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Hammoudi Halat D, Alsous MM, Al-Jumaili AA, Malki A, Ahmed KK, Hamad A, Darwish R, Thomas D, Bukhatwa S, Khdour M, Alkhudair N, Al Balushi AA, Khalifa S, Alsharif NZ, Rahal M. Pharmacy faculty experiences with student academic entitlement: a multinational study from the Arab world. BMC Med Educ 2024; 24:470. [PMID: 38679702 PMCID: PMC11057156 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05402-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Academic Entitlement (AE) is the expectation by students to receive high grades or preferential treatment without significant effort. Exploring AE from faculty perspective has not been investigated in Arab colleges of pharmacy. The aim of this study was to explore experiences and perceptions towards student AE among pharmacy faculty in the Arab World. A cross-sectional, self-administered, anonymous, electronic survey was sent to pharmacy faculty across pharmacy colleges in Arab countries. The survey collected demographic data, an AE measure including 17 items reflecting seven AE components, and faculty perceptions and perceived reasons for AE. A total of 345 responses were collected. The AE level was moderate (46.05 ±7.29), and the highest scores among its components were for customer service expectation (62%) and responsibility avoidance (59%). In multiple linear regression, AE showed positive significant association with faculty in clinical pharmacy departments and those having fewer years of experience. Most common complaints heard by faculty from students were requests to turn in assignments late (90%), while the most common communication issues faculty faced with students were unprofessional verbal communication (58%) and unprofessional messages on social media (57%). Poor admission criteria (40%) and existence of multiple private colleges of pharmacy (37%) were the most common perceived reasons for AE by participating faculty. This study reveals moderate AE experienced by pharmacy faculty in the Arab World, as well as common complaints, communication issues, and AE reasons. In collaboration with other stakeholders, faculty play an important role in indicating expectations from students regarding AE, and research is warranted to check if such interventions reduce AE among pharmacy students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mervat M Alsous
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | | | - Ahmed Malki
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Anas Hamad
- College of Pharmacy, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rula Darwish
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Dixon Thomas
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salma Bukhatwa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Maher Khdour
- Al-Quds University College of Pharmacy, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Nora Alkhudair
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sherif Khalifa
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naser Z Alsharif
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese international University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Abdaljaleel M, Barakat M, Alsanafi M, Salim NA, Abazid H, Malaeb D, Mohammed AH, Hassan BAR, Wayyes AM, Farhan SS, Khatib SE, Rahal M, Sahban A, Abdelaziz DH, Mansour NO, AlZayer R, Khalil R, Fekih-Romdhane F, Hallit R, Hallit S, Sallam M. Author Correction: A multinational study on the factors influencing university students' attitudes and usage of ChatGPT. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8281. [PMID: 38594508 PMCID: PMC11003977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59011-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maram Abdaljaleel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Mariam Alsanafi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, College of Health Sciences, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Nesreen A Salim
- Prosthodontic Department, School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
- Prosthodontic Department, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Husam Abazid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, P.O. Box 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali Haider Mohammed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Sinan Subhi Farhan
- Department of Anesthesia, Al Rafidain University College, Baghdad, 10001, Iraq
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), 32093, Hawally, Kuwait
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, 961, Lebanon
| | - Ali Sahban
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Doaa H Abdelaziz
- Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha O Mansour
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura National University, Dakahlia Governorate, 7723730, Egypt
| | - Reem AlZayer
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, 34222, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roaa Khalil
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame des Secours, University Hospital Center, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
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Hammoudi Halat D, Al-Jumaili AA, Ahmed KK, Rahal M, Hamad A, Darwish RM, Alsous MM, Thomas D, Bukhatwa S, Khdour M, Alkhudair N, Al Balushi AA, Khalifa S, Alsharif NZ. Academic Entitlement Among Pharmacy Students in the Arab World: A Multi-National Exploratory Study. Am J Pharm Educ 2024; 88:100640. [PMID: 38181969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study's aim was to explore academic entitlement among pharmacy students in different pharmacy colleges in the Arab World and assess associated factors. METHODS This study design was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a self-administered electronic questionnaire posted across pharmacy college networks in 10 Arab countries (Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates). The electronic survey was administered through Qualtrics Survey Software, and its link was open from January 23, 2022 to May 13, 2022. The multiple linear regression measured the association between different predictors and the academic entitlement. RESULTS A total of 2386 surveys were received from students studying in 10 different Arab countries. The majority of responding students were male and studying in a Bachelor of pharmacy program. Students reported an agreeable attitude in 4 areas: rewards for efforts, customer orientation, customer service expectation, and general academic entitlement. In accommodation, a neutral attitude was reported, while they reported a disagreeing attitude in the responsibility avoidance domain. In grade haggling, the 3 items of the domain had different attitudes. Only 3 factors had a significant negative association with student entitlement (professionalism, GPA, and year in the study program). CONCLUSION The academic entitlement scores among pharmacy students in the Arab World were high and had a negative association with professionalism perceptions. This study finding is a call for pharmacy programs to consider the effect of academic entitlement on pharmacy education and to obtain in-depth evidence on its magnitude and associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Azeez Al-Jumaili
- University of Baghdad College of Pharmacy, Baghdad, Iraq; The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa, USA; University of California Davis School of Medicine /Department of Public Health, CA, USA.
| | - Kawther Khalid Ahmed
- University of Baghdad College of Pharmacy, Baghdad, Iraq; The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa, USA
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Lebanese International University, School of Pharmacy, Beyrouth, Lebanon
| | - Anas Hamad
- Qatar University, College of Pharmacy, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rula M Darwish
- The University of Jordan, School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mervat M Alsous
- Yarmouk University Irbid, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Dixon Thomas
- Gulf Medical University, College of Pharmacy, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salma Bukhatwa
- Libyan International Medical University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Benghazi, Libya
| | - Maher Khdour
- Al-Quds University College of Pharmacy, Abu Dis, Palestine
| | - Nora Alkhudair
- King Saud University College of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sherief Khalifa
- Gulf Medical University College of Pharmacy, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Naser Z Alsharif
- Lebanese American University, School of Pharmacy, Byblos, Lebanon
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Abdaljaleel M, Barakat M, Alsanafi M, Salim NA, Abazid H, Malaeb D, Mohammed AH, Hassan BAR, Wayyes AM, Farhan SS, Khatib SE, Rahal M, Sahban A, Abdelaziz DH, Mansour NO, AlZayer R, Khalil R, Fekih-Romdhane F, Hallit R, Hallit S, Sallam M. A multinational study on the factors influencing university students' attitudes and usage of ChatGPT. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1983. [PMID: 38263214 PMCID: PMC10806219 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence models, like ChatGPT, have the potential to revolutionize higher education when implemented properly. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing university students' attitudes and usage of ChatGPT in Arab countries. The survey instrument "TAME-ChatGPT" was administered to 2240 participants from Iraq, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, and Jordan. Of those, 46.8% heard of ChatGPT, and 52.6% used it before the study. The results indicated that a positive attitude and usage of ChatGPT were determined by factors like ease of use, positive attitude towards technology, social influence, perceived usefulness, behavioral/cognitive influences, low perceived risks, and low anxiety. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated the adequacy of the "TAME-ChatGPT" constructs. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the attitude towards ChatGPT usage was significantly influenced by country of residence, age, university type, and recent academic performance. This study validated "TAME-ChatGPT" as a useful tool for assessing ChatGPT adoption among university students. The successful integration of ChatGPT in higher education relies on the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, positive attitude towards technology, social influence, behavioral/cognitive elements, low anxiety, and minimal perceived risks. Policies for ChatGPT adoption in higher education should be tailored to individual contexts, considering the variations in student attitudes observed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Abdaljaleel
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Mariam Alsanafi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, College of Health Sciences, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Nesreen A Salim
- Prosthodontic Department, School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
- Prosthodontic Department, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Husam Abazid
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, P.O. Box 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali Haider Mohammed
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Sinan Subhi Farhan
- Department of Anesthesia, Al Rafidain University College, Baghdad, 10001, Iraq
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), 32093, Hawally, Kuwait
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, 961, Lebanon
| | - Ali Sahban
- School of Dentistry, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Doaa H Abdelaziz
- Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Noha O Mansour
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura National University, Dakahlia Governorate, 7723730, Egypt
| | - Reem AlZayer
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmacy, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences, 34222, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Roaa Khalil
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi Hospital, 2010, Manouba, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame des Secours, University Hospital Center, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, 11942, Jordan.
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Sakr F, Safwan J, Cherfane M, Salameh P, Sacre H, Haddad C, El Khatib S, Rahal M, Dia M, Harb A, Hosseini H, Iskandar K. Knowledge and Awareness of Stroke among the Elderly Population: Analysis of Data from a Sample of Older Adults in a Developing Country. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:2172. [PMID: 38138275 PMCID: PMC10744528 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Stroke prevention has traditionally concentrated on research to improve knowledge and awareness of the disease in the general population. Since stroke incidents increase with age, there is a need to focus on the elderly, a high-risk group for developing the disease. This study aimed to examine the level of stroke awareness and knowledge, their predictors, and their source of information. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study targeted Lebanese senior citizens aged 65 years and above. A total of 513 participants enrolled in the study through a self-administered survey distributed using a snowball sampling technique. Results: Most participants had appropriate baseline knowledge (more than 75% correct answers) of stroke, including risk factors, alarming signs, and preventive measures. Better knowledge of disease risks was significantly associated with having a university degree (ORa = 1.609; p = 0.029). Participants who had previous ischemic attacks showed significantly lower knowledge of the alarming signs (ORa = 0.467; p = 0.036) and prevention measures (ORa = 0.427; p = 0.029). Those suffering from depression had better knowledge of stroke alarming signs (ORa = 2.060.; p = 0.050). Seeking information from pharmacists, physicians, or the internet was not significantly associated with better knowledge of stroke risks, alarming signs, and preventive measures. Conclusions: The present study showed that seniors had fair knowledge of stroke, despite gaps in stroke prevention measures. Healthcare providers could play a leading role in improving public health by educating seniors to enhance awareness about prevention measures, detecting alarming signs, and acting fast to save a life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
- UMR U955 INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France;
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Michelle Cherfane
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 4504, Lebanon
- College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 25586, United Arab Emirates
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 4504, Lebanon
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University of Nicosia Medical School, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hala Sacre
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
| | - Chadia Haddad
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib 1525, Lebanon
- School of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business and Science, Beirut 7501, Lebanon
| | - Sarah El Khatib
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
| | - Mohammad Dia
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
| | - Ahmad Harb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- UMR U955 INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France;
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94010 Créteil, France
- Service de Neurologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, AP-HP, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Katia Iskandar
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 1105, Lebanon; (J.S.); (M.R.); (M.D.); (A.H.); (K.I.)
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon; (M.C.); (P.S.); (H.S.); (C.H.); (S.E.K.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
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Dabbous M, Sakr F, Safwan J, Akel M, Malaeb D, Rahal M, Kawtharani A. Instructional educational games in pharmacy experiential education: a quasi-experimental assessment of learning outcomes, students' engagement and motivation. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:753. [PMID: 37821895 PMCID: PMC10568905 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04742-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the impact of implementing instructional educational games on attaining the intended learning outcomes mapped with the competencies of a pharmacy practice experience course, and to assess students' attitudes towards motivation and engagement in this active learning activity. METHODS This was a quasi-experimental study that utilized a pretest-posttest for the research groups. Students were divided into teams and challenged to answer different questions related to the case scenarios. Different gaming platforms as Gamilab, Wisc-Online, and Quizizz were accordingly used to create different questions that help students memorize medications' brand names, and acquire the advanced community knowledge and skills. The attainment of the intended learning outcomes was assessed and compared between the experimental and control groups through the course total average of grades, and the subsequent averages of domains relating to the course competencies. Attitudes towards motivation and engagement in educational games activities were also assessed among the experimental group. RESULTS A total of 233 students were enrolled in the study. The experimental group had significantly higher total posttest average compared to the control group (Beta = 7.695, 95% CI = 4.964-10.425, P < 0.001). The experimental group had also significantly higher averages of competency domains related to foundational knowledge (Beta = 1.471, 95% CI = 0.723-2.219, P < 0.001), pharmaceutical care (Beta = 1.650, 95% CI = 0.673-2.627, P < 0.001), essentials to practice and care (Beta = 1.838, 95% CI = 0.626-3.050, P < 0.003), and approach to practice and care (Beta = 2.736, 95% CI = 1.384-4.088, P < 0.001) averages. The experimental group reflected positive attitudes toward gamification engagement and motivation, with greater than 60% of the students recommend engage educational games to be part of the course. CONCLUSION Incorporation of educational games into pharmacy practice experiences resulted in better learning outcomes. This kind of active learning appears to be acceptable and motivational for students, and is recommended for further research in didactic courses in the pharmacy curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
- School of Education, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- UMR U955 INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Education, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Anwar Kawtharani
- School of Education, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
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7
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Mourad N, Younes S, Mourad L, Fahs I, Mayta S, Baalbaki R, El Basset W, Dabbous M, El Akel M, Safwan J, Saade F, Rahal M, Sakr F. Comprehension of prescription orders with and without pictograms: tool validation and comparative assessment among a sample of participants from a developing country. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1926. [PMID: 37798686 PMCID: PMC10552214 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16856-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication errors can often occur due to the patient's inability to comprehend written or verbal medication orders. This study aimed to develop pictograms of selected medication orders and to validate the comprehension of prescription orders index and compare the comprehension scores with and without pictograms. In addition to determine the predictors that could be associated with a better or worse comprehension of prescription orders with pictograms versus that of their written counterparts. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using a snowball sampling technique. Six pictograms were developed to depict specific medication orders. The comprehension of prescription orders index was constructed and validated. The study then compared the comprehension scores of prescription orders with and without pictograms, and identified the predicting factors score difference. RESULTS A total of 1848 participants were included in the study. The structure of the comprehension of prescription orders index was validated over a solution of four factors, with an adequate Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy of 0.711 and a significant Bartlett's test of sphericity (P < 0.001). The construct validity of the index was further confirmed by highly significant correlations between each item and the full index (P < 0.001). The study also found a significant association between the difference in comprehension scores for prescription orders with and without pictograms and several factors, including age, level of education, area of residence, number of children, and smoking status with the difference of comprehension scores (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Pictogram-based instructions of medication orders were better understood by the Lebanese population than written instructions, making the incorporation of pictograms in pharmacy practice paramount to optimize medication use by the patient and thus yielding better health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Mourad
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Samar Younes
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lidia Mourad
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Iqbal Fahs
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Shatha Mayta
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Racha Baalbaki
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Wassim El Basset
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, PEPITE EA4267, Besançon, France
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El Akel
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Education, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Jihan Safwan
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Faraj Saade
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Fouad Sakr
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
- Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, UMR U955 INSERM, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
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Alzayer R, Barakat M, Jirjees F, Alhamdan A, Aloraifej S, Cherri S, Mansour S, El Khatib S, Kharaba Z, Rahal M, Hallit S, Malaeb D, Hosseini H. Knowledge and awareness of stroke and associated factors in the Saudi general population: a cross-sectional study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1225980. [PMID: 37808501 PMCID: PMC10552853 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1225980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stroke is a major cause of death and disability globally and in Saudi Arabia as well. Prevention and management of stroke depend highly on raising knowledge and awareness about the disease. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate Saudi adult's knowledge and awareness about stroke and determine the associated factors. Materials and methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in May-July 2022 among Saudi citizens. Assessments of stroke knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and response to stroke symptoms were evaluated. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between the socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge. Results A total of 389 participants were enrolled with the majority (81.7%) being male participants. Less than half of the study subjects (43.3%) identified four out of five correct answers related to general knowledge about stroke. Almost all the participants were able to identify at least one risk factor associated with stroke. The majority of the participants (81.2%) believed that physical inactivity was the most common risk factor associated with stroke. Approximately three-quarters of participants considered difficulty speaking and understanding speech, followed by the sudden loss of consciousness as the most common stroke manifestation. Participants with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity had significantly higher odds of identifying at least one early stroke symptom (OR 2.271 [95% CI 1.402 3.677], 2.059 [95% CI 1.273 3.328], and 2.665 [95% CI 1.431 4.963], respectively). Conclusion Our study revealed that participants have good knowledge about stroke. Nonetheless, further efforts are required to raise awareness and educate the public to optimize and ensure better treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Alzayer
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences (MACHS), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- MEU Research Unit, Middle East University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Feras Jirjees
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Shatha Aloraifej
- Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Mohammed Al-Mana College for Medical Sciences (MACHS), Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara Cherri
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sara Mansour
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology, Mubarak Al-Abdullah, Kuwait
| | - Zelal Kharaba
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal El Dib, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hassan Hosseini
- Neurology Department, Henri Mondor Hospital, AP-HP, Créteil, France
- INSERM U955-E01, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomedicale (IMRB), UPEC-Universite Paris-Est, Créteil, France
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Hammoudi Halat D, Safwan J, Rahal M. Gendered Experiences in Pharmacy Education Exposed Through a National Financial Collapse - A Reflection From the Lebanese Crisis. Am J Pharm Educ 2023; 87:100023. [PMID: 37380271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpe.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Women have long been drawn to pharmacy; it is often seen as a profession that allows them to balance their professional and personal responsibilities, and Lebanon is not an exception, where the majority of practicing pharmacists are women. Despite gender equality commitments and educational attainments, women are still underrepresented at high positions in the pharmacy academia. In Lebanon, the recent multidimensional economic crisis has added to and compounded existing difficulties. Women have been forced to improvise their jobs and household responsibilities, resulting in an increase in unpaid care and other household work. The aim of this commentary is to provide a critical reflection of the impact of a national financial collapse on the roles and expectations of women in academia, by highlighting the leadership, research, service, and contributions achieved by 2 women academics during these difficult times. These experiences are linked with existing literature to draw some conclusions and suggest recommendations for future research. Our experiences demonstrated that women are engines of recovery, as seen by their tenacity, resourcefulness in adversity, self-reliance, and desire to engage in proactive community activity. The multifaceted crisis in Lebanon has unlocked new demands, where hard-won accomplishments for women should be reassessed, and inquiries into gendered realities for women of academics in the field of pharmacy are necessary. Responding to the Lebanese crisis from the perspective of pharmacy education should include not just repairing disparities, but also restructuring a more robust system with women academics at its core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
| | - Jihan Safwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
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Hammoudi Halat D, Hallit S, Younes S, AlFikany M, Khaled S, Krayem M, El Khatib S, Rahal M. Exploring the effects of health behaviors and mental health on students' academic achievement: a cross-sectional study on lebanese university students. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1228. [PMID: 37365573 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High academic achievement, an important determinant of future success, is known to be influenced by many factors including dietary behavior, lifestyle and mental health, among others. The objectives of the current study were to explore university students' nutritive habits, daily lifestyle, and mental status, and to scrutinize the associations between these factors and students' academic achievement. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of a private Lebanese university, using an electronic survey. Diet, eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and smoking were evaluated, and mental health was assessed using a validated Arabic version of the combined Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score (DASS-8). Academic achievement was measured using the Subjective Academic Achievement Scale (SAAS). RESULTS A total of 1677 students participated in the questionnaire. The results of a linear regression taking the SAAS score as the dependent variable, showed that students who have a non-scientific versus scientific major (Beta = 0.53), and having breakfast ≥ 4 days per week compared to less than 2 days (Beta = 0.28) were significantly associated with higher SAAS scores. More psychological distress (Beta = - 0.06) and a higher number of days of eating out (Beta = - 0.07) were significantly associated with lower SAAS scores. CONCLUSIONS This is the first investigation on a Lebanese university students' academic success in relation to lifestyle and mental profiles. Better academic achievement was demonstrated by students having healthier dietary and lifestyle habits, as well as less distressing mental status. Such results, in light of the compounded and unprecedented crises with which Lebanon has been assailed, suggest the need to focus on promoting healthy habits among students in higher education as a possible driver of better academic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
- Department of Research, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Samar Younes
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Mira AlFikany
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Sanaa Khaled
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Maha Krayem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Sami El Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
- Center for Applied Mathematics and Bioinformatics (CAMB), Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), Hawally, Kuwait
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
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Mourad N, Mourad L, Hammoudi Halat D, Farah Z, Hendaus M, El Sayed Trad I, El Akel M, Safwan J, Rahal M, Younes S. Factors Affecting Influenza Vaccination Uptake and Attitudes among Lebanese University Students: The Impact of Vaccination Promotional Programs and COVID-19 Pandemic. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050949. [PMID: 37243053 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective preventative strategy against influenza, yet university students' influenza vaccination uptake remains low. This study aimed firstly to determine the percentage of university students who were vaccinated for the 2015-2016 influenza season and to identify reasons for non-vaccination, and secondly to examine the impact of external factors (on-campus/online influenza awareness campaigns and COVID-19 pandemic) on their influenza vaccination uptake and attitudes for the 2017-2018 and 2021-2022 influenza seasons. A descriptive study was conducted over three phases for three influenza seasons at a Lebanese university in the Bekaa Region. Based on data collected in 2015-2016, promotional activities were developed and implemented for the other influenza seasons. This study was conducted using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire by students. The majority of the respondents in the three studies did not receive the influenza vaccine (89.2% in the 2015-2016 study, 87.3% in the 2017-2018 study, and 84.7% in the 2021-2022 study). Among the unvaccinated respondents, the main reason for non-vaccination was that they thought that they did not need it. The primary reason for vaccination among those who were vaccinated was that they believed they were at risk of catching influenza in a 2017-2018 study and due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2021-2022 study. As for attitudes towards influenza vaccination post-COVID-19, significant differences were shown among the vaccinated and unvaccinated respondents. The vaccination rates among university students remained low despite of the awareness campaigns and COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Mourad
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
| | - Lidia Mourad
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
| | - Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
| | - Zeina Farah
- Epidemiological Surveillance Program, Ministry of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamed Hendaus
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
| | - Israa El Sayed Trad
- Global Health Institute Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El Akel
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
- School of Education, Lebanese International University, Beirut 14404, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
- International Pharmaceutical Federation, 2517 JP The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
| | - Samar Younes
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie-Liban, Beirut 1103, Lebanon
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Younes S, Mourad N, Salla M, Rahal M, Hammoudi Halat D. Potassium Ion Channels in Glioma: From Basic Knowledge into Therapeutic Applications. Membranes (Basel) 2023; 13:434. [PMID: 37103862 PMCID: PMC10144598 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13040434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion channels, specifically those controlling the flux of potassium across cell membranes, have recently been shown to exhibit an important role in the pathophysiology of glioma, the most common primary central nervous system tumor with a poor prognosis. Potassium channels are grouped into four subfamilies differing by their domain structure, gating mechanisms, and functions. Pertinent literature indicates the vital functions of potassium channels in many aspects of glioma carcinogenesis, including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The dysfunction of potassium channels can result in pro-proliferative signals that are highly related to calcium signaling as well. Moreover, this dysfunction can feed into migration and metastasis, most likely by increasing the osmotic pressure of cells allowing the cells to initiate the "escape" and "invasion" of capillaries. Reducing the expression or channel blockage has shown efficacy in reducing the proliferation and infiltration of glioma cells as well as inducing apoptosis, priming several approaches to target potassium channels in gliomas pharmacologically. This review summarizes the current knowledge on potassium channels, their contribution to oncogenic transformations in glioma, and the existing perspectives on utilizing them as potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon;
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban (INSPECT-LB), Beirut 1103, Lebanon;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon; (M.R.)
| | - Mohamed Salla
- Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon;
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon; (M.R.)
| | - Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon; (M.R.)
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
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Sakr F, Dabbous M, Rahal M, Salameh P, Akel M. Challenges and opportunities to provide immunization services: Analysis of data from a cross-sectional study on a sample of pharmacists in a developing country. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1206. [PMID: 37064320 PMCID: PMC10098443 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Vaccine-preventable illnesses continue to be a global health concern as immunization coverage remains below its targets. National plans emphasize on the essential role of multidisciplinary efforts and approaches to vaccination programs. Pharmacists are globally getting involved in immunization services as important members of the healthcare team. This study aimed to determine barriers, and assess challenges and possible opportunities to provide immunization in the Lebanese pharmacy practice. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included pharmacists from all over Lebanon, as part of a national research to assess the role of pharmacists as immunizers. All registered pharmacists in Lebanon practicing in community, hospital, or other clinical settings were considered eligible for participation. A web-based self-administered validated questionnaire, which is initially developed by the American Pharmacists Association, was adapted with permission. Results A total of 315 pharmacists responded to the survey. Only 23.1% declared completing an immunization training program. Over half of pharmacists (58.4%) administer vaccines to patients. A significant association between lack of support from physicians to pharmacists (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] = 2.099, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.290-3.414, p = 0.003) and vaccine administration was found, while cost associated with professional development and additional training (ORa = 0.533, 95% CI = 0.287-0.989, p = 0.046) was inversely associated to it. Logistic, financial, and legislative requirements as essential necessities were determined to successfully expand pharmacist-led immunization services. Conclusions The major barriers and challenges to vaccine administration by pharmacists comprised a lack of physicians' support and expenses associated with professional development and additional training. Pharmacists administer more vaccination despite lack of support from physicians; whereas they administer less vaccination due to cost associated with professional development and further training. The scope of pharmacy practice in Lebanon is not well recognized by other healthcare providers and stakeholders to include immunization services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International UniversityBeirutLebanon
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris‐Est CréteilCréteilFrance
- UMR U955 INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Université Paris‐Est CréteilCréteilFrance
- INSPECT‐LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie‐Liban)BeirutLebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- INSPECT‐LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie‐Liban)BeirutLebanon
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American UniversityByblosLebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese UniversityBeirutLebanon
- Department of Primary Care and Population HealthUniversity of Nicosia Medical SchoolNicosiaCyprus
| | - Marwan Akel
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International UniversityBeirutLebanon
- INSPECT‐LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie‐Liban)BeirutLebanon
- School of Education, Lebanese International UniversityBeirutLebanon
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14
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Safwan J, Halat DH, Akel M, Younes S, Rahal M, Mourad N, Akiki Z, Cherfane M, Saade F, Bouraad E, Dabbous M, Sakr F. The impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Lebanese pharmacists: A national cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1156840. [PMID: 37124813 PMCID: PMC10134900 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1156840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has induced a global mental health crisis with variable consequences. This study aimed to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 regarding anxiety, insomnia, depression, and response to trauma on pharmacists in Lebanon during COVID-19, and to identify factors contributing to psychological distress. Methods This was a cross-sectional study among pharmacists that involved the use of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item depression module (PHQ-9), and Impact of Event Scale revised (IES-R) subscales. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to determine the study distribution. The associations between the scores and the participants' characteristics were assessed using the Chi-square test. Four binary logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the scores and the potential confounders, followed by four multivariable logistic regressions. An alpha of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results Participants comprised 311 pharmacists from all Lebanese districts, of whom 251 (80.7%) were females and 181 (58.2%) aged between 26 and 35 years. The majority of the participants were community pharmacists (n = 178, 57.2%). A considerable proportion of participants had symptoms of anxiety (n = 128, 41.2%), insomnia (n = 64, 20.6%), depression (n = 157, 50.5%), and subjective stress (n = 227, 78.8%). Higher anxiety (aOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.08; 2.78, p-value: 0.02), higher depression (aOR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.73; 5.39, p-value: 0.001), and higher stress (aOR: 1.86, 95 percent CI: 1.11; 3.14, p-value: 0.02) scores were significantly associated with pharmacists who reported that their work involves contact with infected/suspected COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, pharmacists who expressed concern about contracting COVID-19 infection had significantly higher anxiety (aOR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.40; 3.94, p-value: 0.001) and higher depression scores (aOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.49; 4.67, p-value: 0.001) respectively. Conclusion The preliminary results from pharmacists in Lebanon reflect increase in stress, burden, and frustration felt by pharmacists, creating a negative impact on their mental health and well-being during the global pandemic. As frontline healthcare workers, the role of pharmacists in the community should not be overlooked, and their mental health should be well investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihan Safwan
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- *Correspondence: Jihan Safwan,
| | - Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Academic Quality Department, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Education, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samar Younes
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Zeina Akiki
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michelle Cherfane
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- Population Health Division, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Faraj Saade
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Alice Ramez Chagoury School of Nursing, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- Lebanese Order of Pharmacists, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Etwal Bouraad
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fouad Sakr
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International, University, Beirut, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- UMR U955 INSERM, Institut Mondor de Recherche Biomédicale, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
- École Doctorale Sciences de la Vie et de la Santé, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
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Haidar S, Cherfan M, Hallit S, Rahal M, Safwan J. Eating habits and lifestyle behaviors during COVID-19 lockdown: The Lebanese experience. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284526. [PMID: 37075030 PMCID: PMC10115291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess dietary intake and lifestyle habits followed during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, as well as the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), among a sample of the Lebanese population. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted during the government-enforced lockdown. A validated, online, questionnaire was used to collect information about dietary and lifestyle habits. The Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS) was used to assess adherence to the MD. RESULTS A total of 1684 participants responded to the survey. Their mean age was 23.92 ± 7.62 years, and 70.4% were females. Approximately a third of the participants reported that their dietary habits did not change and 42.3% acknowledged that their eating habits deteriorated during the lockdown. Participants smoked less and slept more during the lockdown compared to before it. Approximately 19.2% of the sample reported low adherence to the MD whereas 63.9% and 16.9% described moderate and high adherence respectively. Only age was significantly associated with higher MD adherence. CONCLUSION Dietary intake and MD adherence were suboptimal during the COVID-19 lockdown among the sample of the Lebanese population. It is critical that the Lebanese government implements public health programs in order to promote awareness about the importance of adhering to a healthy lifestyle and making appropriate dietary and lifestyle choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Haidar
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michelle Cherfan
- Population Health Division, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh, Lebanon
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jihan Safwan
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d'Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut, Lebanon
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Hammoudi Halat D, Younes S, Mourad N, Rahal M. Allylamines, Benzylamines, and Fungal Cell Permeability: A Review of Mechanistic Effects and Usefulness against Fungal Pathogens. Membranes (Basel) 2022; 12:membranes12121171. [PMID: 36557078 PMCID: PMC9781035 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12121171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Allylamines, naftifine and terbinafine, and the benzylamine, butenafine, are antifungal agents with activity on the fungal cell membrane. These synthetic compounds specifically inhibit squalene epoxidase, a key enzyme in fungal sterol biosynthesis. This results in a deficiency in ergosterol, a major fungal membrane sterol that regulates membrane fluidity, biogenesis, and functions, and whose damage results in increased membrane permeability and leakage of cellular components, ultimately leading to fungal cell death. With the fungal cell membrane being predominantly made up of lipids including sterols, these lipids have a vital role in the pathogenesis of fungal infections and the identification of improved therapies. This review will focus on the fungal cell membrane structure, activity of allylamines and benzylamines, and the mechanistic damage they cause to the membrane. Furthermore, pharmaceutical preparations and clinical uses of these drugs, mainly in dermatophyte infections, will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa 146404, Lebanon
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Younes S, Hammoudi Halat D, Rahal M, Hendaus M, Mourad N. Motivation, satisfaction, and future career intentions of pharmacy students: A cross-sectional preliminary analysis. Curr Pharm Teach Learn 2022; 14:1365-1372. [PMID: 36127276 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2022.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the pharmacy profession has undergone many changes that impacted pharmacy educational programs and students' needs and experiences. In Lebanon, no previous studies have addressed students' perspectives of pharmacy studies and their future aspirations. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was randomly sent to all pharmacy students at the main campus of the Lebanese International University. Questions included demographics, students' reasons for choosing pharmacy, satisfaction regarding choice of pharmacy, and future career plans. RESULTS Pharmacy as a study major was the first choice for 61% of respondents, and reasons for this choice were family recommendations (87%), friends' encouragement (26%), and schoolteachers' endorsements (20%). Looking for a job with various career opportunities, flexible working hours, security, good salary, and wishing to provide public service and improve health were the main incentives to join the pharmacy program. Concerning their satisfaction, 88% were proud of studying pharmacy and 66% would choose to study pharmacy if they were to select their program of study again. As for career intentions, 68% were considering community pharmacy, 66% hospital pharmacy, and 60% academic pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS While the attitudes, perceptions, and career intentions of the respondents were variable, the majority were aspired by family or societal factors to study pharmacy, were satisfied by their choice, and intended to work in the community pharmacy sector. Pharmacy curricula should be regularly assessed to meet students' expectations and society's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
| | - Dalal Hammoudi Halat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
| | - Mohamed Hendaus
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
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Younes S, Mourad N, Safwan J, Dabbous M, Rahal M, Al Nabulsi M, Sakr F. Chronic kidney disease awareness among the general population: tool validation and knowledge assessment in a developing country. BMC Nephrol 2022; 23:266. [PMID: 35883118 PMCID: PMC9316863 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-022-02889-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Good knowledge and early identification of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can help in preventing disease progression in its early stages and reducing undesired outcomes. The aim of the current study was to assess the level of public knowledge about CKD, determine predictors of better knowledge, and to construct and validate a CKD knowledge scale for public health assessment and research use. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. All people living in Lebanon and being 18 years of age and above were considered eligible for recruitment. CKD knowledge was assessed by a 37-item scale that was constructed by principal component analysis and then validated. The score of the CKD knowledge scale was computed from the extracted factors. A multivariable binomial logistic regression model evaluated the sociodemographic and clinical predictors of the knowledge score. Results A total of 1308 participants were included. The scale items converged over 9 factors with Eigenvalue greater than 1 and explaining 53.26% of the total variance, and the total scale had a high Cronbach’s alpha of 0.804. All items of the scale significantly correlated with the full scale with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.082 to 0.558. The ROC curve analysis determined an optimal cutoff point of better knowledge at 47.5 with 70.6% sensitivity and 44.2% specificity. The CKD knowledge score had a median of 51.00 (IQR 47.00–55.00). Higher knowledge score was significantly associated with old age (ORa = 1.018, 95% CI 1.006–1.030, P = 0.003),, occupation (ORa = 3.919, 95% CI 2.107–7.288, P < 0.001), and recent renal function assessment (ORa = 2.314, 95% CI 1.532–3.495, P < 0.001). However, a lower knowledge score was significantly associated with lower level of education (ORa = 0.462, 95% CI 0.327–0.653, P < 0.001). Conclusion A reliable tool to assess public knowledge and awareness about CKD was developed and validated. The overall knowledge was good, however, important gaps in CKD awareness were detected in some areas and subpopulations. Therefore, public health stakeholders need to implement targeted CKD educational activities to minimize the disease burden. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-022-02889-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Younes
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon.
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Marah Al Nabulsi
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
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19
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Rahal M, Dai J, Wu Y, Bardill A, Bayford R, Demosthenous A. High Frame Rate Electrical Impedance Tomography System for Monitoring of Regional Lung Ventilation. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2022; 2022:2487-2490. [PMID: 36085910 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the development of a compact high frame rate passive electrical impedance tomography system. The injected current amplitude and frequency can be adjusted to fit any EIT application. Measured results show that the system is capable of high frame rate of 89 fps and has power consumption of 1.7 W. It has automatic gain control that reduces noise and improves the quality of the measured EIT image. A comparison is made with other EIT systems to show the potential of the developed system. Clinical Relevance- The developed EIT system has application in the clinical assessment of neonatal and SARS-Co V-2 patients. In these applications there is an urgent need for a low cost bedside non-invasive imaging system to continuously monitor dynamic changes in regional lung ventilation.
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Bayford R, Damaso R, Jiang D, Rahal M, Demosthenous A. Development of a Biosensor for fast point-of-care Blood Analysis of Troponin. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2022; 2022:910-913. [PMID: 36086113 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We present the development of novel tetrapolar EIS biosensor for the detect of troponin. Troponin has considerable diagnostic power and provide invaluable prognostic information for risk stratification. of acute coronary syndromes. Clinical Relevance- A feasibility study was undertaken to assess the diagnostic performance of serial cardiac troponin measurements which is excellent as these structural proteins are unique to the heart and thus sensitive and specific of damage to the myocardium. clinical molecular diagnostics and home healthcare. Troponin's biosensors would provide point-of-care and rapid decision making for the early detection of CS. Clinically relevant window of cTnI testing, concentrations from 10pM to 0.1μM were achieved.
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Al-Jumaili AA, Sherbeny F, Elhiny R, Hijazi B, Elbarbry F, Rahal M, Bukhatwa S, Khdour M, Thomas D, Khalifa S, Hamad A. Exploring job satisfaction among pharmacy professionals in the Arab world: a multi-country study. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2022; 30:160-168. [DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The study objectives were to (1) describe the characteristics of the pharmacy professionals and (2) explore the association between job satisfaction and factors, such as work control, work stress, workload and organization and professional commitments.
Methods
This study was a cross-sectional design. The survey items were mainly adapted from the US National Pharmacist Workforce Survey. An electronic (Qualtrics) questionnaire was posted on pharmacist social media in several Arab countries. The survey link was posted from 22 March 2021 to 1 May 2021. The multiple linear regression measured the association between 12 independent variables and pharmacist job satisfaction.
Key findings
A total of 2137 usable surveys were received from pharmacists (54.7% female) working in 18 Arabic countries. The job satisfaction rate varied among countries in the Arab world. The fields with the highest satisfaction average included pharmaceutical marketing, academia and the pharmaceutical industry. At the same time, pharmacists working in community pharmacy and Ministry of Health/administrative positions had the lowest satisfaction rates. Overall, pharmacist satisfaction was average (3.1 out of 5). The pharmacists had the lowest satisfaction averages with income and job expectations. The pharmacists with bachelor’s degrees had significantly lower satisfaction than pharmacists with postgraduate degrees. Male pharmacists had significantly higher job satisfaction compared with female pharmacists. Workload and the feelings of organization and professional commitments had significant positive associations with job satisfaction.
Conclusions
The pharmacy profession in Arabic countries faced several challenges that negatively impacted job satisfaction. Improving work environment, professional management, income and organization loyalty is necessary to enhance pharmacist job satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatimah Sherbeny
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University , Tallahassee, FL , USA
| | - Rehab Elhiny
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University , Minia , Egypt
| | - Bushra Hijazi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology , Irbid , Jordan
| | - Fawzy Elbarbry
- School of Pharmacy, Pacific University , Hillsboro, OR , USA
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- College of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Salma Bukhatwa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Libyan International Medical University , Benghazi , Libya
| | - Maher Khdour
- College of Pharmacy, Al-Quds University , Abu Dis , Palestine
| | - Dixon Thomas
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University , Ajman , UAE
| | | | - Anas Hamad
- Pharmacy Department, Hamad Medical Corporation , Doha , Qatar
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22
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Dia N, Ferekh S, Jabbour S, Akiki Z, Rahal M, Khoury M, Akel M. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Patients with Diabetes towards Diabetic Nephropathy, Neuropathy and Retinopathy. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2608. [PMID: 35497901 PMCID: PMC9014900 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.1.2608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epidemiological and knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) studies about diabetic microvascular complications are lacking. The goals of this study are: determining 1) the prevalence of diabetes mellitus subtypes and microvascular complications, 2) the KAP towards the complications and 3) health-seeking behavior, barriers to follow-up, stigma and sources of information. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to October 2020 enrolling 380 Lebanese patients with diabetes asked about socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, medical, therapeutic, supplement, and dietary history, KAP scores, health-seeking behavior, stigma, barriers to compliance, and sources of information. Results: The prevalence of diabetes type II, type I, gestational, and the microvascular complications was 82.23%, 15.65%, 2.12%, and 33.07% respectively. Factors with significant association were: 1) good quality of life (β=-0.03; p=0.005) and presence of microvascular complications (β=3.58; p=0.001) with knowledge score, 2) good quality of life (β=-0.01; p=0.02) and absence of the complications (β=-0.33; p=0.001) with attitude score, 3) advanced age (β=0.01; p=0.01), no metformin (β=-0.39; p=0.005), and low-protein diet (β=0.6; p=0.02) with practice score. Patients visited community pharmacies (41.84%) and clinics (46.32%). Barriers were costs (33.42%) and time (30.53%). Few talked about the complications to the family (19.74%). Sources of information were healthcare workers. Conclusion: Awareness campaigns should be tailored accordingly to retard the microvascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Dia
- PharmD, MSc. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Sara Ferekh
- PharmD. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Stephanie Jabbour
- PharmD. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Zeina Akiki
- PhD. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- PhD. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Maya Khoury
- PharmD. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Marwan Akel
- PharmD, MPH, PhD. School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, INSPECT-LB: Institut National de Santé Publique, Épidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie - Liban, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Chahine B, Cherfane M, Sakr F, Safwan J, Dabbous M, Akel M, Rahal M. Community pharmacists' perceptions and role in the management of common dermatological problems in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study. Int J Pharm Pract 2021; 29:573-579. [PMID: 34454404 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the types and frequency of dermatologic disorders routinely encountered by community pharmacists in Lebanon, identify their educational preparedness and confidence, reasons for referrals to dermatologists and their attitude toward the potential pharmacist role in the treatment of dermatologic disorders. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between June and October 2017. It involved the use of a self-administered questionnaire, distributed to a randomly selected sample of 500 community pharmacists from all Lebanese districts. KEY FINDINGS A total of 456 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Sixty-four per cent of participants had received a dermatology course at university and 38.7% had undertaken some form of postgraduate education in dermatology. Pharmacists believed that the most commonly encountered disorders were sunburn (22.6%) and acne (15.6%) during spring/summer and skin dryness (18.8%) followed by head lice (13.1%) during autumn/winter. Additionally, more than half of respondents reported that skin-related advice requests were 6-15% of the total advice offered to patients. Sixty-four per cent were confident or extremely confident in advising patients with dermatological complaints. Pharmacists ranked 'unsure of diagnosis' as the most common reason for patient referral to dermatologists. Pharmacists who received postgraduate dermatology training had higher self-reported confidence in tackling skin diseases and their treatments (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that community pharmacists in Lebanon commonly encounter a limited number of dermatologic disorders and the majority believed that they can confidently advise and manage patients. Nonetheless, they admitted a gap in their dermatology education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahia Chahine
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michelle Cherfane
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon.,College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fouad Sakr
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jihan Safwan
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan Akel
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon.,Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie (INSPECT-LB), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
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24
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Ramsay L, Richardson M, Sander B, Rahal M, Wu D, Setterfield M, Woodward G, Al-Omran M, de Mestral C. Predicting surgery waiting list volumes and health outcomes among people with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Br J Surg 2021; 108:e221-e223. [PMID: 33748853 DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Ramsay
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Richardson
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Sander
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Rahal
- CorHealth Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Wu
- CorHealth Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - G Woodward
- CorHealth Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Al-Omran
- Division of Vascular Surgery, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - C de Mestral
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Vascular Surgery, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Hendaus M, Mourad N, Younes S, Hammoudi D, Rahal M, Basheti I. The psychological impact of the Syrian crisis on refugees living in Lebanon. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:1376-1381. [PMID: 33258132 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to evaluate the impact of war on Syrian refugees' life in Bekaa/Lebanon, focusing on psychological and physical symptoms, and to assess the prevalence of the most common symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in affected patients recruited in the study. DESIGN AND METHODS This observational study was conducted over a period of 1 month-June 2019-in three main camps in the Bekaa region. After taking approval, a total number of 108 Syrian refugees were interviewed and asked about their quality of life and health conditions in camps, after leaving their country. A validated questionnaire was filled by field researchers to gather information on refugees' psychological distresses, physical symptoms, and future perspective. FINDINGS During the 4 weeks of study, 108 refugees completed the questionnaire; psychological assessment showed 73.8% of refugees who were exposed to the fighting atmosphere, suffered from one or more psychological symptoms related to PTSD. In addition, 50.5% of the refugees were <30 years old, and among those, 83.5% believed that they have no future for themselves and their families, while 15.4% lost hope in a better life. Seventy-four percent reported at least one physical symptom in the past 4 weeks that is related to PTSD. Furthermore, 64.3% strongly agreed that there is lack of awareness and medical care including psychological and mental health, while 56.1% strongly agreed on the important role of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in providing advice to patients on their overall health and mental health. CONCLUSION Syrian refugees at the assessed camps suffered from psychological distress that requires urgent attention. Current medical and psychological support is absent, and further assessment is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hendaus
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Samar Younes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Dalal Hammoudi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon
| | - Iman Basheti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
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Halat DH, El Basset W, Mourad N, Younes S, Rahal M. Knowledge and Practice of Community Pharmacists Regarding Acne Vulgaris: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Survey. Arch Pharm Pract 2021. [DOI: 10.51847/csv6noqenp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Akel ME, Rahal M, Dabbous M, Mourad N, Dimassi A, Sakr F. Experiential Education in Pharmacy Curriculum: The Lebanese International University Model. Pharmacy (Basel) 2020; 9:pharmacy9010005. [PMID: 33383872 PMCID: PMC7839036 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiential education is an essential component of pharmacy education in order to allow intern students to experience real conditions and training opportunities in different inpatient and outpatient settings. This paper provides a description of the pharmacy practice experiences (PPEs) in the Lebanese International University (LIU) 5-year bachelor of pharmacy (BPharm) and postgraduate doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) programs; focuses on the opportunities and challenges encountered; and presents a model for experiential education in Lebanon. Learning outcomes and thus students’ acquisition of predefined competencies are evaluated in actual practice settings through assessment tools. Our experiential education program aligns with the accreditation/certification criteria set by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and equips future pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to become major components in the healthcare team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwan El Akel
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Lebanese International University, Beirut 961, Lebanon; (M.D.); (N.M.); (A.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +96-1350-0434
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut 961, Lebanon;
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Lebanese International University, Beirut 961, Lebanon; (M.D.); (N.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Nisreen Mourad
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Lebanese International University, Beirut 961, Lebanon; (M.D.); (N.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Ahmad Dimassi
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Lebanese International University, Beirut 961, Lebanon; (M.D.); (N.M.); (A.D.)
| | - Fouad Sakr
- PharmD Program, Lebanese International University, Beirut 961, Lebanon;
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Bukhari N, Taha W, Zahralliyali A, Shahrani S, AlSelwi W, AlSowayigh A, AlAbdulhadi D, Ibnshamsah F, Rahal M, Halawani H, Al-Saif O, Mashhour M, Al-Hashmi H, Latif M, Azam F. Histological patterns and clinical characteristics of metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, single institutional experience in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz155.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Rahal M, Tahir D, Eldin C, Bitam I, Raoult D, Parola P. Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii detected in placental tissues from aborted dairy cattle in the north of Algeria. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2018; 57:50-54. [PMID: 30017078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Coxiella burnetii, is an obligate intracellular bacterium which is present throughout the world. In humans, C. burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever. In cattle, the infection is suspected to cause stillbirths, retained fetal membranes, metritis and infertility. The birth products of ruminants shed huge amounts of bacteria, and are considered a major source for human infection. The present study was designed to search for the presence of C. burnetii in placental tissues collected from aborted and normal calving dairy cows in Algeria, using molecular tools. A total of 77 placental tissue fragments were collected from dairy cows. 73 samples were collected from aborted cows and four samples were collected from natural calving cows over a period of two years from January 2013 to March 2015. The presence of C. burnetii in these samples was screened by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) targeting two different genes, IS1111 and IS30 A. The positive PCR amplicons were subsequently sequenced for Multispacer Sequence Typing determination (MST) using seven pairs of sequences (Cox2, Cox5, Cox18, Cox37, Cox56, Cox57, and Cox61). Fourteen placental tissues (19.1%) were found to be positive for C. burnetii by qPCR; 9 (12.3%) from the city of Blida and 5 (6.84%) from the city of Medea. Genotyping of the corresponding amplicons displayed 100% identity with C. burnetii MST20 genotype, confirming the circulation of this clone in dairy farms from Algeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rahal
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; School of Veterinary Sciences, El Harrach, Algeria
| | - D Tahir
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - C Eldin
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - I Bitam
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France; School of Veterinary Sciences, El Harrach, Algeria
| | - D Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - P Parola
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Mhanna RG, Rahal M, Iskandarani M, Hammoudi D. Incidence and risk factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia among hospitalised Lebanese infants. Int J Pharm Pract 2015; 24:203-8. [PMID: 26671320 DOI: 10.1111/ijpp.12236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in hospitalised 6- to 24-month-old infants in rural versus urban settings. The secondary objective was to determine associated risk factors in rural versus urban settings. METHODS A 6-month prospective multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in paediatrics departments of three Lebanese hospitals. Preterm to term infants aged 6-24 months were included. Infants with blood disorders, chronic infections, congenital immunodeficiency and mental or congenital growth retardation were excluded. Incidence of IDA was assessed using haematologic laboratory values, while risk factors were assessed using questionnaires addressed to infants' caregivers. For data analysis, P values, chi-squared and logistic regression were used. KEY FINDINGS Among 520 screened infants, a total of 100 patients were selected. Thirty-seven per cent of patients were anaemic with haemoglobin levels <11 g/dl. Significant risk factors included: exclusive breastfeeding for more than 6 months (95% CI, 1.03 to 8.9; P = 0.043), low family income (95% CI, 0.19 to 0.98; P = 0.045), residing in rural areas (95% CI, 0.064 to 0.0509; P < 0.001), inadequate maternal iron supply (95% CI, 1.01 to 8.26; P = 0.05), low maternal education level (95% CI, 0.07 to 0.88; P = 0.03) and lack of infant iron supply (95% CI, 1.39 to 8.41; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION Incidence of IDA among Lebanese infants is moderate and multifactorial. High maternal education level, urban residence, giving iron supplements to exclusively breastfed infants starting from 6 months of age, adequate family income and iron supplementation in both mother and infant are significant protective factors against anaemia in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamad Rahal
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Dalal Hammoudi
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Nunes JM, Riccio ME, Buhler S, Di D, Currat M, Ries F, Almada AJ, Benhamamouch S, Benitez O, Canossi A, Fadhlaoui-Zid K, Fischer G, Kervaire B, Loiseau P, de Oliveira DCM, Papasteriades C, Piancatelli D, Rahal M, Richard L, Romero M, Rousseau J, Spiroski M, Sulcebe G, Middleton D, Tiercy JM, Sanchez-Mazas A. Analysis of the HLA population data (AHPD) submitted to the 15th International Histocompatibility/Immunogenetics Workshop by using the Gene[rate] computer tools accommodating ambiguous data (AHPD project report). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 76:18-30. [PMID: 20331842 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2010.01469.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
During the 15th International Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIWS), 14 human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratories participated in the Analysis of HLA Population Data (AHPD) project where 18 new population samples were analyzed statistically and compared with data available from previous workshops. To that aim, an original methodology was developed and used (i) to estimate frequencies by taking into account ambiguous genotypic data, (ii) to test for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) by using a nested likelihood ratio test involving a parameter accounting for HWE deviations, (iii) to test for selective neutrality by using a resampling algorithm, and (iv) to provide explicit graphical representations including allele frequencies and basic statistics for each series of data. A total of 66 data series (1-7 loci per population) were analyzed with this standard approach. Frequency estimates were compliant with HWE in all but one population of mixed stem cell donors. Neutrality testing confirmed the observation of heterozygote excess at all HLA loci, although a significant deviation was established in only a few cases. Population comparisons showed that HLA genetic patterns were mostly shaped by geographic and/or linguistic differentiations in Africa and Europe, but not in America where both genetic drift in isolated populations and gene flow in admixed populations led to a more complex genetic structure. Overall, a fruitful collaboration between HLA typing laboratories and population geneticists allowed finding useful solutions to the problem of estimating gene frequencies and testing basic population diversity statistics on highly complex HLA data (high numbers of alleles and ambiguities), with promising applications in either anthropological, epidemiological, or transplantation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Nunes
- Laboratory of Anthropology, Genetics and Peopling History (AGP Lab), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Rahal M, Abdelwarith A, Hassen E, Deo S, Ramadan H, Al Naimy N, Al Eissa N, AlGarni A, Al Idrissi M, AlFaraj A. 5085 HER-2 positive locally advanced breast cancer: one or two entities? EJC Suppl 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(09)70977-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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Hong H, Rahal M, Demosthenous A, Bayford RH. Comparison of a new integrated current source with the modified Howland circuit for EIT applications. Physiol Meas 2009; 30:999-1007. [PMID: 19706961 DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/30/10/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Multi-frequency electrical impedance tomography (MF-EIT) systems require current sources that are accurate over a wide frequency range (1 MHz) and with large load impedance variations. The most commonly employed current source design in EIT systems is the modified Howland circuit (MHC). The MHC requires tight matching of resistors to achieve high output impedance and may suffer from instability over a wide frequency range in an integrated solution. In this paper, we introduce a new integrated current source design in CMOS technology and compare its performance with the MHC. The new integrated design has advantages over the MHC in terms of power consumption and area. The output current and the output impedance of both circuits were determined through simulations and measurements over the frequency range of 10 kHz to 1 MHz. For frequencies up to 1 MHz, the measured maximum variation of the output current for the integrated current source is 0.8% whereas for the MHC the corresponding value is 1.5%. Although the integrated current source has an output impedance greater than 1 MOmega up to 1 MHz in simulations, in practice, the impedance is greater than 160 kOmega up to 1 MHz due to the presence of stray capacitance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Hong
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK.
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Rahal M, Khor JM, Demosthenous A, Tizzard A, Bayford R. A comparison study of electrodes for neonate electrical impedance tomography. Physiol Meas 2009; 30:S73-84. [DOI: 10.1088/0967-3334/30/6/s05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Rahal M, Kervaire B, Villard J, Tiercy JM. DNA typing by microbead arrays and PCR-SSP: apparent false-negative or -positive hybridization or amplification signals disclose new HLA-B and -DRB1 alleles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 71:238-41. [PMID: 18179646 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2007.00993.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing by polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) hybridization on solid phase (microbead assay) or polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) requires interpretation softwares to detect all possible allele combinations. These programs propose allele calls by taking into account false-positive or false-negative signal(s). The laboratory has the option to validate typing results in the presence of strongly cross-reacting or apparent false-negative signals. Alternatively, these seemingly aberrant signals may disclose novel variants. We report here four new HLA-B (B*5620 and B*5716) and HLA-DRB1 alleles (DRB1*110107 and DRB1*1474) that were detected by apparent false-negative or -positive hybridization or amplification patterns, and ultimately resolved by sequencing. To avoid allele misassignments, a comprehensive evaluation of acquired data as documented in a quality assurance system is therefore required to confirm unambiguous typing interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rahal
- Transplantation Immunology Unit/LNRH, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Akhtar S, El Weshi A, Abdelsalam M, Hussaini H, Janabi I, Rahal M, Maghfoor I. Primary refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma: outcome after high-dose chemotherapy and autologous SCT and impact of various prognostic factors on overall and event-free survival. A single institution result of 66 patients. Bone Marrow Transplant 2007; 40:651-8. [PMID: 17660837 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We report our experience with high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) and autologous SCT (ASCT) in 66 patients with primary refractory Hodgkin's lymphoma (PR-HL) who received salvage chemotherapy followed by BEAM as HDC. Median age at ASCT was 23 years. Before salvage chemotherapy, stages I:II:III:IV were 2:21:14:29, bulky disease 27%, involvement of mediastinum 79%, spleen 26% and extranodal site 47%, 92% had ESHAP as salvage. Post-ASCT evaluation showed response in 50 patients (76%); complete response (CR) 37 (56%), partial response 14 (21%), no response or stable disease 3 (5%) and progressive disease in 10 (15%). Another five patients achieved CR after radiation therapy and one after surgery, making total CR 43 (65%). From diagnosis and HDC, median follow-up is 38.5 and 22.8 months and median overall survival (OS) 78 and 57 months, respectively. Event-free survival (EFS) and OS are 36 and 64%, respectively. In all, 47% patients are in CR. Twenty-two patients (33%) died due to disease. Multivariate analysis showed elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for EFS (P=0.041) and mediastinal involvement for OS (P=0.038) as negative prognostic factors. In conclusion, EFS and OS are only 36 and 64%, respectively. Elevated LDH and mediastinal involvement are poor prognostic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Akhtar
- Department of Oncology, King Faisal Cancer Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Ajarim DS, Rahal M, Al-Sayed A, Alshabana M, Tulbah A, AlMalik O, El-Husseiny G, Ezzat A, Al-Tweigeri T. Prospective phase II study of neo-adjuvant doxorubicin followed by cisplatin /docetaxel in locally advanced breast cancer—5 years of follow up. J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.10574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
10574 Background: Neoadjuvant (primary) chemotherapy as part of multimodality treatment is increasingly used as standard of care for patients (pts) with locally advanced breast cancer and firmly established. We conducted a prospective study using doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 q 3 weeks × 3 cycles followed sequentially by docetaxel 75 mg /m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 q 3 weeks × 3cycles. All pts had definitive surgery followed by radiation therapy, ± tamoxifen. Primary end points were pathologic complete response (pCR), secondary endpoints were, safety, rate of conservative surgery and overall survival. Material: Eligible pts included biopsy proven invasive breast cancer, T2-T4 (primary = 4–10 cm) N0-N2, M0. 59 of 60 enrolled pts completed treatment one patient refused surgery after the completion of 6 cycles of chemotherapy were excluded from the analysis, median age:41yrs (24- 60), Premenopausal: 68%, median tumor size: 6.0cm (4 - 10), Stage IIB:32% and IIIA / IIIB: 68%, both ER / PR positive: 53%, Her2/neu (3+) by IHC staining and /or Fish positive: 29%. All patients had negative metastatic workup. Results: 59 pts are evaluable for analysis: clinical complete response was seen in: 44%, clinical partial response in: 56 %. Breast conserving surgery was performed in: 44 %, and MRM in: 56%. Pathological complete response (pCR) in the breast was: 31 %, in axilla were: 37 %. Grade3–4 Toxicities: Febrile Neutropenia: (13%), Nausea vomiting: (12%), Mucositis: (10%), weakness/asthenia/weight loss: 12%. Overall at follow up of 60 months the DFS & OS (67% and 74%).Patients who achieved complete pathologic response in breast and/or axilla the DFS and OS were (91%), 13 patients relapsed 46% were Her2 positive. Conclusion: Sequential combination of doxorubicin followed by docetaxel/cisplatin is a safe, feasible and active combination, that offer the possibility of conservative surgery and associated with high clinical and pathologic response, further investigation of this combinations are warranted. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. S. Ajarim
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Rahal
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Al-Sayed
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Alshabana
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Tulbah
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - O. AlMalik
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - G. El-Husseiny
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Ezzat
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - T. Al-Tweigeri
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abdelsalam MA, Hussainy G, Akhtar S, Maghfoor I, Elweshi A, Khafaga Y, Alhuseini H, Rahal M, Alshabana M. Combined treatment with high-dose methotrexate and whole brain radiation improves survival in primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.18520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
18520 Background: Primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) is an aggressive primary brain tumor, cranial irradiation alone rarely result in long term disease control or prolonged survival. We analyzed our data for the impact of adding high dose methotrexate (HDMTX) prior to whole brain irradiation (WBI). Methods: All patients with PCNSL diagnosed and managed during 1991–2004 were identified from Oncology Data Unit. Patient’s characteristics, prognostic factors, details of treatment and outcome were reviewed. Sixty-two patients were identified, 10 were excluded (4 had WBI < 40 Gy and 6 had no treatment). Radiation alone was considered curative with a dose ≥ 40 Gy. Combined modality therapy included 3–4 cycles of HDMTX (3gm/m2) followed by WBI Results: 52 patients were analyzed for outcome. 36 had WBI, dose ≥40 Gy, 16 received 3–4 cycle of HDMTX followed by WBI (chemo-radiotherapy (CRT)). Median age was 48.2 years; 42 years in CRT group, 51 years in WBI. Patients characteristics were comparable between two groups except for higher multifocal tumor in CRT group (92% vs. x22%, p=0.029). Median follow is 12.83±6.4 months. Results are shown in Table . HR for event is 0.64 (95% CI was 0.52–0.98) and for death 0.58 (95% CI was 0.48–0.92), both in favor of CRT. Univariate regression analysis using one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate Cox regression analysis for prognostic factors including age (< 60 vs. ≥60), ECOG PS (0–2 vs. 3–4), extent of surgery (biopsy vs. debulking), solitary vs mutifocal tumor and dose of radiation therapy (< 50Gy vs. ≥50Gy) failed to identify any prognostic factor. Conclusions: This retrospective comparison supports other phase II trials results that high dose methotrexate followed by WBI in PCNSL improves outcome. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G. Hussainy
- King Faisal Cancer Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - S. Akhtar
- King Faisal Cancer Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - I. Maghfoor
- King Faisal Cancer Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Elweshi
- King Faisal Cancer Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Y. Khafaga
- King Faisal Cancer Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - M. Rahal
- King Faisal Cancer Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Al-Tweigeri T, Rahal M, Ajarim D, Al-Sayed A, Tulba A, Al-Malik O, Al-Shabana M, Al-Hussaina H, Ezzat A. Prospective phase II study of: neo-adjuvant doxorubicin followed sequentially by cisplatin/docetaxel in locally advanced breast cancer. EJC Suppl 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(06)80392-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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41
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Akhtar S, Tbakhi A, Humaidan H, El Weshi A, Rahal M, Maghfoor I. ESHAP+fixed dose G-CSF as autologous peripheral blood stem cell mobilization regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large cell and Hodgkin's lymphoma: a single institution result of 127 patients. Bone Marrow Transplant 2006; 37:277-82. [PMID: 16400345 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
From 1996 to November 2004, 131 consecutive patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large cell lymphoma (DLCL) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HD) received ESHAP as mobilization chemotherapy before autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant (ASCT). Patients received fixed dose G-CSF 300 microg SC bid starting 24-36 h after finishing mobilizing ESHAP. In all, four patients failed mobilization and are excluded. Characteristics of 127 patients: 68 males: 59 females. DLCL 49: HD 78. Initial stage I:II:III:IV:unknown was 15:34:33:42:3. Median age at ASCT 26 years. Median prior chemotherapy cycles were six [<6 (17 patients), 6-8 (90 patients), >8 (20 patients)]. Median ESHAP cycle used as mobilizer was third. Patients required 1, 2, 3, 4 apheresis were 93:25:8:1. Median total CD34+ cells/kg collected were 6.9 x 10(6) (DLCL 5.17 x 10(6) and HD 7.6 x 10(6)), patients weighing < or = 70 kg (93 patients) 6.54 x 10(6) and >70 kg (34 patients) 7.44 x 10(6) (P = 0.59), one apheresis (93 patients) 8.6 x 10(6)/kg and >1 apheresis (34 patients) 4.5 x 10(6) (P = 0.001). We conclude that ESHAP and G-CSF 300 microg SC bid is an effective mobilizing regimen even in patients >70 kg and most patients require only 1-2 apheresis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Akhtar
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Bazarbashi S, El Weshi A, Khafaga Y, Rahal M, Rehman K, Memon M, Manji M, Ezzat A. Rectal cancer: Treatment results and prognostic factors. Single center experience with 186 non-metastatic resctable cases. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.3740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Bazarbashi
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. El Weshi
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Y. Khafaga
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Rahal
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - K. Rehman
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Memon
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Manji
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Ezzat
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp & Research Ctr, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Memon M, Al Amro A, Al-Rajhi N, Rahal M, El-Sebaie M. Organ preservation by weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin concurrent with radiation therapy in locally advanced laryngeal/hypopharyngeal carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2005. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2005.23.16_suppl.5564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M. Memon
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Al Amro
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - N. Al-Rajhi
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Rahal
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. El-Sebaie
- King Faisal Specialist Hosp, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ezzat A, Rahal M, Ajarim D, Al-Sayed A, Tulbah A, Al-Malik O, Al-Shabana M, Al-Tweigeri T. P95 Neoadjuvant Doxorubicin followed sequentially by Cisplatin-Docetaxel in locally advanced breast cancer. Breast 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/s0960-9776(05)80131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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45
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Bazarbashi S, Raja M, Kattan S, Rahal M, El-Weshi A, Pai C, Rehman K, Aslam M, Othman K, Hanash K. Preliminary results of phase II trial of concomitant administration of intra-vesical reduced dose Bacillus Calmette- Guerin (BCG) and interferon a 2B (IFN) in the prevention of recurrence of superficial bladder cancer. J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.4716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. Bazarbashi
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Raja
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - S. Kattan
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Rahal
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. El-Weshi
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - C. Pai
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - K. Rehman
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Aslam
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - K. Othman
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - K. Hanash
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ezzat A, Rahal M, Twegieri T, Akhtar S, Al Sayed A, Ajarim D, Tulbah A, Al Malik O, Al Shabanah M. Primary chemotherapy with doxorubicin followed by docetaxel-cisplatin in locally advanced breast cance. J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Ezzat
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Rahal
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - T. Twegieri
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - S. Akhtar
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Al Sayed
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - D. Ajarim
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Tulbah
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - O. Al Malik
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ajarim D, Ezzat A, Bazarbashi S, Rahal M, El Foudeh M, Pai C, Raja M. Gemcitabine plus cisplatin combination as second-line treatment in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). J Clin Oncol 2004. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2004.22.90140.774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D. Ajarim
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - A. Ezzat
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - S. Bazarbashi
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Rahal
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. El Foudeh
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - C. Pai
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - M. Raja
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Rahal M, Winter J, Taylor J, Donaldson N. An improved configuration for the reduction of EMG in electrode cuff recordings: a theoretical approach. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2000; 47:1281-4. [PMID: 11008430 DOI: 10.1109/10.867963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
A theoretical investigation of different electroneurogram recording techniques using electrode cuffs is presented. A new screened tripole arrangement is proposed with a higher inherent signal to interference ratio than the true tripole, which also allows the nulling of the residual electromyogram signal. The reduction in interference is small because the electrode impedance is large compared to the source resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rahal
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College, London, U.K
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Ezzat AA, Ibrahim EM, Stuart RK, Ajarim D, Bazarbashi S, El-Foudeh MO, Rahal M, Al-Sayed A, Berry J. Adding high-dose tamoxifen to CHOP does not influence response or survival in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: an interim analysis of a randomized phase III trial. Med Oncol 2000; 17:39-46. [PMID: 10713659 DOI: 10.1007/bf02826215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE CHOP is the standard regimen currently used in the management of the majority of patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). However, CHOP only produces 30-35% long-term survival. We hypothesized that adding high-dose tamoxifen, which is known to have multiple drug resistance-modulatory effects, to the CHOP regimen could increase the response rate, and consequently enhance the survival of patients with NHL. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a prospective, controlled, and randomized study, eligible adult patients with aggressive NHL were randomized between CHOP only (Group I), or CHOP plus high-dose tamoxifen (Group II). The primary aim was to assess the effect of tamoxifen on complete response (CR) rate, with the secondary evaluation of tamoxifen potential impact on survival. The interim analysis of this study is presented. RESULTS Fifty-one and forty-seven evaluable patients were randomized to Group I and Group II, respectively. The median age of all patients was 53 y (range 18-78 y). The two groups had comparable distributions of the pretreatment prognostic variables. The CR for patients in Group I was 80% (41 patients) as compared with 74% (35 patients) in Group II (P=0.48). Likewise, there was no apparent difference in the partial remission rates between the two groups (6% vs 15%, respectively). Of patients who initially attained CR, 15 (37%) and 10 (29%) subsequently relapsed in Groups II and I respectively (P = 0.45). The NHL International Prognostic Index (IPI) was the only factor that predicted attaining CR. At the time of this interim analysis, the actuarial-estimated overall survival (OS) probability (+/-S.E.) for the entire population at 5 y was 58% (+/-6) with no survival difference between the two groups (P=0.51). Only attaining CR and the IPI predicted OS probability. The probability of remaining event-free at 5 y (+/-SE) for those achieving CR was 72% (+/-9), and there was no significant difference between the two treatment groups (P=0.68). Toxicity profile was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION Based on this interim analysis, combining high-dose tamoxifen, as used in this study, with the CHOP regimen has failed to have any favorable effect on the outcome of patients with aggressive NHL, and therefore cannot be recommended for future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Ezzat
- Departments of Oncology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract
The effect of nonlinearity in the extrafascicular field in tripolar electrode cuffs on interference pick-up was investigated. It was concluded that the interference is sensitive to electrode separation, especially in short cuffs. This suggests that significant improvements can be obtained by placing the end electrodes a few mm from the cuff ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rahal
- Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University College London, U.K
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