scholarly journals STUDENTS’ VOICE ON FEEDBACK AND INSTRUCTIONS IN ACADEMIC WRITING

2021 ◽  
pp. 62-68
Author(s):  
Olena Hundarenko

Although studies on the approaches and methods of teaching Academic Writing in university classroom are extensive, comparative studies on students’ evaluation of the classroom strategies and techniques applied are still scant. A current paper is based on our comparative research conducted both at Slovak and Hungarian universities at the faculty of Humanities. The objective of this particular study was to explore senior university students’ “voice” on feedback and instructions in EFL academic writing classroom. It suggests that the pinpoint is on the students’ viewpoint rather than their supervisors’. Therefore, our task was to scrutinize the students’ perspectives and based on them develop further research. Observably, the analysed data furnish more positive students’ responses (within both Group A-Slovak and Group B-Hungarian) on feedback, as well as on being graded and being recognised as a writer. However, grading might be an issue in EFL classroom: based on the research, it awakes heterogeneous opinions of the respondents. The final section of the questionnaire was aimed at finding out how instructions for writing during studies can be improved. It is notable that both groups (A and B) (from 66,67% to 100%) consider feedback, professional tutoring, online support and extra courses in writing as an effective tool for improving writing skills within academic curriculum. A logical follow-up of the study might be investigating most appropriate and “customer-friendly” ways of feedback and instruction. This might further instigate creating resources to support the unfolding of academic writing feedback across EFL program Europe-wide.

VASA ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 451-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Gasbarro ◽  
Luca Traina ◽  
Francesco Mascoli ◽  
Vincenzo Coscia ◽  
Gianluca Buffone ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Absorbable sutures are not generally accepted by most vascular surgeons for the fear of breakage of the suture line and the risk of aneurysmal formation, except in cases of paediatric surgery or in case of infections. Aim of this study is to provide evidence of safety and efficacy of the use of absorbable suture materials in carotid surgery. Patients and methods: In an 11 year period, 1126 patients (659 male [58.5 %], 467 female [41.5 %], median age 72) underwent carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis by either conventional with primary closure (cCEA) or eversion (eCEA) techniques. Patients were randomised into two groups according to the type of suture material used. In Group A, absorbable suture material (polyglycolic acid) was used and in Group B non-absorbable suture material (polypropylene) was used. Primary end-point was to compare severe restenosis and aneurysmal formation rates between the two groups of patients. For statistical analysis only cases with a minimum period of follow-up of 12 months were considered. Results: A total of 868 surgical procedures were considered for data analysis. Median follow-up was 6 years (range 1-10 years). The rate of postoperative complications was better for group A for both cCEA and eCEA procedures: 3.5 % and 2.0 % for group A, respectively, and 11.8 % and 12.9 % for group B, respectively. Conclusions: In carotid surgery, the use of absorbable suture material seems to be safe and effective and with a general lower complications rate compared to the use of non-absorbable materials.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
Simone Zanella ◽  
Enrico Lauro ◽  
Francesco Franceschi ◽  
Francesco Buccelletti ◽  
Annalisa Potenza ◽  
...  

Background: Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair (LIVHR) is a safe and worldwide accepted procedure performed using absorbable tacks. The aim of the study was to evaluate recurrence rate in a long term follow-up and whether the results of laparoscopic IVH repair in the elderly (≥65 years old) are different with respect to results obtained in younger patients. Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (74 women and 55 men, median age 67 years, range = 30-87 years) with ventral (N = 42, 32.5%) or post incisional (N = 87, 67.5%) hernia were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age: group A (N = 55, 42.6%) aged <65 years and group B (N = 74, 57.4%) aged ≥65 years. Results: The mean operative time was not significantly different between groups (66.7 ± 37 vs. 74 ± 48.4 min, p = 0.4). To the end of 2016, seven recurrences had occurred (group A = 3, group B = 4, p = 1). Complications occurred in 8 (16%) patients in group A and 21 (28.3%) patients in group B. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results confirm that the use of absorbable tacks does not increase recurrence frequency and laparoscopic incisional and ventral repair is a safety procedure also in elderly patients.


Author(s):  
Praveenkumar H. Bagali ◽  
A. S. Prashanth

The unique position of man as a master mechanic of the animal kingdom is because of skilled movements of his hands and when this shoulder joints get obstructed, we call it as Apabahuka (Frozen shoulder), we do not find satisfactory management in modern medical science. Various effective treatment modalities have been mentioned which reverse the pathogenesis, Shodhana is advised initially followed by Shamana therapies. In the present study 30 patients were selected incidentally and placed randomly into two groups A and B, with 15 subjects in each group. Group A received Amapachana with Panchakola Churna, Jambeera Pinda Sweda and Nasya Karma. Group B received Amapachana with Panchakola Churna, Jambeera pinda Sweda and Nasaapana. In both the groups two months follow up was done. Both groups showed significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of Apabahuka as well as the activities of daily livings, thereby improving the quality of life of the patients. Nasya Karma and Nasaapana provided highly significant results in all the symptoms of Apabahuka. In the present study as per the clinical data, Nasaapana is found to be more effective than Nasya Karma.


Author(s):  
Renuka M. Tenahalli

Shweta Pradara (Leucorrhoea) is the disease which is characterized by vaginal white discharge. Vaginal white discharge this symptom is present in both physiological and pathological condition, when it becomes pathological it disturbs routine life style of the woman. Most of the women in the early stage will not express the symptoms because of hesitation and their busy schedule. If it is not treated it may leads to chronic diseases like PID (Garbhashaya Shotha etc.) Charaka mentioned Amalaki Choorna along with Madhu and Vata Twak Kashaya Yoni Pichu Dharana. This treatment is used in Shweta Pradara shown positive results, hence a study was under taken to assess its clinical efficacy. 30 diagnosed patients of Shweta Pradara were randomly selected, allocated in three groups. Group A and Group B received Amalaki Choorna with Madhu and Vata Twak Kashaya Yoni Pichu Dharana respectively and Group C received Amalaki Choorna with Madhu followed by Vata Twak Kashaya Yoni Pichu Dharana for 15 days. The patients were assessed for the severity of the symptoms subjectively and objectively before and after the treatment and at the end of the follow up. Data from each group were statistically analyzed and were compared. No side effects were noted and it may be considered as an effective alternative medicine in Shweta Pradara (leucorrhea). Amalaki is rich in natural source of vitamin C and contains phosphorus, iron and calcium. Honey contains carbohydrate, vitamin C, phosphorus iron and calcium. All together these help to increase Hb% and immunity. Vata Twak Kashaya contains tannin which helps to maintain normal pH of the vagina.


2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 40-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Karn ◽  
S KC ◽  
A Amatya ◽  
EA Razouria ◽  
M Timalsina

Background Melasma poses a great challenge as its treatment is unsatisfactory and recurrence is high. Treatment of melasma using tranexamic acid (oral, topical or intralesional) is a novel concept. Objective To compare the efficacy of oral tranexamic acid with routine topical therapies for the treatment of melasma. Methods It is a prospective, interventional, randomized controlled trial conducted among 260 melasma patients. Patients were divided into two groups consisting of 130 patients each. First group (Group A) was given routine treatment measures and oral Tranexamic Acid while second group (Group B) was treated only with routine topical measures. Capsule Tranexamic Acid was prescribed at a dose of 250 mg twice a day for three months and cases were followed for three months. Response was evaluated on the basis of Melasma Assessment Severity Index (MASI). Mean scores between the two groups were then compared. Results Statistically significant decrease in the mean Melasma Assessment Severity Index from baseline to 8 and 12 weeks was observed among group A patients (11.08±2.91 vs 8.95±2.08 at week 8 and vs. 7.84±2.44 at week 12; p<0.05 for both). While among group B patients the decrease in mean score was significant at 8 weeks and insignificant at 12 weeks follow up (11.60±3.40 vs 9.9±2.61 at 8 weeks and vs. 9.26±3 at 12 weeks; p<0.05 for former but p>0.05 for later). Conclusion Addition of oral tranexamic acid provides rapid and sustained improvement in the treatment of melasma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i4.10993 Kathmandu Univ Med J 2012;10(4):40-43


2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 030006052110222
Author(s):  
Ling Mo ◽  
Zixian Wu ◽  
De Liang ◽  
Linqiang Y ◽  
Zhuoyan Cai ◽  
...  

Objective To evaluate the influence of insufficient bone cement distribution on outcomes following percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). Methods This retrospective matched-cohort study included patients 50–90 years of age who had undergone PVP for single level vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) from February 2015 to December 2018. Insufficient (Group A)/sufficient (Group B) distribution of bone cement in the fracture area was assessed from pre- and post-operative computed tomography (CT) images. Assessments were before, 3-days post-procedure, and at the last follow-up visit (≥12 months). Result Of the 270 eligible patients, there were 54 matched pairs. On post-operative day 3 and at the last follow-up visit, significantly greater visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were obtained in Group B over Group A, while kyphotic angles (KAs) and vertebral height (VH) loss were significantly larger in Group A compared with Group B. Incidence of asymptomatic cement leakage and re-collapse of cemented vertebrae were also greater in Group A compared with Group B. Conclusions Insufficient cement distribution may relate to less pain relief and result in progressive vertebral collapse and kyphotic deformity post-PVP.


Vascular ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 170853812110100
Author(s):  
Mohamed Shukri Abdelgawad ◽  
Amr M El-Shafei ◽  
Hesham A Sharaf El-Din ◽  
Ehab M Saad ◽  
Tamer A Khafagy ◽  
...  

Background Venus ulcers developed mainly due to reflux of incompetent venous valves in perforating veins. Patients and methods In this randomized controlled trial, 119 patients recruited over two years, with post-phelebtic venous leg ulcers, were randomly assigned into one of two groups: either to receive radiofrequency ablation of markedly incompetent perforators (Group A, n = 62 patients) or to receive conventional compression therapy (Group B, n = 57 patients). Follow-up duration required for ulcer healing continued for 24 months post randomization. Results Statistically significant shorter time to healing (ulcer complete healing or satisfactory clinical improvement) between both groups (56 patients, 90.3% of cases in Group A versus 44 patients 77.2% of cases in Group B) over the follow-up period of 24 months was attained ( p  = 0.001). Also, significantly different ulcer recurrence was recorded between both groups, 8 patients (12.9%) in Group A versus 19 patients (33.3%) in Group B ( p = 0.004). Conclusion In absence of deep venous obstruction, the monopolar radiofrequency ablation for incompetent perforators is a feasible and effective method that surpasses the traditional compression protocol for incompetent perforator-induced venous ulcers in terms of time required for healing even in the presence of unresolved deep venous valvular reflux.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Drasutiene ◽  
V Janusauskas ◽  
G Speziali ◽  
D Zakarkaite ◽  
M Budra ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Various minimally invasive mitral valve (MV) repair techniques are available to treat degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). Transapical implantation of artificial chordae on a beating heart is performed using the NeoChord DS1000 device with real-time TEE guidance. Purpose 1)To assess preoperative and the mid-term follow-up echocardiographic data in patients after MV repair using the NeoChord DS1000 device; 2)to investigate the changes of left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA) and mitral annulus dimensions during the follow-up period; 3)to assess the difference of baseline echocardiographic parameters between successful and not-successful (severe residual MR) MV repair groups; 4)to identify the preoperative echocardiographic variables that may be associated with recurrence of MR at mid-term follow. Methods All patients after transapical MV repair with Neochord implantation in Vilnius University hospital were prospectively entered into the study. The acquired preoperative and follow-up echocardiographic datasets were analysed. According to the residual MR at follow-up, patients were stratified to 2 groups: group A – successful durable MV repair (residual MR ≤2); group B – MV repair failure (recurrence of severe MR or reintervention). Values were expressed as Mean±SD. Univariable regression analysis was used to identify anatomical predictors of residual MR. Results 53 (70.67%) patients had a residual MR ≤2 (Group A) and 22 (29.33%) residual MR≥2+ (Group B) at 26±6 months follow-up. At baseline, Group B patients had significantly larger left ventricle end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (mean difference 5.67±1.29mm, p&lt;0.0001) left ventricle end systolic diameter (LVESD) (mean difference 4.08±1.57mm, p=0.012), LA volume index (mean difference 21.57±5.003 p&lt;0.0001) and higher systolic pulmonary pressure values (mean difference 10.46±3.34, p&lt;0.003) compared with group A. Overall, a significant reduction in LA volume index (mean change 15.69±4.15ml/m2, p&lt;0.001), LA diameter (mean change 3.15±1.24, p=0.012), LV diameter (mean change in LVEDD 4.78±0.88mm p&lt;0.000) was observed at 24 months follow up. There was no significant changes in MV annular parameters at follow up. Left atrium volume (OR 1.018; 95% CI 1.006–1.035; p=0.009), left atrium volume index (OR 1.038; 95% CI 1.013–1.072; p=0.010), LVEDD (OR 1.201; 95% CI 1.088–1.353; p=0.0008), LVESD (OR 1.122; 95% CI 1.02–1.248); p=0.0236) and sPAP (OR 1.418; 95% CI 1.139–2.016; p=0.0014) were all significantly associated with the worse outcome (MR &gt;2) after mini-invasive MV repair in univariable regression analysis. Conclusions Minimaly invasive MV repair with Neochord system on beating heart is effective in patients with degenerative MR. Baseline echocardiographic characteristics predictive for a worse middle term outcome are mainly related to LV and LA remodeling. Reverse remodeling of LV and LA is observed during the follow-up period with no significant changes in MV annulus. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Durity ◽  
G Elliott ◽  
T Gana

Abstract Introduction Management of complicated diverticulitis has shifted towards a conservative approach over time. This study evaluates the feasibility and long-term outcomes of conservative management. Method We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of patients managed with perforated colonic diverticulitis from 2013-2017. Results Seventy-three (73) patients were included with a male to female ratio of 1:2. Thirty-one (31) underwent Hartmann’s procedure (Group A) and 42 patients were managed with antibiotics +/- radiological drainage (Group B). Mean follow-up was 64.9 months (range 3-7 years). CT Grade 3 and 4 disease was observed in 64.5% and 40.4% of Group A and Group B patients, respectively. During follow-up, 9 (21.4%) Group B patients required Hartmann’s. Group A had longer median length of stay compared to Group B (25.1 vs 9.2 days). Post-operative complications occurred in 80.6% with 40% being Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher in group A. Stoma reversal was performed in 8 patients (25.8%). Conclusions In carefully selected cases, complicated diverticulitis including CT grade 3 and 4 disease, can be managed conservatively with acceptable recurrence rates (16.7% at 30 days, 4.8% at 90 days, 19.0% at 5 years). Surgical intervention on the other hand, carries high post-operative complication rates and low stoma reversal rates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1510.1-1511
Author(s):  
T. Kuga ◽  
M. Matsushita ◽  
K. Tada ◽  
K. Yamaji ◽  
N. Tamura

Background:Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is detected in up to 50% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients1and major cause of death2. Even clinically silent SLE patients can develop left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction3. Proper echocardiographic follow up of SLE patients is required.Objectives:To clarify how the prevalence of LV abnormalities changes over follow-up period and identify the associated clinical factors, useful in suspecting LV abnormalities.Methods:29 SLE patients (24 females and 5 men, mean age 52.8±16.3 years, mean disease duration 17.6±14.5 years) were enrolled. All of them underwent echocardiography as the baseline examination and reexamined over more than a year of follow-up period(mean 1075±480 days) from Jan 2014 to Sep 2019. Patients complicated with pulmonary artery hypertension, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and underwent cardiac surgery during the follow-up period were excluded. Left ventricular(LV) systolic dysfunction was defined as ejection fraction (EF) < 50%. LV diastolic dysfunction was defined according to ASE/EACVI guideline4. LV dysfunction (LVD) includes one or both of LV systolic dysfunction and LV diastolic function. Monocyte to HDL ratio (MHR) was calculated by dividing monocyte count with HDL-C level.Prevalence of left ventricular abnormalities was analysed at baseline and follow-up examination. Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were compared among patient groups as follows; patients with LV dysfunction (Group A) and without LV dysfunction (Group B) at the follow-up echocardiography, patients with LV asynergy at any point of examination (Group C) and patients free of LV abnormalities during the follow-up period (Group D).Results:At the baseline examination, LV dysfunction (5/29 cases, 13.8%), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%) were detected. Pericarditis was detected in 7 patients (24.1%, LVD in 3 patients, LV asynergy in 2 patients) and 2 of them with subacute onset had progressive LV dysfunction, while 5 patients were normal in echocardiography after remission induction therapy for SLE. At the follow-up examination, LV dysfunction (9/29 cases, 31.0%, 5 new-onset and 1 improved case), LV asynergy (6/29 cases, 21.7%, 2 new-onset and 2 improved cases) were detected. Though any significant differences were observed between Group A and Group B at the baseline, platelet count (156.0 vs 207.0, p=0.049) were significantly lower in LV dysfunction group (Group A) at the follow-up examination. Group C patients had significantly higher uric acid (p=0.004), monocyte count (p=0.009), and MHR (p=0.003) than Group D(results in table).Conclusion:LV dysfunction is progressive in most of patients and requires regular follow-up once they developed. Uric acid, monocyte count and MHR are elevated in SLE patients with LV asynergy. Since MHR elevation was reported as useful marker of endothelial dysfunction5, our future goal is to analyse involvement of monocyte activation and endothelial dysfunction in LV asynergy of SLE patients.References:[1]Doria A et al. Lupus. 2005;14(9):683-6.[2]Manger K et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2002 Dec;61(12):1065-70.[3]Leone P et al. Clin Exp Med. 2019 Dec 17.[4]Nagueh SF et al. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2016 Apr;29(4):277-314.[5]Acikgoz N et al. Angiology. 2018 Jan;69(1):65-70.Numbers are median (interquartile range), Mann-Whitney u test were performed, p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Disclosure of Interests: :None declared


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