Browsing by Author "Inuwa, Ibrahim M."

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Challenges of Establishing a de novo Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service in a Tertiary Hospital : Practical considerations and challenges
(2020) Inuwa, Ibrahim M.
Abstract: Consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP), also known as psychosomatic medicine, is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the care of patients with mental health disorders and general medical/surgical conditions. Integrating CLP services facilitates diagnosis and management of patients with complex comorbidities. This article aimed to report the practical considerations and challenges associated with establishing a de novo CLP service in a tertiary hospital in the Gulf region. This includes discussing the rationale and clinical and educational benefits as well as the resources required for establishing a CLP service.
Introducing the 4Ps Model of Transitioning to Distance Learning: A convergent mixed methods study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic
(2021) Otaki, Farah; Zaher, Shroque; Du Plessis, Stefan; Lakhtakia, Ritu; Zary, Nabil; Inuwa, Ibrahim M.
Abstract: Significant concern has been raised regarding the effect of COVID-19 on medical education. This study aimed to shed light on the distance learning experiences of medical students and their instructors at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A convergent mixed methods approach was utilized. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using a survey of closed-ended followed by open-ended questions. The percentage of the total average of satisfaction among stakeholders was 76.4%. The qualitative analysis led to developing the 4Ps Model of Transitioning to Distance Learning, which encapsulates four interrelated themes. It would be helpful to leverage the lessons learned to tailor blended medical programs with a reasonable me´lange of experiences. The study also contributes to the mixed methods research by showcasing a means of adapting it to evaluate critical situations reliably and rapidly.
Single-cell transcriptome identifes molecular subtype of autism spectrum disorder impacted by de novo loss-of-function variants regulating glial cells
(2021) Nassir, Nasna; Bankapur, Asma; Ali, Abdulrahman; Ahmed, Awab; Inuwa, Ibrahim M.; Shabestari, Seyed Ali Safzadeh; Albanna, Ammar; Berdiev, Bakhrom; Uddin, Mohammed
Background: In recent years, several hundred autism spectrum disorder (ASD) implicated genes have been discov ered impacting a wide range of molecular pathways. However, the molecular underpinning of ASD, particularly from the point of view of ‘brain to behaviour’ pathogenic mechanisms, remains largely unknown. Methods: We undertook a study to investigate patterns of spatiotemporal and cell type expression of ASD-impli cated genes by integrating large-scale brain single-cell transcriptomes (>million cells) and de novo loss-of-function (LOF) ASD variants (impacting 852 genes from 40,122 cases). Results: We identifed multiple single-cell clusters from three distinct developmental human brain regions (ante rior cingulate cortex, middle temporal gyrus and primary visual cortex) that evidenced high evolutionary constraint through enrichment for brain critical exons and high pLI genes. These clusters also showed signifcant enrichment with ASD loss-of-function variant genes (p<5.23 × 10–11) that are transcriptionally highly active in prenatal brain regions (visual cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex). Mapping ASD de novo LOF variant genes into large-scale human and mouse brain single-cell transcriptome analysis demonstrate enrichment of such genes into neuronal sub types and are also enriched for subtype of non-neuronal glial cell types (astrocyte, p<6.40× 10–11, oligodendrocyte, p<1.31× 10–09). Conclusion: Among the ASD genes enriched with pathogenic de novo LOF variants (i.e. KANK1, PLXNB1), a subgroup has restricted transcriptional regulation in non-neuronal cell types that are evolutionarily conserved. This association strongly suggests the involvement of subtype of non-neuronal glial cells in the pathogenesis of ASD and the need to explore other biological pathways for this disorder.
Taking a Leap of Faith:A Study of Abruptly Transitioning an Undergraduate Medical Education Program to Distance-Learning Owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic
(2021) Du Plessis, Stefan; Otaki, Farah; Zaher, Shroque; Zary, Nabil; Inuwa, Ibrahim M.; Lakhtakia, Ritu
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced universities worldwide to immediately transition to distance-learning. Although numerous studies have investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on universities in the Middle East, none have reflected on the process through which medical education programs for health professions underwent this transition. This study aimed to elucidate the rapid transition to distance-learning of an undergraduate medical program at the College of Medicine, Mohammad Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Dubai, United Arab Emirates), owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. An action research approach constituted the foundation of this collaborative effort that involved investigations, reflections, and improvements of practice, through ongoing cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. Efforts of transitioning to distance-learning were grouped into four interrelated aspects: supporting faculty members in delivering the program content, managing curriculum changes, engaging with the students to facilitate distance-learning experiences, and conducting web-based assessments. Challenges included the high perceived uncertainty, need for making ad hoc decisions, lack of experiential learning and testing of clinical skills, and blurring of work-life boundaries. Our preliminary findings show the successful generation of a strong existing digital base, future prospects for innovation, and a cohesive team that was key to agility, rapid decision-making, and program implementation.