In vitro propagation of some promising genotypes of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)

Nodal segments (1.5 - 3.0 cm long) of six promising jojoba genotypes were cultured in vitro on solidified MS medium supplemented with BA in combination with different concentrations of NAA, IAA or IBA forshoot formation. The plant growth regulators combination of 5.55 ìM BA + 7.1 ìM IAA proved the best for shoot initiation and subsequent growth. Some explants of the jojoba genotypes, PKJ-3 and PKJ-6,developed thick rootlets when BA (5.55 ìM) was used in combination with IBA (6.1 ìM) or NAA (6.7 ìM). Many explants developed callus on the medium containing BA (11.1 ìM) in combination with NAA (13.4ìM), IAA (14.3 ìM) or IBA (12.2 ìM). In vitro derived shoots were rooted by culturing on solidified MS medium containing IBA (6.1 ìM), IAA (7.1 ìM) or NAA (6.7 ìM). The plantlets which developed roots inresponse to IBA had the maximum survival percentage (63.33) during acclimatization in greenhouse. However, survival of the plantlets in field conditions was independent of the genotypes and the time ofplanting. Among the genotypes, PKJ-3 performed the best in all the parameters studied

Editorial diversity in medical education journals

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the field of medical education has sought to amplify the voices of those from traditionally marginalised groups and medical education journals have sought to become more accessible and diverse. This study sought to examine the gender and geographical representation of editors and editorial board members in medical education journals. METHODS: Information about individual editors and editorial board members of 10 medical education journals was retrieved from their websites in January 2021, including their gender and the country in which they were based. Countries were categorised according to World Bank Income Classification and World Bank Geographical Regions. We then calculated the Composite Editorial Board Diversity Score for each journal. FINDINGS: Of 488 editors and editorial board members, 283 (58.0%) were male, 452 (92.6%) were based in high-income countries and 322 (66.0%) were from the four countries with greatest representation (the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada). DISCUSSION: The composition of medical education journals' editorial leadership teams remains dominated by males and those from higher income and Western countries. Strikingly, little change has taken place since this was last examined 17 years ago despite the field becoming apparently more globalised. As medical education strives to become a more inclusive and diverse discipline, developing policies to create more globally representative editorial leadership teams should now be an urgent priority

Analysis of Preparatory Courses for the Practical Component of the PLAB Exam for International Medical Graduates in the UK

Background: Medical workforce shortages are a major threat to the future of the UK National Health Service (NHS) and countless other healthcare systems globally. Reliance on international medical graduates is likely to continue and may increase, although these doctors face many educational and professional challenges. The Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test, delivered by the General Medical Council (GMC), is the “gateway” exam that doctors must pass through in order to practice in the UK. Despite the central importance of this exam, no official or accredited training courses are provided or approved by the GMC. Methods: This study used online and social media searches to identify and categorise preparatory courses available for the practical (clinical) component of the PLAB assessment. Results: A total of 13 courses were identified, delivered predominantly in the cities of Manchester and London, ranging from 1 to 28 days in duration and from £ 24.99 to £ 649.99 in cost. Most courses were organised by previous PLAB candidates and websites focussed on testimonials from previous participants rather than educational credentials or professional clinical experience of teachers running the courses. Courses were all provided by private education companies, and none were delivered by universities or National Health Service organisations. Discussion: A variety of preparatory services and courses exist for the PLAB assessment, although the public information about them is variable and limited. Further research is required to examine the quality of these courses and the potential for alternative avenues of training for international medical graduates preparing to practice in the UK

What advice is given to newly qualified doctors on Twitter? An analysis of #TipsForNewDocs tweets

Context: Twitter is a social media platform on which users post very brief messages that can be rapidly communicated across wide geographical areas and audiences. Many doctors use Twitter for personal as well as professional communications and networking. The #TipsForNewDocs hashtag is used on Twitter to give advice to newly qualified doctors as they commence their careers. This study explores the nature and focus of such advice. Methods: An analysis of Twitter activity containing the #TipsForNewDocs hashtag was performed using Symplur health care analytics software. Tweets sent during a peak 48‐hour period in 2016 (immediately preceding the first day of work for newly qualified UK doctors) were studied. The geographical locations and professional backgrounds of participants were categorised and the content of tweets was subjected to thematic analysis. During 1 and 2 August 2016, 661 unique #TipsForNewDocs tweets were posted. A total of 621 (94.0%) were posted by people in the UK; 522 (79.0%) were posted by doctors, and the remainder by allied health care professionals and patients. Results: The majority of included tweets focused on aspects of professional development, improving personal or professional knowledge, particularly tacit knowledge, and developing ‘know‐how’. These aspects of professional knowledge have previously been described as fundamental to professional education and training. However, a significant subset of tweets focused on accelerating socialisation into the profession, an essential step in joining a professional community. The tweets relating to socialisation were often humorous and colloquial in nature. Conclusions: Despite their brief and often jocular nature, #TipsForNewDocs tweets provided meaningful advice for newcomers to the profession, often focusing on tacit learning and professional socialisation. Hashtag‐driven enquiries can be a valuable and time‐efficient way of accessing and sharing tacitly held knowledge. Social media content analysis can provide valuable insights into key educational issues

In vitro adventitious shoot regeneration and acclimatisation of Brassica oleracea subsp. italica cv. Green Marvel

Cotyledonary explants of Brassica oleracea subsp. italica (broccoli) cv. Green Marvel were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different combinations of the growth regulators 6- benzylaminopurine (BAP) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for shoot regeneration. The optimal medium for inducing shoots contained 3 mgl-1 BAP and 1 mgl-1 NAA, which produced a shoot induction percentage of 53.33% and a mean number of 0.43 shoot per explant. The shoots were subsequently rooted in MS medium that contained 0.2 mgl-1 of indol-3-butyric acid (IBA). Different potting media were assessed during plantlet acclimatization. The highest percentage of plant survival (83.33%) was on the medium that contained sand and soil (1:1), while maximum root length (4.37 cm) and plant height (7.87 cm) were attained in potting medium that consisted peat moss, perlite and vermiculite (3:1:1).Key words: Brassica oleracea, broccoli, 6-benzylaminopurine, α-naphthalene acetic acid, indole-3- butyric acid