Opinions of Students on the Contribution of the DIVA 3D Virtual Dissection Table to the Teaching of Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako

Objective: Study the contribution of the DIVA 3D dissection table in the teaching of anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine and Odontology of Bamako. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative study carried out from November 1 to December 30, 2023 at the clinical and morphological anatomy laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako. Included in this study were students who participated in practical and tutorial sessions. The variables studied during this study were: the previous performance of dissection on a cadaver by the students, the opinion of the students on dissection on a cadaver, the replacement of dissection on a cadaver by virtual dissection in the absence of a body, the level student satisfaction. Results: We surveyed 130 participants. The average age was 22 ± 0.2 years with extremes of 17 and 29 years. 95.3% of participants were students. According to 66.7% of participants, virtual dissection is a good palliative in the absence of a corpse. 95.3% of participants found using the virtual dissection table easy with an average of 7.88 ± 1.4. The overall assessment was well rated by 99.3% of participants. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the virtual dissection table should be improved by integrating commented videos. The use of the DIVA 3D virtual dissection table during practical and tutorial sessions is well appreciated by the students. We believe that the teaching of anatomy using 3D digital technology should be included in the study programs of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology.

From "Genes to Society":The logic and process of the New Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine curriculum

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (JHUSOM) has been a leader in medical education since its inception in 1893. The influence of John Dewey on the founders of the school is evident in the design of the curriculum,which included serious study of basic science for two years,followed by 'learning by doing' in the 3d and 4th clinical years. After the Flexner report in 1910 which lauded the school as an exemplary model,this became the standard curricular structure of undergraduate medical education in the US. Since its founding Hopkins,like other medical schools,has struggled with burgeoning biomedical knowledge and the tension between time and content. The last curricular revision was implemented in 1992,and had several themes,including:(1) decreased lecture time and increased small group learning; (2) early clinical experience and more ambulatory clinical experience; (3) integration of the basic sciences to improve learning and reduce redundancy; (4) development of a longitudinal course for the social sciences,(named 'The Physician and Society' course); (5) a required thesis project for graduation. All but the last were implemented. Our students have done well in this curriculum. 98-100% pass the licensing board exams,and over 90% obtain their first choice for residency positions,often in highly competitive programs such as Dermatology,Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology. Approximately 30% of graduates are listed in the AAMC faculty roster-one of the highest percentages of graduates going to academic medicine in the country.

Image-Based Brachytherapy in Cervical Cancer: Review and Experiences in Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Cervical cancer is the one of the most common cancer in female patients inThailand. Radiotherapy has the role for the treatment of cervical cancer by postoperative, radical and palliative treatments. For radical radiotherapy, the combination of external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy will be used to increase the tumor dose to curative goal. With the new development of medical images (Computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Ultrasonography (US)), the treatment with brachytherapy will be developed from point-based to volume-based concepts. Many studies reported the benefit of image-based brachytherapy over conventional brachytherapy and clinical benefit of using image-based brachytherapy in the treatment of cervical cancer.

Assessment Methods Used during Clinical Years of Undergraduate Medical Education at Moi University School of Medicine, Kenya

Background: Assessment is the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken to improve teaching and learning. It ensures quality in training programmes, motivates, and directs students’ learning. Assessment is also used for verification of achievement of objectives of training, feedback to students, licencing, certification, and screening of students for advanced training. It is guided by several principles, including the aims of the assessment (why assess), who to assess, timing (when to assess), what to assess, methods (how to assess), and the criteria for determining the usefulness of the assessment. Objective: To describe the assessment methods used during clinical years of the undergraduate programme at Moi University School of Medicine (MUSOM) and determine the student’s perspectives concerning the comprehensiveness, relevance, objectivity of various assessment methods and challenges faced. Methodology: The study was carried out at MUSOM and a cross-sectional study design was employed. Ten study participants were studied using convenience sampling. Data were collected using an interview guide and was analyzed using content analysis. An informed consent was obtained from the study participants. Results: The methods used during clinical years at MUSOM for assessing knowledge and its applications include multiple-choice questions (MCQ), short answer questions (SAQ), modified essay questions (MEQ), long essay questions (LEQ), and oral exam. Whereas the methods for assessing clinical competence include long case, short cases, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), and logbook. Students felt that MCQs were comprehensive, objective, and relevant to the curriculum content. They reported that feedback was not provided after assessments. Conclusion: The assessment methods used at MUSOM during clinical years include MCQ, SAQ, MEQ, LEQ, Short cases, long cases, and OSCE. Students reported varied perceptions of the different assessment methods but favored MCQ and OSCE over other formats for assessing knowledge and clinical skills respectively.

Treatment Results of Adjuvant Brachytherapy as Monotherapy in Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Study from Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Purpose: To report the retrospective study of using intravaginal brachytherapy as adjuvant monotherapy for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 47 patients who received completely surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by multidisciplinary team were enrolled. All patients received intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) with the dose of 5.5 - 7 Gy in 2 - 6 fractions. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 44 months, the local control, disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 100%, 97.9%, 97.9% and, 97.9%, respectively. Only age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of 0.046. Two patients (4.3%) developed late genitourinary toxicity. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant IVBT as monotherapy for endometrial carcinoma is feasible.

Genetics in medical school curriculum:A look at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Genetics is assuming an increasingly important role in medicine. As a result,the teaching of genetics should also be increased proportionally to ensure that future physicians will be able to take advantage of the new genetic technology,and to understand the associated ethical,legal and social issues. At the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry,we have been able to incorporate genetic education into a four-year medical curriculum in a fully integrated fashion. This model may serve as a template for other medical curriculum still in development.

Self Evaluation in Department of Communicable Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Self evaluation is a process that defines and collects required data to judge about decision making issues at educational system on whether the educational department is fit to educate students? The objective of this study was determining the quality of the structural elements of the department of Communicable Diseases & determining the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to improve the quality of activities in the department under research. Materials and Methods: The employed method was Mixed methods (qualitative & quantitative research), on the basis of 10 procedural steps and within 8 sections dealing with evaluated factors;such as 1) organizational and management structure 2) scientific board members 3) students 4) Manpower 5) Space of educational research and health care 6) Equipment 7) curriculum 8) satisfaction of graduates, which were studied using 61 criteria and 172 indicators. Five-point Likert Scale was used for the responses in the questionnaire (1 - 1.75 = undesirable, to 4.2 - 5 completely desirable). Finally the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics indices and the assessment software of the Educational Development Center of TUMS. The instruments used in this method included assessment software, interview, observation and self-prepared questionnaire which consisted of 7 questionnaires and 2 check lists. Finding: The results of the research showed that general average of 8 investigating sections was 56.9% as a rather desirable research work. Conclusions: Therefore, it was concluded that function of the educational management in that group was directly in line with evaluation process, but continuing the process of evaluation seems necessary.

Adjuvant External Beam Radiotherapy ±Brachytherapy in Endometrial Cancer: A Retrospective Study from Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Purpose: To report the retrospective study of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± intravaginal brachytherapy (IVBT) as adjuvant treatment for endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods: From 2001-2009, 152 patients received complete surgical staging for endometrial carcinoma and were designed by a multidisciplinary team to receive EBRT ± IVBT. The treatment results and late toxicities were evaluated and recorded. Results: At the median follow-up time of 43 months, the disease-free survival, metastasis-free survival and overall survival rates were 96.9%, 96.9% and 96.9%, respectively. Stage and age showed the statistical significance with the p-value of less than 0.001. From five to ten percent of patients developed Grades 1-2 late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicities, respectively. Conclusion: The using of adjuvant EBRT ± IVBT for endometrial?carcinoma yielded treatment results and acceptable toxicities.

Evaluation and Comparison of Medicine Students’ Knowledge about HPV

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for almost 99% of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer is a public health problem, being the fourth most common type of tumor among women worldwide and the third most common cancer among women in Brazil. It is known that cervical cancer is one of the most easily preventable forms of cancer, as there is a highly effective vaccine against HPV, however, morbidity and mortality rates related to human papillomavirus are still frightening, especially in less developed countries. Low vaccination adherence rates, especially the second dose, are probably a reflection of the lack of knowledge about this virus, its clinical repercussions, and the vaccine. A clinical trial was carried out in a higher education institution in Alagoas (Brazil), with students of the medical course to whom a validated questionnaire was applied on HPV in the virtual environment (google forms). Data collection was carried out throughout the month of May of the year 2023. It was shown that the knowledge of medical students about the human papillomavirus was less than what would be desired for future doctors. The alert for the acute need to assess health illiteracy is clear, especially regarding cancer that can be prevented by a highly effective vaccine.

Application of Rubidium in the Field of Medicine and Health

With the continuous development of science and technology,the role of rare and precious metal resources in medical treatment,economy and strategy has become increasingly prominent.This paper reviewed the application research of rare precious metal rubidium(Rb)in the field of medicine and health,mainly including the application significance of Rb in the field of medical and health,typical applications and problems in the field of medicine and health,and the important research significance of the research and development of medicine.

Epidemiological, Clinical, Paraclinical and Evolutionary Aspects of Urinary Tract Infection in Diabetics Hospitalized at the Department of Medicine of Abass Ndao Hospital from January 01, 2018, to December 31, 2018

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major public health problem because of its morbidity and mortality. It occurs with increased frequency during diabetes. The objective of this work was to study the frequency and etiologies of urinary tract infections in diabetics hospitalized at the department of medicine of Abass Ndao Hospital. Patients and Methods: This work was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study conducted from January 01, 2018, to December 31, 2018. It focused on hospitalized diabetic patients with urinary tract infection. Epidemiological, clinical, and evolutionary data of UTI were evaluated. Results: One hundred and twenty-eight (128) diabetic patients had a cytobacteriological urine exam (CUE). 44 of who had a positive CUE (34.4%). The age group [60 - 69] years was the most represented (31.8%). Women predominated (61.4%) with a sex ratio (m/f) of 0.63. Abdominal pain was the most frequent reason for consultation, followed by polydipsia. Fever was recorded in 21 patients (47.7%). Type 2 diabetes was found in most patients (70.5%). Glycemia above 2g/l was found in 34 patients (89.5%). Anemia accounted for more than half of the patients with 29 cases (65.9%). Leukocytosis was noted in 28 patients (63.6%) and a positive CRP in 33 patients (75%). An increase in urea-creatinine was noted in 23 cases (52.3%). The results of the CUE revealed Escherichia coli as predominant (43.2%, n = 19), followed by Candida with 22.7% (n = 10). Antibiotic therapy was given to all patients. The mostly used antibiotic in the treatment of UTI was Cefotaxime 27.3% (n = 12). Older age and female gender were associated with the presence of E. coli. Four (4) deaths were recorded (9%). They were all male over the age of 65. Conclusion: UTI in diabetes is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The development and implementation of a prevention and management program are essential.

Diabetic Foot: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects in the Department of Medicine and Endocrinology of the Hospital of Mali, Mali

Introduction: Diabetes is a heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a defect in the secretion and/or action of insulin, diagnosed by the observation of high levels of glucose in the blood, responsible in the long term for vascular and nervous complications. The diabetic foot is the set of pathological manifestations affecting the foot in relation to the diabetic disease. Approximately 5% of diabetics present a chronic lesion of the foot. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the diabetic foot in the medicine/endocrinology department of the Mali hospital. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study from November 2011 to December 2015. It focused on diabetic patients hospitalized in the department with a foot wound and aged 14 years and over. Results: The study involved 94 patients out of 828 hospitalized, a prevalence of 11.35%. Our series included 36 (38.3%) men and 58 (61.7%) women, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.61%. The mean age was 42.66 years with extremes of 14 and 81 years. Type 2 diabetes was present in 95% of the patients with a duration of evolution of more than 5 years in 60.6% of the cases. The mechanism of occurrence of the wounds was minor trauma in 54 cases (57.4%). Self-medication was the primary treatment in 70 patients (74.5%). More than 50% of the patients wore unsuitable footwear. Clinical and para-clinical examinations revealed isolated neuropathy in 37 cases (39.4%), necrotic wound in 37 cases (39.19%), poor glycemic control: HbA1c > 7% (98.9%), absence of osteitis (57.4%), normal Doppler ultrasound 45 cases (45.7%), stenosing arteriopathy 11 cases (22.3%), non-stenosing 3 cases (20.2%), germs present 56 cases (59.6%) including 21 cases (22.4%) of Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: Diabetes and diabetic foot constitute a real public health problem. They are responsible for dreadful and sometimes disabling complications. Its management is multidisciplinary and requires significant financial resources.

Diabetic Foot: Epidemiological, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects in the Department of Medicine and Endocrinology of the Hospital in Mali, Mali

Introduction: The diabetic foot remains a public health problem due to its high frequency, difficult and costly management. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of the diabetic foot in a hospital setting in Bamako. Methodology: This is a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and monocentric study conducted between September 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 on diabetic patients aged 14 years and older arriving in our department with a foot infection. Results: We identified 94 cases of diabetic foot infection out of a total of 828 hospitalized patients, a prevalence of 11.35%. The age range 41 - 60 years represented 57 cases (60.6%), the extreme ages were 14 and 81 years. Men (38.3%), women (61.7%) with a sex ratio of 0.62%. Housewives 50%, illiterate 51 cases (54.3%), low economic standard of living 40 cases (42.6%), presence of osteitis 40 cases (42.6%), foot at stage D Grade3 28 cases (29.8%). Management was medical in 48 cases (51.1%), treatment with insulin 58 cases (61.7%), Amoxicillin + Metronidazole used 36 cases (38.29%). Amputation was performed in 35 cases (37.2%). Deaths concerned 5 patients (9.6%) with hypoglycemia as the main cause in 4 cases. Conclusion: Diabetic foot is a frequent complication of diabetes. The establishment of a multidisciplinary team should contribute to the improvement of the prognosis of the diabetic foot in a management center.

Reference values for selected hematological, biochemical and physiological parameters of Sprague‐Dawley rats at the Animal House, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo,Sri Lanka

Background: Lack of available reference values in a research setting under local conditions can be a drawback for beginners, as the accuracy of data from control samples cannot be checked at the beginning of a research project. This affects comparisons with data from test samples. To avoid these complications in their research projects,beginners tend to have a greater number of animals in the control group compared to test groups in order to have control group measurements within 2 SDs of the mean.Methods: As non-availability of reference values was a long-felt need, the described project was conducted in order to establish a reference database for selected haematological, biochemical and physiological parameters using apparently healthy Sprague-Dawley rats bred in the Animal House of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo(UCFM).Results: Differences in mean values of packed cell volume(PCV), mean corpuscular volume(MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration(MCHC), serum creatinine and blood glucose levels between the two genders were statistically significant. Lipid profile measurements did not differ significantly between genders, but mean and median values of triglycerides(TG) between male and female rats showed a difference of more than 10 mg/dL. The liver enzymes alkaline phosphatase(AP)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) were also statistically significantly different between sexes. Despite wide variation in mean alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between sexes, the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: The findings of this project should support to a certain extent the"Reduction" aspect of the 3 Rs concept of Russell and Burch by reducing the number of Sprague-Dawley rats used in future research projects at UCFM.

Anatomical Dissection of the External Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve to the Laboratory of Anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine of Bamako(Mali)

Aim: This study aimed at describing the anatomical variations of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and at estimating the frequency of nerves at risk during the thyroid surgery. Methodology: We realized a forward-looking study from September, 2016 in May 31st, 2018 in the laboratory of anatomy of the Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology of Bamako in Mali. All the fresh anatomical subjects not carrying trauma and or a scar at the level of the previous region of the neck were held. The anatomical subjects were not included presenting a traumatic lesion and\or a scar of the previous region of the neck. Results: We realized 34 dissections of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve to 17 deathly subjects (11 men and 6 women with a sex-ratio of 1.8). The average age of the subjects was of 42 years (extremes: 18 and 70 years). Our study allowed highlighting in 100% of the cases, the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and the superior thyroid artery so to the right as to the left. On 34 dissected external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, none had a previous route. However we found 28 nerves (82.4%) having a later route, stuck to the external face of the lower constrictor of the pharynx. These were not mixed with the superior thyroid artery and its branch of division and were situated outside the thyroid capsule. In 17.6% of the cases (6 cases), the nerve had a route mixed in the branch of the superior thyroid artery. These were found inside of the capsule (11.8% adhered to the artery and 5.8% crossed its branch of division). Conclusion: The risk of injury of the external laryngeal nerve during thyroid surgery procedure is never zero. It is more important on the left side.

Potential of non-Western medicines in chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer

This editorial explores the potential integration of non-Western medicine into radiotherapy for cervical cancer.While radiotherapy remains a radical treatment for cervical cancer,its associated toxicity and decline in quality of life can significantly impact patients’lives.Currently,most treatments are supportive,with no specific treatment options available in Western medicine.Non-Western medicine,often less toxic and easier to administer,has shown promising results when used alongside radiotherapy for cervical cancer.Despite these potential benefits,challenges such as limited evidence and restricted application areas persist.While non-Western medicines may offer potential improvements in chemoradiotherapy outcomes for cervical cancer,further research is necessary to substantiate these benefits.

Bioelectronic medicine in modulation of cortical spreading depolarization and beyond

Bioelectronic interventions,specifically trigeminal nerve st imulat ion(TNS),have attracted considerable attention in conditions where cortical spreading depolarizations(CSDs)accompanied by compromised cerebral perfusion may exacerbate neurological damage.While pharmacological interventions have demonstrated initial potential in addressing CSDs,a standardized treatment approach has not yet been established.The objective of this perspective is to explore emerging bioelectronic methodologies for addressing CSDs,particularly emphasizing TNS,and to underscore TNS’s capacity to enhance neurovascular coupling and cerebral perfusion.

Advances in ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry and pharmacology of Erigerontis Herba and its Chinese medicine prescriptions

Erigerontis Herba(EH),the dried whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus,is well-known for circulating blood,activating meridians to alleviate pain,expelling wind,and clearing away cold.It has been extensively utilized in southern China for the treatment of stroke hemiplegia,chest stuffiness and pains,rheumatic arthralgia,headache,and toothache.This review focuses on the botany,ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry,pharmacology and toxicity of EH and its related prescriptions to offer new insights for prospective research of EH.Relevant information about EH was retrieved from ancient records and books,PubMed,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Chinese Pharmacopoeia,Web of Science,Doctoral and Master’s Theses,and various electronic databases.EH is a member of Compositae family and is mainly grown in southern China.Traditional Chinese medicine records that EH has the effects of circulating blood and removing blood stasis,expelling wind,and removing cold,as well as relieving rigidity of muscle and relieving pain.By now,nearly 200 ingredients have been characterized from EH,including flavonoids,caffeoyls,aromatic acids,coumarins,pentacyclic terpenoids,volatile oil and other compounds.EH extracts,EH related prescriptions(Dengzhan Xixin injection,Dengzhan Shengmai capsules,etc.)or compounds(scutellarin,scutellarein,etc.)possessed obvious therapeutic effects of ischemic stroke,cerebral hemorrhage,myocardial infarction,Alzheimer’s disease,diabetes and its complications,gastric cancer,bone,and joint degenerative diseases.Scutellarin,the major active compound of EH,has been used as a quality marker.And no obvious toxicity of EH has been reported.According to its traditional applications,ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry,pharmacology,and toxicity,EH was applied as a valuable herb for clinical application in food and medicine fields.While several compounds have been shown to possess diverse biological activities,the underlying mechanisms of their actions remain elusive.To fully exploit the medicinal potential of EH,further studies on understanding the effective material basis and mechanisms are warranted.

Simulation-based assessment for the emergency medicine milestones: a national survey of simulation experts and program directors

The focus of outcome-based education has shifted from the process of training to the end“product”of education.This has necessitated a reframing of the teaching,learning,and assessment.Therefore,in 2013,the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education(ACGME)implemented the educational milestones for all accredited residencies and fellowship programs.[1]The milestones have been described as“developmentally based,specialty-specific achievements that residents are expected to demonstrate at established intervals as they progress through training.”[1]Milestones are based on the six core competencies established by the ACGME and American Board of Medical Specialties(ABMS),which consist of medical knowledge(MK),patient care(PC),interpersonal and communication skills(ICS),practice-based learning and improvement(PBLI),professionalism(PROF),and systems-based practice(SBP).[2,3]ACGME,in conjunction with the American Board of Emergency Medicine(ABEM),drafted 23 detailed subcompetencies relevant to emergency medicine(EM).[4]