Utilization of blackboard among undergraduate medical students: where we are from the reality?

This study aimed to evaluate undergraduate medical students' perceptions to Blackboard [Bb] utilization learning management systems in terms of benefits and difficulties. The study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud University. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to the students. The questionnaire consisted of three parts including demographic information, utilization of Bb and difficulties while using Bb. A total of 808 questionnaires were distributed with 42% response rate. Among the participants, 224 [65.7%] were male and 116 [34.3%] were female students. Of them, 78.1% reported "disagreement and strong disagreement" on "Bb usefulness in communicating with the instructor". However, 74.1% students reported "disagreed and strongly disagreed" on "Bb usefulness in communicating with other students", whereas majority of the students [71.8%] did not use multimedia available in Bb system. Also, 61% students agreed that there is a "lack of formal training" on the use of Bb in the college, and 37.2% students agreed that the using "Bb system is a time consuming". However, 39.2% students did not know about the Bb systems add any additional burden on the students. The disagreement trend of male and female students concerned with the Bb utility and difficulties were almost same. The finding of the study showed a poor utilization of Bb learning features. Students faced technical difficulties while using Bb. The findings of this study indicate the need of compulsory students training of any newly introduced learning management systems including Bb in the educational institute

Serum hyaluronic acid level does not reliably differentiate minimal and significant liver disease in chronic hepatitis C

To evaluate the predictive value of hyaluronic acid [HA] for the assessment of liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic hepatitis C [CHC]. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan from June 2006 to July 2010. Ninety-eight CHC patients, 52 [53%] males, and 46 [47%] females, with an age range of 20-60 years [mean 36.0 +/- 10.5] were recruited. Liver fibrosis was staged on a 5-point scale, F0 to F4, and inflammation was graded on a 4-point scale, A0 to A3. Patients were divided into minimal [F<2 and A<2] and significant [F >/= 2 or A >/= 2] overall disease groups. The HA was measured in the serum by ELISA. Diagnostic value was assessed through receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve. Significant liver disease was present in 46 [47%] patients. Mean serum HA was significantly different among severity groups [p=0.001]. Area under ROC curve for overall disease was 0.716. Negative predictive value [NPV] for significant overall disease remained 71% at a low HA level of 20 ng/mL. Positive predictive value [PPV] of 85% was obtained at 60 ng/mL and 100% at 120 ng/mL. Those high levels were present in 15% and 10% of the patients. Serum HA levels showed a low NPV for significant liver disease. An acceptable PPV was found only in a small proportion of the patients. Hyaluronic acid may not be regarded as a reliable marker for making treatment decisions

Lung filnctions in poorly controlled type 1 Saudi diabetic children and adolescents

To determine the lung function among Saudi type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM] children and adolescents. This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and University Diabetes Centre, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from December 2008 to July 2010. A group of 52 [26 male and 26 female] volunteer T1DM children were recruited with an age range from 8-14 years [mean 12.05 +/- 1.42 years], mean duration of disease of 5.25 +/- 0.47 years, and mean glycosylated hemoglobin of 11.27 +/- 0.31%. Spirometry was performed on an Electronic Spirometer [Compact Vitalograph, Stockwell, London, UK]. Pulmonary function in children with diabetes showed significant lower mean values of actual lung function parameters forced vital capacity [FVC], peak expiratory flow [PEF], and maximum mid expiratory flow rate [MMEF] compared to their predicted values. However, there was no significant reduction in the actual forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], and FEV1/FVC% compared to their predicted values. The actual lung function data among Saudi T1DM children and adolescents showed significantly lower values of FVC, PEF, and MMEF compared to the predicted lung function data

Effects of mobile phone radiation on serum testosterone in Wistar albino rats

To investigate the effects of electromagnetic field radiation generated by mobile phones on serum testosterone levels in Wistar albino rats. This experimental interventional control study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the period December 2006 to April 2008. A total of 34 male Albino rats [Wistar strain], 2 months of age, weighing 150-160 gm were used for the experiment. These animals were divided into 3 groups. The first group containing 6 rats was assigned as a control group. The second group containing 14 rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 30 minutes daily and the third group containing 14 rats was exposed to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes daily for the total period of 3 months. At the end of experimental period, blood was collected into the container, and serum testosterone was analyzed using double-antibody radioimmunoassay method by Coat-A-Count. Exposure to mobile phone radiation for 60 minutes/day for the total period of 3 months significantly decrease the serum testosterone level [p=0.028] in Wistar Albino rats compared to their matched control. Long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation leads to reduction in serum testosterone levels. Testosterone is a primary male gender hormone and any change in the normal levels may be devastating for reproductive and general health

Lung function in type 2 Saudi diabetic patients

To study the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus on lung function and to determine its severity in relation to duration of disease. We conducted this study in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital and Diabetic Centre, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the year 2002 -2004. A group of 32 apparently healthy volunteer male type 2 diabetic patients were randomly selected with an age range from 24-73 years. We matched the diabetic patients with another group of 40 control healthy male subjects in terms of age, height, weight, and socioeconomic status. Both groups met with exclusion criteria as per standard. Spirometry was performed on an Electronic Spirometer [Schiller AT-2 Plus, Switzerland] and results were compared using the 2-tailed student t-test. Diabetic patients showed a significant reduction in the forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] and peak expiratory flow [PEF] relative to their matched controls. However, there were no significant difference in the forced expiratory ratio [FEV1/FVC%] and middle half of the FVC [FEF 25-75%] between the groups. Lung function in type 2 diabetic patients is impaired by a decrease in FVC, FEV1 and PEF, as compared to their matched controls. Stratification of results by years of disease showed a dose-response effect on lung function

Lung function in type 1 Saudi diabetic patients

To determine the effects of type 1 diabetes mellitus on lung function and its gravity in relation to the duration of disease. We carried out this study in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Diabetic Center, King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the period 2003-2004. We randomly selected a group of 27 apparently healthy volunteer Saudi male type 1 diabetic patients with age ranging from 19-70 years. We matched the diabetic patients with another group of 27 control healthy male subjects in terms of age, height, weight and socioeconomic status. Both groups met with exclusion criteria as per standard. We performed spirometry on an Electronic Spirometer [Schiller AT-2 Plus, Switzerland] and compared the results by a student t-test [2-tailed]. Type 1 diabetic patients showed a significant reduction in the forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1] relative to their matched controls. However, there was no significant difference in the forced expiratory ratio, forced expiratory flow; forced expiratory flow and peak expiratory flow [PEF] between the groups. It is concluded that lung function in type 1 diabetic patients is impaired by a decrease in FVC and FEV1 as compared to their matched controls. Additionally, the years of disease showed a dose-response effect on lung function

Association of mobile phone radiation with fatigue, headache, dizzines, tension and sleep disturbance in Saudi population

The widespread use of mobile phones has been increased over the past decade; they are now an essential part of business, commerce and society. The use of mobile phones can cause health problems. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to investigate the association of using mobile phones with fatigue, headache, dizziness, tension and sleep disturbance in the Saudi population and provide health and social awareness in using these devices. This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2002 to 2003. In the present study, a total of 437 subjects [55.1% male and 39.9% female] were invited, they have and had been using mobile phones. A questionnaire was distributed regarding detailed history and association of mobile phones with health hazards. The results of the present study showed an association between the use of mobile phones and health hazards. The overall mean percentage for these clinical findings in all groups were headache [21.6%], sleep disturbance [4.%], tension [3.9%], fatigue [3%] and dizziness [2.4%]. Based on the results of the present study, we conclude that the use of mobile phones is a risk factor for health hazards and suggest that long term or excessive use of mobile phones should be avoided by health promotion activities such as group discussions, public presentations and through electronic and print media sources

Hematological findings in male X-ray technicians

In view of the known health hazards of x-ray radiation, this study focuses on the basic hematological parameters: red blood cells [RBCs], white blood cells [WBCs] and platelets count in x-ray technicians. The aim was to identify the affect of x-ray radiation on blood cell counts in x-ray technicians. The present study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2002. In this study, a group of 40 apparently healthy male x-ray technicians with age ranging from 25-50-years were recruited. They were matched with another group of 40 apparently healthy control subjects in terms of age, sex and ethnic origin. Both groups met with exclusion criteria as per standard. Red blood cells, WBC and platelets count were performed by using a blood cell auto analyser [Beckman coulter counter]. The mean value of platelet count was significantly decreased [p<0.01] in x-ray technicians when compared to controls. However, no significant difference was observed in RBC and WBC count between the groups. ation causes decreased platelet count. Further, studies are needed to study the long-term effects of x-ray radiation on blood cell count in x-ray technicians

Health hazards of cement dust

ven in the 21st century, millions of people are working daily in a dusty environment. They are exposed to different types of health hazards such as fume, gases and dust, which are risk factors in developing occupational disease. Cement industry is involved in the development of structure of this advanced and modern world but generates dust during its production. Cement dust causes lung function impairment, chronic obstructive lung disease, restrictive lung disease, pneumoconiosis and carcinoma of the lungs, stomach and colon. Other studies have shown that cement dust may enter into the systemic circulation and thereby reach the essentially all the organs of body and affects the different tissues including heart, liver, spleen, bone, muscles and hairs and ultimately affecting their micro-structure and physiological performance. Most of the studies have been previously attempted to evaluate the effects of cement dust exposure on the basis of spirometry or radiology, or both. However, collective effort describing the general effects of cement dust on different organ and systems in humans or animals, or both has not been published. Therefore, the aim of this review is to gather the potential toxic effects of cement dust and to minimize the health risks in cement mill workers by providing them with information regarding the hazards of cement dust

Phagocytic functions of polymorphonuclear neutrophils in dental x-ray technicians

The dental professionals including dental X-ray technicians compass a variety of occupational risks including X-ray radiation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effects of X-ray radiations on the phagocytic activity ofPolymorphonuclear neutrophils [PMNs] in dental X-ray technicians

The present pilot study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College ofMedicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year of2003. Agroup of 8 apparently healthy dental X-ray technicians were recruited with age ranging from 22-49 years. They were matched with another group of 8 control healthy subjects in terms of age, sex and ethnic variation. Phagocytic activity of whole blood and PMNs was determined by measuring chemiluminescence [CL] response through a chemiluminescenceluminometer

The mean values for chemiluminescence [CL] response was not decreased in dental X-ray technicians compared to their controls

A better protection and low dose exposure to X-ray radiation does not affects the physiological functions of PMNs by means of chemiluminescence response. However, a large size studies are further required to confirm the affects of Dental X ray radiation on the phagocytic activity ofPolymorphonuclear neutrophils [PMNs] in dental X-ray technicians

Health hazards of welding fumes

Even in the twenty-first century, welding is still a common and a highly skilled occupation. The hazardous agents associated with welding processes are acetylene, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, ozone, phosgene, tungsten, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, silver, tin, and zinc. All welding processes involve the potential hazards for inhalation exposures that may lead to acute or chronic respiratory diseases. According to literature described earlier it has been suggested that welding fumes cause the lung function impairment, obstructive and restrictive lung disease, cough, dyspnea, rhinitis, asthma, pneumonitis, pneumoconiosis, carcinoma of the lungs. In addition, welding workers suffer from eye irritation, photokeratitis, cataract, skin irritation, erythema, pterygium, non-melanocytic skin cancer, malignant melanoma, reduced sperm count, motility and infertility. Most of the studies have been attempted previously to evaluate the effects of welding fumes. However, no collectively effort illuminating the general effects of welding fumes on different organs or systems or both in human has not been published. Therefore, the aim of this review is to gather the potential toxic effects of welding fumes documented by individual efforts and provide informations to community on hazards of welding

Estrogen receptors in human thyroid gland. an immunohistochemical study

Thyroid diseases affect women approximately 3 times more frequently than men. It has been suggested that the female sex steroids stimulate thyroid growth such as in the breast. Seventeen beta-estradiol, the major estrogen in the body acts via estrogen receptors [ER] present in the nucleus of the cell. The aim of the study is to determine the ER status in the thyroid gland tissues. Our study was based on immunohistochemical staining for ER. Fifty previously diagnosed cases of various thyroid lesions were selected from the Surgical Pathology Records of Pathology Department, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center, Karachi, Pakistan between March and August 2000. The staining was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissues using monoclonal anti-ER antibody [clone 1D5]. Out of 50 cases, 8 were nodular goiter, 9 cases of adenoma, 19 papillary carcinoma, 10 follicular and 4 cases were of medullary carcinoma. Surrounding normal tissue was available in 25 [50%] cases, 4 non-neoplastic and 21 neoplastic lesions. Out of 50 cases, 10 [20%] were males and 40 [80%] were females, the youngest patient was a 14-year-old female and the eldest patient was a 56-year-old male. Despite the availability of normal thyroid tissue and a wide range of lesions, none of our cases showed positive staining. In contrary to many earlier reports by immunohistochemical method using monoclonal antibody [clone 1D5] on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded thyroid tissues, the ER are not detectable. The effect of estrogen on thyroid gland may be indirect one

Hematological changes in cement mill workers

Considering the hazards of exposure to cement dust, this study incorporated basic hematological parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and the total leukocyte count. The idea was to identify a simple, readily available and cost effective screening test that could help in identifying the presence of disease, its severity, or both in cement mill workers potentially related to their work place. This study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Hamdard University, Karachi and the University of Karachi, Pakistan, during the time frame 1999-2000. In this study a group of 50, apparently healthy volunteers male cement mill workers were randomly selected with ages ranging from 20-60 years. They were matched with another group of 50, control healthy male subjects in terms of age, height, weight and socioeconomic status. Both groups met with exclusion criteria as per standard. The total leukocyte count was performed on an auto analyzer, [Symex-K-1000 CP-Analyzer, Japan] and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was measured by Westergren tube method. Results were compared in a mean, and on the basis of, period of exposure in a cement mill. In the present study, the mean values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate [p<0.05] and total leukocyte count [p<0.02] significantly increased, but the parameters do not revealing statistically significant differences between 2 groups on the basis of duration of exposure in a cement mill. This study has shown that exposure to cement dust causes increased mean values of total leukocyte count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. However, this change is not related to the duration of exposure in a cement mill

Serum uric acid levels in patients of ischemic heart disease

A comparative study of serum uric acid in 90 patients of lHD with 31 age and body mass index matched control subjects was carried out at Basic Medical Sciences Institute, JPMC, Karachi to find out the possible relationship between serum uric acid and incidence of ischemic heart disease. Serum uric acid was found to be significantly high [P < 0.001] in patients of ischemic heart disease as compared with control subjects