DSpace Collection: 221 - 467

Validity and reliability study of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index: Turkish adaptation

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Validity and reliability study of the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index: Turkish adaptation Authors: Cemali, Ozge; Celik, Elif; Akdevelioglu, Yasemin Abstract: Objective: TheMediterraneanLifestyle Index(MEDLIFE) differs fromsimilar scales in that it concurrently includes diet and lifestyle. The current study translated MEDLIFE into Turkish, and assessed its reliability and validity. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 300 individuals 19e65 years of age. The questionnaire was subsequently re-administered to 87 research participants. The questionnaire, asking for general information,MEDLIFE, and information regarding anthropometric measurements, was sent to the users of an online platform. The scale was converted into the applicable Turkish form by an expert group. Test-retest reliability was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). In addition, kappa coefficients (k) and BlandeAltman graphs were determined for each item to assess reliability. Results: The mean scores before and after were 14.5 3.68 and 14.3 3.81, respectively, and the intercorrelation coefficient r was 0.817 for test-re-test reliability. Conclusion: The validity and reliability of the scale in the Turkish language was confirmed. This study is the first to translate MEDLIFE into another language and may aid in assessing the scale’s adaptability to other languages. Food consumption record and physical activity record studies must be performed to ensure validity.

The assessment of readiness to change among head managers of primary healthcare centers in Makkah, KSA

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The assessment of readiness to change among head managers of primary healthcare centers in Makkah, KSA Authors: Arbaein, Turky J.; Alharbi, Khulud K.; Alzhrani, Abdulrhman A.; dkk. Abstract: Background: KSA is currently undergoing significant changes in its healthcare system, with a particular emphasis on enhancing the role of primary healthcare centers (PHCs) to elevate patient experience and overall healthcare quality. At the forefront of this transformation are head managers in PHCs, who play a crucial role in implementing these changes effectively. The readiness of these managers is paramount to the successful execution of the envisioned transformation and the subsequent improvement of patient experience. Objective: This study aims to assess the readiness to change among head managers of primary healthcare centers in Makkah, KSA. Methodology: Cross-sectional study utilized the ADKAR model questionnaire, consisting of 22 Likert scale questions, to assess PHCs head managers’ awareness, desire, knowledge, ability, reinforcement, and overall change readiness. Results: The study found a significant association between higher educational levels and increased awareness (b = 0.214, p = 0.030), along with greater desire (b = 0.207, p = 0.029) among primary healthcare (PHC) managers. Additionally, a positive association was found between age (>41 years) and knowledge among PHC managers (b = 0.138, p = 0.030). However, managers with 11 or more years of experience showed a negative association with change readiness (b = -0.112, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The ADKAR model outlines five dimensions that are useful for identifying the readiness and willingness of head managers in PHCs in Makkah cluster to undergo change. Assessing change readiness is crucial for organizational transformation, with head managers playing a significant role. Factors such as age, education, and experience influence managers’ readiness for change in primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Makkah.

Relationship between admission selection tools and student attrition in the early years of medical school

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Relationship between admission selection tools and student attrition in the early years of medical school Authors: Hefny, Ashraf F.; Almansoori, Taleb M.; El-Zubeir, Margaret; dkk. Abstract: Objectives: Placement in medical schools is highly sought after worldwide with fierce competition among applicants. However, some of the best students withdraw after being accepted to medical school. The aim of this study was to investigate early student attrition within the first 2 years of medical school and determine its relationship to admission selection tools. Methods: Quantitative research was conducted at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences from 2016 until 2020, during which time routine admission data and students’ examination results for the first 2 years were collected and analyzed. Results: The attrition rate during the study period was 31.7%. High school and college written examination scores were significantly related to completing the premedical program (p ¼ 0.001 and p ¼ 0.002, respectively). Female students scored significantly higher in multiple mini interviews (MMIs) compared with male counterparts (p < 0.001). However, the difference in MMI score was not related to student attrition (p ¼ 0.148). Conclusion: The cause of early attrition is complex and cannot be attributed to a single factor. Undergraduate high school score and written admission examination results were statistically significant factors in relation to student attrition rate and low academic performance. The results of this study showed that the female students scored significantly higher in the multiple MMI tests compared to male students. However, MMI score alone was not significantly related to student attrition.

Ligand based-design of potential schistosomiasis inhibitors through QSAR, homology modeling, molecular dynamics, pharmacokinetics, and DFT studies

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Ligand based-design of potential schistosomiasis inhibitors through QSAR, homology modeling, molecular dynamics, pharmacokinetics, and DFT studies Authors: Ja’afaru, Saudatu C.; Uzairu, Adamu; Chandra, Anshuman; dkk. Abstract: Objectives: Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is a leading cause of mortality in affected geographic areas. Currently, because no vaccine for schistosomiasis is available, control measures rely on widespread administration of the drug praziquantel (PZQ). The mass administration of PZQ has prompted concerns regarding the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, new therapeutic targets and potential compounds are necessary to combat schistosomiasis. Methods: Twenty-four potent derivatives of PZQ were optimized via density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G* level. Quantitative structureactivity relationship (QSAR) models were generated and statistically validated, and a lead candidate was selected to develop therapeutic options with improved efficacy against schistosomiasis. The biological and binding energies of the designed compounds were evaluated. In addition, molecular dynamics; drug-likeness; absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET); and DFT studies were performed on the newly designed compounds. Results: Five QSAR models were generated, among which model 1 had favorable validation parameters (R2 train: 0.957, R2 adj: 0.941, LOF: 0.101, Q2cv: 0.906, and R2 test: 0.783) and was chosen to identify a lead candidate. Other statistical parameters for the chosen model included variance inflation factor values ranging from 1.242 to 1.678, and a Y-scrambling coefficient (cRp2) of 0.747. Five new compounds were designed with improved predicted activity (ranging from 5.081 to 7.022) surpassing those of both the lead compound and PZQ (predicted pEC50 of 5.545). Molecular dynamics simulation revealed high binding affinity of the proposed compounds toward the target receptor. ADMET and drug-likeness assessments indicated adherence to Lipinski’s rule of five criteria, thereby suggesting pharmacological and oral safety. In addition, DFT analysis indicated resistance to electronic alteration during chemical reactions. Conclusion: The proposed compounds exhibited potential drug characteristics, thus indicating their suitability for further investigation to enhance schistosomiasis treatment options.