Bromodeoxyuridine immunofluoresence and differential interference contrast imaging combination can precisely segregate adherent monolayer cells into specific cell-cycle phases

Most cellular-level cancer studies involve the identification of the cell cycle phases in which individual cells are progressing through. Traditional methods such as Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) require several treatments before harvesting the cells—procedures which alter cellular architecture. This study describes a novel method of the cell cycle analysis that preserves the cellular morphology and architecture with minimal in situ milieu perturbation. Primary rat skin fibroblasts were isolated and cultured at standard conditions. The cells were stained with anti-BrdU and examined with LSM 510 laser scanning microscopy. S-phase cells incorporated BrdU while M-phase appeared smaller and spherical. Damaged cells also tended to round-off in shape but, unlike M-phase cells, they did not bind anti-Phospho H3 antibody. G1 and G2 phases did not incorporate BrdU or Phospho H3. The two gap phases were differentiated on the basis of their sizes and subtleties in their shapes. The method is technically simple and less time-consuming while preserving the cellular in situ architecture. Due to its simplicity and accuracy the technique can be easily employed in resource-limited laboratories. Further studies are needed to verify the usefulness of the technique in clinical diagnostics such as cancer biomarkers

A unique quadrifurcation of the sciatic nerve in the lower leg

Sciatic nerve is the largest nerve of the body supplying the entire posterior aspect of the lower limb. Taking its origin from the lumbosacral plexus, the nerve divides into its terminal branches at the superior angle of the popliteal fossa. Variant division patterns of the nerve especially those occurring in the thigh and the popliteal fossa are common. Divisions of the nerve occurring in the leg are rare. Even much rarer are terminations involving multiple branching patterns. Variations in the course and distribution of the sciatic nerve are of great importance in neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, anesthesia and many other clinical procedures. In the present study, we report a unique quadrifurcation termination of the sciatic nerve occurring deep in the distal half of the leg as observed during routine dissection by the medical students. Due to its variant muscular innervations, quadrifurcation and low divisions of the sciatic nerve may be of great importance in procedures such fracture management of the leg and foot, physiotherapy, limb amputation and in sports medicine. Embryologically, late separation of the common nerve sheath into individual terminal branches may lead to the lower division of the nerve.KEY WORDS: Sciatic nerve, quadrifurcation, lower division, fractur

Position of the mandibular foramen in adult male Tanzania mandibles

Failure of the inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia is common in various dental operations. Anatomical variations of the location of the inferior alveolar nerve as it enters the mandibular foramen have been implicated as a main cause of these anesthesia failures. The aim of this work was to determine the location of the mandibular foramen in relation to the occlusal plane at the level of mandibular first molar and second premolar - often used as landmarks during the blocking procedure - and to different landmarks on the ramus of the mandible. The study was performed using mandibles from adult black male Tanzanians aged 30-45 years. Measurements were accomplished using two-digit electronic Vernier calipers. The distances were determined from the center of the mandibular foramen to the different reference points. The mandibular foramen was above the occlusal plane at the M1 and PM2 reference points in all the mandibles studied. It was also located about 20 mm and 12 mm from the anterior and posterior borders of the ramus respectively. There was no significant difference between the left and right side in any of the measurements. These results indicate that during anesthetic or other clinical procedures, the clinician can precisely determine the position of neurovascular bundle of the inferior alveolar nerve above the occlusal plane

Inspiring Tanzanian medical students into the profession: appraisal of cadaveric dissection stress and coping strategies

Learning experiences and environments greatly influence mastery of competencies during training and in future career. From its nature, cadaveric dissection early in the medical training has the potential to daunt the student’s interest in the medical profession during training and in the future clinical practice. This study aimed at appraising the Tanzanian first year medical students at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences on emotional and physical stress during practice in cadaver dissection room, coping strategies and attitude on dissection. 169 students completed a self administered questionnaire that assessed emotional and physical symptoms encountered during cadaver dissection. The questionnaire also asked for the coping strategies. The frequency distributions were used to summarize demographic variables, reaction and coping strategies. The commonest symptoms were disgust, fear and nausea. Curiosity, prior mental preparedness, pressure and help from the staff were the major coping strategies. About four in five students were fearful and anxious at the beginning, but the figure dropped towards the end of the dissection course. Females reported significantly higher rates of symptoms than males. Prior exposure to a dead body significantly lowered the levels of stress. Close to 95% positively favored dissection over other methods. About 90% would go through the dissection course given another chance. Almost all students would recommend the medical profession to their younger relatives. Anatomy staff and mentors should devise appropriate coping strategies including gradual introduction to dissection room, proper cadaver preparations, proper counselling and complementing dissection with videos and radiographic pictures

Tackling the grassroots: appraisal of career choice and prospects of the students at a medical school in Tanzania

Tanzania has one of the world’s worst doctor-to-population ratio. Ironically, the number of medical graduates who do not practice medicine remains very high. Lack of interest and commitment of the young doctors may greatly contribute to the huge number of non-practicing doctors. We assessed medical students’ career views from interest and choice during childhood, their current learning motivations, future career expectations and interest to work in the academia. One hundred and ninetyfive students halfway their first year of medical school complete a self-administered questionnaire with a verbal consent sought from each respondent. Four in every ten students had made their decision to become a doctor before or during primary school. Over 5 out of 10 students made their choice during secondary school. Majority chose medicine due to altruistic and humanity reasons and would prefer work in clinical practice in the hospital. Very few would prefer a faculty job. Knowing about the human body, controlling and managing diseases are the main motivating factors. ‘Too much to learn’ and ‘tight schedules’ were the most aspect and deterrent factors during the medical school and the medical profession in general. Attaining a higher academic honour such as a professorship would not inspire students into the academia. Majority of students make their medical career choice early in life driven by altruistic reasons. Poor learning environments disenchant them from the passion for the career. More studies are needed to assess and improve the training in medicine.Keywords: Medical students, motivation, career prospects, Tanzani