[Comparing lecture and problem-based learning methods in teaching limb anatomy to first year medical students]

Problem-based learning has replaced traditional teaching in most universities around the world but still there are many challenges in replacing traditional methods by this new method of learning. Two methods of lecture and problem-based learning [PBL] for teaching anatomy to junior medical students are compared in this study. Forty students of Artesh University of Medical Sciences, who entered university in 2005, were divided into two groups randomly. Groups were matched based on their Diploma average score, the raw score achieved in entrance exam, and the average score of their previous term. Then, limb anatomy was taught to both groups during two semesters, one group was taught through traditional method and the other through problem-based learning method. The headings of the lesson were the same for the two groups. Students were evaluated through a pre-test at the beginning of the semester and a post-test which was held at the end of the semester. Their viewpoints were also asked at the same time with post-test. Data was analyzed by SPSS software using independent T-test and paired T-test. Post-test scores in both groups were higher than the pre-test scores significantly. The mean difference for correct answers to judgment questions in post-test was higher significantly in PBL group compared with the traditional group. PBL group students were more satisfied with their teaching method. Students' viewpoints in PBL group concerning three domains of developing a sense of participation, encouraging students to study more and teacher's teaching abilities, earned higher scores compared to the traditional group. Students are encouraged to reflect more, and avoid memorizing the material in PBL method. Moreover, this method motivates students to study more by encouraging them into more group interaction

Opportunistic protozoan parasites in heart transplant donor patients

Protozoa are among the most important pathogens that can cause infections in immunocompromised hosts. These microorganisms particularly infect individuals with impaired cellular immunity such as those with heart transplant patients using high doses of corticosteroids. The protozoa that most frequently cause disease in immunocompromised patient are, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Trypanosoma Cruzi, Babesia microtti and Plasmodium falciparum can cause acute meningoencephalitis, acute myocarditis, hepatospleenomegaly, pnemonia, chronic diarrhea and bone marrow, Lung, hepatic, spleen involvement. There are various, serological parasitological histological and molecular methods for the diagnosis of these infections. Owing to the increasing number of transplantation we expect increased occurrence of opportunistic infections. For this review article we have searched through the sites pubmed and google by the following keywords: protozoa, infection, heart transplant. We have found over 30 related article. In heart transplant recipient patient protozoan pathogen are terrible life thretening so it is important to take into consideration the use of choice drugs and preventive methods as earlier as possible

[ comparative evaluation of the stability of four processing solutions [Champion, Cronex, Teifsaz, Novin] in processing of intraoral films after time intervals]

In order to obtain good radiographs having optimum processing solution is important. Generallyafter a period of time the solutions will be oxidized and loose their efficacy. The goal of present research iscomparison of the quality stability of four processing solutions available in market "Champion, Teifsaz, Cronex andNovin".One hundred and twenty eight intraoral radiographic films of one type withspecific speed were exposed under identical exposure factors. A metal step wedge was used for the image.Each 4 days two periapical films were exposed and processed this was continued for two months. Finallyoptical density of radiographs processed in each solution were measured and compared according to the dayof investigation.All of the four solutions created acceptable density on the radiographs on the first day but there was adecrease in optical density after a period of time. Generally the Champion solution made the best density andafter that were Cronex, Teifsaz and Novin. There was a decrease in the quality ofTeifsaz, Cronex, Champion andNovin in order.As the composition and percentage of these four solutions are different, the stability of them arealso different. Champion was found to have the best quality among three other processing solutions

[Ocular ultrasonography in prediction of deep vitrectomy findings]

To determine the sensivity and specifity of ocular ultrasonography in detecting vitreoretinal lesion prior to deep vitrectomy in patients with opaque media. The hospital records of patients undergoing deep vitrectomy in a defined period at Shiraz Khalili hospital were reviewed. Sonographic reports given by a sinologist and operation reports given by a vitreoretinal fellowship were compared regarding significant clinical problems in five groups: intraocular foreign bodies, retinal detachment, choroidal detachment, posterior globe rupture, and significant vitreous opacities. From 42 sonographic reports, sensitivity of sonography was 100% for detection of vitreous opacity, posterior globe rupture, and intraocular foreign bodies; 90% for retinal detachment; and 71.4% for choroidal detachment. The specificity of sonography for all of the above mentioned pathologies was over 80% except for determination of significant vitreous opacities that was 71.4%. In this five group of vitreoretinal lesions, sonographic reports were accurate and were reliable for surgical planning and decision making in our setting

[Scleral buckling with and without retinopexy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment]

Purpose: to compare the anatomical results of scleral buckling with or without retinopexy and to assess the effect of retinopexy on outcomes of the operation

Methods: this interventional case series was performed on 22 patients undergoing scleral buckling [segmental or encircling] with or without subretinal fluid drainage and without any type of retinopexy and 33 patients who received transscleral retinal cryopexy around retinal break[s] in addition to above procedure. The two groups were matched regarding age, sex, myopia, aphakia, and number, size, and location of the break[s] and also stage of proliferative vitreoretinopathy [PVR]

Results: in the non-retinopexy group, 19 patients [86.4%] had complete and 1 patient had partial retinal attachment after 10-24 months of follow up. The cause of failure in two cases was missed breaks out of the buckle area in one and PVR in the other patient. Overall success rate was 90.9% [20 of 22] in this group. In the retinal cryopexy group, 26 patients [78.9%] had complete and 2 had partial attachment after 11-32 months of follow up. Attachment was not achieved in 3 patients and 2 patients developed redetachment 1 and 3 months later because of PVR. Overall success rate was 84.8% [28 of 33]. The anatomical results in this two groups were comparable statistically [P=0.9]

Conclusion: with permanent scleral buckling technique, retinal cryopexy does not seem to increase success rate defined as short term anatomical retinal reattachment

[Opportunistic protozoan parasites in heart transplant donor patients]

Background: Protozoa are among the most important pathogens that can cause infections in immunocompromised hosts. These microorganisms particularly infect individuals with impaired cellular immunity such as those with heart transplant patients which using high doses of corticosteroids. The protozoa that most frequently cause disease in immunocompromised patient are, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Trypanosoma Cruzi , Babesia microtti and Plasmodium falciparum can cause acute meningoencephalitis, acute myocarditis, hepatospleenomegally, pnemonia, chronic diarrhea and bone marrow, Lung, hepatic, spleen involvement. There are various, serological parasitological histological and molecular methods for the diagnosis of these infection. Owing to the increasing number of transplantation we expect increase occurring opportunistic infections

Materials and Methods: For this review article we have searched through the sites pubmed and google by the following keywords: protozoa, infection, heart transplant. We have found over than 30 related article

Results and Conclusions: In heart transplant recipient patient protozoan pathogen are terrible life tretening so it is important to take into the consideration the using of choice drugs and preventive methods as earlier as possible