The Regenerative Effect of Intra-Articular Injection of Autologous Fat Micro-Graft in Treatment of Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis

The study started in 2010 to find the effect of autologous fat micrograft for osteoarthritis (OA); the result was published on normal animal’s model, in 10 patients, then in 80 patients with knee osteoarthritis, and the current study in 205 patients. The study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (January 2012–October 2015); 80 adult patients were suffering from moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. About 10–20 mL fat micrograft was prepared with liposuction and injected intra-articularly into the affected knee/s. The results revealed that pain improvement after the fat injection during rest and with activity with the visual analogue scale. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) indicated improvement, both in the three domains (pain, stiffness, and physical function) and in total. The use of intra-articular autologous fat micrograft is simple, safe, and effective for degenerative knee osteoarthritis

Readiness for self-directed learning among King Abdulaziz University medical students

Background: To determine readiness for self-directed learning (SDL) among medical students enrolled at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as well as identify demographic characteristics that might affect or control such readiness.Methods: Medical students at all levels of training were asked to participate in a study in the form of a self-response questionnaire via emailed link (Gugliemino’s Self-Directed Learner Readiness Scale [SDLRS]). This instrument was designed to measure the complex attitudes, skills and characteristics that comprise an individual’s current level of readiness to manage his or her own learning. Data were analysed using SPSS, and mean, median and total scores were calculated and compared.Results: Of more than 1900 medical students at the KAU Faculty of Medicine, 192 students responded to the self-response questionnaire (see appendix). Results suggested that readiness for SDL is below average for more than 99% of medical studentsConclusions: Our study showed that further evaluation of our students' readiness for SDL is required, as well as exploration and implementation of tools for improving skill and knowledge development, to enable students to develop a lifelong learning attitude

Intra-articular Injection of Autologous Fat Micro Graft in Sheep Hind Knee Joints

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effects of intra-articular injection of Autologous fat micro graft into normal animals hind knee joints. Methods: Six sheep were enrolled in the study. Under monitored anesthesia care, autologous fat micro graft was harvested from tail fat of the animal using tumescent technique. 7-10 ml of the separated fat was injected intra-articularly to the Rt hind knee joint of the animal leaving the Lt one as control for comparison. Clinical observation of the animals in using their fat injected joints was recorded over the 12 weeks of the experiment.histological examinations of the fat injected and the control joints were done at the end of the experiment. Results: All the animals involved in the study were using their treated joints normally on the day following the injection till the end of the experiment. 12 weeks after fat injection the macroscopic and microscopic examinations of both treated and control femoral and tibial surfaces of articular cartilage of hind knee joints showed no sign of joints pathological changes, however, the chondrocytes of femoral and tibial articular cartilage in treated limbs showed proliferation including deferent mitotic stages. Conclusion: the injection of autologous fat micro graft intra-articularlyis safe practice with no clinical negative manifestations in relation to the fat injected joints of the experimental animals, the macroscopic and microscopic study of the injected joints did not show any pathological changes but give indications of positive proliferative effect on chondrocytesof cartilage in the treated joint

Readiness for self-directed learning among King Abdulaziz University medical students

Background: To determine readiness for self-directed learning (SDL) among medical students enrolled at King Abdulaziz University (KAU) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as well as identify demographic characteristics that might affect or control such readiness.Methods: Medical students at all levels of training were asked to participate in a study in the form of a self-response questionnaire via emailed link (Gugliemino’s Self-Directed Learner Readiness Scale [SDLRS]). This instrument was designed to measure the complex attitudes, skills and characteristics that comprise an individual’s current level of readiness to manage his or her own learning. Data were analysed using SPSS, and mean, median and total scores were calculated and compared.Results: Of more than 1900 medical students at the KAU Faculty of Medicine, 192 students responded to the self-response questionnaire (see appendix). Results suggested that readiness for SDL is below average for more than 99% of medical studentsConclusions: Our study showed that further evaluation of our students' readiness for SDL is required, as well as exploration and implementation of tools for improving skill and knowledge development, to enable students to develop a lifelong learning attitude