Prolactin level in women with abnormal uterine bleeding visiting department of obstetrics and gynecology in a university teaching hospital in Ajman, UAE

This study was conducted among women in the reproductive age group with abnormal uterine bleeding [AUB] to determine the pattern of prolactin level. In this study, a total of 400 women in the reproductive age group with AUB attending GMC Hospital were recruited and their prolactin levels were evaluated. Age, marital status, reproductive health history and details of AUB were noted. SPSS version 21 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics was performed to describe the population, and inferential statistics such as Chi-square test was performed to find the association between dependent and independent variables. Out of 400 women, 351 [87.8%] were married, 103 [25.8%] were in the age group 25 years or below, 213 [53.3%] were between 26-35 years and 84 [21.0%] were above 35 years. Mean age was 30.3 years with a standard deviation 6.7. The prolactin level ranged between 15.34 mIU/l and 2800 mIU/l. The mean and SD observed were 310 mIU/l and 290 mIU/l respectively. The prolactin level was high among AUB patients with inter-menstrual bleeding compared to other groups. Additionally, the level was high among women with age greater than 25 years compared to those with age less than or equal to 25 years. But the difference observed was not statistically significant. With regard to BMI, 27.3% were obese and 37.5% were overweight. This study showed that as BMI increases, the level of prolactin decreases, with no statistically significant difference. The prolactin level was high in women with inter-menstrual bleeding as compared to those with other abnormal uterine bleeding. High serum prolactin level was observed in 11.3% of participants with oligomenorrhoea, 7.3% with polymenorrhoea, 3.7% with menometrorrhagia, 10.3% with menorrhagia, and 18.9% with inter-menstrual bleeding. But, the difference observed was not statistically significant. There is no statistically significant difference in the mean prolactin levels in AUB patients of different age groups and different BMI groups

study of student's perceptions of blended learning in certificate courses of gulf medical university

Estimate students' perception of blended learning and ease of use of online content in blended learning courses and to correlate the perceptions with socio demographic variables. This cross sectional study was conducted at the Center for Continuing Education and Community Outreach [CCE and CO] Gulf Medical University during the period Jan 2013-Dec 2013.Student perceptions of blended learning process, content and ease of use were recorded from a total of 75 students enrolled in the certificate courses offered by CCE and CO using a questionnaire. Mann-Whitney-U-test was performed to see whether the gender affected the students' perceptions of blended learning. Kruskal- Wallis test was used to assess if perceptions differ significantly across different age categories and course of study. The median scores of all the questions in all three domains of perception were above 3 indicating positive perceptions of students regarding the process of blended learning, the blended learning content and the ease of use of online content. The distribution of perceptions regarding all 3 domains was the same across categories of gender and age. There was a significant difference in the distribution of perceptions across the different course of study the student was enrolled in. Students hold a positive perception of the blended learning courses being offered in GMU. The difference in perceptions among students of different courses indicates that the blended learning format offered needs modification according to course content to improve its perception

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation and blood pressure control

Determine the effect of PUFA supplementation on patients diagnosed with hypertension and are on treatment with antihypertensive drugs. To identify if the response to PUFA differs according to gender and duration of hypertension. To determine the effect of coexisting morbidities like diabetes and dyslipidemia on the hypertensive patients response to PUFA. This observational study was conducted at the GMCH and RC during the period Jan 2012-Dec 2012. A total of 100 hypertensive patients on treatment, 50 of whom were taking n-3PUFA supplements along with their antihypertensive medications, were followed up for a period of 3 months. Comparisons were drawn between the BP recordings at the time of enrolment in the study and their follow up values 3 months after enrollment. Data analysis was done per protocol, excluding data from the drop out patients. There was a significant reduction in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures after 3 months of n-3 PUFA therapy [mean reduction systolic 9.7 mmHg; diastolic 4.7 mm Hg]. Males showed significant improvement in BP [systolic] compared to females. The BP of non- diabetic participants' improved significantly with PUFA therapy. The antihypertensive effect of PUFA supplement was more marked in patients with long standing hypertension. Supplementation with omega- 3 PUFA causes a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients

Effects of PUPA on lipid level in patients with diabetes: hospital based study

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease that is associated with dyslipidemia; manifested by high levels of triglyceride, LDL and low HDL which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study investigates the effect of polyunsaturated fat [PUFA] on the glycemic state and the lipid profile of diabetic patients. A 3 months observational study of 63 type 2 diabetic patients, divided the patients in to PUFA group n. =31 given Omacor [omega-3] 1 capsule /day as a source of n-3 PUFA and control group n. = 32 continued on their routine anti-diabetic medication. Subjects took their routine diet and usual diabetic medication. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile of the two groups were assessed pre and post enrolment in the study. 3 months of n-3 PUFA consumption lowered the levels of fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL in diabetic patients with an increase in HDL level. Although n-3 PUFA improved the lipid profile and the blood glucose level in type 2 diabetic patients yet were of no statistical significance when compared to the initial values of the patients or with the diabetic group who did not have n-3 PUFA. 3 months n-3 PUFA supplementation for type 2 diabetes decreases fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL with an increase in HDL level. Non-statistical significant findings suggest that a longer term clinical trials and /or large sample size are required to conclusively establish the effect of n-3 PUFA on cardiovascular risk, lipid profile and outcomes in type 2 diabetic patients

Awareness and practice of computer ergonomics among university students

Improper use of computers results in a variety of health disorders. Hence the knowledge of computer ergonomics is essential while using computers. Nevertheless, there is not much documented evidence about the relationship between knowledge and actual practice of ergonomic principles among today's students. The aim of this study was to investigate the awareness and practice of computer ergonomics among university students in Ajman. The attitude of the students towards formal training on ergonomics was also assessed. A total of 389 students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman and Ajman University of Science and Technology participated in the study. A pre-tested and content validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Only 44% of the population surveyed was aware of computer ergonomics. The students who had read documents on ergonomics put the principles into practice when compared to those who had attended formal training sessions. There is a need to increase the awareness of ergonomics among university students. The results of the study indicate that though attendees of previous training workshops show positive attitude towards further training sessions, they do not put the principles learned into practice. In contrast, the students who have read documents put their learning into practice better, but do not show a positive attitude towards formal training sessions. Hence, it becomes important to determine the most effective ergonomic strategy in improving the students' knowledge and practice of computer ergonomics

Computer use and vision-related problems amongst students in Ajman, UAE

The extensive use of computers as medium of teaching and learning in Universities necessitates introspection into the extent of computer-related health disorders amongst the student population. There are no documented studies done in this regard in Ajman. This study was undertaken to assess the pattern of computer usage and related visual problems, among University students in Ajman, UAE. A total of 500 Students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman and Ajman University of Science and Technology were approached for the study. A pretested and content-validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Demographic characteristics, pattern of usage of computers and associated visual symptoms were recorded in the questionnaire. 471 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the variables. The crude Odds Ratio [OR] was determined using simple binary logistic regression and adjusted OR was calculated using multiple logistic regressions. The most common vision-related problems reported among computer users were headache, burning sensation in the eyes and dry/tired/sore eyes, with 53.3%, 54.8% and 48% of students reporting the same respectively. Female students were found to be at a higher risk. A significantly higher proportion of respondents [60%] employing a viewing distance of less than 50 cm complained of headache. The incidence of headache [51.7%], dry eyes [34.5%] and burning sensation [44.8] was lower when screen filters were used. Sustained periods of close screen work without screen filters were found to be associated with occurrence of the symptoms and decreased productivity of the students. More attention needs to be given in an attempt to reduce the impact of computer-related vision problems and the interruptions in work

Computer use and vision-related problems amongst students in Ajman, UAE

Objective: The extensive use of computers as medium of teaching and learning in Universities necessitates introspection into the extent of computer-related health disorders amongst the student population. There are no documented studies done in this regard in Ajman. This study was undertaken to assess the pattern of computer usage and related visual problems, among University students in Ajman, UAE

Materials and Methods: A total of 500 Students studying in Gulf Medical University, Ajman and Ajman University of Science and Technology were approached for the study. A pretested and content-validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Demographic characteristics, pattern of usage of computers and associated visual symptoms were recorded in the questionnaire. 471 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. Chi-square test was used to determine the association between the variables. The crude Odds Ratio [OR] was determined using simple binary logistic regression and adjusted OR was calculated using multiple logistic regressions

Results: The most common vision-related problems reported among computer users were headache, burning sensation in the eyes and dry/tired/sore eyes, with 53.3%, 54.8% and 48% of students reporting the same respectively. Female students were found to be at a higher risk. A significantly higher proportion of respondents [60%] employing a viewing distance of less than 50 cm complained of headache. The incidence of headache [51.7%], dry eyes [34.5%] and burning sensation [44.8] was lower when screen filters were used

Conclusion: Sustained periods of close screen work without screen filters were found to be associated with occurrence of the symptoms and decreased productivity of the students. More attention needs to be given in an attempt to reduce the impact of computer-related vision problems and the interruptions in work

Effect of obesity on lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats

Obesity has become a major problem in the modern world; it is affected genetically and by lifestyle. Since obesity is associated with multi co-morbidities like dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome, this work studied the effect of induced obesity on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic state and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats. Twenty male rats of a body weight ranging from 178 to 200 g were divided equally into two groups, one fed commercial rat chow as a control group [Cgp] and the other fed 10% saturated fat to induce obesity as experimental group [SFgp]. After 3 months the body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin level, and lipid profile of both groups were measured and the lipolytic activity of adipose tissue was assessed by the amount of free glycerol released. Rats fed saturated fat for 3 months showed significant increase in birth weight, systolic blood pressure, TG, Cholesterol, LDL, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels by 55.3%, 15.86% 24%, 7.92%, 19.58% 20.5% and 26.25% respectively with a significant decline in HDL by 12.9%. Lipolytic activity of SC tissue in the presence of adrenaline decreased significantly by 15%, while in the presence of insulin it increased significantly by 33.33%. It showed a significant increase by 18% and 25.84% in the presence of adrenaline and insulin respectively in visceral adipose tissue. A p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. obesity induced in male rats by high saturated fat diet showed a significant rise in BW and is associated with hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The adipose tissue of obese male rats showed a significant decrease in lipolytic activity of SC with a significant rise in the corresponding value in visceral adipose tissue

Effect of insulin resistance on lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats

The excess usage of fructose as a sweetener that we all consume everyday in one way or another has raised the incidence of insulin resistance among the population which is associated with dyslipedemia, hypertension and obesity. This work studied the effect of induced insulin resistance on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycemic state and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue in male rats. 20 male rats of 129.4 g average body weight were divided equally into two groups. Both had free access to water. The control [Cgp] had pure water, the experimental group [Fgp] had water mixed with 25% of fructose to induce insulin resistance. After 3 months the body weight, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, lipid profile of both groups were measured and lipolytic activity of adipose tissue was assessed by the amount of free glycerol released. Rats given fructose for 3 months showed significant increase in BW, systolic blood pressure, TG, Cholesterol, LDL, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels by 28.7%, 13.9% 23.9%, 3%, 5.61% 115.49% and 232.8% respectively with a significant decline in HDL by 5.98%. Lipolytic activity of SC and visceral adipose tissue in presence of adrenaline increased significantly by 55.25%, and 78.63% respectively, which runs in parallel with the results obtained in presence of insulin as it showed a significant rise in both SC and visceral adipose tissue by 109.3% and 167.12 respectively. data were statistically significant at p<0.05. Insulin resistance induced in male rat by high fructose consumption showed a significant rise in BW and is associated with hypertension and dyslipidemia with significant rise in lipolytic activity of both SC and visceral adipose tissue