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Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare congenital disorder marked by facial port-wine birthmarks, neurological impairments, and ocular anomalies. Our case report describes a 20-year-old man with SWS who presented with right-sided weakness, slurred speech, and oral dyskinesia. Laboratory studies demonstrated elevated prolactin levels, and imaging confirmed a pituitary macroadenoma. While not well-documented, the association between SWS and pituitary macroadenomas is emerging based on current evidence. The potential link may involve embryological, genetic, or hormonal factors influencing the simultaneous development of these conditions. This case highlights the need for a thorough evaluation in patients with SWS, incorporating both neuroimaging and endocrine assessments to manage associated complications effectively. Further research is necessary to investigate the link between SWS and pituitary tumors. Establishing evidence-based guidelines for the screening and management of these patients will improve outcomes and provide a standardized approach to care.

Canine babesiosis, or tick-borne protozoal disease, is prevalent among canines globally and is associated with anemia and potentially fatal illnesses in both dogs and wild animals. This research investigated babesiosis in stray dogs from Erbil Province, Iraq, employing microscopic and molecular detection practices. One hundred forty-two blood samples had been collected from stray dogs brought to private clinics and the Erbil dog shelter. Along with the samples, information regarding age group and gender was recorded. Initially, the blood samples underwent examination using the Giemsa-stained blood smear technique. Subsequently, DNA extraction was performed, and the identification of Babesia spp. was confirmed by amplifying the 18S and 28S rRNA genes. The overall incidence was 6.3% using microscopic techniques and 15.5% using PCR. Common clinical symptoms in infected dogs were fever, pale mucous membranes, anorexia, and depression. Molecular testing revealed a significantly greater prevalence of babesiosis in younger dogs 25.5% and female dogs 20.6% compared to older and male dogs. A significant difference was also found between tick infestation and poor body condition. A Phylogenetic study revealed that the two Babesia spp. from the current research with accession numbers OR896912 and OR896913 B. vogeli and OR896867 and OR896868 B. gibsoni have indicated 98-99% similarity to species isolated in India, China, and Brazil. To summarize, the findings underscore the prevalence of canine babesiosis in the region, potentially offering insights to aid in its control measures.

Abstract This study aimed to classifying wheat genotypes using support vector machines (SVMs) improved with ensemble algorithms and optimization techniques. Utilizing data from 302 wheat genotypes and 14 morphological attributes to evaluate six SVM kernels: linear, radial basis function (RBF), sigmoid, and polynomial degrees 1–3. Various optimization methods, including grid search, random search, genetic algorithms, differential evolution, and particle swarm optimization, were used. The radial basis function kernel achieves the highest accuracy at 93.2%, and the weighted accuracy ensemble further improves it to 94.9%. This study shows the effectiveness of these methods in agricultural research and crop improvement. Notably, optimization-based SVM classification, particularly with particle swarm optimization, saw a significant 1.7% accuracy gain in the test set, reaching 94.9% accuracy. These findings underscore the efficacy of RBF kernels and optimization techniques in improving wheat genotype classification accuracy and highlight the potential of SVMs in agricultural research and crop improvement endeavors.

Background: Angulated screw channel (ASC) abutment allows off-axis dental implants to be used in dental restorations without the need for cementation. As this is a relatively new system, research on its clinical performance is limited. Objectives: To summarize the available in-vitro and in-vivo studies on the mechanical and technical issues associated with the ASC system and compare its clinical performance with that of conventional implant-supported abutments. Methods: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases was performed, focusing on articles about angulated (angled) screw channel (ASC) systems published in English between January 2015 and November 2023. Only in-vitro and in-vivo studies were included. Results: After analyzing the recorded articles, 26 studies (11 in vivo and 15 in vitro) were included in the final discussion and review. Conclusion: Although the ASC system is still relatively new, and is presently outperformed by conventional abutment systems in terms of technical and mechanical properties, in short- and medium-term in-vivo studies, it was shown reliable for retaining single or multiple-unit implant restorations in both posterior and anterior zones. Still, further long-term clinical research is needed to fully elucidate the risk factors associated with ASC failures.

The study investigated the detection of caprine theileriosis using Giemsa-stained direct blood smears and conventional PCR techniques, with a sample size of 150 goats of both gender and various ages were collected between July 7, 2023, and October 20, 2023, in Erbil governorate, Iraq. The infection rates of theileriosis were determined as 29.3% and 65.3%, respectively. Clinical symptoms in infected goats included dullness, depression, fever, increased respiratory rate, anorexia, pale conjunctival mucous membrane, lethargy, rough hairy skin with tick infestations, cough, nasal discharge, and prescapular lymph node enlargement. Gender-based analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates between females 17.76% and males 11.81%. However, a higher infection rate 21.8% was observed in goats aged 1-5 years compared to other age groups. Imported goats had the highest infection rate 50%, followed by imported black goats 27.3% and Merzi goats 21.4%. PCR analysis using 'catch-all' primers detected a 1098 bp band, indicating Theileria spp. infection. Specific primers for T. ovis revealed a 520 bp band, confirming T. ovis infection. All goats identified as positive through microscopic examination were also positive in PCR. Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S rRNA sequences indicated a 98-100% similarity to T. ovis. Sequences were isolated from Iraq, Turkey, and China. In conclusion, the study provides insights into the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and molecular characteristics of caprine theileriosis. The findings contribute valuable information for understanding and managing theileriosis in goat populations.

Abstract BackgroundThis research explores the capabilities of ChatGPT-4 in passing the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Certification Examination. Addressing a gap in existing literature, where earlier artificial intelligence (AI) models showed limitations in medical board examinations, this study evaluates the enhanced features and potential of ChatGPT-4, especially in document analysis and information synthesis. ObjectiveThe primary goal is to assess whether ChatGPT-4, when provided with extensive preparation resources and when using sophisticated data analysis, can achieve a score equal to or above the passing threshold for the Family Medicine Board Examinations. MethodsIn this study, ChatGPT-4 was embedded in a specialized subenvironment, “AI Family Medicine Board Exam Taker,” designed to closely mimic the conditions of the ABFM Certification Examination. This subenvironment enabled the AI to access and analyze a range of relevant study materials, including a primary medical textbook and supplementary web-based resources. The AI was presented with a series of ABFM-type examination questions, reflecting the breadth and complexity typical of the examination. Emphasis was placed on assessing the AI’s ability to interpret and respond to these questions accurately, leveraging its advanced data processing and analysis capabilities within this controlled subenvironment. ResultsIn our study, ChatGPT-4’s performance was quantitatively assessed on 300 practice ABFM examination questions. The AI achieved a correct response rate of 88.67% (95% CI 85.08%-92.25%) for the Custom Robot version and 87.33% (95% CI 83.57%-91.10%) for the Regular version. Statistical analysis, including the McNemar test (PP ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that ChatGPT-4, particularly when equipped with specialized preparation and when operating in a tailored subenvironment, shows promising potential in handling the intricacies of medical board examinations. While its performance is comparable with the expected standards for passing the ABFM Certification Examination, further enhancements in AI technology and tailored training methods could push these capabilities to new heights. This exploration opens avenues for integrating AI tools such as ChatGPT-4 in medical education and assessment, emphasizing the importance of continuous advancement and specialized training in medical applications of AI.

The purpose of this article is to determine the cause of Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in Chuuk state, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). In this prospective observational case series, five patients with early-onset vision loss were examined in Chuuk state, FSM, during an ocular genetics visit to study the elevated incidence of microphthalmia. Because of their low vision these patients were incorrectly assumed to have microphthalmia. A complete ophthalmological exam established a clinical diagnosis of LCA. Candidate gene exons were sequenced with a targeted retinal dystrophy panel. Five subjects in three related families were diagnosed with LCA. All five were from Tonoas Island, within the Chuuk Lagoon, with ages ranging from 6 months to 16 years. DNA sequencing of affected individuals revealed a homozygous CRB1 NM_201253.3:c.3134del pathogenic variant, which was heterozygous in their parents. CRB1 genotypes were confirmed by a PCR restriction assay. We report identification of a founder pathogenic variant in CRB1 responsible for autosomal recessive LCA in this isolated community. This discovery will lead to appropriate recurrence risk counseling.

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are emerging as a structural material for the aerospace, automobile, and electronics industries, driven by the imperative of weight reduction. They are also drawing notable attention in the medical industries owing to their biodegradability and a lower elastic modulus comparable to bone. The ability to manufacture near-net shape products featuring intricate geometries has sparked huge interest in additive manufacturing (AM) of Mg alloys, reflecting a transformation in the manufacturing sectors. However, AM of Mg alloys presents more formidable challenges due to inherent properties, particularly susceptibility to oxidation, gas trapping, high thermal expansion coefficient, and low solidification temperature. This leads to defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, cracking, delamination, residual stresses, and inhomogeneity, ultimately influencing the mechanical, corrosion, and surface properties of AM Mg alloys. To address these issues, post-processing of AM Mg alloys are often needed to make them suitable for application. The present article reviews all post-processing techniques adapted for AM Mg alloys to date, including heat treatment, hot isostatic pressing, friction stir processing, and surface peening. The utilization of these methods within the hybrid AM process, employing interlayer post-processing, is also discussed. Optimal post-processing conditions are reported, and their influence on the microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties are detailed. Additionally, future prospects and research directions are proposed.

Abstract The 2022 multi-country Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak has added concerns to scientific research. However, unanswered questions about the disease remain. These unanswered questions lie in different aspects, such as transmission, the affected community, clinical presentations, infection and prevention control and treatment and vaccination. It is imperative to address these issues to stop the spread and transmission of disease. We documented unanswered questions with Mpox and offered suggestions that could help put health policy into practice. One of those questions is why gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) are the most affected community, underscoring the importance of prioritizing this community regarding treatment, vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis. In addition, destigmatizing gbMSM and implementing community-based gbMSM consultation and action alongside ethical surveillance can facilitate other preventive measures such as ring vaccination to curb disease transmission and track vaccine efficacy. Relevant to that, vaccine and drug side effects have implied the questionability of their use and stimulated the importance of health policy development regarding expanded access and off-label use, expressing the need for safe drug and vaccine development manufacturing. The possibility of reverse zoonotic has also been raised, thus indicating the requirement to screen not only humans, but also their related animals to understand the real magnitude of reverse zoonosis and its potential risks. Implementing infection prevention and control measures to stop the virus circulation at the human–animal interface that includes One Health approach is essential.

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause severe and fatal complications; knowledge about these diseases is essential for promoting safe sex practices and modifying behaviours that are harmful to one’s health. This study investigates Syrian people’s understanding, attitudes, and behaviors towards HIV/AIDS and STIs, aiming to identify factors promoting safe sex practices and modifying harmful behaviors. Methods This online cross-sectional study was conducted in Syria between 3 September and 23 November 2022, involving all 18+ individuals. The questionnaire was adapted from a previous study containing 74 questions from five sections: socio-demographic information, knowledge and practice regarding STIs, knowledge and practice regarding HIV/AIDS, attitude towards HIV/AIDS, and attitude regarding STIs and analyzed using descriptive and multivariate logistic regression. Results The study involved 1073 participants mostly aged between 18–30, with 55.3% females. Over half had good awareness of STIs and HIV/AIDS, with 55% and 63% respectively. Specifically, the overall knowledge level of STI type, signs/symptoms, risks of transmission, preventive methods, and complications for untreated STIs were (45.7%), (52.9%), (58.1%), (66.1%), and (59.6%), respectively. Medical field respondents had higher knowledge of HIV (P-value < 0.05, OR = 2). Conclusion Our results show that Syrian people have a knowledge level of STIs and HIV was moderate. However, the attitude toward STIs was negative, as less than half of the participants had a good attitude. It is essential to solve these knowledge gaps, especially in low-income countries such as Syria.

Although there are several studies conducted by linguistics researchers on the differences between the linguistic styles of female and male writers, there are not many studies conducted on the use of boosters in academic writing. Boosters are used to convince and emphasize statements made. This study analyzes the regularity of boosters used in the Introduction section of Ten Research Articles (RAs). The influence of gender differences in the use of specific boosters will also be looked at. A document analysis method was chosen as the 10 RAs were analyzed as the corpus in this study. The findings showed that male writers used more boosters than female writers. Even though the number of words for the female writers was more than the male writers, it did not affect the number of boosters used in the Introduction section of those articles. In conclusion, it can be deduced from the analysis that both the female and male writers used boosters to highlight their claims or their beliefs regardless of their gender, while the use of boosters was more evident among the male RAs as the male writers seemed to be more direct in illustrating and mentioning their claims.

Abstract Background Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators have been investigated for heart failure (HF) in several randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, its place in the management guidelines of either HFrEF or HfpEF is still inconclusive. Methods We conducted a network meta-analysis synthesizing RCTs investigating sGC for HF management, which were retrieved by systematically searching five databases until January 24th, 2023. Dichotomous outcomes were pooled using risk ratio (RR) along with confidence interval (CI). Results Eight RCTs with a total of 7307 patients were included. Vericiguat 10 mg significantly reduced the composite cardiovascular (CVS) mortality and HF hospitalization in HF (RR: 0.88, 95% CI [0.79; 0.98]) and in HFrEF (RR: 0.87, 95% CI [0.78; 0.97]); however, it was not effective in HFpEF (RR: 0.69, 95% CI [0.15; 3.05]). Also, vericiguat 10 mg showed no difference compared to placebo regarding the incidence of all-cause mortality (RR: 0.96, 95% CI [0.84; 1.10]), any adverse events (AEs) (RR: 0.94, 95% CI [0.83; 1.07]), any serious AEs (RR: 0.91, 95% CI [0.81; 1.01]), and any AEs leading to drug discontinuation (RR: 1.14, 95% CI [0.92; 1.40]). Conclusion Vericiguat 10 mg was effective in reducing the composite CVS mortality and HF hospitalization, with an acceptable safety profile. This was only observed in HFrEF patients, but not in HFpEF patients. However, our data regarding other agents (riociguat and praliciguat) and HFpEF can be underpowered, warranting further RCTs to clarify vericiguat 10 mg place in HFrEF management guidelines and to investigate sGC stimulators for HFpEF in large-scale trials.

This study showed that total percentage of infection with Theileria species in 100 blood samples of cattle in Mosul City was 38% with no significant differences between male and female of cattle. Cattle older than 1 year old had a high percentage of Thieleria infection 40% compared to younger cattle 34.28%, with no significant variations in Thieleria infection and age groups of cattle. Theileria measurement in red blood cells ranged from 0.5 to 2 microns, while parasitemia levels ranged from 0.2 to 15%, with an average of 6.572%. The results of molecular diagnosis confirmed the detection Theileria genus, Theileria annulata, and Theileria parva in blood samples of examined cattle and PCR revealed that the amplification products were 237bp, 690bp, and 700bp, respectively. In this study, we recorded new strains of Theileria in cattle of the Nineveh governorate by using the BLAST program consisting of three strains of T. annulata, one strain of Theileria ovis and two strains of Theileria parva which differs from the normal isolates in many nucleotides in different worlds. The phylogenetic tree showed the relative relation among the Theileria spp, the results matching species between 8 and 11, 1 and 4, 6 and 10, 3 and 9, and 2 and 12; the species 7 were more closely linked to 11 and 8, the species five similar to 6 and 10.

Vocabulary is often neglected despite being one of the most crucial aspects of language acquisition. Due to the lack of emphasis on vocabulary learning, ESL students have issues in learning the English language effectively, which resulted in low-level language proficiency. Hence, this paper attempts to address this problem by introducing Visual Vocabulary to learn the target words. The main research question: How effective is the use of the Visual Vocabulary to learn vocabulary for Form Two learners? To investigate the effectiveness of the use of the Visual Vocabulary, 60 students of Form Two from sub-urban schools in Ipoh and Teluk Intan, Perak, were selected. These students were instructed to learn a total of 45 target words and Visual Vocabulary was applied to assist them to learn and simultaneously understand the meaning of the target words. The independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the scores of the pre and post-tests. The score comparison and total improvement score in percentage were also presented. The paired sample t-test results are (t=-17.85, df=29, p<0.05) for the experimental group and (t=-4.85, df=29, p<0.05) for the control group. Based on the stated results, both experimental and control groups improved significantly (p=.000*) in the post-test with a mean difference of 15.62. The results of this study confirm the effectiveness of Visual Vocabulary in learning and understanding the target words. This approach is proven to increase the success rate of vocabulary learning among ESL learners.

BackgroundThe Syrian conflict has been ongoing since 2011. Practical and scalable solutions are urgently needed to meet an increase in need for specialised psychological support for post-traumatic stress disorder given limited availability of clinicians. Training forcibly displaced Syrians with a mental health background to remotely deliver specialised interventions increases the availability of evidence based psychological support. Little is known about the effectiveness of online therapy for forcibly displaced Syrian women provided by forcibly displaced Syrian women therapists.PurposeTo pilot an evidence-based trauma therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), carried out online by trained forcibly displaced Syrian women therapists for forcibly displaced Syrian women who require treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Methods83 forcibly displaced Syrian women, living in Türkiye or inside Syria, with diagnosable PTSD, were offered up to 12 sessions of online EMDR over a period of 3 months. This was delivered by forcibly displaced Syrian women therapists who were trained in EMDR. Data were gathered, using Arabic versions, on PTSD symptoms using the Impact of Events Scale Revised, depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and anxiety symptoms using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 at baseline, mid-point, and end of therapy.ResultsPTSD scores, depression scores and anxiety scores all significantly reduced over the course of treatment, with lower scores at midpoint than baseline and lower scores at end of treatment than at midpoint. Only one participant (1%) exceeded the cutoff point for PTSD, and 13 (16%) exceeded the cutoff points for anxiety and depression at the end of treatment.ConclusionIn this pilot study up to 12 sessions of online EMDR were associated with reductions in PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms in Syrian women affected by the Syrian conflict. The training of forcibly displaced Syrian mental health professionals to deliver online therapy is a relatively low cost, scalable, sustainable solution to ensure that those who are affected by the conflict can access specialised support. Further research is needed using a control group to confirm that the observed effects are due to EMDR treatment, as is research with post-treatment follow-up to ascertain that benefits are maintained.

A series of six novel polyesters (P1-P6) were obtained via by direct polycondenzation with hydroxyl functional-appended chromone and curcumin based monomers (M1, M2 and M3) were synthesized and subjected to thermogravimetric and spectroscopic analyses for structural characterization. The synthesized polymers were soluble common organic solvent such as DMF, THF, DMAc and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP). The molecular weight of the polymers was found to be ranged from 3.390 × 105 – 1.1 × 105 g/mol by GPC-MALS. X-ray diffraction pattern of polyesters indicates P1, P2 and P3 are amorphous in nature, whereas polymer P4, P5, and P6 shows crystalline nature. The receptor VEGFR2 kinase can expand the synthesized molecules into 2D and 3D supramolecular networking through π-π stacking, hydrophobic, and H-bonding interactions. The cell viability effects of polymers on the growth of cell lines A549, HeLa and VERO were evaluated in vitro by MTT assay. The polymer P3 displayed potent anticancer activity compared to the other polymers. Research is undergone in developing curcumin chromone functional polymer as a workable biopolymer which could find value in the present findings.

IntroductionMechanical neck pain has become prevalent among computer professionals possibly because of prolonged computer use. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neck pain intensity, anthropometric metrics, cervical range of motion, and related disabilities using advanced machine learning techniques.MethodThis study involved 75 computer professionals, comprising 27 men and 48 women, aged between 25 and 44 years, all of whom reported neck pain following extended computer sessions. The study utilized various tools, including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain measurement, anthropometric tools for body metrics, a Universal Goniometer for cervical ROM, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). For data analysis, the study employed SPSS (v16.0) for basic statistics and a suite of machine-learning algorithms to discern feature importance. The capability of the kNN algorithm is evaluated using its confusion matrix.ResultsThe “NDI Score (%)” consistently emerged as the most significant feature across various algorithms, while metrics like age and computer usage hours varied in their rankings. Anthropometric results, such as BMI and body circumference, did not maintain consistent ranks across algorithms. The confusion matrix notably demonstrated its classification process for different VAS scores (mild, moderate, and severe). The findings indicated that 56% of the pain intensity, as measured by the VAS, could be accurately predicted by the dataset.DiscussionMachine learning clarifies the system dynamics of neck pain among computer professionals and highlights the need for different algorithms to gain a comprehensive understanding. Such insights pave the way for creating tailored ergonomic solutions and health campaigns for this population.

Abstract Background In this meta-analysis, we aimed to update the clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of TXA in the prevention of PPH. Methods A literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library from inception until December 2022 was conducted. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TXA with a placebo among pregnant women. All relevant outcomes, such as total blood loss, the occurrence of nausea and/or vomiting, and changes in hemoglobin, were combined as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) in the meta-analysis models using STATA 17 MP. Results We included 59 RCTs (18,649 patients) in this meta-analysis. For cesarean birth, TXA was favored over the placebo in reducing total blood loss (MD= -2.11 mL, 95%CI [-3.09 to -1.14], P

Abstract Intermittent fasting (IF) is associated with enormous metabolic alterations that underpin its diverse health effects. Changes in lipid metabolism, particularly ceramides, and other sphingolipids, are among the most notable of these alterations. This study investigated the lipidomic alterations associated with 29–30 days of Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting (RIF) in metabolically healthy overweight and obese subjects. A prospective cohort of 57 overweight and obese adults (70% males, 38.4 ± 11.2 years), with an age range of 18–58 years was observed prior to and at the conclusion of Ramadan. At both time points, anthropometric, biochemical (lipid profile, glycemic, and inflammatory markers), and dietary intake measurements were taken. Using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, a lipidomic analysis of ceramides and other sphingolipids was conducted. Using paired sample t-tests, pre- and post-Ramadan anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary values were compared. RIF was associated with improved levels of lipid profile compartments and inflammatory markers. In addition, RIF was associated with a decrease in plasma sphingosine and sphinganine, which was accompanied by a decrease in sphingosine 1-phosphate and sphinganine 1-phosphate. In addition, RIF was associated with decreased C17, C22, and C24 sphingomyelin, but not C14, C16, C18, C20, and C24:1 sphingomyelin, as well as C20, C22, C24, and C24:1 dihydrosphingomyelin, but not C16 and C18 dihydrosphingomyelin. This study demonstrates that RIF is associated with improvements in plasma sphingosine, sphinganine sphingomyelin, and dihydrosphingomyelin lipid species, as well as improved lipid profile and inflammatory markers, which may confer short-term protection against cardiometabolic problems in patients with overweight/obesity.

The flies of different families that the flies which act as the main sources of annoyance to both humans and animals, as well as being direct vectors of many pathogens, its indeed need to do this study to check for the presence of these flies within the animal environment near the sources of food and water, in addition to their presence close to animals or on their bodies. As indicated from the results of the present study of morphological or formal specification for Musca, Lucilia, Chrysoma, Stomoxys, and Parasarchophaga, which were collected from cowsheds from AL-Saada and Baawyza and Al-Shalalaat areas in Mosul city. The current study focused on the morphological features of flies collected to achieve guideline evidence with images taken under the stereoscopic dissecting microscope. Three families and seven species of dipteran flies' morphological specifications have been revealed in this research with the help of taxonomic keys particularly; wing venation, number of strips on the thorax, color of head, thorax, and abdomen with colored hairy of the flies and antennae, as well as an activity note of flies during the day and peak of this activity in the noon hours, especially in the warm months in which the study took place, like April and May and the daylight time (sunrise at 4:52-5:57 am, the sunset at 6:29-7:17 pm) characterized encouraging for light action of flies families.

Fostering students’ critical thinking (CT) is an increasing concern in EFL classrooms in China as many students struggle to utilize the skill, particularly in EFL reading comprehension classes. This study investigated the effects of graphic organizers (GOs) on 60 Chinese senior high school students’ CT skills (analyzing and generalizing) in EFL reading classes. This study adopted a quasi-experimental mixed-method research design involving an experiment and an interview. The findings of this study showed the positive impacts of GOs on students’ CT skills. After the intervention, the results of the experimental group improved significantly. The findings showed that GOs could effectively improve the analytical and generalization skills of Chinese high school English reading class students. The students in the experimental group reported that the instructions received were motivating, increased their comprehension, made them more focused on reading and aware of CT skills and how to apply them in real reading contexts. This study implies that teachers may consider GOs an alternative teaching tool to improve CT skills in English Language reading classes, particularly in EFL contexts. Guidelines for teachers to use the different types of GOs to promote critical thinking should also be prepared to ensure the effective use of GOs in promoting reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.