 vs 43 min ±33; P =.034) and 40 min for secondary antibiotics (90 min ±67 vs 50 min ±32; P = <.001) in the IVP group. There was no difference in hypersensitivity reactions, hospital length of stay, or mortality. Conclusion: Conversion from piperacillin-tazobactam IVPB to IVP was associated with a reduction in time to piperacillin-tazobactam and secondary antibiotic administration in emergency department patients with sepsis. Further prospective research is needed to evaluate clinical outcomes associated with IVP administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundHealth information obtained from the Internet has an impact on patient health care outcomes. There is a growing concern over the quality of online health information sources used by diabetic patients because little is known about their health information–seeking behavior and the impact this behavior has on their diabetes-related self-care, in particular in the Middle East setting. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the online health-related information–seeking behavior among adult type 2 diabetic patients in the Middle East and the impact of their online health-related information–seeking behavior on their self-care activities. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on 344 patients with type 2 diabetes attending inpatient and outpatient primary health care clinics at 2 teaching hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The main outcome measures included the ability of patients to access the Internet, their ability to use the Internet to search for health-related information, and their responses to Internet searches in relation to their self-care activities. Further analysis of differences based on age, gender, sociodemographic, and diabetes-related self-care activities among online health-related information seekers and nononline health-related information seekers was conducted. ResultsAmong the 344 patients, 74.1% (255/344) were male with a mean age of 53.5 (SD 13.8) years. Only 39.0% (134/344) were Internet users; 71.6% (96/134) of them used the Internet for seeking health-related information. Most participants reported that their primary source of health-related information was their physician (216/344, 62.8%) followed by television (155/344, 45.1%), family (113/344, 32.8%), newspapers (100/344, 29.1%), and the Internet (96/344, 27.9%). Primary topics participants searched for were therapeutic diet for diabetes (55/96, 57%) and symptoms of diabetes (52/96, 54%) followed by diabetes treatment (50/96, 52%). Long history of diabetes, familial history of the disease, unemployment, and not seeking diabetes education were the most common barriers for online health-related information–seeking behavior. Younger age, female, marital status, higher education, higher income, and longer duration of Internet usage were associated with more online health-related information–seeking behaviors. Most (89/96, 93%) online health-related information seekers reported positive change in their behaviors after seeking online health information. Overall odds ratio (OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.63-3.28) for all self-care responses demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference between those seeking health-related information online and non–health-related information seekers. However, health-related information seekers were better in testing their blood glucose regularly, taking proper action for hyperglycemia, and adopting nonpharmacological management. ConclusionsPhysicians and television are still the primary sources of health-related information for adult diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia whether they seek health-related information online or not. This study demonstrates that participants seeking online health-related information are more conscious about their diabetes self-care compared to non–health-related information seekers in some aspects more than the others.

Purpose To evaluate potential differences in days on mechanical ventilation for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on route of administration of analgesic and sedative medications: intravenous (IV) alone vs IV + enteral (EN). Summary This institutional review board–approved study evaluated ventilation time and fentanyl or midazolam requirements with or without concurrent EN hydromorphone and lorazepam. Patients were included in the study if they were 18 to 89 years old and were admitted to the intensive care unit with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction or antigen test and respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours. In total, 100 patients were evaluated, 60 in the IV-only group and 40 in the IV + EN group. There was not a significant difference in ventilation time between the groups (mean [SD], 19.6 [12.8] days for IV + EN vs 15.6 [11.2] days for IV only; P = 0.104). However, fentanyl (2,064 [847] μg vs 2,443 [779] μg; P < 0.001) and midazolam (137 [72] mg vs 158 [70] mg; P = 0.004) requirements on day 3 were significantly higher in the IV-only group, and the increase in fentanyl requirements from day 1 to day 3 was greater in the IV-only group than in the IV + EN group (378 [625] μg vs 34 [971] μg; P = 0.033). Conclusion Addition of EN analgesic and sedative medications to those administered by the IV route did not change the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19, but the combination may reduce IV opioid requirements, decreasing the impact of IV medication shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the modern education system, using artificial intelligence and smart learning techniques has become vital for students' academic success. This research examines the direct impact of smart learning, artificial intelligence, and beliefs about the future on academic performance. It further investigates whether the desire for knowledge mediates the relationships between these variables. A structural questionnaire was designed using the existing literature, and data was collected through face-to-face distribution. The respondents have diversified demographic dimensions for which a sample of 317 was empirically tested with the help of MS-Excel and Smart PLS version 4. The results signify the following output: (1) artificial intelligence, desire for knowledge, and smart learning promote the academic performance of the study. (2) Desire for knowledge fully mediates the relationship between smart learning and academic performance and between beliefs about the future and academic performance, respectively. A comprehensive list of policy recommendations is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AI has the potential to revolutionize mental health services by providing personalized support and improving accessibility. However, it is crucial to address ethical concerns to ensure responsible and beneficial outcomes for individuals. This systematic review examines the ethical considerations surrounding the implementation and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) interventions in the field of mental health and well-being. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, we employed a structured search strategy across top academic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search scope encompassed articles published from 2014 to 2024, resulting in a review of 51 relevant articles. The review identifies 18 key ethical considerations, including 6 ethical considerations associated with using AI interventions in mental health and wellbeing (privacy and confidentiality, informed consent, bias and fairness, transparency and accountability, autonomy and human agency, and safety and efficacy); 5 ethical principles associated with the development and implementation of AI technologies in mental health settings to ensure responsible practice and positive outcomes (ethical framework, stakeholder engagement, ethical review, bias mitigation, and continuous evaluation and improvement); and 7 practices, guidelines, and recommendations for promoting the ethical use of AI in mental health interventions (adhere to ethical guidelines, ensure transparency, prioritize data privacy and security, mitigate bias and ensure fairness, involve stakeholders, conduct regular ethical reviews, and monitor and evaluate outcomes). This systematic review highlights the importance of ethical considerations in the responsible implementation and impact of AI interventions for mental health and well-being. By addressing privacy, bias, consent, transparency, human oversight, and continuous evaluation, we can ensure that AI interventions like chatbots and AI-enabled medical devices are developed and deployed in an ethically sound manner, respecting individual rights, promoting fairness, and maximizing benefits while minimizing potential harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electronic cigarettes are immensely popular among youths across the globe. However, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding their use vary by country. The present study investigated the knowledge and attitudes toward e-cigarette use among first-year university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was adopted, and an online, self-administered questionnaire assessing the knowledge of and attitudes toward e-cigarette use was utilized to conduct this study. The study population included students from all streams enrolled in their first year of university. Descriptive statistics were used to report percentages and frequencies, while advanced statistics, such as multiple logistic regression analyses, were used to determine associations. Results: The lifetime and current prevalence of e-cigarette use was 27.4% and 13.5%, respectively, among first-year university students. The mean age of smoking initiation was 16.4 ± 1.2 years. Of e-cigarette users, 31.3% smoked every day and 86.7% used flavored e-cigarettes. Knowledge of the harmful effects of e-cigarettes was high (addiction, 61.2%; asthma, 61%; nicotine content, 75.2%). However, when comparing e-cigarettes to regular cigarettes, only 22.5% and 48.4% of the students reported that they carry the same risk and contain the same chemicals as regular cigarettes do. There was a lack of knowledge (17.1%) regarding government regulations related to e-cigarettes. An attitude of support was observed regarding banning e-cigarettes (2.6 ± 1.5 on a scale of 0 to 4), while at the same time, some associated e-cigarette use with helping to reduce tobacco dependency (2.1 ± 1.2). Marketing adverts were agreed upon to positively influence youth (1.9 ± 1.4). However, the participants' perceptions relating e-cigarette use to style were not well articulated. Significant gender differences were found: most of the women who participated in the study had better knowledge of e-cigarettes (p < 0.001). Being male, having higher income status (OR = 1.67; p = 0.013), being a current smoker (OR = 11.6; p < 0.001), and having intention for future use (OR = 3.45; p < 0.001) were strong predictors of e-cigarette use. Conclusions: These findings suggested the increasing popularity of e-cigarette use among male first-year university students. More educational campaigns and stricter regulations are needed to curb this trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before the beginning of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty with pharaoh Shebitqo, we lack reliable historical and chronological sources. Although the succession Alara-Kashta-Pi(ankh)y is generally accepted, it is far from clear if there were other rulers between them. Apart from having possible gaps in the line of the known kings, there is the question of the chronological position of the so-called Neo-Ramesside kings. At least two of them can be placed in the early phase of the Kingdom of Kush. In this paper, I intend to evaluate all these sources in order to present gaps, proofs, and assumptions of the period immediately before the Twentyfifth Dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to understand the syntax of three causative constructions in Sason Arabic. It demonstrates that in geminate causatives and 'give' causatives, the causee is introduced in CauseeP, unlike the embedded agent in 'make' causatives, which embed a thematic VoiceP. Despite differing from Voice0$$ {}^0 $$ in several respects, Causee0$$ {}^0 $$, like Voice0$$ {}^0 $$, exhibits an active–passive‐like alternation, which provides independent evidence for an analysis of the passive that treats it as a subtype of the Voice head. The article further distinguishes between geminates and 'give' causatives on the basis of the (in)compatibility of the causee with an applied argument. In geminates, Causee0$$ {}^0 $$ and Appl0$$ {}^0 $$ are bundled, and the same argument bears two θ$$ \theta $$‐roles, whereas in other causative constructions, Causee0$$ {}^0 $$ and Appl0$$ {}^0 $$ remain separate, with each argument bearing a distinct θ$$ \theta $$‐role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]