Factors contributing to the lack of interest in research activities among postgraduate medical students

Objective: To determine the factors contributing to lack of interest in research activities among postgraduate residents in pediatric medicine

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted at The Children's Hospital Lahore, Pakistan in August 2017. The questionnaire was distributed to 105 postgraduate residents working in pediatric medicine department and 90 of them returned the completed proforma [response rate; 86%]. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 22

Results: Out of 90 residents' females were predominant [n=58/90; 64.4%]. Mean age of the participants was 28.22 +/- 2.092 years. Majority were unmarried [n=57; 63.3%]. The highest mean score [2.31 +/- 0.697] was regarding ''Lack of proper training for research'', followed by ''lack of previous exposure'' [2.26 +/- 0.728] and ''over loaded curriculum'' [2.13 +/- 0.753]. ''Uncooperative faculty'' and ''funding issues'' as a barrier towards research [p=0.016 and 0.014 respectively] was mentioned by males more than females. ''Social and family commitment'' was a significant perceived barrier in married residents as compared to unmarried residents [p=0.001]. The residents in the younger age group were more reluctant to do research due to ''over loaded curriculum'' [p=0.038]

Conclusion: Lack of proper training of research, lack of previous exposure and time management are the major factors affecting resident's research work, whereas married residents face more social/family constraints as compare to unmarried residents

Pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a review of literature

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis represents a very common chronic but poorly understood mucosal disorder, affecting 10% to 20% of the world population. They occur in men and women of all ages, races and geographic regions. It is estimated that at least 1 in 5 individuals has at least once been afflicted with aphthous ulcers. There are 3 clinical subtypes that is minor, major, and herpetiform on the basis of their size and number. Minor aphthous ulcers are the most common subtype, representing 80% to 90% of all recurrent aphthous ulcers. There are-four stages of the lesion, these includes premonitory, preulcerative, ulcerative, and healing stage. Clinically, RAS present as extremely painful, shallow ulcerations with an erythematous halo on unattached oral mucosa. Attacks may be precipitated by local trauma, stress, food intake, drugs, hormonal changes and vitamin and trace element deficiencies. Local and systemic conditions and genetic, immunological and microbial factors all may play a role in the pathogenesis o recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The primary differential diagnosis is herpes simplex