Mean Reading Research Articles

Personal Reading Histories for Personal Reading Interest

Learners’ reading interest is developed based on personal reading histories; meaning that they have different reading experiences. The main purpose of this article is to present the research finding about the participant’s personal reading histories developing her reading interest. This is a Case Study by using document of Exploring Personal Reading Histories and interview for its instrument. The study found that the participant was introduced to reading through playing with words and numbers. After being able to read, she listened to stories indicating that stories are as the construction of words. The finding shows that the participant’s reading histories develop her reading interest by recognizing reading through interesting ways, media, and guidance. These The contribution of this study is the need of the implementation of Exploring Personal Reading Histories in Extensive Reading course in order to know how learners are interested in reading as well as to remind them with their meaningful reading experiences.

A Multimetric Health Literacy Analysis of Online Information for Gluteal Augmentation With Fat Grafting.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons the number of gluteal augmentations with fat grafting, colloquially known as the "Brazilian buttock lift" (BBL), doubled from 2014 to 2018. Recent studies have demonstrated that gluteal augmentation with fat grafting has a higher mortality rate when compared with other esthetic surgeries. We hypothesize that online patient-directed information for gluteal augmentation are overly complex, written at an elevated reading grade level, with incomplete or no information regarding associated surgical risks. To perform an objective appraisal of the most popular online patient education materials for gluteal augmentation surgery and explore potential interventions for improving material quality. An online Google search using the term "Brazilian butt lift" was performed and the top 10 websites providing relevant information were identified. Readability for each website was determined using Readability Studio. Understandability, actionability and cultural sensitivity was assessed with validated tools by 2 independent raters. The top 10 websites were written at a mean reading grade level of 13.0, appropriate for a high school graduate. No website was written at the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health recommended 6th to 8th grade reading level. Mean understandability and actionability scores of 51% and 18.9%, respectively, suggest significant room for improvement. The average cultural sensitivity assessment tool score was 2.30, below the recommended threshold for acceptability of 2.5. Ninety percent of all websites did not meet the threshold for cultural acceptability. Online patient education materials for gluteal augmentation with fat grafting were written at an inappropriately elevated reading grade level and were overly complex, did not promote reader action, and were not sensitive to the needs of the target demographic.

Evaluation of the Abbot FreeStyle Optium Neo H blood glucose meter in the hyperbaric oxygen environment.

This study investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) on the accuracy and reliability of point-of-care fingertip capillary blood glucose values in euglycaemic non-diabetic participants compared against venous serum blood glucose samples processed in an accredited pathology laboratory. Ten non-diabetic hyperbaric staff members (age 35-55 years) underwent a standard 243 kPa HBOT exposure for 95 minutes. Blood glucose levels were measured via (i) finger-prick capillary test using the FreeStyle Optium™ Neo H glucometer and (ii) venous serum test using the Cobas 6000 laboratory analyser. Samples were taken at (T1) 0 minutes (pre-HBOT), (T2) 25 minutes, and (T3) 55 minutes into HBOT. All participants were euglycaemic at T1 (BGL 3.8-5.4 mmol·L⁻¹). The highest venous serum value was 5.90 mmol·L⁻¹ at T3 and the highest capillary value was 6.30 mmol·L⁻¹ at T1. Post hoc tests showed a statistically significant difference between the mean capillary result pre-dive (T1) and readings at T2 (P = 0.001) and T3 (P < 0.001) while differences between T2 and T3 capillary results were not statistically significant, illustrating the effect of HBOT on capillary beds. Differences in venous values across the time points were not significant. Venous serum glucose samples processed in an accredited laboratory may be more consistently accurate, but capillary point-of-care testing avoids delays in sample processing and provides glucose data that are of clinical relevance. The FreeStyle Optium™ Neo H glucometer is safe to use and provides a reliable measurement of blood glucose in the HBOT environment.

Clinical Validation of a Deep Learning Algorithm for Detection of Pneumonia on Chest Radiographs in Emergency Department Patients with Acute Febrile Respiratory Illness.

Early identification of pneumonia is essential in patients with acute febrile respiratory illness (FRI). We evaluated the performance and added value of a commercial deep learning (DL) algorithm in detecting pneumonia on chest radiographs (CRs) of patients visiting the emergency department (ED) with acute FRI. This single-centre, retrospective study included 377 consecutive patients who visited the ED and the resulting 387 CRs in August 2018–January 2019. The performance of a DL algorithm in detection of pneumonia on CRs was evaluated based on area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive values (NPVs), and positive predictive values (PPVs). Three ED physicians independently reviewed CRs with observer performance test to detect pneumonia, which was re-evaluated with the algorithm eight weeks later. AUROC, sensitivity, and specificity measurements were compared between “DL algorithm” vs. “physicians-only” and between “physicians-only” vs. “physicians aided with the algorithm”. Among 377 patients, 83 (22.0%) had pneumonia. AUROC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the algorithm for detection of pneumonia on CRs were 0.861, 58.3%, 94.4%, 74.2%, and 89.1%, respectively. For the detection of ‘visible pneumonia on CR’ (60 CRs from 59 patients), AUROC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 0.940, 81.7%, 94.4%, 74.2%, and 96.3%, respectively. In the observer performance test, the algorithm performed better than the physicians for pneumonia (AUROC, 0.861 vs. 0.788, p = 0.017; specificity, 94.4% vs. 88.7%, p < 0.0001) and visible pneumonia (AUROC, 0.940 vs. 0.871, p = 0.007; sensitivity, 81.7% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.034; specificity, 94.4% vs. 88.7%, p < 0.0001). Detection of pneumonia (sensitivity, 82.2% vs. 53.2%, p = 0.008; specificity, 98.1% vs. 88.7%; p < 0.0001) and ‘visible pneumonia’ (sensitivity, 82.2% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.014; specificity, 98.1% vs. 88.7%, p < 0.0001) significantly improved when the algorithm was used by the physicians. Mean reading time for the physicians decreased from 165 to 101 min with the assistance of the algorithm. Thus, the DL algorithm showed a better diagnosis of pneumonia, particularly visible pneumonia on CR, and improved diagnosis by ED physicians in patients with acute FRI.

Individualizing Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Aflibercept (VITAL): A Two-Year Prospective, Interventional Single-Centre Trial.

AimsTo report the mean change in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reading performance (reading acuity and maximum reading speed (MRS) using the MNREAD test) between baseline and 24 months in treatment-naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with intravitreal aflibercept injections.MethodsA prospective, open-label, interventional non-randomised case series with 24 months’ duration. Patients were recruited to the study from medical retina clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Intravitreal injections of 2.0 mg aflibercept in the study eye were administered using a fixed dosing regimen during the first year and a treat-and-extend treatment regimen during the second year of treatment.ResultsFifty patients were enrolled with a mean age (SD) of 78.7 (7.6) years; a mean BCVA of 62.8 ETDRS letters; mean reading acuity of 0.52 logMAR; mean maximum reading speed (MRS) of 141.3 words per minute and a central macular thickness of 322.6 µm at baseline. The mean improvement in BCVA was 6.4 letters for the 44 patients (88%) for whom data was available at 2 years. The mean improvement in reading acuity was 0.13 logMAR with an improvement in MRS of 2.9 words per minute. The mean reduction in CRT from baseline was 104.8 µm.ConclusionsAflibercept treatment of nAMD using fixed dosing in year 1 and treat and extend in year 2 leads to improvements in reading ability, visual acuity and retinal morphology which were maintained to 2 years of treatment.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02441816, the VITAL study.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40123-020-00267-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A IMAGEM ILUSTRATIVA DO TEXTO LITERÁRIO NO LIVRO DIDÁTICO ADAPTADO EM LIBRAS: ANÁLISE DA APROPRIAÇÃO DO ALUNO SURDO

O artigo analisa a aplicação, a um aluno surdo, de uma unidade de livro didático de Língua Portuguesa adaptado em Libras cujas questões norteiam o ensino e a aprendizagem do português como segunda língua e discute a imagem ilustrativa como recurso de linguagem auxiliar para a compreensão do texto literário, bem como suas diversas possibilidades de leitura e apreensão de significado. Pela pesquisa de metodologia de cunho etnográfico, identificam-se entraves durante as atividades, como a ausência de alinhamento do significado da imagem com o texto literário e o pouco acesso à compreensão da leitura por meio da Libras. Conclui que o livro didático adaptado em Libras não promoveu condições ideais para a criança surda aprender o português como segunda língua.

COMPARISON OF THREE DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES FOR ISOLATION OF NEUTROPHILS FROM BLOOD AND THEIR UTILITY IN PERFORMING NITROBLUE TETRAZOLIUM TEST

Background &amp; Objectives: Assays for neutrophils constitute an important component of screening tests in clinical immunology. There are no standard protocols for performing many of these tests and procedures vary from one laboratory to another. In addition, normal ranges for these assays in healthy Indian population have not been defined. Hence, an attempt is made to evaluate and present a simple technique for WBC isolation and NBT test. Methods: The study involved participation of 30 healthy adult volunteers. Ten of blood sample collected from each subject was subjected to three different procedures for isolation of WBCs - Ficoll-Hypaque gradient, dextran sedimentation and gelatin sedimentation methods. Cells isolated from these procedures were then used to perform NBT test. Smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa and results were expressed as % of stimulated and unstimulated cells. Results: The mean cell yield from both dextran and gelatin methods was comparable (2921.67cells vs 2806.67cells/cu mm). The cell yield from Ficoll-Hypaque method was much lower (1408.33 cells/cu mm). In NBT test, the mean readings of stimulated (61%) and unstimulated cells (18%) were almost similar in all three procedures of cell isolation. Conclusions: Comparison of procedures show that gelatin and dextran sedimentation methods yield high amount of relatively purified WBCs. The efficacy of cells isolated from all three procedures in NBT test was almost similar. The range of stimulated and unstimualted cells in the subjects were within expected levels. Gelatin sedimentation is economical, easy to perform and can be adopted to any clinical laboratory for WBC isolation.

Public Health Communication in Time of Crisis: Readability of On-Line COVID-19 Information

The purpose of this study was to assess the readability of information on the Internet posted about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to determine how closely these materials are written to the recommended reading levels. Using the search term "coronavirus," information posted on the first 100 English language websites was identified. Using an online readability calculator, multiple readability tests were conducted to ensure a comprehensive representation would result. The mean readability scores ranged between grade levels 6.2 and 17.8 (graduate school level). Four of the 5 measures (GFI, CLI, SMOG, FRE) found that readability exceeded the 10th grade reading level indicating that the text of these websites would be difficult for the average American to read. The mean reading level for nearly all noncommercial and commercial websites was at or above the 10th grade reading level. Messages about COVID-19 must be readable at an "easy" level, and must contain clear guidelines for behavior. The degree to which individuals seek information in response to risk messages is positively related to the expectation that the information will resolve uncertainty. However, if the information is too complex to interpret and it fails to lead to disambiguation, this can contribute to feelings of panic.

The Unbearableness of Being Light.

The Unbearableness of Being Light.

Association of Term Labor Induction vs Expectant Management With Child Academic Outcomes

Although labor induction at 39 weeks of gestation has been shown to reduce the number of cesarean deliveries, compared with expectant management, without increasing neonatal morbidity in nulliparous, low-risk women, the association between induction at 39 weeks and longer-term childhood cognitive outcomes is not certain. To evaluate educational outcomes of children born by induction at 39 or 40 weeks compared with those whose mothers were expectantly managed beyond those weeks. This statewide cohort study was conducted in Rhode Island. The participants included children of nulliparous women who were born at 39 weeks of gestation or later and then completed third-grade math and reading tests during the 2014 to 2017 academic year. Data analysis was performed from July 2019 to October 2019. Induction of labor compared with expectant management. Third-grade math and reading test scores and proficiency (based on achievement level) among children born after induction in the 39th or 40th week were compared with scores for those who remained in utero beyond that same gestational week. The hypothesis was that induction in the 39th or 40th week would not be associated with differences in math or reading scores or proficiency compared with expectant management past the 39th or 40th week of gestation. Of the 6393 children meeting the inclusion criteria (mean [SD] age, 8.00 [0.22] years; 3208 boys [50.2%]; 376 [5.8%] black; 1280 [22.0%] Hispanic), 455 were delivered by induction in the 39th week and 610 were delivered by induction in the 40th week. There were no differences in mean math or reading test scores or in the frequency of math or reading proficiency between children delivered by induction at 39 or 40 weeks compared with those whose mothers were expectantly managed (overall mean [SD] math score, 744 [33]; overall mean [SD] reading score, 743 [38]; 2945 children [46%] achieved proficiency in math and 2833 [44%] achieved proficiency in reading). After adjusting for plausible confounders (race/ethnicity, maternal education, hypertension, diabetes, and socioeconomic status), induction continued to be associated with similar proficiency in math and reading compared with expectant management. For children born by induction at 39 weeks, the adjusted relative risks were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.97-1.18) for math proficiency and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.88-1.08) for reading proficiency. For children born by induction at 40 weeks, the adjusted relative risks were 0.97 (95% CI, 0.88-1.08) for math proficiency and 0.98 (95% CI, 0.89-1.08) for reading proficiency. These findings suggest that the offspring of nulliparous women for whom labor is induced at 39 or 40 weeks have similar third-grade educational outcomes compared with the offspring of mothers who underwent expectant management past those gestational ages.

EFFECTS OF NEEM, STRAIGHT AND SOLUBLE OILS AS CUTTING FLUIDS ON TOOL WEARING DURING METALWORK PRACTICALS IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study investigated the effects cutting fluids on tool wearing on high speed steel (HSS) using mild steel workpiece for teaching machining operation. Two specific objectives guided the study, two corresponding research questions were poised and two null hypotheses were formulated. The theoretical frame work for the study was hinged on experiential learning theory as propounded by Rogers (1969). The growing demand for biodegradable materials has opened an avenue for using vegetable oils such as neem seed oil, castor oil and water melon seed oil as an alternative to conventional cutting fluids. In this study, some aspects of the turning process on mild steel using HSS cutting tool at variety of spindle speed, feed rate and constant depth of cut were observed using neem seed oil, soluble oil and straight oil in comparison. The data collected from the study was analyzed using mean and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The decision rule was that, the smaller the mean value obtained the more effective the cutting fluid and the higher the mean value, the less effective the cutting fluid. The hypotheses were tested at α=0.05 significance level using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings of the study revealed that soluble oil is more effective in reducing tool wearing than neem oil and straight oil at variety of feed rates and spindle speeds during machining operation. Also there is no significant difference in the mean readings of tool wearing when using neem oil, soluble oil, and straight oil as cutting fluid. It was therefore recommended that machinists should be encouraged to use soluble oil which has greater advantage over neem and straight oils in machining operations

A Multimetric Health Literacy Analysis of Autologous Versus Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction.

Over the past decade, the demand for breast reconstruction has mirrored the rising incidence of breast cancer. Common postoncologic surgical options include autologous and implant-based reconstruction. Patient-directed health information for breast reconstruction can play a critical role in the decision-making process. This study comparatively evaluates the top online resources for autologous versus implant-based reconstruction using a multimetric health literacy analysis. The top 10 websites for autologous and implant-based reconstruction were identified using a Google search. A total of 20 unique links were appraised by 2 independent raters for understandability and actionability using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool and cultural sensitivity using the Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool. A Cohen κ for interrater reliability was calculated. Mean reading grade level and word complexity were also determined. Websites for both autologous and implant-based modalities exceeded the recommended sixth- to eighth-grade reading level (12.4 and 12.1, respectively; P = 0.65). Mean understandability scores for each modality were low (60.5 and 62.5, P = 0.65). Autologous-based resources had a lower mean actionability score compared with implant-based materials (19.5 and 24, respectively; P = 0.04). Both reconstructive modalities met the threshold for acceptability for cultural sensitivity (2.79 and 2.58, P = 0.09). Our study revealed a chasm between the health literacy needs of the average adult and the quality of both implant-based and autologous breast reconstruction resources. Materials for both modalities were often too complex and failed to include tools to facilitate active decision making, particularly for autologous-based reconstruction. Strategies to improve materials should be patient centered and include simplification of reading grade level, incorporation of clear visual aids, and inclusion of procedural risks to promote patient comprehension, participation, and ultimately health outcomes.

Single application of lamellar moisturizers provides significantly increased hydration of the stratum corneum for up to 24 hours in a randomized trial.

BackgroundSome moisturizing formulations can help restore and maintain the barrier function of the skin.ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess the hydration potential of three lamellar moisturizers relative to a control (nonlamellar) moisturizer.MethodsHealthy adults aged 18 to 65 years with self‐reported sensitive skin, dry or very dry skin and Corneometry values of ≤40 a.u. on the lower legs, entered this randomized, evaluator‐blind study. Products A and B together with a control product (Control X) were applied to one leg, while Product C and Control Y were applied to the other leg; with an untreated control site in both cases. The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline in Corneometer assessments at 24 hours (Products A and B) or 12 hours (Product C) postapplication.ResultsAt all timepoints (n = 30), Products A and B showed higher mean Corneometer readings compared to baseline and changes from baseline were statistically significant when compared to untreated sites. Higher mean readings relative to baseline were seen at sites treated with Control X (smaller magnitude than Product A and B) and with Product C. These changes were significant compared to the untreated site at 30 minutes and 2 hours (Control X), and at 30 minutes and 12 hours (Product C). Additionally, Control Y increased significantly at 12 hours.ConclusionA single application of a lamellar moisturizer significantly increased hydration of the stratum corneum for up to 24 hours (Products A and B) or 12 hours (Product C).

Readability analysis of online health information on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

ObjectivesWhen considering PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a HIV prevention method, many rely on information available online. Limited research has examined the quality, including readability, of PrEP information on the Internet. The current study evaluates the readability of PrEP information online employing six commonly used readability tests. Study designThis is a cross-sectional study. MethodsUsing the Google Chrome browser, a search for articles was conducted using two terms: “pre-exposure prophylaxis” and “Truvada.” The URLs of the first 50 English language websites for each term were recorded to create the overall study sample of 100 unique websites. Using six established readability scales, we determined the readability scores for each examined website. Websites were stratified by .com, .org, and .gov URL extensions to compare readability metrics. ResultsMean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) was 9.5 (SD = 2.2), mean Gunning Fog Index (GFI) was 11.1 (SD = 2.7), mean Coleman-Liau Index (CLI) was 11.3 (SD = 2.0), while mean Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Grade Level was 12.1 (SD = 1.8). Using Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease (FRE), one article was found easy to read, while 23 were found of average difficulty to read. Mean New Dale-Chall (NDS) score was 7.3 (SD = 1.3), or grade 9–10. Mean reading levels were significantly different among the commercial, organization, and government sites, however, no category was at the recommended sixth-grade level. ConclusionsPrEP information online surpasses the reading ability of most U.S. adults. Improving the readability of PrEP information online may help to increase uptake of PrEP among populations at risk for HIV.

Perioperative Fluid Resuscitation in Free Flap Breast Reconstruction: When Is Enough Enough?

Background:Perioperative liberal fluid resuscitation (LFR) can result in interstitial edema and venous congestion and may be associated with compromised perfusion of free flaps and higher incidence of wound complications. We hypothesized that restrictive intraoperative fluid resuscitation improves flap perfusion and lowers the wound complication rate in free flap breast reconstruction.Methods:Patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of the breast from 2010 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The study population was divided into 2 groups, LFR (≥7 ml/kg/h) and restrictive fluid resuscitation (RFR) (<7 ml/kg/h). Mean percutaneous oximetry readings of the flap over the first 24 hours were recorded. Primary outcome was development of any wound complication. Secondary outcomes were mean percutaneous oximetry readings within the first 24 hours, length of stay, and development of acute kidney injury.Results:One hundred twenty-six patients were identified, with 41 patients undergoing LFR. The mean fluid received for the RFR group was 5.5 versus 10.2 ml/kg/h for the LFR group (P < 0.001). LFR resulted in a significantly higher incidence of wound complications (76% versus 15%, P < 0.001). The mean oximetry readings within 24 hours were significantly lower for the LFR group (41% versus 56%, P < 0.001). Urine output intraoperatively and within the first 24 hours was similar between the 2 groups. No patients developed acute kidney injury.Conclusion:RFR in free flap breast reconstruction is associated with increased flap perfusion and lower incidence of wound-related complications and should be considered whenever possible.

Artificial intelligence in bone age assessment: accuracy and efficiency of a novel fully automated algorithm compared to the Greulich-Pyle method

BackgroundBone age (BA) assessment performed by artificial intelligence (AI) is of growing interest due to improved accuracy, precision and time efficiency in daily routine. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and efficiency of a novel AI software version for automated BA assessment in comparison to the Greulich-Pyle method.MethodsRadiographs of 514 patients were analysed in this retrospective study. Total BA was assessed independently by three blinded radiologists applying the GP method and by the AI software. Overall and gender-specific BA assessment results, as well as reading times of both approaches, were compared, while the reference BA was defined by two blinded experienced paediatric radiologists in consensus by application of the Greulich-Pyle method.ResultsMean absolute deviation (MAD) and root mean square deviation (RSMD) were significantly lower between AI-derived BA and reference BA (MAD 0.34 years, RSMD 0.38 years) than between reader-calculated BA and reference BA (MAD 0.79 years, RSMD 0.89 years; p < 0.001). The correlation between AI-derived BA and reference BA (r = 0.99) was significantly higher than between reader-calculated BA and reference BA (r = 0.90; p < 0.001). No statistical difference was found in reader agreement and correlation analyses regarding gender (p = 0.241). Mean reading times were reduced by 87% using the AI system.ConclusionsA novel AI software enabled highly accurate automated BA assessment. It may improve efficiency in clinical routine by reducing reading times without compromising the accuracy compared with the Greulich-Pyle method.

Use of rapid reading software to reduce capsule endoscopy reading times while maintaining accuracy

A typical capsule endoscopy (CE) case generates tens of thousands of images, with abnormalities often confined to a just few frames. Omni Mode is a novel EndoCapsule software algorithm (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) that proposes to intelligently remove duplicate images while maintaining accuracy in lesion detection. This prospective multicenter study took place across 9 European centers. Consecutive, unselected CE cases were read conventionally in normal mode, with every captured frame reviewed. Cases were subsequently anonymized and randomly allocated to another center where they were read using Omni Mode. Detected lesions and reading times were recorded, with findings compared between both viewing modes. The clinical significance of lesions was described according to the P classification (P0, P1, and P2). Where a discrepancy in lesion detection in either mode was found, expert blinded review at a consensus meeting was undertaken. The patient population undergoing CE had a mean age of 49.5 years (range, 18-91), with the investigation of anemia or GI bleeding accounting for 71.8% of cases. The average small-bowel transit time was 4 hours, 26 minutes. The mean reading time in normal mode was 42.5 minutes. The use of Omni Mode was significantly faster (P< .0001), with an average time saving of 24.6 minutes (95% confidence interval, 22.8-26.9). The 2127 lesions were identified and classified according to the P classification as P0 (1234), P1 (656), and P2 (237). Lesions were identified using both reading modes in 40% (n= 936), and 1186 lesions were identified by either normal or Omni Mode alone. Normal mode interpretation was associated with 647 lesions being missed, giving an accuracy of .70. Omni Mode interpretation led to 539 lesions being missed, with an accuracy of .75. There was no significant difference in clinical conclusions made between either reading mode. This study shows that CE reading times can be reduced by an average of 40%, without any reduction in clinical accuracy.

ЧТЕНИЕ КАК УСЛОВИЕ СОЦИАЛИЗАЦИИ УЧАЩИХСЯ В ИЗМЕНЯЮЩЕЙСЯ СОЦИОКУЛЬТУРНОЙ СРЕДЕ

The article reveals the relevance of the problem of developing the reading competence of students. One of the conditions for the socialization of students in a changing socio-cultural environment is revealed. The essence of reading culture in the conditions of information and digital environment, meaning, ways of reading are revealed. The studies of scientists devoted to reading, development of reading culture, formation of reading competence are analyzed. The factors that hinder the development of the reading culture of the individual are revealed. Emphasis is placed on the need for critical and meaningful reading.

Evaluation of maternal serum sestrin2 levels in preeclampsia and their relationship with the Disease severity

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is considered one of the major causes of both maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Advances have been made on understanding the pathophysiology of this pregnancy-specific disorder. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a metabolic regulator protein, whose expression is induced in response to exposure to different adverse effects such as hypoxia, DNA damage, or oxidative stress, thus acting as cytoprotective. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the levels of maternal serum SESN2 in preeclamptic and uncomplicated pregnancies and their association with the disease severity. Patients and Methods: This was a case–control study conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital in Iraq – Baghdad city from the first of March till the end of November 2019. The study included a total of 92 pregnant women, 27 with a healthy pregnancy, 33 with nonsevere PE, and another 32 having severe PE. From all participants, blood samples were collected for the evaluation of serum SESN2 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean readings of SESN2 for normal pregnancies were 5.22 ± 1.71 ng/ml which was significantly lower than that for the nonsevere PE group (8.41 ± 1.42 ng/ml), while SESN2 levels were the highest among those with severe PE (16.92 ± 5.15 ng/ml). A negative correlation was found between each of GA at delivery, birth interval, and birth weight and the SESN2 level (P = 0.001); while mean arterial pressure positively correlated with SESN2 levels (P = 0.001), the cutoff value for the diagnosis of severe PE was 9.95 ng/ml (sensitivity of 93.8% and specificity of 98.8%). Conclusion: Maternal serum SESN2 levels are significantly higher in pregnancies complicated by severe PE than nonsevere PE and control groups. It could be a useful biomarker that can help in diagnosing severe PE.

Musculoskeletal manifestations among diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia.

Context:Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Patients with DM are prone to develop multiple musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations, which may lead to disability and an impact on patients’ quality of life. These manifestations include but not limited to, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder hand syndrome, diabetic hand syndrome, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, Dupuytren's contracture.Aims:The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of MSK manifestations in diabetic patients in Saudi Arabia.Settings and Design:The study was carried out in NGHA hospital and PHC in Saudi Arabia.Methods and Materials:This is a retrospective study carried out between 2015 and 2019 where all patients with DM type II between the age of 18 and 65 and were diagnosed with MSK manifestations included in the study.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) software (Version 23).Results:A total of 208 patients were found to have MSK manifestations. The average age of patients was 53 years old ranging from (31-63). The mean reading of A1C was 8%. A total of 34.1% were controlled and 65.9% were uncontrolled. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) was found in 10%. Adhesive capsulitis in 2.4%. Septic arthritis in 1%. Trigger finger was found in 7.2%. Osteomyelitis was found in 0.5%. Plantar fasciitis was found in 4.8%. Osteoarthritis (OA) was found in 149 subjects (71.3%). Two subjects had ankle OA, one hand OA, nine shoulder OA, one hip arthritis. The rest had knee OA. Rotator cuff tendonitis was found in 1%. No significant correlation between age, A1c and all the MSK manifestations that were mentioned above (P value >0.05).Conclusions:MSK manifestations are common among diabetic patients. OA was the most frequently seen disorder. Physicians should be aware of the high prevalence and the huge impact on patients when treating patients with type II DM.