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Periyasamy V, Sumana R, Doddappaiah A, Mythilikrishnan R. Anatomical variation in the sphenoidal sinuses in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis: A CT scan study. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2024; 19:114-121. [PMID: 37876595 PMCID: PMC10591004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Computerized tomography (CT) of the skull base region has become an indispensable tool for endoscopic sinonasal surgery. Objectives Fundamental knowledge of the sinus anatomy is crucial for preoperative surgical planning. The aim of this research was to evaluate associations between the anatomical variations sphenoidal sinuses and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) by using CT. Methods A descriptive study was performed on patients with CRS, who were referred to the department of radiodiagnosis and imaging for CT scanning. Parameters were compared between the study and control groups. Results Among the anatomical variations, the presence of bilateral accessory septa within the sphenoidal sinus, and dehiscence and protrusion of the internal carotid artery and optic nerve (ON), were high in men and women in the case group compared with the control group. Among the anatomical variations in the sinonasal region of the male participants, a significant association (p < 0.05) was observed with ON protrusion and ON dehiscence. ON protrusion (OR = 2.168) in men was associated with elevated risk of CRS in the study population. Conclusion Knowledge of the anatomical variations in the sphenoid sinuses enables better understanding of the limits of surgical dissection during the treatment of sphenoid sinus surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radhakrishnan Sumana
- Department of Anatomy, Velammal Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anupama Doddappaiah
- Department of Anatomy, Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Hospital, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
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Khoramian L, Sajjadi SE, Minaiyan M. Anti-inflammatory effect of Adiantum capillus-veneris hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. AVICENNA JOURNAL OF PHYTOMEDICINE 2020; 10:492-503. [PMID: 32995327 PMCID: PMC7508316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology where many factors might play a role. Adiantum capillus-veneris may have beneficial effects in colitis because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing and antimicrobial effects. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerative effects of A. capillus-veneris on acetic acid-induced colitis in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS A. capillus-veneris aqueous (ACAE; 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) and hydroalcoholic extract (ACHE; 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) were given orally (p.o.) to male Wistar rats 2 hr before induction of colitis by intra-rectal administration of acetic acid 3%, and continued for 4 days. Prednisolone (4 mg/kg) and mesalazine (100 mg/kg) were applied p.o., as reference drugs for comparison. On day five, colitis indices of tissue specimens were evaluated and levels of biochemical markers including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. RESULTS In all groups treated with ACAE and ACHE with the exception of ACAE (150 mg/kg), ulcer index and wet weight of colon as parameters of macroscopic injuries, total colitis index as marker of microscopic features and MPO activity were significantly reduced in comparison to the control group; however, MDA value was only diminished in ACAE (300 and 600 mg/kg) and ACHE (300 mg/kg) groups significantly. CONCLUSION This research showed that ACAE and ACHE had dose-related beneficial effects on acetic acid-induced colitis and these effects could be attributed to anti-inflammatory, ulcer healing and antioxidant activities of these extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Khoramian
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed-Ebrahim Sajjadi
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Minaiyan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran,Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 3137927088, Fax: +98 3136680011,
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Obeidat A, Komesaroff PA. The struggle for clinical ethics in Jordanian Hospitals. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2019; 16:309-321. [PMID: 31297690 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-019-09928-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Arab and Islamic world is in cultural, political and ethical flux. Pressures of globalisation contend with ancient ideas and concepts that permeate cultural frameworks. Health professionals are among the many groups battling to accommodate the rapidly changing conditions. In many predominantly Muslim countries intense debates are underway among clinicians about the impact of the forces of change on their practices. To help understand these forces we conducted a study of the experiences of clinicians in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a Middle Eastern nation state where the overwhelming majority of the population is Muslim. The sample contained 508 doctors and doctors-in-training, of whom 63% were male and 80% were younger than 40 years of age. It included both a quantitative survey, covering a wide range of issues, and qualitative, free-text written responses. Our results demonstrated high levels of disquiet related to the overall organisation and administration of the health care system, the specific content of ethical decisionmaking, and the impact of changing social, cultural and religious factors. Concerns included overcrowding, widespread corruption and hierarchical, non- democratic, management practices, and tensions relating to traditional and modern approaches to ethics, especially in relation to consent, organ donation, confidentiality, privacy, abortion, and the role of women. The roles of religion and religious authorities, the relative importance of the family, and community and tribal obligations were also areas of contention. The study exposes profound divisions and widely differing perspectives among Jordanian doctors and an abiding sense of uncertainty and instability within the profession. Many doctors express ambivalence in relation to both modern trends and traditional precepts. Three main axes of ethical contention were demonstrated, relating to the tensions between: "conservative" and "pragmatic" styles of decision-making; "traditional" approaches and internationalised standards of ethics; and the role of Islam and pressures to disengage ethical decision- making from religious authority. We speculate that these issues and divisions, and the deep sense of disquiet revealed by our data reflect large-scale forces to which Jordanian society is exposed and to a substantial degree may provide a way to understand the ethical predicament of many other countries in the contemporary Arab world.
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Daw MA, El-Bouzedi A, Ahmed MO, Dau AA. Molecular and epidemiological characterization of HIV-1 subtypes among Libyan patients. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:170. [PMID: 28454556 PMCID: PMC5410017 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2491-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiological and clinical aspects of human immunodeficiency virus subtypes are of great interest worldwide. These subtypes are rarely studied in North African countries. Libya is a large country with the longest coast on the Mediterranean Sea, facing the Southern European countries. Studies on the characterization of HIV-1 subtypes are limited in Libya. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of the HIV problem among the Libyan population and to better understand the genetic diversity and the epidemiologic dynamics of HIV 1, as well as to correlate that with the risk factors involved. Methods A total of 159 HIV-1 strains were collected from 814 HIV positive patients from the four Libyan regions during a 16-year period (1995–2010). To determine the HIV-1 subtypes, genetic analysis and molecular sequencing were carried out using provirus polygene. Epidemiologic and demographic information was obtained from each participant and correlated with HIV-1 subtypes using logistic regression. Results The overall prevalence of HIV among Libyans ranged from 5 to 10 per 100,000 during the study period. It was higher among intravenous drug users (IVDUs) (53.9%), blood recipients (25.9%) and heterosexuals (17.6%) than by vertical transmission (2.6%). Prevalence was higher among males aged 20–40 years (M:F 1:6, P > 0.001). Among the 159 strains of HIV-1 available for typing, 117 strains (73.6%) were subtype B, 29 (18.2%) were CRF02_AG, and 13 (8.2%) were subtype A. HIV-1 subtype B was the most prevalent all over the country, and it was more prevalent in the Northern region, particularly among IVDUs (P < 0.001). GRF02_AG was common in the Eastern region, particularly among blood recipients while subtype A emerged in the Western region, particularly among IVDUs. Conclusions HIV-1 infection is emerging in Libya with a shifting prevalence of subtypes associated with the changing epidemiology of HIV-1 among risk groups. A genetic analysis of HIV-1 strains demonstrated low subtype heterogeneity with the evolution of subtype B, and CRF_20 AG, as well as HIV-1 subtype A. Our study highlights the importance of expanded surveillance programs to control HIV infection and the necessity of introducing public health strategies to target the risk groups, particularly IVDUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya. .,, Tripoli, Libya. .,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Libya.
| | - Abdallah El-Bouzedi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Mohamed O Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya
| | - Aghnyia A Dau
- Department of Surgery, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tripoli, CC 82668, Tripoli, Libya
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Daw MA, El-Bouzedi A, Dau AA. The assessment of efficiency and coordination within the Libyan health care system during the armed conflict-2011. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Daw MA, El-Bouzedi A, Dau AA. Geographic distribution of HCV genotypes in Libya and analysis of risk factors involved in their transmission. BMC Res Notes 2015; 8:367. [PMID: 26293137 PMCID: PMC4545908 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-015-1310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes have been shown to be differently distributed between distinct geographical areas. Libya is a large country has the longest coast in the Mediterranean basin. Information regarding hepatitis C genotypes and subtypes circulating in Libya are not well known. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of various HCV genotypes cross Libya and the demographic and attributable risk factors associated with HCV transmission among Libyan population. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on patients with recently confirmed HCV infection. A total of 3,227 serum samples enrolled at 19 collection center cross Libya. 1,756 belonged to Tripoli region, 452 to West region 355 to North region, 181 South regions and 483 East region. The samples were tested by type specific genotyping assay and correlated with demographic and potential risk factors within the studied populations. Results A total of 20 discrete genotypes and subtypes were identified among the Libyan population ranging from 11.5 to 0.3 % cross the country. Genotype 1 was the most frequent among all regions (19.7–40.5 %), reaching the highest value in Tripoli region, followed by genotype 4 which was more prevalent in the South (49.3 %) and West (40.0 %) regions. Genotype 3, was higher in Tripoli (21.3 %) and East (15.9 %) regions while genotype 2, common in North (23.6 %) and South (22.5 %) regions. However, we found evidence that there is a changing relative prevalence of HCV genotypes in relation to age, gender and the mode of transmission which is reflected in the predominance of certain genotypes among Libyan population. Conclusions Different HCV genotypes were isolated form Libyan population including newly emerged ones. The prevalence of the genotypes varied by geographic region and influenced by demographic and risk factors. Knowing the frequency and distribution of the genotypes would provide key information on understanding the spread of HCV in Libya and this could be greatly reflected on national plans and future strategies for infection prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli University, 82668, Tripoli, Libya. .,Libyan National Surveillance Studies of Viral Hepatitis & HIV, Tripoli, Libya.
| | - Abdallah El-Bouzedi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Biotechnology, Tripoli University, 82668, Tripoli, Libya.
| | - Aghnaya A Dau
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli Medical Center, Tripoli, Libya.
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Daw MA, Shabash A, El-Bouzedi A, Dau AA. Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV & HIV co-infection and risk factors analysis in Tripoli-Libya. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98793. [PMID: 24936655 PMCID: PMC4060988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In 1998 Libya experienced a major outbreak of multiple blood borne viral hepatitis and HIV infections. Since then, no studies have been done on the epidemic features and risk factors of HBV, HCV, HIV and co-infection among the general population. Methods A prospective study was carried out using a multi-centre clustering method to collect samples from the general population. The participants were interviewed, and relevant information was collected, including socio-demographic, ethnic, and geographic variables. This information was correlated with the risk factors involved in the transmission of HBV, HCV and HIV. Blood samples were collected and the sera were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV using enzyme immunoassay. Results A total of 9,170 participants from the nine districts of Tripoli were enrolled. The average prevalence of HBsAg was 3.7%, anti-HCV 0.9%, anti-HIV 0.15% and co-infection 0.02%. The prevalence varied from one district to another. HBV was more prevalent among those aged over 50 years and was associated with family history. Anti-HCV and anti-HIV were more prevalent among those aged 20–40 years. Intravenous drug use and blood transfusion were the main risk factors for HCV and HIV infection. Conclusion HBV, HCV, HIV and co-infection are relatively common in Libya. High prevalence was associated with geographic, ethnic and socioeconomic variability within the community. HCV and HIV infections among the younger age groups are becoming an alarming issue. Regulations and health care education need to be implemented and longer term follow-up should be planned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
- Department of Surgery, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
- * E-mail:
| | - Amira Shabash
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
| | | | - Aghnya A. Dau
- Department of Surgery, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya
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Daw MA, El-Bouzedi A. Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection in Libya: results from a national population based survey. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:17. [PMID: 24405790 PMCID: PMC3893419 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Libya is one of the largest countries in Africa and has the longest coast in the Mediterranean basin facing southern Europe. High rates of prevalence of viral hepatitis have been observed in various regions in Africa, but the prevalence in Libya is not well documented. We report on a large-scale nationwide study that evaluated the epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Libya and assessed the risk factors involved. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2008 on 65,761 individuals all over Libya. The country was divided into 12 regions according to the population density and sampling within each region was carried out under the supervision of the National Centre for Prevention of Infectious Diseases. Serum samples were collected from both males and females of all ages in both urban and rural areas and tested for HBsAg for hepatitis B and anti-HCV antibody for hepatitis C. Prevalence rates were determined in regions and in different groups and correlated with different demographic and risk factors involved in the spread of these viruses. Results The prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses varied regionally across the country. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B was 2.2% (95% CI 2.1%-2.3%) and was higher among males than females (1.4:1.0). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence was 1.2% (95% CI 1.1-1.3) and it increased gradually after the age of 30 years (0.7-0.9% for < 30 years; 3.6% for ≥ 60 years). Prevalence of HBsAg was 0.8-0.9% below the age of 10 years, and higher but similar in older age groups (2.3-2.7%). There was an association between literacy and prevalence of hepatitis, particularly for HCV. Hospital admission, surgical operation, blood transfusion, and intravenous drug use were the main risk factors, and they were associated independently with a higher prevalence rate of viral hepatitis. Conclusions Libya may be considered an area of low-intermediate endemicity for hepatitis B virus infection, with lower rates in young age groups, and an area of low endemicity for hepatitis C. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C across Libya is not homogeneous, with indications of the effect of the higher rates in some neighbouring countries. Libya should adopt full coverage national plans and guidelines to face the future consequences of viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli, Libya.
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Gasim GI. Hepatitis B virus in the Arab world: where do we stand? Arab J Gastroenterol 2013; 14:35-43. [PMID: 23820498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The epidemiology of viral hepatitis is of great importance for planning and managing health provision for all the countries in the Arab world. However, data on viral hepatitis are not readily available in a large percentage of Arab countries. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is considered to be one of the most important causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. A systematic electronic search of published literature was conducted to extract data on epidemiology and risk factors for the analysis of HBV infection among the countries in the Arab world. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection was found to be decreasing in some Arab countries although it was still unacceptably high. This was particularly evident in the Arabian Gulf region, in Lebanon, Egypt and Libya. The age-specific prevalence varied from country to country with decline in prevalence being noted among children in the Gulf States and among Libyan women. These declines in prevalence are most likely to be related to the Expanded Immunization Programme. The alarmingly high prevalence of chronically infected patients in some areas and the widespread differences in HBV prevalence between Arab nations may be explained by the variation in risk factors involved. This situation calls for targeted approaches to tackle HBV-related mortality and morbidity. Precise HBV infection prevalence data are needed at the national and the sub-national level to estimate the disease burden, guide health intervention programmes and evaluate vaccine efficiency.
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Saleh AM, Al-Tawil NG, Al-Hadithi TS. Teaching methods in Hawler College of Medicine in Iraq: a qualitative assessment from teachers' perspectives. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2012; 12:59. [PMID: 22840193 PMCID: PMC3444947 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-12-59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical education in Iraq is poorly assessed and there is a general lack of documented knowledge about the challenges facing this field and the needs for its development. This study aimed to assess the existing teaching methods in the Hawler College of Medicine, Iraq from teaching staff perspectives and assess the knowledge of the teaching staff about student-centred learning. METHODS A qualitative study based on a self-administered questionnaire survey of a purposive sample of 83 teaching staff in Hawler Medical University was conducted. The questionnaire addressed the participants' view on the positive aspects and problems of the current teaching methods and priorities to change it. The qualitative data analysis comprised thematic analysis. RESULTS The study revealed significant problems facing the existing teaching methods including having large number of students in the lecture hall (45.0 %), having focus on teacher-centred teaching (45.0 %) and lack of infrastructures and facilities suitable for proper teaching (26.7 %). The priorities for improving the quality of teaching methods included adoption of small group teaching strategy in all study years (34.6 %), improving the infrastructure and facilities for teaching in the college (34.6 %) and provision of continuous academic development programs for the teaching staff (24.3 %). CONCLUSIONS The existing medical education system face significant problems and it needs important and comprehensive improvements in different areas. There is a need for further research in this field to explore the identified problems in a more in-depth manner in order to better understand of the problems and needs of this important area of education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abubakir M Saleh
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Namir G Al-Tawil
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Tariq S Al-Hadithi
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
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Daw MA, Dau AA. Hepatitis C virus in Arab world: a state of concern. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:719494. [PMID: 22629189 PMCID: PMC3354686 DOI: 10.1100/2012/719494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus has been considered to be one of the most important devastating causes of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatic cellular carcinoma. The prevalence of such virus varies greatly over the world. Arab world has a unique geography and consists over nineteen countries who share the same heritage and customs and do speak the same language. In this area, the epidemiology of hepatitis C is not well understandable. Hepatitis C virus was found to be endemic in Arabia. The serostatus of such virus was found to be variable among these countries with uniform patterns of genotypes. Such prevalence varies tremendously according to the risk factors involved. Blood and blood products, haemodialysis, intravenous, and percutaneous drug users, and occupational, habitual, and social behavior were found to be the important factors involved. Hepatitis C will have major social, economic, and even political burdens on such young and dynamic societies. Thus, strategies and clear policy of intervention are urgently needed to combat the consequences of HCV both regionally and at state level of each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Daw
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Tripoli Medical Centre, Faculty of Medicine Tripoli, PO Box 82668, Tripoli, Libya.
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Abstract
Assessment is a powerful driver of student learning: it gives a message to learners about what they should be learning, what the learning organisation believes to be important, and how they should go about learning. Assessment tools allow measurement of student achievement and thereby give teachers insight into their students' learning, and enable teachers to make systematic judgements about progress and achievement. It is vital then that assessment tools drive students to learn the right things as well as measure student learning appropriately. Any attempts to reform curricula and teaching methods must consider the role of assessment in the learning process. Libyan doctors and medical students have been calling for changes to teaching and assessment methods at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A team from the Academic Centre for Medical Education at University College, London have been running workshops in conjunction with the Libyan Board of Medical Specialties since 2006 to discuss strategic aims of assessment in medical education in Libya for the 21st century and to deliver an assessment skills course to Libyan educators. This article outlines the course and the outcomes of preliminary discussions between academics from the UK, participants in the assessment courses and representatives from the Libyan Board of Medical Specialties. As a result of these discussions it was agreed by all that Libyan Medical School assessment methods need updating and, despite significant challenges, changes in assessment must be made as soon as possible. There is a real need for support in both addressing these changes and for practical training for assessors in contemporary assessment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Richardson
- Academic Centre for Medical Education. Division of Medical Education. University College London
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