Students' approaches to learning (SALs): Validation and psychometric properties of a tool measurement

BACKGROUND

Deep learning is an important outcome of the higher education and is mostly determined by students' approaches to learning (SALs). The latest version of the Study Process Questionnaire (SPQ) is one of the most used instruments assessing SALs. Many studies from various contexts have either validated or used this famous tool. But none of them-to the best of our knowledge-stem from the Moroccan tertiary context. The current study fills this gap by first: Getting a local translation of the questionnaire following the standardized methodological process and secondly to update the validity and psychometric properties of the construct.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Arabic back translation was performed. Data were collected among tertiary scientific students. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's coefficient alpha, and confirmatory factor analysis were carried out under SPSS version 22.

RESULTS

A strong fit of the dichotomic construct (deep and surface) was found, whereas the hierarchical models were disappointing.

CONCLUSIONS

Following the standards of the psychometrics' validation, this Arabic version could be used only in first-order factor model to evaluate the deep and surface approach within tertiary education in Moroccan context.

Thiophene derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for 2024-T3 aluminum alloy in hydrochloric acid medium

Thiophene derivatives, namely (E)-thiophene-2-carbaldehyde oxime (OXM) and (E)-5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-tetrazole (TET), were synthesized and characterized via¹H and ¹³C NMR. Furthermore, their inhibitory property for AA2024-T3 in 1 M HCl solution was investigated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization at 293 K, together with DFT/B3LYP-based calculations. Numerous global and local descriptors of reactivity such as EHOMO, ELUMO, energy gap, electronegativity (χ), hardness (η), and frontier molecular orbital repartitions were investigated to describe the reactivity of each molecule. Alternatively, Monte Carlo simulations were performed under the solvation condition on the Al (111) surface to understand the adsorption behavior of the as-studied inhibitors deeply. The inhibition efficiency increased with an increase in the inhibitor concentration, achieving maximum values of 94.0% and 96% at 10⁻³ M, respectively. The polarization curves showed that the examined compounds act as mixed-type inhibitors. In addition, the adsorption of these compounds obeyed the Al Awady, Flory-Huggins and Temkin isotherms. The surface characterization analysis via SEM/EDX confirmed the presence of a barrier layer covering the aluminum surface. The experimental inhibition efficiencies were correlated with global descriptors, which confirmed that this theoretical study is useful for the protection of aluminum alloy metal in an acidic medium.

Thiophene derivatives: thiophene-2-carbaldehyde oxime (OXM) and 5-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-tetrazole (TET), were synthesized and characterized. Furthermore, their inhibitory property for AA2024-T3 in 1 M HCl solution was investigated via electrochemical and with theoretical study.

Correction: Thiophene derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for 2024-T3 aluminum alloy in hydrochloric acid medium

Correction for ‘Thiophene derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for 2024-T3 aluminum alloy in hydrochloric acid medium’ by N. Arrousse et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 10321–10335, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA00185C.

Lynch syndrome or hereditary non polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) in a moroccan family: Case report

Introduction and importance

Colorectal cancer is a major global health problem. In 5% of cases, a genetic predisposition to cancer's syndrome is the etiology, such as Lynch syndrome. The population prevalence of Lynch syndrome has been estimated at 1/440. The objectives of this study are to show the interest of the oncogenetic consultation in the management of patients with suspicion of Lynch syndrome.

Case presentation

It is a 70-year-old patient with a family history of different neoplasms. The patient has also been followed for an adenocarcinoma of the colon. An oncogenetic consultation was indicated, which led to the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, according to the Amsterdam II criteria. A study of the MisMatch Repair genes was requested, to allow a pre-symptomatic diagnosis of apparented subjects at risk, and thus to also allow monitoring and early diagnosis of neoplasms or prophylactic measures.

Discussion

Lynch syndrome is one of the most common cancer susceptibility syndromes. A constitutional deleterious mutation in one of the DNA MisMatch Repair genes, is responsible for nearly 70% of cases of this syndrome. The oncogenetic consultation and the identification of the genetics cause, makes it possible to set up specific monitoring and to offer a pre-symptomatic test to all major relatives of the index case.

Conclusion

This medical observation shows the benefit of the oncogenetic consultation, if a genetic predisposition to cancer's syndrome is suspected. The diagnostic of this predisposition and monitoring of the propositus and his exposed, like in Lynch syndrome will help in the early management of cancers, specially colorectal cancer and endometrial adenocarcinoma.

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Lynch syndrome in a moroccan family: A case report:

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It shows the interest of a oncogenetic consultation if we suspect a hereditary predisposition to cancers.

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And the necessity of the surveillance of the propositus and his exposed relatives, to make possible an early management of cancers.

4-Methyl-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2(3H)-one

In the title compound, C10H10N2O, the seven-membered heterocycle displays a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into chains propagating along the a-axis direction.

Diethyl 1-[(4-methyl-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-4-yl)methyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4,5-dicarboxylate

In the title compound, C19H22N4O5, the central triazole ring makes dihedral angles of 56.15 (8) and 43.25 (9)° with the oxazole and benzene rings, respectively. The mean planes of the two ethoxycarbonyl groups make dihedral angles of 24.16 (11) and 51.90 (10)° with the triazole ring. Globally, the molecule has a U-shape. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds into supramolecular layers in thebcplane.

Methyl (1-benzamido-2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)tryptophanate

The title molecule, C22H23N3O2, is U-shaped, with a dihedral angle of 80.76 (9)° between the indole ring system and the phenyl ring. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds combine with N—H...π and C—H...π interactions to generate a three-dimensional structure.

Methyl (2R)-2-benzamido-2-{[(1R)-2-methoxy-2-oxo-1-phenylethyl]amino}acetate

In the title compound, C19H20N2O5, the dihedral angle between the phenyl rings is 58.85 (8)°, while that between the planes of the methyl acetate groups is 88.30 (8)°. The molecular conformation is also influenced by the presence of an intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules, forming chains propagating along thea-axis direction.

Dibenzyl({1-[(4-methyl-2-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-4-yl)methyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl}methyl)amine

In the title compound, C28H29N5O, the molecule adopts an approximate U-shape, a conformation imposed at least in part by an intramolecular π–π contact between the two five-membered rings, which display a centroid-to-centroid separation of 3.6522 (7) Å. The planes of these rings are inclined to one another by 66.12 (5)°. A weak intramolecular C—H...·N hydrogen bond is also found. The planes of the phenyl rings of the amine unit are inclined at a dihedral angle of 81.10 (4)°, while that of the 4,5-dihydrooxazole ring makes an angle of 11.74 (8)° with its phenyl substituent. The crystal packing is stabilized by C—H...N hydrogen bonds that form chains parallel to thebaxis. Several C—H...π(ring) contacts are also present.

[The red eye]

The red eye is a frequent symptom in emergency consultation. The general practitioner should be aware about the sample of possible etiologies. The diseases causing redness are various, sometimes benign but sometimes threatening vision. The most frequent diagnostic hypotheses will be summarized here, as well as the practical methodological elements allowing gross differential diagnosis in the absence of specific instrumentation.

Factors influencing women's willingness to volunteer in the healthcare system: evidence from the Islamic Republic of Iran

This case-control study evaluated the factors influencing volunteering in the Islamic Republic of Iran's Women's Health Volunteer (WHV) programme, which is implemented in 150 centres in Khorasan-e-Razavi Province. We recruited 145 cases (volunteers) and 146 controls (non-volunteers) from the centres. Data were collected by questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables included were: length of residence in neighbourhood, number of siblings, husband's age and education and job, family size, quality of life, self-rated health status, neighbourhood intimacy, child under 2 years, house ownership, wealth index. Social network variables included were: ego network size, type of acquaintance, intimacy with others, relationship communication, relationship duration, emotional support, advisory support, monetary support, physical support, time support. There were significant associations (P<0.05) between women's propensity to volunteer and family size, presence of a child under 2 years in the family, neighbourhood intimacy, social network composition, and emotional and advisory support.

Simple and efficient synthesis of racemic 2-(tert-butoxycarbon-ylamino)-2-methyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propanoic acid, a new derivative of β-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)alanine

A simple synthetic approach to racemic N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl-2-methyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)alanine (5) in four steps and 68% overall yield starting from oxazoline derivative 1 is reported. This synthesis involves the alkylation of 1H-1,2,4-triazole with an O-tosyloxazoline derivative, followed by an oxazoline ring-opening reaction and oxidation of the N-protected β‑aminoalcohol by potassium permanganate.

10-(Prop-2-yn-yl)-10H-phenothia-zine

In the mol­ecule of the title compound, C₁₅H₁₁NS, the butterfly angle between the two planes defined by the two wings of the phenothia­zine unit is 33.5 (8)°. The dihedral angles between the two benzene rings and the propynyl group are 85 (4) and 63 (4)°.

2-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)acetonitrile

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C₁₀H₆N₂O₂, contains two independent mol­ecules. The dihedral angles between the acetonitrile and the 1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione units are 69.0 (7)° and 77.0 (5)° in the two mol­ecules. One of the two terminal N atoms is disordered over two positions in a 0.66 (8):0,34 (8) ratio. In the crystal structure, the mol­ecules are linked by inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

N-(Cyanomethyl)benzamide

In the structure of the title compound, C₉H₈N₂O, the amide group is twisted by a dihedral angle of 21.86 (7)° with respect to the benzene ring, while the planes of the benzene ring and cyano­methyl group form a dihedral angle of 53.13 (11)°. In the crystal structure, mol­ecules are linked via N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a chain running parallel to the a axis.

[Relationship of white matter lesions on brain computed tomography and cognitive function in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment]

White matter lesions (WML) are frequently disclosed on elderly people computed tomography (CT) brain scan.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relationship between WML and cognitive functions of patients suffering from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

METHODS

We studied the association between WML on CT brain scan and cognitive functions in 136 consecutive elderly subjects attending a geriatric outpatient clinic, suffering from MCI. The global cognitive assessment was based on Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), a validated comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests, the Cognitive Efficiency Profile (CEP), a CT brain scan and a complete biological screening. WML on CT brain scan was evaluated by a blinded investigator.

RESULTS

In this population, 75 +/- 8 years of age, (women 60%, and hypertension 54%), 33% of subjects had WML on CT brain scan. Patients with WML were significantly older (OR=1.27; IC 95%=1.04 - 1.22), had more frequently a past history of hypertension (OR=2.71; IC 95%=1.06 - 6.96) and more frequently lacunae associated with WML (OR=4.48; IC 95%=1.18 - 16.99). Subjects with WML had significantly poorer cognitive functions than those without WML (CEP score/100=62.33 +/- 13.58 versus 71.87 +/- 14.19, p<0.01 and MMSE score/30=27.02 +/- 2.34 versus 27.97 +/- 1.89, p<0.01)

CONCLUSION

Our results showed a relationship between WML on CT brain scan and the depth of cognitive dysfunction among MCI patients. Further long term prospective studies have to be performed to determinate if WML are involved in transitions between MCI and Alzheimer' s disease.

Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution by fibrous clay minerals

Kinetics and equilibrium processes of the methylene blue (MB) retention from aqueous solution by a mixture of fibrous clay minerals, which was isolated from a naturally occurring clay, were investigated. For these purposes, the effects of contact time, initial adsorbate concentration, adsorbent content, pH and ionic strength were determined. The results show that the MB retention obeys a pseudo-first order equation and the process is a diffusion controlled solid-state reaction. Moreover, the isotherm data fitted the Langmuir equation and the MB binding process became more energetic with the increase of the adsorbent concentration. In addition, the augmentation of the clay content or the initial MB concentration reduced the adsorption capacity, presumably because of the clay particles microaggregation and/or the occurrence of MB deriving species. On the other hand, it is observed that the MB uptake limit is reduced in low acid pH, particularly below the PZC, as well as in ionic strengthen solutions. These facts are linked to the silanol group protonation and to the reduction of the electrostatic forces induced by the clay particles, respectively.

Stability study of lipoic acid in the presence of vitamins A and E in o/w emulsions for cosmetic application

The effectiveness of any cosmetic product containing a functional ingredient is determined by the skin delivery of the active molecule, which is influenced by the type of carrier and the molecule itself. Furthermore, the functional ingredient should be stable in the formulation. The purpose of this paper is to study the stability of lipoic acid in the presence of vitamins A (as palmitate) and E (as acetate) in semisolids for cosmetic use. The systems formulated were studied in regard to their aspect, pH, stability under centrifugation, and rheological behavior. The chemical analyses of lipoic acid and vitamins A and E were carried out by HPLC after studying the specificity of the method employed in each case. The quantitation of the active principles was performed by HPLC with C18 (5 microm) columns. The mobile phase was methanol for the vitamins, with spectrophotometric detection at 325 nm for vitamin A and 230 nm for vitamin E. The mobile phase for lipoic acid was methanol:water (80:20) and phosphoric acid at pH 3.0, with spectrophotometric detection at 332 nm. All systems were stable to centrifugation, and no significant modification of rheological behavior was observed in relation to the base emulsion used as control. The chemical studies performed indicated that although lipoic acid is not very stable in these formulations, the presence of vitamin A favors its chemical stability.

Right atrial rupture following a hoof kick to the chest wall

We report a case of right atrial rupture due to blunt trauma by a hoof kick to the anterior chest wall. We describe our successful management of this case. We suggest that a diagnosis of cardiac chamber rupture should be considered in all cases of blunt thoracic trauma.

[Spinal ischemia after biiliac aneurysm surgery related to Behçet's disease diagnosed two years later]

A 26-year-old woman underwent bypass surgery for biiliac aneurysm of unknown origin. The aorta was cross clamped below the renal arteries to insert a tube graft between the infra-renal aorta and the external iliac arteries with implantation of the internal iliac arteries on the prosthesis. Due to leakage from the posterior area of the proximal anastomosis, the proximal suture was redone. Total cross clamping lasted 65 minutes. No blood pressure drop was noted during or after the procedure. Postoperatively, the neurological examination revealed paraplegia with mild sensorial deficit and fecal and urinary incontinence. The fecal and urinary deficit resolved three months later. Nearly complete motor recovery was noted at the 18(th) postoperative month. The patient then presented oral and genital ulceration at 22 months postop leading to the diagnosis of Behçet's disease. Several risk factors have been suggested to explain spinal ischemia after abnormal aortic surgery: anatomic variablility of spinal perfusion, duration of aortic cross clamping, and intra- or postoperative episodes of hypotension. Thrombotic damage to the arterial system due to Behçet's disease could also perturb spinal blood supply and reproduce one of the mechanisms incriminated in ischemic spinal lesions occurring during aortic surgery for atheromatous aneurysm.

Synthesis of biheterocyclic alpha-amino acids

We report here the synthesis of biheterocyclic alpha-amino acids by 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition of acetylenic compounds on alpha-azido alpha-amino esters.

Synthesis of beta-tetrazolyl DL-alanine derivatives

Interest in non-natural alpha-amino acids is growing because of their potential biological activity. We describe, in this paper, a synthesis of beta-tetrazolyl alpha-amino esters by action of 5-aryl tetrazoles, 2, on N-benzyloxycarbonyl di-dehydro methylalaninate, 3.

[Multiple myxoma of the right ventricle with infiltration of the pulmonary infundibulum and arteries]

The authors report a case of multiple myxoma of the right ventricle treated surgically. One of the myxomas infiltrated the right ventricular ourflow tract, the main pulmonary artery and its branches. This case underlines the difficulty of radical resection of infiltrating cardiac myxomas.

[Double recurrence of myxoma of the left atrium. Apropos of a case]

Multiple recurrences of cardiac myxomas are rare and high-light the problem of re-operation. We report a case of double recurrence of left atrial myxoma and analyse the causes of recurrence. In our case, the first myxoma was inserted in the left inter-atrial septum, and the first recurrent tumor was inserted near the pulmonary vein, forming adhesion with the inter-atrial septum. The second recurrent tumor was inserted in the inter-atrial septum. The first operation resected the tumor, including part of the inter-atrial septum, and the sides of the septum were sutured. The two following operations used a patch for the septoplasty. This case is sporadic and not included in the high risk myxoma recurrence syndrome. Incomplete tumor resection is incriminated in one third of recurrences but seems unlikely in our case.

[Linitis plastica of the digestive tract. A case with involvement of the stomach and rectum]

The digestive linitis plastica is a special form of the little differentiate adenocarcinoma that can reach all the segments of the digestive tube, if the gastric localization is the most frequent, the double gastric and rectal localization is rare (7%) either is simultaneous or successive. The pathologic examination arrives only at the diagnostic of the digestive linitis without biasing against its primitive and secondary character. We report a case of this association in order to focus the importance of search and difficulty of the histologic diagnosis. Mis H.N., aged of 69 years old was hospitalized because she was reached of subocclusive syndrome, the rectal touch, found a circumferential marrowing with indurated basis at 7 cm of the anal margin, the gastroduodenal transit and the high digestive fibroscopy were evokating of a total plastic linitis. The gastric biopsy confirmed the diagnosis by the presence of cells ou kitten ring. The patients died during the hospitalization, the pathologic study of the postmortem rectal swab showed the existence of a rectal linitis. The discovery of a gastric linitis makes necessary a systematic, endoscopic and radiologic complete physical examination in order to discover other digestive localizations, this darkens singularly the prognosis and complicates the therapeutic attitude.