ABSTRACT
To determine the pattern of urinary albumin excretion among non-diabetic first-degree relatives of patients with Type 2 DM residing in United Arab Emirates and to relate it to the socio-demographic profile and family history of chronic diseases. non-diabetic first-degree relatives of patients with Type 2 DM attending the Gulf Medical College Hospital [GMCH] or employed in the GMU/ GMCH were invited to participate in the study. None of the participants had any known renal disorder. Data was collected using a pilot-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Albumin/Creatinine ratio [ACR] was measured in urine. Data was analyzed using PASW 19.0 software. Among the 231 participatns, 66.3% were male. 53.7% of the participants were in the 26-35 year age group. Forty [17.3%] had ACR higher than 10mg/g, of whom 10 had > 30mg/g. ACR was >15mg/ g in 9.9% of males and 18% of females. An increasing trend was seen with age. The percentage of participants having ACR 15-30 mg/ g was 6.2, 8.1, 11.4, 27.3 in 10 mg/g, two reported a family history of kidney disorder, three stroke and seven CVD. Among the non-diabetic first-degree relatives of Type 2 DM patients, urinary albumin excretion level was higher among females and in the older age group
ABSTRACT
To determine i] the total antioxidant status in hypothyroid patients and ii] its association with hormonal and lipid parameters. Total antioxidant status [TAS], lipid and thyroid hormone profile was determined in patients [n=27] with Hypothyroidism referred for laboratory assessment of thyroid function in GMCH. Normal volunteers [n=24] served as the control group. Data was analyzed on SPSS 19.0 software. The TAS in normal volunteers was found to be 1.65 +/- 0.32 mmol/L while in patients with subclinical [N=12] and overt Hypothyroidism [N=15] it was found to be 1.25 +/- 0.23 and 1.28 +/- 0.23 mmol/L respectively. While the difference in TAS between the normal and the over hypothyroid group was significant [p<0.001], no significant difference could be observed between the subgroups within the hypothyroid state. TAS was found to be significantly lower in patients with low T3 [<3.1 nmol/L], however no such association was seen with low T4 levels. Serum TSH level was found to correlate strongly and significantly with total cholesterol and LDL levels. TAS was lower in patients with high serum cholesterol levels [p<0.001] but no difference was seen with LDL levels. TAS is significantly lower in patients with both subclinical and overt hypothyroidism compared to normal. TAS levels seem to be associated with low T3 but not T4 levels. While the result appear to show a trend, the sample size is very small and more work is needed. The study is still in progress
ABSTRACT
To [i] modify SLS to a new, more interactive and student-centered format that would align better with the learning outcomes and [ii] assess student perceptions regarding SLS sessions. SLS were redesigned into a presentation followed by quiz format, to make them more interactive and student-centered. The students were seated in teams during the whole session. They were assessed on their own seminar presentation as well as team performances in the quizzes after the seminars. The new format was implemented midway in Year 1 of the MBBS program. Student perceptions regarding SLS sessions in the new and the old formats were surveyed using an anonymous questionnaire and scored using a Likert-like scale. Statistical significance [p