Effects of hydroxyurea on CNV induction in the mouse germline

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146452/1/em22233.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146452/2/em22233_am.pd

South African podiatry students’ perceptions of feedback given as part of clinical training

Abstract: As part of their clinical training podiatry students spend time in clinical settings treating patients under the supervision of qualified podiatrists. The role and purpose of feedback during such clinical training is to improve students’ knowledge, skills and behaviour. Feedback is an integral part of the learning process that should enhance students’ clinical learning experiences. However, there is no data on podiatry students’ satisfaction or lack thereof about feedback provided during clinical training. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of podiatry students on feedback given or received during clinical training..

A Meta-Analysis of Hydroxyurea Use for β-thalassemia: Implications for Clinical Practice and Medical Education

Chronic blood transfusion remains the most feasible therapeutic option for the majority of patients with severe β-thalassemia. However, it is associated with serious risks and complications. An alternative option is desirable and may prevent some of the problems associated with current therapy. Hydroxyurea (HU), an oral chemotherapeutic drug, is expected to increase hemoglobin, thereby minimizing the burden of blood transfusion and its complications. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of HU in patients with severe β-thalassemia. HU appears to be effective, well tolerated and associated with mild and transient adverse events; however, large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be done to confirm such findings. Nonetheless, based on the results of the present meta-analysis, it is recommended that current practice guidelines for severe β-thalassemia be appended to include a trial of HU

Ten tips for receiving feedback effectively in clinical practice

Background: Despite being recognized as a fundamental part of the educational process and emphasized for several decades in medical education, the influence of the feedback process is still suboptimal. This may not be surprising, because the focus is primarily centered on only one half of the process – the teachers. The learners are the targets of the feedback process and improvement needs to be shifted. Learners need to be empowered with the skills needed to receive and utilize feedback and compensate for less than ideal feedback delivery due to the busy clinical environment. Methods: Based on the available feedback literature and clinical experience regarding feedback, the author developed 10 tips to empower learners with the necessary skills to seek, receive, and handle feedback effectively, regardless of how it is delivered. Although, most of the tips are directed at the individual clinical trainee, this model can be utilized by clinical educators involved in learner development and serve as a framework for educational workshops or curriculum. Results: Ten practical tips are identified that specifically address the learner's role in the feedback process. These tips not only help the learner to ask, receive, and handle the feedback, but will also ease the process for the teachers. Collectively, these tips help to overcome most, if not all, of the barriers to feedback and bridge the gaps in busy clinical practices. Conclusions: Feedback is a crucial element in the educational process and it is shown that we are still behind in the optimal use of it; thus, learners need to be taught how to better receive and utilize feedback. The focus in medical education needs to balance the two sides of the feedback process. It is time now to invest on the learner's development of skills that can be utilized in a busy day-to-day clinical practice

Hydroxyurea for lifelong transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia: A meta-analysis

<p><b>Objective:</b> Chronic blood transfusion remains the most feasible therapeutic option for lifelong transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (lifelong TDβT). However, it is associated with serious risks and complications. Hydroxyurea (HU), an oral chemotherapeutic drug, is expected to increase hemoglobin levels, thereby minimizing the burden of blood transfusion and its complications. Growing literature over the last twenty years suggests promising results of the use HU in lifelong TDβT; however, its role and safety remain unanswered questions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of HU in patients with lifelong TDβT.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, and major preceding conferences for studies that assessed HU in lifelong TDβT patients were searched. The effect size was estimated as a proportion (responder/sample size).</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Eleven observational studies, collectively involving 859 patients, fulfilled eligibility criteria. HU was associated with a significant decrease in transfusion need with complete and overall (≥50%) response rates of 26% [95% confidence interval (CI), 13–41%] and 60% (95% CI, 41–78%), respectively. No serious adverse effects were reported. All of the studies had several limitations, such as lack of a comparison group.</p> <p><b>Conclusion:</b> HU appears to be effective, well tolerated; however, large randomized clinical trials should be done to confirm such findings</p