Antimicrobial effect of chinese creeper (Mikania Micrantia) leaf extract to E. Coli (Escherichia Coli) causing diarrhea

The study utilizes an experimental quantitative method. It was conducted in the science laboratory 5th floor Administration Building of the University of the Visayas. Antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract of Chinese creeper (Mikania micantha) used in traditional folk medicines were screened against E. coli (Escherichia coli) compared to Tetracycline, pharmaceutical drug. The highest antimicrobial potentially was exhibited by the Tetracyclic drug, followed by the different concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%). The leaf extract of M. micantha can be considered to be equally potent as the most common effect antibiotic, such as Tetracycline. A sensitivity test performed with commonly used sensitivity test resulted in the appearance of drug and plant resistance of the bacteria tested. A comparison of data in the inhibition zones of E. coli (Escherichia coli) showed that M. micantha leaf extractand Tetracycline were effective against bacteria strain tested. Furthermore, the results suggest that traditional folk medicine could be used as a guide on the continuing search for new natural products with potential medicinal properties

Towards new material biomarkers for fracture risk

Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone condition, characterised by low bone mass and increased fracture risk. Currently, the gold standard for identifying osteoporosis and increased fracture risk is through quantification of bone mineral density (BMD) using dual energy X-ray absorption (DEXA). However, the risk of osteoporotic fracture is determined collectively by bone mass, architecture and physicochemistry of the mineral composite building blocks. Thus DEXA scans alone inevitably fail to fully discriminate individuals who will suffer a fragility fracture. This study examines trabecular bone at both ultrastructure and microarchitectural levels to provide a detailed material view of bone, and therefore provides a more comprehensive explanation of osteoporotic fracture risk. Physicochemical characterisation obtained through X-ray diffraction and infrared analysis indicated significant differences in apatite crystal chemistry and nanostructure between fracture and non-fracture groups. Further, this study, through considering the potential correlations between the chemical biomarkers and microarchitectural properties of trabecular bone, has investigated the relationship between bone mechanical properties (e.g. fragility) and physicochemical material features

Mineral Composition is Altered by Osteoblast Expression of an Engineered Gs-Coupled Receptor

Activation of the Gs G protein–coupled receptor Rs1 in osteoblasts increases bone mineral density by 5- to 15-fold in mice and recapitulates histologic aspects of fibrous dysplasia of the bone. However, the effects of constitutive Gs signaling on bone tissue quality are not known. The goal of this study was to determine bone tissue quality in mice resulting from osteoblast-specific constitutive Gs activation, by the complementary techniques of FTIR spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRμCT). Col1(2.3)-tTA/TetO-Rs1 double transgenic (DT) mice, which showed osteoblast-specific constitutive Gs signaling activity by the Rs1 receptor, were created. Femora and calvariae of DT and wild-type (WT) mice (6 and 15 weeks old) were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. WT and DT femora (3 and 9 weeks old) were imaged by SRμCT. Mineral-to-matrix ratio was 25% lower (P = 0.010), carbonate-to-phosphate ratio was 20% higher (P = 0.025), crystallinity was 4% lower (P = 0.004), and cross-link ratio was 11% lower (P = 0.025) in 6-week DT bone. Differences persisted in 15-week animals. Quantitative SRμCT analysis revealed substantial differences in mean values and heterogeneity of tissue mineral density (TMD). TMD values were 1,156 ± 100 and 711 ± 251 mg/cm3 (mean ± SD) in WT and DT femoral diaphyses, respectively, at 3 weeks. Similar differences were found in 9-week animals. These results demonstrate that continuous Gs activation in murine osteoblasts leads to deposition of immature bone tissue with reduced mineralization. Our findings suggest that bone tissue quality may be an important contributor to increased fracture risk in fibrous dysplasia patients

Using Computer-Assisted Instruction to Increase Otolaryngology Education During Medical School

Introduction A quarter of all complaints seen in adult primary care and half of all complaints seen in pediatric primary care are otolaryngology related. Even though half of all medical students enter primary care fields, there is no standardized curriculum for otolaryngology during medical school. Due to increasing limitations on specialty teaching during general medical education, computer-assisted instruction has been suggested as a format for increasing exposure to otolaryngology. Methods We designed a computer-based learning module for teaching high-yield otolaryngology topics for third- and fourth-year medical students during their primary care clerkship at our institution from 2016–2018. We evaluated students’ prior otolaryngology knowledge with 11 case-based, multiple-choice questions and then evaluated the efficacy of the module by a similar posttest. Results Three-hundred and sixty-five students completed the module. The average pre- and posttest scores were 44% (SD = 21%) and 70% (SD = 17%), respectively, showing that the module resulted in significantly increased scores (p < .01). Discussion The improvement of test scores indicates that this module was an effective educational intervention at our institution for increasing exposure and improving otolaryngology knowledge in third- and fourth-year medical students. As medical schools shift toward adult learning principles such as independent and self-directed learning, computer-assisted instruction is an alternative to classroom-based didactics. Creating resources for independent study will allow more time for otolaryngology faculty and residents to teach clinical exam skills and interactive case-based discussions, which are less suitable to teach via computer-assisted instruction

General Surgery and Otolaryngology Resident Perspectives on Obtaining Competency in Thyroid Surgery

Objective: General surgery (GS) and otolaryngology (OTO) do not require a minimum number of thyroidectomies to qualify for board certification. No standardized criteria exist for declaring competence in this procedure. A survey was created to assess GS and OTO resident perspectives on becoming competent in thyroid surgery. Design: A survey was electronically mailed to all GS and OTO residents assessing their competence in thyroid surgery. Setting: National survey of general surgery and otolaryngology residents. Participants: National general surgery and otolaryngology residents. Results: A convenience sample of 526 residents responded (246/280 = GS/OTO). The mean clinical year of training was 3.3 (3.1/3.5). Most residents (50%/41%) performed between 1 and 10 thyroid operations. Residents believed 13 and 25 (GS/OTO) thyroidectomies were required by their respective Boards. Both groups felt that 30 (27/33) thyroid operations were necessary to obtain competence (p \u3c 0.01). The most important feature was operative volume with graduated responsibility, followed by guidance under an expert mentor. Analysis of residents PGY4 and greater showed no significant differences. Conclusions: While residents of both specialties generally agree on learning methods, the perception of readiness to perform thyroid surgery after training is variable. A disconnect is present between the number of cases required for Board certification, the number of cases residents believe are required, and the number of cases residents believe it takes to achieve competency. © 2012 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Using Computer-Assisted Instruction to Increase Otolaryngology Education During Medical School.

Introduction A quarter of all complaints seen in adult primary care and half of all complaints seen in pediatric primary care are otolaryngology related. Even though half of all medical students enter primary care fields, there is no standardized curriculum for otolaryngology during medical school. Due to increasing limitations on specialty teaching during general medical education, computer-assisted instruction has been suggested as a format for increasing exposure to otolaryngology. Methods We designed a computer-based learning module for teaching high-yield otolaryngology topics for third- and fourth-year medical students during their primary care clerkship at our institution from 2016–2018. We evaluated students’ prior otolaryngology knowledge with 11 case-based, multiple-choice questions and then evaluated the efficacy of the module by a similar posttest. Results Three-hundred and sixty-five students completed the module. The average pre- and posttest scores were 44% (SD = 21%) and 70% (SD = 17%), respectively, showing that the module resulted in significantly increased scores (p < .01). Discussion The improvement of test scores indicates that this module was an effective educational intervention at our institution for increasing exposure and improving otolaryngology knowledge in third- and fourth-year medical students. As medical schools shift toward adult learning principles such as independent and self-directed learning, computer-assisted instruction is an alternative to classroom-based didactics. Creating resources for independent study will allow more time for otolaryngology faculty and residents to teach clinical exam skills and interactive case-based discussions, which are less suitable to teach via computer-assisted instruction