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Biomedical subjects

Marwan F Abu-Hijleh

Publications and source records attributed to Marwan F Abu-Hijleh.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Deep fascia on the dorsum of the ankle and foot: extensor retinacula revisited.

This study revisits the anatomy of the deep fascia over the distal leg, ankle, and dorsum of the foot. The arrangement of the deep fascia in these regions was recorded in 14 lower limbs of adult cadavers using photographs and drawings. The fascial layer from all three sites was subsequently removed in toto, and serial thickness measurements were made along its entire length. In addition, fiber disposition was studied under polarized light, and sections were stained to demonstrate collagen. The arrangement of deep fascia is complex. A common and novel finding at all levels is a crisscross, lattice-like arrangement of fibers. There was little evidence of the clearly defined sturdy band of the superior extensor retinaculum (SER) or of the Y-shaped inferior retinaculum (IER) commonly illustrated in topographical anatomy texts. The SER is a complex area with several thickenings commencing about 3 cm proximal to the tip of the lateral malleolus and gradually increasing to reach a maximum of 270 microm about 5 cm above the malleolus, then gradually returning to original thickness, about 9 cm above the malleolus. Fibers crossing diagonally to each other are a feature of the region. The IER characteristically has two forms: either a cross-shaped band (9 specimens) or a thickened "node" with small extensions radiating toward the malleoli (5 specimens), located about 1-2 cm distal to the lateral malleolus and centred over the common tendon of extensor digitorum where it has maximum thickness (430 microm). The deep fascia is thickened and firmly attached over both malleoli and to the tarsals and metatarsals along both borders of the foot. In general, the deep fascial structures were thicker in males than those in females.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Population variation in the incidence of the medial (hamate) facet of the carpal bone lunate.

Studies on the wrist joint have shown two types of the carpal bone lunate. In type II lunate there is a facet on the medial side of the lunate for articulation with the proximal pole of the hamate; such a facet is absent in type I lunate. Type II lunates have different kinematics, are more prone to clinically relevant degenerative changes in the hamato-lunate joint and are an uncommon cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Ninety plain radiographs showing postero-anterior views of the wrist (52 right and 38 left wrists) were studied in a population of Malays from Malaysia (mean age 48 years; age range 23 to 67 years) to determine the incidence of type I and type II lunates. Our findings were compared with those in other reports in the literature. In Malays, only 24 wrists (26.7%) showed a type II lunate compared to a reported incidence of 50% or more in populations from the Western world. Such a low incidence of type II lunate has not been reported before and may represent a genetic variation in Malays. Consequently, osteoarthritis of the hamate or lunate may play a less significant role in causing ulnar-sided wrist pain in Malays. In conclusion, the prevalence of type II lunate might vary in different population groups and further studies could be necessary to confirm this observation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Hyperhomocysteinemia in pregnant rats: effects on arterial pressure, kidneys and fetal growth.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that hyperhomocysteinemia plays a role in the development of pathological changes similar to human preeclampsia in pregnant rats. STUDY DESIGN: Arterial pressure and 24-h urinary excretion of proteins and electrolytes were measured during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum periods in control (n = 12) and methionine-treated (2.0 g/kg/day, n = 11) Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were then sacrificed at the end of this protocol and renal histological examination was performed. In another protocol, control (n = 6) and methionine-treated (n = 6) rats were anaesthetized at day 20 of gestation and pregnancy outcome was assessed. Hemodynamic and renal excretory differences between groups were analyzed using ANOVA and differences in renal histology and gestation outcome using t-test. RESULTS: Serum homocysteine in the methionine group (24.0+/-2.0 micromol/L) was significantly higher compared with controls (8.5+/-0.5 micromol/L). Systolic pressure, urinary protein excretion and renal histological changes were not significantly different between the two groups. However, fetal weights were significantly smaller and percent of dead fetuses were 15% higher in methionine-treated compared with control rats. CONCLUSION: Hyperhomocysteinemia is unlikely to cause maternal hypertension, proteinuria or renal damage in pregnant rats. However, hyperhomocysteinemia may restrict fetal growth and increase fetal mortality.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Assessment of anatomy in a problem-based medical curriculum.

In the problem-based learning (PBL) approach to medical education, students are expected to be trained more by applying processes of reasoning than by memorization of facts. In a PBL curriculum, as with others, it is necessary to match the assessment to the learning process. A detailed description of the testing of anatomical teaching-learning outcomes at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) is presented. In addition to describing the general principles and guidelines as well as the process of continuous assessment, we have given examples of the multiple-choice questions, patient management problems, and objective-structured practical examinations, which compose our end-of-unit examination and test both vertical and horizontal integration of themes. Students have the opportunity to review the examination after publication of the results. We believe that our approach to the assessment of anatomy tests effective integration of factual knowledge with the principles of problem-solving through the different formats of the components of our examinations.

Anatomy↗
PubMed2005

Three-headed biceps brachii muscle associated with duplicated musculocutaneous nerve.

A unilateral three-headed biceps brachii muscle coinciding with an unusual variant of the musculocutaneous nerve was found during routine dissection of a 79-year-old male cadaver. The supernumerary bicipital head originated from the antero-medial surface of the humerus just beyond the insertion of the coracobrachialis, and inserted into the conjoined tendon of biceps brachii. Associated with this muscular variant was a duplicated musculocutaneous nerve. The proximal musculocutaneous nerve conformed to the normal pattern only in its proximal part, and terminated after innervating the coracobrachialis and biceps brachii muscles. The distal musculocutaneous nerve arose from the median nerve in the lower arm, then passed laterally between the supernumerary bicipital head and the brachialis muscles, supplying both and terminating as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. The supernumerary bicipital head and the accompanying anomaly of the musculocutaneous nerve seem to be unique in literature.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Bilateral absence of ansa cervicalis replaced by vagocervical plexus: case report and literature review.

The bilateral absence of the ansa cervicalis was discovered during dissection of the neck in an elderly male cadaver. On both sides it was replaced by a vagocervical plexus formed by the vagus nerve and C1 and C2 ventral rami from the cervical plexus. A descending branch from this vagocervical plexus supplied the strap muscles of the neck. From a review of the literature the incidence of bilateral absence of the ansa cervicalis and its replacement by a vagocervical plexus appears to be extremely rare. Morphological variability, embryological basis, and clinical relevance of this uncommon anatomical variant are discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Student-led tutorials in problem-based learning: educational outcomes and students' perceptions.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of using students as tutors in a problem-based learning (PBL) medical curriculum. Ninety-one third-year medical students were divided into ten tutorial groups. The groups were randomly allocated into student-led tutorials (SLT) (five groups, n = 44 students) and faculty-led tutorials (FLT) (five groups, n = 47 students). Outcome measurements included assessment of students' performance in tutorials individually and as a group, end-unit examinations scores, assessment of tutoring skills and identifying students' perceptions about peer tutoring. Student tutors were perceived better in providing feedback and in understanding the difficulties students face in tutorials. Tutorial atmosphere, decision-making and support for the group leader were better in SLT compared with FLT groups. Self-assessment of student performance in SLT was not different from FLT. Student scores in the written and practical examinations were comparable in both groups. However, SLT groups found difficulties in analysis of problems presented in the first tutorial session. We conclude that the impact of peer tutoring on student performance in tutorials, group dynamics, and student achievement in examinations is positive overall. However, student tutors require special training before adopting this approach in PBL programs.

Attitude↗
PubMed2005

Structured problem-related anatomy demonstrations: making order of random teaching events.

BACKGROUND: A standardized learning activity called "Structured Problem-Related Anatomy Demonstrations" was recently implemented. This activity is intended to be a substitute to the need-based instruction method in which students schedule appointments in small groups or individually with faculty to discuss issues and difficulties related to anatomy the students have encountered during their tutorial discussions and self-study learning. DESCRIPTION: Students in a given year were divided into 2 groups. Each group was further divided into 4 small groups (n = 10) who rotated through 4 "stations." A faculty member who demonstrated a specific aspect of anatomy related to the weekly health problem staffed each of the stations. EVALUATION: The effect of the new method of instruction on students' performance in end-of-unit examinations was not statistically significant. A 5-point scale questionnaire seeking the perceptions of 3rd- and 4th-year medical students (n = 176), who had experience with both methods, was used. The means +/- standard deviation of students' responses to items related to organization was 3.61 +/- 0.55, to knowledge was 4.29 +/- 0.73, to integration was 3.91 +/- 0.73, and to skills was 3.84 +/- 0.83. The vast majority of students expressed their overall support for continuing the new system (4.54 +/- 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: The new method increased students' satisfaction and confidence while maintaining their level of performance in final assessments. Faculty have more control over their schedules and can devote more quality time to teaching and research.

Anatomy↗
PubMed2004

Evaluation of the teaching strategy of cardiovascular system in a problem-based curriculum: student perception.

It is generally acknowledged that an integrated approach to teaching cardiovascular system (CVS) is clinically relevant. However, very little attention has been paid with respect to student perception of teaching CVS in an integrated problem-based curriculum. A questionnaire on the feedback and perception of medical students (n = 60) to their learning experience of CVS exposed early in the problem-based integrated curriculum at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) was used. The average percentage scores of positive student responses to items related to knowledge was 62.7%, to integration was 87.3%, and to skills was 77.1%. A significant positive correlation was observed among skills and knowledge (r = 0.408, P = 0.002), skills and integration (r = 0.506, P < 0.000), and integration and knowledge (r = 0.294, P = 0.028). The lowest individual percentage score related to knowledge items was given to the role of resource sessions in understanding difficult concepts (32.7%). Interestingly, 90.7% of the students were aware of the presence of gaps in their knowledge. On the other hand, 92.7% of students expressed their satisfaction with the study experience of CVS in the integrated problem-based approach. These results indicate that students overall achieved satisfactory learning outcome during the study of CVS in the problem-based integrated curriculum at AGU. The study also points out issues where improvement and fine tuning of the educational system can take place.

Education, Medical↗