Transition From Observational to Collaborative Learning to Augment Practical Skill Training in First-Year Medical Students.

Introduction Students exhibit less interest in hematology demonstration experiments as they are not expected to do it during their examination. Adopting a different strategy, like collaborative learning, might spark interest, motivate them to work together towards a shared objective, and help further learning and understanding. The current study aimed to assess the effectiveness of collaborative learning in comparison with traditional practical demonstration. Methodology First MBBS students were divided into two groups of 50 each (1 - collaborative learning, 2 - traditional demonstration). In the traditional demonstration, the experiment was demonstrated by faculty using the required materials. In the collaborative learning method, 50 students were divided into groups (seven of seven each) and each group was provided with procedural details of the experiment and requisite materials. At the end of the experiment, assessment was done. In collaborative learning groups, the team cohesion scale (TCS) was employed to analyze group dynamics. Students' perceptions, and feedback regarding collaborative learning as a tool in practical experiments were collected using a five-point Likert scale. Results Post-experiment assessment scores in collaborative learning (8.65±1.54) were significantly higher than the traditional demonstration group (7.06±1.46). High scorers in TCS consistently belonged to groups that completed the experiment on time (positive outcome), whereas students with low scores often belonged to groups that did not complete the experiment (negative outcome). Conclusion Collaborative learning may be used for practical teaching in medical education as it fosters good communication, enables problem-solving, aiding the Indian medical graduate in fulfilling the role of a team member.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-Mediated Cognitive Impairment in Hypothyroidism.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is expressed at high levels in the limbic system, has been shown to regulate learning, memory and cognition. Thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development. Hypothyroidism is a clinical condition in which thyroid hormones are reduced and it affects the growth and development of the brain in neonates and progresses to cognitive impairment in adults. The exact mechanism of how reduced thyroid hormones impairs cognition and memory is not well understood. This review explores the possible role of BDNF-mediated cognitive impairment in hypothyroid patients.

Maxillary osteosarcoma masquerading as chondromyxoid fibroma: report of a case.

Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone tumours. Its appearance in craniofacial bones is a rare entity and accounts for only 1% of all head and neck malignancies. We present an uncommon case report of a 42 year old male patient with osteosarcoma of left maxilla, which was successfully excised under general anesthesia. The patient reported to us with a history of pain, swelling, pus discharge and tooth extraction, which led to the differential diagnosis of suppurative osteomyelitis, dentoalveolar abscess, benign odontogenic tumour, an infected cyst etc. Histopathological examination of incisional biopsy was reported as chondromyxoid fibroma which is a rare benign tumour. However the excisional biopsy specimen was reported as osteosarcoma of maxilla. The clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges and its therapeutic approach are addressed. This case serves to emphasize the need to recognize osteosarcoma when it presents in unexpected locations, especially because of its rarity.

Modulating drug release profiles by lipid semi solid matrix formulations for BCS class II drug--an in vitro and an in vivo study.

The main objective of the study was to alter the dissolution profile of a practically insoluble Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II drug, aceclofenac, by formulating into lipid semisolid matrix (SSM) formulations using liquid filling technology in hard gelatin capsules, for both immediate and sustained release. SSM formulations of aceclofenac were prepared by melt fusion technique, using Gelucires (44/14, 50/13, 33/01 and 43/01), polyethylene glycols (4000 and 6000) and Poloxamer 188 at different levels. Role of additives like docusate sodium, Tween 80, Aerosil 200 and polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30 in enhancement of drug release was investigated. The optimized immediate and sustained SSM capsules were characterized in terms of assay, in vitro drug release, moisture uptake and differential scanning calorimetry. More than 80% of the drug was released within 15 min in various dissolution media studied, from Gelucire 44/14-based immediate release formulations. Incorporation of docusate sodium and Tween 80 provided further enhancement in drug dissolution when compared to plain drug and marketed tablet. SSM formulations based on Gelucire blends of 50/13 and 43/01 and 44/14 and 43/01 sustained the release of the drug for a period of 24 h following zero-order kinetics. The in vivo study of the optimized immediate release and sustained release formulations revealed significant enhancement in anti inflammatory activity (p < 0.01) in rats. From these findings, liquid fill technique in hard gelatin capsules using Gelucire and their blends might be an efficacious approach for designing immediate or sustained drug release profiles for poorly soluble drugs like aceclofenac.

Strangulated Richter's Umbilical Hernia - A Case Report.

Richter's hernia is an abdominal hernia in which part of the circumference of bowel entrapped in the hernial sac. The segment of the entrapped bowel is nearly always the distal ileum but any part of gastrointestinal tract from the stomach to the colon may become incarcerated. The most common sites for Richter's hernia are the femoral ring (71%), deep inguinal ring (23%) and ventral or umbilical hernias (6%). The growing popularity of laparoscopic surgery has led to a new possible site for development of Richter's hernia. In most cases as less than two thirds of the circumference of the bowel wall is involved, the lumen of the gut remains free and thus features of intestinal obstruction are often absent. Richter's hernia is a deceptive entity whose high death rate can be reduced by accurate diagnosis and early surgery. We report a case of strangulated Richter's umbilical hernia in a 36 years old male.