Interprofessional education (IPE) is designed to provide students from different health sectors with opportunities to work together to enhance future collaboration. The implementation of IPE activities is a current trend in various countries. This review exclusively targets IPE issues involving undergraduate health profession students and highlights various approaches in different regions. A total of 28 articles published in peer-reviewed journals between January 2012 and July 2015 were assessed to determine recent trends in IPE implementation. Nine main strategies were identified: simulation-based education programmes; rotations in rural and community settings; interprofessional training wards; patient-centred case studies; theme-centred workshops; student seminars; student-delivered lectures; health promotion activities; and interactive lectures in a common setting. Many of these institutions had not restricted themselves to a single strategy and supplemented these activities with additional teaching or learning methods. Recommendations gathered from these diverse approaches may assist the development of sustainable strategies for implementing IPE in undergraduate medical curricula.

Background: To evaluate the level of knowledge regarding warning signs, presenting symptoms and risk factors associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) among population of Dubai and Northern Emirates in UAE. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey of 1367 residents of Dubai and Northern Emirates was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Respondents were classified into two groups: Young Adult Population (YAP; 18-24 years of age) and General Population (GP; 25 years and older). Majority of participants were males (56.7%) and of South Asian (57.5%) or Middle-Eastern (30.8%) ethnicity. Regarding presenting symptoms of CHD, chest pain was identified by around 80% of population, whereas pain in the left shoulder was recognized by 61% of GP and 44% of YAP. Atypical symptoms were poorly identified. Regarding risk factors, only one-fourth population knew that males were at higher risk compared to premenopausal females. Few knew that the risk increases in females after menopause and that the risk is higher for females who smoke and use oral contraceptives. 62% knew that the survivors of a heart attack are at high risk of recurrences. Except for tobacco smoke, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, knowledge of other risk factors was not satisfactory. Older adults and females had comparatively higher level of knowledge. Conclusion: Knowledge level of many of the symptoms and risk factors of CHD is unsatisfactory. There is, therefore, a need to increase the awareness in the population of UAE. The knowledge gaps identified through this study can be addressed through health campaigns to increase the awareness about warning signs, symptoms and modifiable risk factors. .

No abstract

COVID-19-related disease severity is more commonly seen in elderly patients with comorbidities, and hypercoagulability has been demonstrated to be involved in the disease progression. This study aimed to evaluate the level of D-Dimer in hospitalized SARS-COV-2 infected patients and to determine the influence of age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), and comorbidities on D-dimer value and correlate it with disease severity. This case-control retrospective study retrieved patient data on demographic characteristics, vital functions, comorbidities, disease severity [National Institutes of Health (NIH) classification], and D-dimer from medical records of Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates. SPSS-Version-28 was used for data analysis; a Chi-Square test was done to compare the distribution of comorbidities and disease severity between demographic categories. An independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were done to compare mean levels of D-Dimer between two or more categories, respectively. The majority of patients were males, ˃40 years of age, overweight/obese, with 30% having one comorbidity and 20% having ≥2 comorbidities. Among the total, three-quarters had moderate, and one-quarter had severe disease conditions, irrespective of gender or BMI, with an increasing trend of severe cases in the older age group and with comorbidities. Increased D-dimer levels were seen in the majority of SARS-COV-2-infected hospitalized patients, with age as the primary determinant, irrespective of absence or presence of comorbidity, though the trend of higher prevalence of elevated D-dimer value in the multiple comorbid groups and more severe condition was observed. Supporting SAR-COV-2 as a coagulopathic condition, D-dimer concentrations can be a helpful marker of disease progression and can be considered to guide the clinical treatment.

Background: Smoking in any form is a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and other oxidative damage-induced diseases. The increasing global trend of E-cigarettes has led traditional smokers to perceive them as a safer option. background: Smoking in any form is a significant risk factor in developing cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and oxidative damage. The global trend in E-cigarettes has led traditional smokers to believe it to be the safer option as it does not burn tobacco. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative damage and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker of inflammation between pure E-cigarette users and tobacco poly-users (smoking combinations of traditional products). Moreover, it also evaluated the influence of Body Mass Index, frequency, and duration of vaping/smoking on these biomarkers. objective: This study aimed to compare the differences in the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative damage and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a marker of inflammation between Pure E-cigarette users and polyusers who smoke combinations of different types of tobacco. Further, observe the influence of Body Mass Index, frequency, and duration of vaping/smoking on the biomarkers between the two groups. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional pilot study included 40 males aged 18-25 (20 pure E-cigarette users and 20 tobacco poly-users). MDA and hs-CRP were estimated on serum, and SPSS-Version 28.0.1.1 was used for data analysis. Mean hs-CRP and MDA levels for the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney-U test. method: This analytical cross-sectional pilot study was conducted with 40 males aged 18-25 (20 Pure E-cigarette users and 20 tobacco polyusers). MDA and hs-CRP were estimated on serum using standard procedures. SPSS Version 28.0.1.1 was used for data analysis. Mean hs-CRP and MDA levels were recorded for the two groups, and a comparison was made using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: Mean level of hs-CRP between the two groups was not significantly different. However, MDA levels were lower in pure E-cigarette users than in tobacco poly-users, especially among those with normal BMI and those who vaped/smoked more frequently and for a longer duration result: The mean level of hs-CRP between both groups was not significantly different; however, MDA levels were lower in Pure E-cigarette users than in tobacco polyusers, especially among those with normal BMI, those who vaped/smoked more frequently, and those who have been vaping/smoking for years. Conclusion: Oxidative damage was lesser for pure E-cigarette users and could potentially be the less harmful option than tobacco poly-use. However, E-cigarettes are not the safest substitute for conventional smoking as it causes a similar extent of risk for inflammation-related CVD. Findings need further exploration to study the long-term effects on a larger population group to draw definitive conclusions. conclusion: Oxidative damage was lesser for pure E-cigarette users and could potentially be the less harmful option than tobacco polyuse. However, E-cigarettes are not the safest substitute for conventional smoking as it causes a similar extent of risk for inflammation-related diseases. The only effort needed for a healthy lifestyle is to target smoking cessation rather than substitution.