Perceptions of first and third year medical students on self-study and reporting processes of problem-based learning

Background  

The objective of this study is to investigate the perceptions of first and third year medical students on self-study and reporting processes of Problem-based Learning (PBL) sessions and their usage of learning resources.     

Knowledge level and attitude towards complementary and alternative treatment methods among medical students: a cross-sectional survey study in Turkey

Abstract

Objective

People often use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods in Turkey, but reliability of the application of these methods is controversial. Considering the role of medical students (i.e. physician candidates) in sustainable health, their perspectives on CAM methods are important. This report explores the level of knowledge, experience, and preferences for the use of CAM methods among medical school students.     

Which is the dominant factor for perception of rheumatic pain: meteorology or psychology?

It is believed that there is an association between the weather and rheumatic symptoms. We aimed to investigate what kind of association is present and what are the factors which determine the nature of this association. Fifty-six subjects with rheumatic disease (31 RA, 15 SpA, 10 OA) who live in Antalya were followed between December 2005 and July 2006. Patients were asked to fill diaries which contain questions regarding the symptoms of their rheumatic diseases everyday. In every monthly visit, disease activity measurement, laboratory assessment and Beck depression inventory assessment were recorded. The symptomatic and psychological measurements were matched with the meteorological data of Antalya Regional Directorate of Meteorological Service of Turkish State. Correlation of symptoms with weather variables was investigated. Contributory effect of weather and of psychologic factors on symptom scores were evaluated by stepwise multiple regression analysis. Eighty-four percent of subjects belive in an association between weather and rheumatism, while 57% claimed to have ability to forecast weather. The maximum correlation coefficient between weather and arthritis symptoms was −0.451 and the maximum contribution of weather on symptoms was 17.1%. Arthritis symptoms were significantly contributed by Beck depression score. The belief about presence of weather–arthritis association was found to be stronger than its statistical power. Our results did not prove or rule out the presence of weather–rheumatism association. As long as the scientific attempts result in failure, the intuitive support in favour of the presence of weather–arthritis association will go on forever.     

Effectiveness of Palosuran in Bleomycin-Induced Experimental Scleroderma

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disease characterized by skin and internal organ involvement. There is progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix components in the skin and involved organs. Tissue fibrosis is the prominent reason for mortality, and still, there is no satisfactory treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of urotensin-II (U-II) antagonist palosuran in an animal model of scleroderma. We also planned to measure U-II, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels, as well as the association of these levels with dermal thickness. Twenty-four male mice were included in this study and they were divided into three groups—group 1: control group, group 2: fibrosis group, and group 3: fibrosis + palosuran treatment group. Fibrosis + palosuran treatment in group 3 reduced ET-1, U-II, and TGF-β1 levels. In total, the diminished values were statistically significant in the ET-1 and TGF-β1 levels (p?<?0.05). Dermal thickness was higher in the fibrosis group, when compared with the other groups. There was no significant relationship between dermal thickness and ET-1, U-II, or TGF-β1 levels (p?>?0.05). It is believed that U-II is an important mediator in SSc, and its antagonism with palosuran could be a new treatment choice in SSc.     

Simple preoperative parameters to assess technical difficulty during a radical perineal prostatectomy

Purpose

We aimed to propose a practical selection method predicting the easier radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) cases before the operation.

Methods

Fifty sequential RPP cases were divided into two groups according to the estimated difficulty of the operation (Group I: Easier, Group II: Difficult) which was assessed by using a RPP difficulty scale, constituted by three parameters (operation time, blood loss, and the judgment of the surgeon) each ranging between 1 and 3 points. As the localization parameters, skin-to-prostatic apex (SPAD) and skin-to-prostatic base (SPBD) distances and distance between bilateral ischial tuberosities (ITD) were measured. During suprapubic ultrasonography, a probe-divergence angle (PDA) and prostate volumes (PV) were recorded. These parameters were compared between the groups.

Results

In Group I (n = 29) and Group II (n = 21), the difficulty scores were 4.37 (3–5) and 6.80 (6–9), respectively. Data of age, clinical stages, and findings of digital rectal examination were not different between groups. While SPBD, SPAD, and ITD values were found similar (p > 0.05), PDA and PV were significantly different. PDA was > 45 degree in 21 cases in Group I (72.4 %) and in 7 cases in Group II (33.3 %) (p = 0.011). The mean of PV was 37.4 (20–60) cc and 49.9 (30–75) cc in Group I and Group II, respectively (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

While planning RPP operations, by selecting the prostate cancer cases with a prostate of low volume and localized deeper in the pelvis during suprapubic ultrasonography, urologists may have a chance to perform this technique more easily during the learning period.     

The effects of articaine hydrochloride on wound healing: an experimental study

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of articaine hydrochloride (AH) on the healing of surgical wounds and to compare healing with that of lidocaine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly separated into 4 groups. Three groups were given 2% lidocaine, 4% AH, or injectable saline, and the fourth was a control group. Skin specimens underwent the breaking strength test (BST) and histologic examination at 1 week after the surgical procedure. The skin specimens of the rats were subjected to a pulling force of 10 mm/min across the incision line. The strength value at the moment of breaking in the tissue was expressed in Newtons. Histologic examination was performed as well, and wound healing was graded. RESULTS: Both the histologic grade and BST values in the lidocaine and AH groups were significantly lower than those of the control and saline groups (P <.01). Similarly, the histologic and BST values of the AH and lidocaine groups were statistically significant (P <.05, P <.001). Some necrotic regions were observed at the incision region in 2 samples from the AH group. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that AH is as safe a local anesthetic agent as lidocaine from the standpoint of wound response.