Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and its maternal and fetal outcomes

We hereby report the results of a prospective cohort study where we compared the association of various demographic factors and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), determined the prevalence of GDM and its maternal and fetal outcomes

Benign papillary cystadenofibroma of fallopian tube presenting as posterior fornix cyst: case report

Benign papillary cystadenofibroma of fallopian tube is very rare tumor of female genital tract. Usually asymptomatic and incidental finding. Worldwide literature only 18 cases were found. On account of its rarity and best of our knowledge, is the first case of benign papillary cystadenofiboma presented as posterior fornix cyst, so we are presenting this case. We report a rare case of benign papillary cystadenofibroma of fallopian tube in a 30-years old female P3L3 presenting with abdominal pain. On examination abdomen was soft, per vaginally mobile non-tender cystic mass of 5×4 cm was noted. Laparotomy was planned. Intraoperatively 5x4 cm cyst arising from serosal surface of left fallopian tube near fimbrial end noted with bilateral ovaries normal. Left fimbrial cystectomy with salpingectomy was done with sparing both ovaries. Histopathology suggestive of benign papillary cystadenofibroma of fallopian tube. Patient had uneventful recovery in follow up period. Benign papillary cystadenofibroma of fallopian tube is rare tumor found incidentally. Tumor seems to have benign course only cystectomy is required for treatment

Unraveling the cytotoxic potential of Temozolomide loaded into PLGA nanoparticles

BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology has received great attention since a decade for the treatment of different varieties of cancer. However, there is a limited data available on the cytotoxic potential of Temozolomide (TMZ) formulations. In the current research work, an attempt has been made to understand the anti-metastatic effect of the drug after loading into PLGA nanoparticles against C6 glioma cells. Nanoparticles were prepared using solvent diffusion method and were characterized for size and morphology. Diffusion of the drug from the nanoparticles was studied by dialysis method. The designed nanoparticles were also assessed for cellular uptake using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. RESULTS: PLGA nanoparticles caused a sustained release of the drug and showed a higher cellular uptake. The drug formulations also affected the cellular proliferation and motility. CONCLUSION: PLGA coated nanoparticles prolong the activity of the loaded drug while retaining the anti-metastatic activity

'Modified Atmosphere' - verpakking en vulmiddel voor bloembollen en vaste planten

Sommige soorten vaste planten en bollen hebben tijdens de bewaring bij de handels-of exportbedrijven of bij de retailer sterk de neiging tot uitlopen en/of uitdroging. Het uitlopen en uitdrogen kan voorkomen of geremd worden door ze te verpakken in een MAP-folie. Deze folie heeft een beperkte doorlaatbaarheid voor zuurstof waardoor, ten gevolge van de ademhaling van het product, het zuurstofgehalte in de verpakking daalt en de groei, en dus uitloop, geremd worden. Het zuurstofgehalte dat ontstaat in de verpakking wordt bepaald door de doorlaatbaarheid van de verpakking én door de ademhalingsactiviteit (afhankelijk van de temperatuur) van het product. Doordat een MAP-folie volledige ondoorlaatbaar is voor water wordt uitdroging voorkomen. Om condensvorming en dus ziekte te voorkomen, moet in combinatie met een MAP-folie een vulmiddel toegepast worden dat het overtollige vocht in de verpakking in voldoende mate kan opnemen en afgeven. Het doel van het onderzoek was om voor verschillende soorten bloembollen en vaste planten die gevoelig zijn voor uitdroging en/of uitlopen, een consumentenverpakking (t.b.v. de retail) en/of ‘bulk’-verpakking (t.b.v. handels- en exportbedrijven) van MAP-folie te ontwikkelen en tevens een vulmiddel te vinden, waarbij het product geen (of een aanvaardbare) spruitgroei vertoont en vochtproblemen (uitdroging of condensvorming) voorkómen worden. Het onderzoek bestond uit 3 onderdelen: I. De bepaling van de ademhalingsactiviteit tijdens een ketensimulatie. Dit was nodig om een MAP-folie met de juiste zuurstofdoorlaatbaarheid te kunnen ontwikkelen. II. M.b.v. de verkregen ademhalingsgegevens zijn door een foliefabrikant MAP-folies ontwikkeld voor de consumentenverpakking (t.b.v. retailer) en de ‘bulk’-verpakking (bewaring bij handels-of exportbedrijf). Een aantal soorten planten/bollen is verpakt in MAP-verpakkingen met verschillende type vulmiddelen en verschillende vochtgehaltes. De planten/bollen zijn gedurende een aantal weken/maanden op het laboratorium bewaard onder ketenomstandigheden. De kwaliteit van planten/bollen uit de MAP- verpakkingen is vergeleken met die van planten/bollen uit praktijkverpakkingen. III. Planten en/of bollen zijn bij bedrijven verpakt in consumenten- of in ‘bulk’-verpakkingen van MAP-folie in combinatie met de vulmiddelen die uit het onderzoek als meest perspectiefvol naar voren kwamen. Na (langdurige) bewaring is de kwaliteit van planten/bollen uit de MAP-verpakkingen vergeleken met die van planten/bollen uit praktijkverpakkingen

Integrated problem-based learning in the neuroscience curriculum – the SUNY Downstate experience

BACKGROUND: This paper reports the author's initial experience as Block Director in converting a Conventional Curriculum into a problem-based learning model (PBL) for teaching Psychopathology. As part of a wide initiative in curriculum reform, Psychopathology, which was a six-week course in the second-year medical school curriculum, became integrated into a combined Neuroscience block. The study compares curriculum conversion at State University of New York (SUNY), Downstate, with the experiences at other medical centres that have instituted similar curricula reform. METHODS: Student satisfaction with the Conventional and PBL components of the Neuroscience curriculum was compared using questionnaires and formal discussions between faculty and a body of elected students. The PBL experience in Psychopathology was also compared with that of the rest of the Neuroscience Block, which used large student groups and expert facilitators, while the Psychopathology track was limited to small groups using mentors differing widely in levels of expertise. RESULTS: Students appeared to indicate a preference toward conventional lectures and large PBL groups using expert facilitators in contrast to small group mentors who were not experts. Small PBL groups with expert mentors in the Psychopathology track were also rated favorably. CONCLUSION: The study reviews the advantages and pitfalls of the PBL system when applied to a Neuroscience curriculum on early career development. At SUNY, conversion from a Conventional model to a PBL model diverged from that proposed by Howard S. Barrows where student groups define the learning objectives and problem-solving strategies. In our model, the learning objectives were faculty-driven. The critical issue for the students appeared to be the level of faculty expertise rather than group size. Expert mentors were rated more favorably by students in fulfilling the philosophical objectives of PBL. The author, by citing the experience at other major Medical Faculties, makes a cautious attempt to address the challenges involved in the conversion of a Psychopathology curriculum into a PBL dominated format

Incorporating patient partner scores into high stakes assessment : an observational study into opinions and attitudes

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Curriculum factors influencing knowledge of communication skills among medical students

Background Communication training builds on the assumption that understanding of the concepts related to professional communication facilitates the training. We know little about whether students' knowledge of clinical communication skills is affected by their attendance of communication training courses, or to what degree other elements of the clinical training or curriculum design also play a role. The aim of this study was to determine which elements of the curriculum influence acquisition of knowledge regarding clinical communication skills by medical students. Methods The study design was a cross-sectional survey performed in the four Norwegian medical schools with different curricula, spring 2003. A self-administered questionnaire regarding knowledge of communication skills (an abridged version of van Dalen's paper-and-pencil test) was sent to all students attending the four medical schools. A total of 1801 (59%) students responded with complete questionnaires. Results At the end of the 1st year of study, the score on the knowledge test was higher in students at the two schools running communication courses and providing early patient contact (mean 81%) than in the other two medical schools (mean 69–75%, P ≤ 0.001), with students studying a traditional curriculum scoring the lowest. Their scores increased sharply towards the end of the 3rd year, during which they had been subjected to extensive patient contact and had participated in an intensive communication course (77% vs. 72% the previous year, P ≤ 0.01). All students scored generally lower in academic years in which there was no communication training. However, at the end of the final year the difference between the schools was only 5% (81% vs. 86%, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion The acquisition of knowledge regarding communication skills by medical students may be optimised when the training is given together with extensive supervised patient contact, especially if this teaching takes place in the initial years of the curriculum