Choice of speciality amongst first-year medical students in the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Background: Trends in career choice amongst medical graduates have considerable implications for the percentage of the workforce available for training. Objective: To investigate and review factors affecting career choice by undergraduate firstyearmedical students. Method: This was a cross-sectional study using a closed-ended, semi-structured surveyinstrument. Two hundred and four questionnaires were administered to all first-year medical students at the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in the first term of the 2012 academic session. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 167 out of 204 students (81.8% response rate). Most of the respondents were South Africans (91%) and blacks (72%), with a higher proportion of women to men (2:1). The majority (86%) intended to undertake their postgraduate training in surgical specialties (53%), general surgery (50%) and cardiology (46%). Few were interested in an academic career in basic sciences (27.6%), either because they were not interested in research and/or teaching (48%), not clinically-orientated (20%), or found it to be an unattractive choice (12.3%). The top perceived career-related factors favouring choice of speciality were personal interest and benefits to patients as many (83%) respondents still viewed the medical profession as having a bright future in South Africa. Conclusions: Our study highlighted the fact that self and patient interests were strong determinants of speciality choices by the students and the role of parents and practice inrural areas were considered least as potential influencing factors. This would appear to be a good indicator that the healthcare sector may be boosted in the future by doctors who are wholeheartedly committed to the service of the communities with the greatest disease burden

Impaired expression of testicular androgen receptor and collagen fibers in the testis of diabetic rats under HAART: the role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea

Introduction. Wide spectrum of alterations associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported. The current study aimed at evaluating the role of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (HH) aqueous extract on the testosterone levels, expression of androgen receptors and collagen fibers in the testes of streptozoto­cin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats under HAART regimen. Material and methods. Sixty two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (189.0 ± 4.5 g) were divided into eight groups (8 animals in each treatment groups and 6 rats in the control group). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperi­toneal injection of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg bw) followed by streptozotocin (45 mg/kg bw) and the animals were then subjected to various treatments with HAART, HH extract or melatonin. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to measure serum testosterone levels. Testes were fixed in buffered formaldehyde and paraffin processed. The expression of androgen receptor (AR) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and collagen fibers were visualized by Masson trichrome staining. Results. Serum testosterone level was drastically (p < 0.0001) reduced in all rats with induced diabetes. In the testis of diabetic rats increased collagen fibers deposition with varying derangements in germinal epithelium of spermatogenic layers were observed. Intertubular hemorrhages and absence of spermatozoa were also noted in the testes of diabetic rats subjected to HAART. Reduced immunoexpression of ARs was found in the nuclei of Sertoli cells and the cytoplasm of spermatogonia and spermatocytes in III–IV stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle of diabetic animals treated with different dosages of HH alone and those treated with HAART concomitantly with melatonin and HH. The expression of ARs was almost negative in the testes of rats treated with HAART alone. Conclusions. Concomitant treatment of rats with aqueous HH extract during the HAART did not change se­rum testosterone level nor mitigate the altered expression of collagen fibers and androgen receptor resulting from STZ-nicotinamide-induced diabetes. Therefore, anti-diabetic properties of Hypoxis extract require further investigation

Arjunolic acid counteracts fluoxetine-induced reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunction through inhibition of chromosomal derangements and hypercortisolism

Antidepression-related HPA-HPG alteration is gaining more attention in stress research on humans and animals with depression. Therefore, the search for therapeutic drugs such as Arjunolic acid (AA) might be a core value in the management of reproductive neuro-endocrine dysfuction in rats treated with FXT. In this context, this study aimed to determine the effects of AA on reproductive neuro-endocrine functions in fluoxetine (FXT)-induced HPA-HPG axis dysfunction in rats. The subjects were randomly divided into 6 groups with six (6) rats each after 14 days of acclimatization. Rats in group 1 received normal saline (10 mL/kg); groups 2 & 3 were respectively given AA (1.0 mg/100gm body weight) and AA (2.0 mg/100gm body weight), whereas rats in group 4 were given FXT (10 mg/kg/p.o./day), and groups 5 & 6 were respectively given a combination of FXT (10 mg/kg) + AA (1.0 mg/100g body weight) and of FXT (10 mg/kg) + AA (2.0 mg/100g body weight). The results revealed that FXT altered reproductive neuro-endocrine function as evidenced by increased corticosterone, tDFI, tCSA, and abnormal sperm morphology; with corresponding decreases in Kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH, testosterone, HOST value, TP, Sialic acid, Johnson score, sperm count, motility, and viability. However, AA dose dependently significantly counteracted the FXT-elicited changes in corticosterone, tDFI, tCSA and abnormal sperm morphology as well as Kisspeptin, GnRH, LH, FSH, testosterone, HOST value, TP, Sialic acid, Johnson score, sperm count, motility, and viability; and improved the body and testicular weight in rats. In conclusion, AA attenuates fluoxetine-induced reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunction through inhibition of chromosomal derangements and hypercortisolism. However, co-administration of FXT with AA could be a better therapeutic option in the management of FXT-induced altered HPA-HPG-axis

The effect of unilateral vasectomy on testosterone and testicular parameters in the adult male African giant rat ( Cricetomys gambianus )

Background: The effects of vasectomy on spermatogenesis and reproductive parameters are recognized to be speciedependent with marked differences in levels of perturbations observed. Objectives: To assess the impact of unilateral vasectomy on testosterone level and other testicular parameters in the male African giant rat (AGR) ( Cricetomys gambianus ). Methods: Sixteen adult male AGRs weighing 500-1300 g were recruited for the experiment. Animals were randomly divided into three experimental groups (1-3) and one control (sham operated) group with four rats per group. Experimental vasectomy was done by carefully ligating the vas deferens of the right testis of all the experimental groups (1, 2, and 3) and animals were allowed either 8, 6 and 2 weeks respectively before sacrifice. Sham-operated animals served as the control. Blood samples were collected and assayed for testosterone while testicular tissue was further processed for seminal fluid and histo-pathological analyses. Results: Spermatogenic parameters indicate a pattern of decline in sperm count and motility between the experimental groups and the control and azoospermia in the eight-week group. Histological alterations were marked by atrophy of seminiferous tubules which was proportional to the duration of vasectomy. Serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced at eight weeks. There was no statistically significant difference between sperm counts of right and left testes except for group 3. Results suggest that unilateral vasectomy of the AGR may have negative impact on the contralateral testis in the male African giant rat. Conclusion: These preliminary results reveal that unilateral vasectomy in the AGR may result in perturbations of the histoarchitecture of the testes with possible decline in function

Red Palm Oil Attenuates Lead Acetate Induced Testicular Damage in Adult Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

To study the protective effect of Red Palm Oil (RPO) on testicular damage induced by administration of lead acetate on male Sprague-Dawley rats, 28 rats divided into four groups of 7 animals each were used. They were administered orally with RPO (1 mL and 2 mL) and lead acetate (i.p.) 6 mg/kg body weight/day, respectively. Treatment was conducted for 8 weeks, and 24 hrs after the last treatment the rats were sacrificed using cervical dislocation. Sperms collected from epididymis were used for seminal fluid analyses; while the testes sample was used for ROS and oxidative enzyme activities assessment. Statistical analysis was carried out using GraphPad Prism 5.02 statistical analysis package. Administration of lead acetate increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) significantly (p<0.05) as evidenced by the elevated value of H2O2 and LPO and decreased GSH level. Also there was reduced epididymal sperm count, poor grade of sperm motility, and lower percentage of normal sperm morphology significantly. Coadministration with RPO, however, has a protective effect against lead toxicity by decreasing H2O2 production, increased GSH level, and increased sperm qualities especially. This shows that RPO has a potential to attenuate the toxic effect of lead on testicular cells preventing possible resultant male infertility

Plastination technology for anatomical studies in Nigeria: Opinion of teachers at medical institutions

Dr. Gunther von Hagens developed plastination as a technique of tissue preservation in 1977. He used a delicate method of forced impregnation with curable polymers like silicone, epoxy or polyester resins for preservation of anatomical specimens. With plastination, every part of a biological tissue is treated, preserving it for educational purposes. Hence, there are vast applications in the medical field. We set out to survey the knowledge and opinion of lecturers of anatomy about plastinated specimen use in medical schools through the administration of questionnaires to respondents who participated at the Society of Experimental and Clinical Anatomists of Nigeria (SECAN) conference in 2011. It was found that 50.0% and 23.75% of respondents respectively, had their masters and doctorate degrees in Anatomy. Less than 8.0% utilised plastination as a tool for teaching as against 40% (plastic models), 36.25% (cadavers) and 15.0% (pathology pots). Conventional methods such as fixation by immersion (15.0%) and embalming (52.5%) with formaldehyde were commonly used for long term preservation of tissues in their various institutions. These methods were found to be less costly (25.0%), easy to use (56.25%) and the only method (12.25%) available, even though they posed some health hazards (96.0%). Whilst only 6.25% of the respondents did not know anything about plastination, 93.75% were aware of it. The advocacy for preservation of tissues by plastination has been gradual in developed countries. We recommend the use of plastinates in medical schools in Nigeria

Treatment default among pulmonary tuberculosis patients at an urban slum in South-Eastern Nigeria

Background: Anambra State is one of the States in Nigeria with a high rate of treatment default. The objectives were to examine default from treatment among newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis patients and identify reasons for default.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Okpoko in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state. A total of 166 patients participated. Diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was based on microscopy. Patients were treated using the standard 6-month regimen recommended by WHO.Results: A treatment default rate of 13.3% was observed. Default was higher in males (15.7%) and in patients aged &lt; 35 years old (P&lt;0.05). Exactly 9 (13.8%) defaulters lived &gt;5km radius from treatment centers versus 3 (12.9%) who lived &lt;5km radius from treatment centers (P&lt;0.05). Majority of patients 17 (77.3%) defaulted during the continuation phase of treatment. The main reasons for default were attributed to harsh attitude of care providers (59.1%), resolution of symptoms (54.5%) migration (36.4%) and poverty (36.4%).Conclusions: Treatment default was high (13.3%) and majority of patients defaulted during the continuation phases. Periodic supervision of community care providers and enhanced counselling of young patients will reduce patient default from treatment

Exerting Inquiry Based Learning Method In Improving Gifted Students' Music Recorder Skill

Previous studies show most gifted students have tendency towards music. However, it was found that most gifted students were having problem playing recorder using existing teaching methods. This has caused low achievement score in music subject. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the inquiry based learning method to enhance the recorder playing skills among gifted students. The study was conducted at a gifted institution in Malaysia. Data were collected through observation using Music Instrument Rubric and group interview in the fieldwork. Respondents were 27 gifted and talented students who did not attend any formal training in Western music and the only music background they had was gained from the school curriculum. Result reveals the inquiry learning method improves students' achievement in recorder playing compared to previous conventional method. Observation indicates that students could play the entire song well in terms of pic accuracy, tempo consistency, tonal, musical shape and performance. Interview data shows students felt satisfied with their own style in determining the proper way to master the recorder skills. This study is expected to provide appropriate music teaching methods in the gifted and talented education system

Anthocleista vogelii (Planch) stem bark ethanol extract prevents inflammatory and pain phenotypes in experimental rodent models by modulating oxido-inflammatory mediators

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The Anthocleista species are used to treat pain, inflammation, and stomach disorders, but the mechanism by which Anthocleista vogelii Planch stem bark ethanol extract (AVSBE) elicits its anti-pain activity is not fully understood. Aim: This study elucidates the phytochemical signatures of AVSBE along with its anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities in animal models of pain and inflammation. Methods: The Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Lorke's methods were used for the phytochemical characterization and LD50 determination of AVSBE. Male and female Wistar rats and Swiss mice were given oral pre-treatment of AVSBE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/kg), morphine (10 mg/kg), and vehicle (10 mL/kg). Subsequently, various models were employed to evaluate AVSBE's anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Specifically, the acetic acid-induced mice writhing, formalin-induced paw licking, and hot plate models were used to assess AVSBE's anti-nociceptive activity, while the carrageenan-induced paw edema and air pouch models were used to evaluate AVSBE's anti-inflammatory activity. Results: AVSBE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) reduced writhes, paw licking, and pain reaction time. It also decreased rat paw size and inflammatory exudate volume. AVSBE (200 and 400 mg/kg) lowered oxido-nitrosative stress, inflammatory mediators, and leukocyte counts in the exudate fluid. Animals administered with AVSBE showed no stomach ulceration. The LD50 of AVSBE is over 5000 mg/kg, p.o. GC-MS analysis revealed 19 phytochemical compounds in AVSBE, including eicosanoic, octadecatrienoic, linoleic, palmitoleic, and 9,12-octadecanoic acids, phytol, among others. Conclusion: These findings suggest that AVSBE demonstrated activities that can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by inhibiting oxido-nitrosative stress and inflammatory mediators, contributing validity to the ethnomedicinal benefit of AVSBE in managing inflammatory and pain-related crisis