Randa Mostafa
University of Sharjah, Basic Medical Sciences Deparment, Faculty Member
- Food and Ghee Adulteration and Nutritional Analysis Test, Communication, Cultural Studies, Social Media, Endocrine disrupter chemicals (hormones), Sexual Female Hormones, and 7 moreExtremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field and Body Physiology, Gastric Motility, Behavioural Physiology, Menopause, Axidantive Stress and Antioxidants, Physiology of Weight Gain and Obesity, and Passive Smokingedit
- Randa Mostafa is a Professor of Clinical Physiology and Head of Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicin... moreRanda Mostafa is a Professor of Clinical Physiology and Head of Basic Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah , United Arab Emirates. She is the founding President of Emirates Menopause Society. She had her postdoc training at the Department of Physiology, Ohio States University and subsequently trained at Department of Surgery , University of Pittsburgh, USA. She has established a track record of quality research outputs. She has published over 90 original research papers in high impact Physiology, Pharmacology, Gastroenterology, Urology, Surgery and Bio- electromagnetic journals and over 110 conference abstracts. Her research has been recognized both nationally and internationally. She received many awards and has been invited as a keynote speaker in many conferences. Being as one of the founders of College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, UAE, she is highly recognized in the Gulf region and Egypt as a professional Medical Educator with vast experience in academic administration.edit
Research Interests: Engineering, Long Term Potentiation, Forensic psychiatry, Bioelectromagnetics, Apoptosis, and 15 moreMedicine, Magnetic field, Biological Sciences, Meiosis, Animals, Male, Geriatric Psychiatry, Magnetic Fields, Body Weight, Fetus, Epididymis, Miscarriage, Biochemistry and cell biology, Hippocampal formation, and Medical biochemistry and metabolomics
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There is still much discussion surrounding the place of the humanities within the undergraduate medical and health sciences curricula. Whilst a large amount of educational research focuses on the cognitive and psycho-motor domains of... more
There is still much discussion surrounding the place of the humanities within the undergraduate medical and health sciences curricula. Whilst a large amount of educational research focuses on the cognitive and psycho-motor domains of learning, seeking the most appropriate ways of teaching, learning and assessment, less attention is paid to the more difficult to define affective domain. Various authors have tried to enhance the student learning within this domain by exploring the benefits of teaching the humanities in harmony with other standard teaching activities. This paper describes such an activity; an elective taught to groups of medical and health sciences students at the University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, UAE. The core objectives of the course are to develop the students’ awareness of the spiritual and humanistic components of healthcare, and through their exposure to the various media of the arts to explore and discuss the many aspects of the ethics of healthcare. T...
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Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the antioxidant effects of garlic extract and crude black seeds’ consumption on blood oxidant/antioxidant levels in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: In total, 30 healthy... more
Objectives: The objective of this study is to investigate the antioxidant effects of garlic extract and crude black seeds’ consumption on blood oxidant/antioxidant levels in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: In total, 30 healthy postmenopausal women (mean age = 50.31 ± 4.23 years) participated. They ingested two garlic soft gels per day (each is equivalent to 1000 mg of fresh garlic bulb) and crude black seed grounded to powder in a dose of 3 g/day for 8 weeks. Oxidant (malondialdehyde) activity in plasma and antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in erythrocytes were studied. Results: Significant low levels of plasma malondialdehyde with increased erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Discussion: Menopause is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in some antioxidant parameters. Consumption of garlic extracts and crude black seeds may have a beneficial effect on improved balance between ...
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Author contributions: Randa Mostafa summarized the content of the 3rd edition of Rome , assessed its quality and noted its contribution to the field; Randa Mostafa analyzed and compared Rome with the previous edition of Rome .
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Breast cancer is the second most common fatal cancer in women. Developing a breast cancer is a multi-factorial and hormonal-dependent process, which may be triggered by many risk factors. An endocrine disrupting substance known as... more
Breast cancer is the second most common fatal cancer in women. Developing a breast cancer is a multi-factorial and hormonal-dependent process, which may be triggered by many risk factors. An endocrine disrupting substance known as bisphenol A (BPA), that is used greatly in the manufacture of plastic products, was suggested as a possible risk factor for developing breast cancer. BPA has a strong binding affinity to non-classical membrane estrogen receptors like estrogen-related and G protein-coupled (GPER) receptors. Based on animal and in vitro studies, results showed a link between BPA exposure and increased incidence of breast cancer. BPA has the ability to alter multiple molecular pathways in cells namely, G protein-coupled receptor (GPER) pathway, estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERRγ) pathway, HOXB9 (homeobox-containing gene) pathway, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and (BMP4), immunoregulatory cytokine disturbance in the mammary gland, EGFR-STAT3 pathway, FOXA1 in ER-breas...
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We aimed to examine the statistical association between serum expression of miRNA 661 (miR-661) and ATG-4B mRNA and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on in silico data analysis followed by clinical validation. Quantitative... more
We aimed to examine the statistical association between serum expression of miRNA 661 (miR-661) and ATG-4B mRNA and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on in silico data analysis followed by clinical validation. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase real-time PCR was used to examine the expression of miR-661 and ATG-4B mRNA in the sera of HCC patients versus control. The expression of miR-661 and ATG-4B mRNA was positive in 97.14 and 77.14%, respectively, in HCC patients. The survival analysis showed that ATG-4B mRNA was an independent prognostic factor. Our data are the first report of its kind regarding the considerable clinical significance of miR-661 and ATG-4B mRNA in HCC patients.
For decades, mesenchymal stem (MSCs) cells had been used for cardiovascular diseases as regenerative therapy. This review is an attempt to summarize the types of MSCs involved in MI therapy, its possible mechanisms effects especially... more
For decades, mesenchymal stem (MSCs) cells had been used for cardiovascular diseases as regenerative therapy. This review is an attempt to summarize the types of MSCs involved in MI therapy, its possible mechanisms effects especially paracrine one in MI focusing on the studies (human and animal) conducted in the last 10 years. Recently, reports showed that MSC therapy could have infarct-limiting effects after myocardial infarction (MI) in both experimental and clinical trials. In this context, various types of MSCs can help cardiac regeneration by either revitalizing the cardiac stem cells or revascularizing the arteries and veins of the heart. Furthermore, MSCs could produce paracrine growth factors increasing the survivability of nearby cardiomyocytes as well as increasing angiogenesis through recruitment of stem cell from bone marrow or inducing vessel growth from existing capillaries. Recently, researches suggested that paracrine effects of MSCs could be mediated by extracellula...
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Obesity is a global health problem. It is characterized by excess adipose tissue that results from either increase in the number of adipocytes or increase in adipocytes size. Adipocyte differentiation is a highly regulated process that... more
Obesity is a global health problem. It is characterized by excess adipose tissue that results from either increase in the number of adipocytes or increase in adipocytes size. Adipocyte differentiation is a highly regulated process that involves the activation of several transcription factors culminating in the removal of adipocytes from the cell cycle and induction of highly specific proteins. Several other factors, including hormones, genes, and epigenetics, are among the most important triggers of the differentiation process. Although the main contributing factors to obesity are high caloric intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition, strong evidence supports a role for life exposure to environmental pollutants. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are exogenous, both natural and man-made, chemicals that disrupt the body signaling processes, thus interfering with the endocrine system. Several studies have shown that prenatal exposure to endocrine disruptors modulates the ...
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In metastatic breast cancer (MBC), the conventional doxorubicin (DOX) has various problems due to lack of selectivity with subsequent therapeutic failure and adverse effects. DOX- induced cardiotoxicity is a major problem that... more
In metastatic breast cancer (MBC), the conventional doxorubicin (DOX) has various problems due to lack of selectivity with subsequent therapeutic failure and adverse effects. DOX- induced cardiotoxicity is a major problem that necessitates the presence of new forms to decrease the risk of associated morbidity. Nanoparticles (NPs) are considered an important approach to selectively increase drug accumulation inside tumor cells and thus decreasing the associated side effects. Tumor cells develop resistance to chemotherapeutic agents through multiple mechanisms, one of which is over expression of efflux transporters. Various NPs have been investigated to overcome efflux mediated resistance. To date, only liposomal doxorubicin (LD) and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) have entered phase II and III clinical trials and FDA- approved for clinical use in MBC. This review addresses the effects of LD and PLD on the hematological and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) in anthracycline naïve and pretreated MBC patients. For evidence, studies to be included in this review were identified through PubMed, Cochrane and Google scholar databases. The results derived from: four phase III clinical trials that compared LD with the conventional DOX in naïve MBC patients, and ten non-comparative clinical trials investigated LD and PLD as monotherapy or combination in pretreated MBC. This work confirmed the cardiac tolerability profile of LD and PLD versus DOX, while hematological and skin toxicities were more common. Other DOX-NPs in preclinical trials were discussed in a chronological order. Finally, the modern preclinical development framework for DOX includes exosomal DOX (exo-DOX). Exosomal NPs are non-toxic, non-immunogenic, and can be engineered to have high cargo loading capacity and targeting specificity. These NPs have not been investigated clinically. Our study shows that the full clinical potentiality of DOX-NPs remains to be addressed to move the field forward.
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The rectum exhibits electric activity in the form of slow waves or pacesetter potentials (PPs) and action potentials (APs), which are suggested to be initiated from a rectosigmoid pacemaker (RSP). We hypothesized that the RSP and electric... more
The rectum exhibits electric activity in the form of slow waves or pacesetter potentials (PPs) and action potentials (APs), which are suggested to be initiated from a rectosigmoid pacemaker (RSP). We hypothesized that the RSP and electric waves are responsible for rectal motility. This hypothesis was investigated. The rectum of 13 mongrel dogs was exposed through an abdominal incision, and 3 electrodes were fixed serially to the rectal serosa. The rectal pressure was measured by a 6 F saline-perfused catheter and the rectal electromechanical response to rectal balloon distension in increments of 5 ml of air was registered. The test was repeated after rectosigmoid junction (RSJ) anesthetization by 20 minutes and 3 hours using xylocaine injection. It was done also after saline instead of xylocaine injection. PPs and APs were recorded and had the same frequency, amplitude and conduction velocity from the 3 electrodes of the same animal. APs occurred randomly and were coupled with elevated rectal pressure. Rectal balloon distension produced increase of the rectal electric activity and pressure, which increased with the increase of the rectal distension until, at a mean volume of 31.2 +/- 5.4 ml, the balloon was expelled to the exterior. RSJ anesthetization abolished the rectal electric waves and effected no balloon expulsion with high volume rectal distension. The rectal waves appeared after waning of the anesthetic effect. Saline injection into the RSJ produced no significant effect on the rectal electromechanical activity. Rectal electric waves are suggested to be initiated from the RSP and to be responsible for the rectal motor activity. Incremental rectal balloon distension effected progressive increase of the rectal electromechanical activity until the balloon was expelled to the exterior RSJ anesthetization blocked the electric waves and the electromechanical response to rectal distension. These results have probably clinical significance when performing electrorectograms for various rectal pathologic conditions as well as when applying an artificial pacemaker to the non-contractile rectum.
Research Interests: Engineering, Electrophysiology, Dogs, Motility, Female, and 15 moreAnimals, Male, Electromyography, Clinical Neurophysiology and Electromyography, Periodicity, Pressure, Digestive System, Gastrointestinal motility, Conduction Velocity, Action potential, Biological clocks, Action Potentials, Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Medical and Health Sciences, and Rectum
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Background Students' perception of their educational environment has a significant impact on their behavior and academic progress. The recent worldwide usage of innovative problem-based learning (PBL) medical programs requires major... more
Background Students' perception of their educational environment has a significant impact on their behavior and academic progress. The recent worldwide usage of innovative problem-based learning (PBL) medical programs requires major changes in medical schools and their environments. Therefore, measuring students' perceptions of the complex PBL environment has become a critical necessity as a determinant of students' academic success and as a part of attaining the quality standards of education. Ours being a new medical college employing the PBL curriculum, it was important to measure the students' perception of the educational environment in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum and to plan for any future improvements. Aim and Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate students' perceptions in the preclinical phase of the PBL educational environment in the College of Medicine, Sharjah Medical College, United Arab Emirates, and to ...
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We investigated the hypothesis that the esophageal crus (EC, part of the crus surrounding the esophagus) is an "individual... more
We investigated the hypothesis that the esophageal crus (EC, part of the crus surrounding the esophagus) is an "individual muscle" and does not share in the contractile activity of the costal diaphragm (CD). The electric activities of the EC and the costal diaphragm (CD) were recorded in 21 subjects (12 men, 9 women, aged 41.6+/-10.4 years) scheduled for laparotomy. One needle electrode was introduced into the EC, one into each vertebral crus (VC), and one in the CD. Recording was performed before and after diaphragmatic paralysis by curarization. While the diaphragm was paralyzed, the responses of the EC and the 2 VCs to CD stimulation were registered. The CD had significantly higher resting motor unit action potentials (MUAPs) than the EC and the 2 VCs (p<0.05), and the EC higher MUAPs than the 2 VCs (p<0.05). During diaphragmatic contraction on inspiration or by stimulation (5 square pulses, 1 ms apart, threshold 32.2+/-6.3 mA), the MUAPs of the CD increased significantly (p<0.01), while those of the EC or VCs exhibited no significant change (p<0.05). The current findings suggest that the EC is an autonomous muscle which does not share in the contractile activity of the CD. The EC seems to be essentially involved in the competent mechanism of the lower esophagus and has no role in respiratory function.
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Abstract Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases that effect many functions of the brain in a pathologically disturbed manner. Treatment goals include the control of the frequency of seizures with absence of side effects.... more
Abstract Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases that effect many functions of the brain in a pathologically disturbed manner. Treatment goals include the control of the frequency of seizures with absence of side effects. Phenobarbital (PB) is the drug of choice for treatment of many kinds of epilepsy. Since oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of epilepsy, the present study was designed to assess the anticonvulsant potential of thymoquinone given alone or in combination with PB in ...
Radiologic, endoscopic and histomorphologic studies have suggested the presence of a sphincter at the cecocolonic junction (CCJ), while some investigators have denied its existence. To investigate the physiologic activity at the CCJ, the... more
Radiologic, endoscopic and histomorphologic studies have suggested the presence of a sphincter at the cecocolonic junction (CCJ), while some investigators have denied its existence. To investigate the physiologic activity at the CCJ, the right colon was exposed during right hemicolectomy for early colonic cancer in 11 patients (mean age 43.6+/-12.3 years; 8 men). Three manometric catheters were introduced through colotomy to be separately located in the cecum, CCJ and ascending colon. We determined the CCJ pressure response to cecal and colonic distension by means of a balloon filled with saline in increments of 10 ml. The test was repeated after individual anesthetization of cecum, CCJ and ascending colon. The CCJ measured 1.6+/-0.6 cm in length and had a higher pressure ( p<0.05) than the cecum or colon. Large-volume cecal distension effected a significant CCJ pressure reduction which was augmented as the distension increased. Latency decreased upon increase of the distending volume. In contrast, the CCJ responded to large-volume colonic distension by pressure elevation which increased upon increase of the distending volume. Latency diminished with increased distension. Small-volume cecal or colonic distension effected no CCJ pressure response. The anesthetized CCJ did not respond to distension of the cecum or colon. Likewise, the CCJ did not exhibit a pressure response to distension of the anesthetized cecum or colon. The CCJ is a high-pressure zone which reacts to cecal or colonic distension by dilatation or narrowing, respectively. These data presumably denote the existence of a physiologic sphincter at the CCJ. We suggest that the CCJ pressure response to cecal or colonic distension is reflex and mediated through the cecocolonic inhibitory and colocecal excitatory reflexes, respectively. The role of the CCJ and related reflexes in colonic motility disorders needs to be studied.
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No abstract is available. To read the body of this article, please view the PDF online. ... © 2009 International Frederation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. ... Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to... more
No abstract is available. To read the body of this article, please view the PDF online. ... © 2009 International Frederation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. ... Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution. ... Advertisements on this site do not constitute a guarantee or endorsement by the journal, Association, or publisher of the quality or value of such product or of the claims made for it by its manufacturer.
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The motor physiology of the rectum has remained largely obscure, especially concerning the mechanism of rectal motility. In the current communication we tested the possibility of characterizing the mechanism of rectal motility during... more
The motor physiology of the rectum has remained largely obscure, especially concerning the mechanism of rectal motility. In the current communication we tested the possibility of characterizing the mechanism of rectal motility during filling and evacuation through the study of the rectal electric activity in 16 healthy volunteers (mean age 43.6 +/- 10.8 years; 11 men). Two monopolar silver-silver chloride electrodes were introduced per annum and fixed to the rectal mucosa by suction. The rectum was distended in 10 ml increments of water by means of a balloon-ended catheter inserted into the rectum. The rectal pressure was measured by one catheter placed above and a second one below the rectal balloon, and the 2 catheters were connected to 2 strain gauge pressure transducers. Regular triphasic slow waves or pacesetter potentials (PPs) were recorded from the 2 electrodes at rest. PPs were superimposed or followed randomly by action potentials (APs). APs but not PPs were coupled with elevated rectal pressure. Rectal distension with 10 ml of water caused no significant changes of the rectal pressure or EMG activity. Distension with a mean volume of 27.3 +/- 4.7 ml effected a significant increase (p < 0.05) of the rectal electromechanical activity proximally to the balloon and a decrease distally (p < 0.05) to it. With progressive increase of the rectal distension, the electromechanical activity continued to increase proximally and to decrease distally to the balloon, until, at a mean distending volume of 76.3 +/- 3.7 ml, the balloon was dispelled to the exterior. In conclusion, the identification of the modality of rectal motility during defecation was feasible by recording the rectal electromechanical activity. The rectal contraction is suggested to occur in a 'mass squeeze manner' which squeezes the rectal contents aborally into the anal canal. The recognition of the rectal motor modality appears to be important for the understanding of rectal motility disorders. However, further studies are required to confirm these findings.
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The question of whether extremely low frequency magnetic fields can affect biological system has attracted attention. The theoretical possibility of such an interaction is often questioned and the site of interaction is unknown. The... more
The question of whether extremely low frequency magnetic fields can affect biological system has attracted attention. The theoretical possibility of such an interaction is often questioned and the site of interaction is unknown. The influence of extremely low frequency magnetic field of 50 Hz, 5 mTesla on sex hormone status was studied. 60 male albino rats were divided into 6 groups and were continuously exposed to 50 Hz, 5 mTesla magnetic field generated by magnetic field chamber for periods of 1, 2 and 4 weeks. For each ...
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We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the... more
We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the uterine mucosa and one to cervix uteri (CU). GC was stimulated electrically and mechanically by pencil electrode. The uterine and CU pressures were measured. Tests were repeated after anesthetization of the uterus or GC. Uterine electrodes recorded slow waves, followed by random bursts of ...
Research Interests: Humans, Female, Male, Electromyography, Clinical Sciences, and 7 moreAdult, Clitoris, Reflex, Action potential, IMPOTENCE, Uterus, and Coitus
We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the... more
We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the uterine mucosa and one to cervix uteri (CU). GC was stimulated electrically and mechanically by pencil electrode. The uterine and CU pressures were measured. Tests were repeated after anesthetization of the uterus or GC. Uterine electrodes recorded slow waves, followed by random bursts of ...
Research Interests: Humans, Female, Male, Electromyography, Clinical Sciences, and 7 moreAdult, Clitoris, Reflex, Action potential, IMPOTENCE, Uterus, and Coitus
We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the... more
We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the uterine mucosa and one to cervix uteri (CU). GC was stimulated electrically and mechanically by pencil electrode. The uterine and CU pressures were measured. Tests were repeated after anesthetization of the uterus or GC. Uterine electrodes recorded slow waves, followed by random bursts of ...
Research Interests: Humans, Female, Male, Electromyography, Clinical Sciences, and 7 moreAdult, Clitoris, Reflex, Action potential, IMPOTENCE, Uterus, and Coitus
We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the... more
We investigated hypothesis that uterine erection, elevation and enlargement during sexual response are reflex and result from penis buffeting the glans clitoris (GC). In 23 healthy women, two recording electrodes were applied to the uterine mucosa and one to cervix uteri (CU). GC was stimulated electrically and mechanically by pencil electrode. The uterine and CU pressures were measured. Tests were repeated after anesthetization of the uterus or GC. Uterine electrodes recorded slow waves, followed by random bursts of ...
Research Interests: Humans, Female, Male, Electromyography, Clinical Sciences, and 7 moreAdult, Clitoris, Reflex, Action potential, IMPOTENCE, Uterus, and Coitus
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For the sake of our future and our children, we need to strive for an answer about the role of complex synthetic chemicals that are involved in our daily life on our health. Such chemicals were supposed to provide replacement for... more
For the sake of our future and our children, we need to strive for an answer about the role of complex synthetic chemicals that are involved in our daily life on our health. Such chemicals were supposed to provide replacement for classical materials used in the synthesis of many things that surrounds us, including the food utensils. This effect is extended to include the childhood obesity. The answer is composite; it does not only require the efforts of the epidemiologists but also the physiologists, molecular biologists and geneticists. There is mounting interest in understanding the impact of the environmental contaminants and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) in obesity, because by definition these are preventable once identified. Human studies to environmental exposure to EDC in relation to obesity among children need to be encouraged. We need to understand the subtle damage they may cause and the obscure role they play in the children obesity epidemic.
Despite decades of research on the effect of androgens on human behavior, many questions remain. The interaction between androgens and behavior is complex. This review article defines androgens, and describes their physiology, receptors... more
Despite decades of research on the effect of androgens on human behavior, many questions remain. The interaction between androgens and behavior is complex. This review article defines androgens, and describes their physiology, receptors and mechanisms of action and summarized their effects on cognitive function, sexual behavior, aggression and depression in men and women.
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BACKGROUND: Students' perception of their educational environment has a significant impact on their behavior and academic progress. The recent worldwide usage of innovative problem-based learning (PBL) medical programs requires major... more
BACKGROUND: Students' perception of their educational environment has a significant impact on their behavior and academic progress. The recent worldwide usage of innovative problem-based learning (PBL) medical programs requires major changes in medical schools and their environments. Therefore , measuring students' perceptions of the complex PBL environment has become a critical necessity as a determinant of students' academic success and as a part of attaining the quality standards of education. Ours being a new medical college employing the PBL curriculum, it was important to measure the students' perception of the educational environment in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the curriculum and to plan for any future improvements. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate students' perceptions in the preclinical phase of the PBL educational environment in the College of Medicine, Sharjah Medical College, United Arab Emirates, and to recommend remedial procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the English version of the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory was submitted to 250 students in years 1, 2, and 3. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 20 software, and significance was taken at P 0.05. The survey was performed in a mid-semester week, ie, in March 2014. No ethical issues were encountered during the process of this study. RESULTS: Two-hundred and fifty students responded to the questionnaire (100% response rate). The overall DREEM score was 113.4/200 (56.7%). First-year students expressed higher overall significant level of perception (119.4/200) than second-year (107.4/200) and third-year (112.7/200) students. In addition, first-year students perceived their learning, teaching, and academic climates as more significant than the other two batches. The scores obtained in the five domains were as follows; 28/48 in perception of learning, 26/44 in perception of teaching, 18/32 in academic self-perceptions, 27/48 in perceptions of atmosphere, and 15/28 in social self-perceptions. First-year students achieved the highest score (18.7/32) in the academic self-perception, and second-year students achieved the lowest (16.5/32). The total score was significantly higher in female students than in male students (115.9 vs 108.1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that the PBL environment is generally perceived positively by our medical students. Female students exhibited higher perception than male students. Nevertheless, areas such as curriculum overload and inadequate student support still require further fine-tuning and remedial measures. CITATION: nosair et al. Measuring Students' perceptions of educational environment in the pBl program of Sharjah Medical college.
There is still much discussion surrounding the place of the humanities within the undergraduate medical and health sciences curricula. Whilst a large amount of educational research focuses on the cognitive and psycho-motor domains of... more
There is still much discussion surrounding the place of the humanities within the undergraduate medical and health sciences curricula. Whilst a large amount of educational research focuses on the cognitive and psycho-motor domains of learning, seeking the most appropriate ways of teaching, learning and assessment, less attention is paid to the more difficult to define affective domain. Various authors have tried to enhance the student learning within this domain by exploring the benefits of teaching the humanities in harmony with other standard teaching activities.
This paper describes such an activity; an elective taught to groups of medical and health sciences students at the University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, UAE. The core objectives of the course are to develop the students’ awareness of the spiritual and humanistic components of healthcare, and through their exposure to the various media of the arts to explore and discuss the many aspects of the ethics of healthcare.
The short term evaluation of the course has demonstrated a sharpening of the students’ awareness that art represents a significant reflexive source of insight into patients’ and doctors’ experiences within the socio-cultural and historical of medical practice. It also appeared to strengthen the consciousness of the young future healthcare professionals that art can not only be used efficiently to distract from illness, but also, even directed as a tool to cure and heal.
A longer term evaluation is expected as the students progress further into their course, looking specifically how the course facilitated their learning in the affective domain.
This paper describes such an activity; an elective taught to groups of medical and health sciences students at the University of Sharjah, College of Medicine, UAE. The core objectives of the course are to develop the students’ awareness of the spiritual and humanistic components of healthcare, and through their exposure to the various media of the arts to explore and discuss the many aspects of the ethics of healthcare.
The short term evaluation of the course has demonstrated a sharpening of the students’ awareness that art represents a significant reflexive source of insight into patients’ and doctors’ experiences within the socio-cultural and historical of medical practice. It also appeared to strengthen the consciousness of the young future healthcare professionals that art can not only be used efficiently to distract from illness, but also, even directed as a tool to cure and heal.
A longer term evaluation is expected as the students progress further into their course, looking specifically how the course facilitated their learning in the affective domain.
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Objective To examine the relationships between temperature, season (summer versus winter), lifestyle, health, mood, beliefs, and experience of hot fl ushes and night sweats (HFNS), amongst mid-aged women living in the United Arab Emirates... more
Objective To examine the relationships between temperature,
season (summer versus winter), lifestyle, health, mood, beliefs,
and experience of hot fl ushes and night sweats (HFNS), amongst
mid-aged women living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods The UAE climate is hyperarid, having a hot desert climate,
with warm winters and hot summers. 372 peri- and post-menopausal
women, aged from 45 to 55, from urban UAE regions were included.
Data were collected during both summer and winter months.
Participants completed questionnaires eliciting information about
socio-demographics, HFNS (prevalence, frequency and problemrating),
health and lifestyle (body mass index; BMI, diet, exercise),
mood (Women’s Health Questionnaire) and menopause attributions
and beliefs (Menopause Representations Questionnaire).
Results 46.5% of women were currently experiencing HFNS, with
an average weekly frequency of fi ve and problem rating of 5.7/10.
Seasonal variation in temperature was not associated with
prevalence, frequency or problem rating. Hot fl ush prevalence was
associated with poor health, life satisfaction, mood, employment,
lower BMI and diet. Higher frequency was associated with higher
BMI and more years since last period. HFNS were more problematic
mainly for women who reported lower life satisfaction and held more
negative beliefs about the menopause.
Conclusions In this UAE study, temperature and seasonal temperature
variation did not appear to infl uence HFNS reporting, but health,
life satisfaction, BMI, beliefs and lifestyle factors partially explained
women’s experiences of menopausal symptoms. A qualitative study
might provide further information about the meanings of HFNS and
menopause amongst UAE women.
season (summer versus winter), lifestyle, health, mood, beliefs,
and experience of hot fl ushes and night sweats (HFNS), amongst
mid-aged women living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods The UAE climate is hyperarid, having a hot desert climate,
with warm winters and hot summers. 372 peri- and post-menopausal
women, aged from 45 to 55, from urban UAE regions were included.
Data were collected during both summer and winter months.
Participants completed questionnaires eliciting information about
socio-demographics, HFNS (prevalence, frequency and problemrating),
health and lifestyle (body mass index; BMI, diet, exercise),
mood (Women’s Health Questionnaire) and menopause attributions
and beliefs (Menopause Representations Questionnaire).
Results 46.5% of women were currently experiencing HFNS, with
an average weekly frequency of fi ve and problem rating of 5.7/10.
Seasonal variation in temperature was not associated with
prevalence, frequency or problem rating. Hot fl ush prevalence was
associated with poor health, life satisfaction, mood, employment,
lower BMI and diet. Higher frequency was associated with higher
BMI and more years since last period. HFNS were more problematic
mainly for women who reported lower life satisfaction and held more
negative beliefs about the menopause.
Conclusions In this UAE study, temperature and seasonal temperature
variation did not appear to infl uence HFNS reporting, but health,
life satisfaction, BMI, beliefs and lifestyle factors partially explained
women’s experiences of menopausal symptoms. A qualitative study
might provide further information about the meanings of HFNS and
menopause amongst UAE women.
Objective To examine the relationships between temperature, season (summer versus winter), lifestyle, health, mood, beliefs, and experience of hot fl ushes and night sweats (HFNS), amongst mid-aged women living in the United Arab Emirates... more
Objective To examine the relationships between temperature,
season (summer versus winter), lifestyle, health, mood, beliefs,
and experience of hot fl ushes and night sweats (HFNS), amongst
mid-aged women living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods The UAE climate is hyperarid, having a hot desert climate,
with warm winters and hot summers. 372 peri- and post-menopausal
women, aged from 45 to 55, from urban UAE regions were included.
Data were collected during both summer and winter months.
Participants completed questionnaires eliciting information about
socio-demographics, HFNS (prevalence, frequency and problemrating),
health and lifestyle (body mass index; BMI, diet, exercise),
mood (Women’s Health Questionnaire) and menopause attributions
and beliefs (Menopause Representations Questionnaire).
Results 46.5% of women were currently experiencing HFNS, with
an average weekly frequency of fi ve and problem rating of 5.7/10.
Seasonal variation in temperature was not associated with
prevalence, frequency or problem rating. Hot fl ush prevalence was
associated with poor health, life satisfaction, mood, employment,
lower BMI and diet. Higher frequency was associated with higher
BMI and more years since last period. HFNS were more problematic
mainly for women who reported lower life satisfaction and held more
negative beliefs about the menopause.
Conclusions In this UAE study, temperature and seasonal temperature
variation did not appear to infl uence HFNS reporting, but health,
life satisfaction, BMI, beliefs and lifestyle factors partially explained
women’s experiences of menopausal symptoms. A qualitative study
might provide further information about the meanings of HFNS and
menopause amongst UAE women.
season (summer versus winter), lifestyle, health, mood, beliefs,
and experience of hot fl ushes and night sweats (HFNS), amongst
mid-aged women living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Methods The UAE climate is hyperarid, having a hot desert climate,
with warm winters and hot summers. 372 peri- and post-menopausal
women, aged from 45 to 55, from urban UAE regions were included.
Data were collected during both summer and winter months.
Participants completed questionnaires eliciting information about
socio-demographics, HFNS (prevalence, frequency and problemrating),
health and lifestyle (body mass index; BMI, diet, exercise),
mood (Women’s Health Questionnaire) and menopause attributions
and beliefs (Menopause Representations Questionnaire).
Results 46.5% of women were currently experiencing HFNS, with
an average weekly frequency of fi ve and problem rating of 5.7/10.
Seasonal variation in temperature was not associated with
prevalence, frequency or problem rating. Hot fl ush prevalence was
associated with poor health, life satisfaction, mood, employment,
lower BMI and diet. Higher frequency was associated with higher
BMI and more years since last period. HFNS were more problematic
mainly for women who reported lower life satisfaction and held more
negative beliefs about the menopause.
Conclusions In this UAE study, temperature and seasonal temperature
variation did not appear to infl uence HFNS reporting, but health,
life satisfaction, BMI, beliefs and lifestyle factors partially explained
women’s experiences of menopausal symptoms. A qualitative study
might provide further information about the meanings of HFNS and
menopause amongst UAE women.
The Prolactin (PRL) hormone, a very ancient hormone, first discovered by Oscar Riddle and his colleagues in the late 1920s, is a 199 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide hormone, that has been found in all vertebrates to influence more... more
The Prolactin (PRL) hormone, a very ancient hormone, first discovered by Oscar Riddle
and his colleagues in the late 1920s, is a 199 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide
hormone, that has been found in all vertebrates to influence more than 300 physiologic
functions of the body. This review discusses the prolactin structure, mechanism of
synthesis, control of secretions, receptors, its intracellular signal transduction and its
possible implications on the cardiovascular system
and his colleagues in the late 1920s, is a 199 amino acid multifunctional polypeptide
hormone, that has been found in all vertebrates to influence more than 300 physiologic
functions of the body. This review discusses the prolactin structure, mechanism of
synthesis, control of secretions, receptors, its intracellular signal transduction and its
possible implications on the cardiovascular system
In recent years, the medicinal properties of plants have been investigated in the light of scientific developments throughout the world, due to their potent pharmacological activities, low toxicity and economic viability. The use of... more
In recent years, the medicinal properties of plants
have been investigated in the light of scientific
developments throughout the world, due to their
potent pharmacological activities, low toxicity and
economic viability. The use of indigenous plant
medicines in developing countries became a World
Health Organization policy since 1970. Of the 520
new drugs approved in the period 1983–1994 by either
the US Food and Drug Administration or comparable
entities in other countries, 30 drugs came directly from
natural product sources, 173 were either semisynthetics
or synthetics originally modeled on a
natural parent product
have been investigated in the light of scientific
developments throughout the world, due to their
potent pharmacological activities, low toxicity and
economic viability. The use of indigenous plant
medicines in developing countries became a World
Health Organization policy since 1970. Of the 520
new drugs approved in the period 1983–1994 by either
the US Food and Drug Administration or comparable
entities in other countries, 30 drugs came directly from
natural product sources, 173 were either semisynthetics
or synthetics originally modeled on a
natural parent product