Medical students' academic emotions: the role of perceived learning environment

Introduction: Research shows that there is a relationship between students' perceptions of classroom and learning environment and their cognitive, affective, emotional and behavioral outcomes, so, in this study the relationship between medical students' perception of learning environment and academic emotions was examined

Methods: The research method used was descriptive-correlativeÒ Stratified sampling method was used to select 342 participants. They completed self-report questionnaires of Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure [DREEM] and Achievement Emotions Questionnaire [AEQ]. All descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlations and simultaneous multiple regression were performed using SPSS 14 software

Results: Simultaneous multiple regression of the students'perceived learning environment on their academic achievement emotions showed that the perceived learning environment predicts the students' academic emotions

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that caring for and supportive learning environment can increase the students'positive emotions and decrease their academic negative emotions [i.e. anxiety, shame, and hopelessness]. Implications of the results are discussed

hypothetical animal model for psychosis based on the silencing of GABAergic system

Although many studies have highlighted the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA] in the pathophysiology of psychosis, there is no drug-induced animal model in which GABA is manipulated. In this article we propose a hypothetical animal model for psychosis based on the silencing GABAergic system. The presentation also suggest Pre-Pulse Inhibition test as a preferred approach towards proving this hypothesis

White Blood Cell Count to Mean Platelet Volume Ratio Is a Prognostic Factor in Patients with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome with or without Metabolic Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Leukocyte and platelet have been found to be associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to determine the usefulness of a novel marker named white blood cell count to mean platelet volume ratio (WMR) for predicting outcomes of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) with or without MetS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 331 NSTE-ACS individuals (60±12.5 years, 57.4% male) were enrolled and followed for a median of 24 months. MetS was identified using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. RESULTS: Patients were divided into two groups: high WMR (WMR≥720) and low WMR (WMR<720). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and MetS rates were significantly greater in the higher WMR group compared to those in the low WMR group (MACE: 14.3% vs. 25%, p=0.014; MetS: 50.9% vs. 75%, p<0.001). MetS was diagnosed in 62.2% of patients. MACE incidence in patients with or without MetS was comparable (p=0.737). Among MetS individuals, patients in the high WMR group had more MACE than the low WMR group (11.2% vs. 26.5%, p=0.007). However, MACE was comparable among non-MetS individuals (p=0.681). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, hazard ratios (HR) of MACE incidence for high-WMR in MetS individuals was 2.616 (95% confidence interval: 1.282–5.339, p=0.008). However, HR of MACE incidence for high WMR in non-MetS individuals was not significant. CONCLUSION: Among NSTE-ACS patients without revascularization therapy, elevated admission WMR was associated with an increased risk of developing composite MACE in MetS individuals but not in non-MetS patients.

role of leadership styles in knowledge management processes

Introduction: Knowledge is a critical resource for organizations working in dynamically competitive environments. In any organization, leaders who have the power to incite and influence knowledge management processes. Nevertheless, there is lack of empirical evidence from previous studies on examining this relationship. In view of this, the current study examined the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership with knowledge management in university

Method: The research method was descriptive-correlative. The statistical population consisted of 484 university employees, from whom 214 were selected randomly using Morgan table. Data were collected through Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire and Knowledge Management Questionnaire. To examine the reliability of the questionnaires, Cronbach alpha coefficient was used, and to determine the validity, content validity method was applied. All descriptive statistics, correlation and regression were performed in SPSS 19

Results: The results showed that the correlations between transformational leadership [R=0.55] and transactional leadership [R=0.44] with knowledge management were significant [P<0.001]. Other results showed that the correlations between transformational leadership and knowledge management components - creating knowledge [R=0.59], sharing knowledge [R=0.24], storing knowledge [R=0.56], applying knowledge [R=0.41] - were significant [p<0.001]. Results showed that the correlations between transactional leadership and knowledge management components - creating knowledge [R=0.45], sharing knowledge [R=0.27], storing knowledge [R=0.33], applying knowledge [R=0.41] - were significant [p<0.001]. Also, it was revealed that there was no significance relationship between Laissez-faire style and dimensions of knowledge management. Finally, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that among transformational leadership components, inspirational motivation [beta= 0.460] and idealized influence [beta=0.194] could predict knowledge management processes

Conclusion: Managing knowledge requires a conscious effort on the part of leaders at all levels of the organization to manage four key knowledge processes: creating, sharing, storing, and applying knowledge. Transformational leadership theory and transactional leadership theory provide a foundation for understanding how leaders impact on knowledge management processes

Role of organizational citizenship behavior in promoting knowledge sharing

Introduction: Organizational citizenship behavior has been linked to overall organizational effectiveness, thus these types of employee behaviors have important consequences in the workplace. One of the important consequences of these types of behaviors is knowledge sharing. Thus, the current study examined the role of organizational citizenship behavior in promoting knowledge sharing

Method: A descriptive correlation design was employed in this study. We collected the data from Kharazmi University employees in city of Tehran in 2014. The statistical population consisted of 484 Kharazmi University employees from which 210 persons were selected randomly [using simple random sampling] by the Krejcie and Morgan [1978] sample size determination table. Data were collected through organizational citizenship behavior questionnaire and knowledge sharing questionnaire. To examine the reliability of the questionnaires, Cronbach alpha coefficient was used. These coefficients were 0.80 for attitude toward knowledge sharing and 0.77 for intention to share knowledge. Also, for organizational citizenship behavior it ranged from 0.71 [courtesy] to 0.82 [altruism]. To determine the validity, content validity method was applied. All descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlation and multiple regression were performed using SPSS 19

Results: The results of t-test indicated that the means of organizational citizenship behavior [mean=2.50] and all its dimensions [altruism: 2.60, conscientiousness: 2.52, sportsmanship: 2.41, courtesy: 2.49, civic virtue: 2.45] among employees were at the moderate level. The results showed that the correlation between organizational citizenship behavior and knowledge sharing was significant [r=0.50, P<0.001]. Other results showed that the correlations between knowledge sharing and organizational citizenship behavior dimensions - Altruism [r=0.35], Conscientiousness [r=0.19], Sportsmanship [r=0.46], Courtesy [r=0.39], Civic virtue [r=0.18] - were significant [p<0.001]. Finally, results of multiple regression analysis showed that organizational citizenship behavior dimensions - Sportsmanship [beta= 0.53] - could predict knowledge sharing

Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be concluded that with improvement in each of the research variables, other variables will improve. For example, as the result of improvement in organizational citizenship behavior, knowledge sharing will increase and the organization could use its competitive advantage

Anti-aquaporin-4 IgG in patients presenting with unilateral optic neuritis: a cohort study

Optic neuritis [ON] can be the first presentation of multiple sclerosis [MS] or neuromyelitis optica [NMO]. Anti-aquaporin-4 IgG [AQP4 IgG] is a highly specific and moderately sensitive biomarker for NMO. This study was designed to assess the rate of seropositivity for AQP4 IgG, and the short-term outcome of patients presenting with single isolated ON [SION]. A cohort of 41 consecutive patients experiencing severe [< 20 / 200] SION [not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for MS or NMO], was prospectively recruited. Blood sampling was carried out immediately after the diagnosis of ON, and AQP4 IgG was tested qualitatively, using an indirect immunofluorescence kit. After clinical and paraclinical investigations, all the patients were followed up for a short-term period of at least 18 months. The seroprevalence among the initial ON patients was 9.7% [4 / 41]. The short-term conversion rate to MS and NMO was estimated to be about 7.3 and 4.9%, respectively. The conversion rate to NMO in initially seropositive patients was greater than that for the whole cohort [2/4 [50%] vs. 2/41 [4.9%]; P = 0.035; Odds ratio: 19.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.73 to 219.50]. AQP4 IgG seropositive SION patients were more likely to develop NMO in comparison to the total SION population. Further studies, with a longer follow-up period and larger sample sizes are warranted to assess the clinical and prognostic value of assessing AQP4 IgG in SION

Traumatic injuries in pregnant women: a case of motor vehicle accident for "ground round" discussion

The main objective for introducing this case study is to create a platform from which the importance of road traffic related injuries and traumas can be emphasized and discussed within and across various fields of investigation. The long term goal is to entice public campaign around unmet needs for higher road safety measures to reduce primary, secondary, and tertiary risks of injuries and traumas. a 28-year-old pregnant woman with a 16-week gestational age fetus was involved in a road car crash resulting in multiple traumas. Evaluation and treatment was initiated in the local Urgent Care Unit and continued in the emergency department and operation room. Patient underwent the following procedures: laparotomy, diverting colostomy, terminating pregnancy, right calcaneal traction and long leg splint, as well as multiple irrigation-debridements. Finally, the wound was left open and the patient was admitted to Intensive Care Unit. We hope that the introduction of this case for a "Ground Round" discussion will stir up a comprehensive discussion regarding the injury and trauma related preventive measures as well as treatment approaches in cases involving pregnant women in car accidents, and will bring about a holistic overview of this issue by the experts in various fields

Clinical and electrophysiological predictors of ventriculoatrial conduction in patients under evaluation for ventricular tachyarrhythmia

Ventriculoatrial [VA] conduction has an important role in the initiation and maintenance of some arrhythmias. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether clinical and electrophysiological parameters of atrioventricular [A V] conduction can predict VA conduction. Detailed demographic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic data were recorded in 54 consecutive patients undergoing electrophysiological study for the evaluation of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The basic parameters including atrial-His [AH] and His-ventricular [HV] intervals, atrioventricular Wenckebach point [AVWP], Ventriculoatrial Wenckebach point [VAWP], anterograde effective refractory period of atrioventricular node [AERP-AVN], retrograde effective refractory period of atrioventricular node [RERP-AVN] and effective refractory period of ventricle [VERP] were measured based on standard protocol. Mean age of the patients was 59.4 [ +/- 13.9] years. Forty-three [79.6%] patients were male and 39 [72.2%] had a history of ischemic heart disease. Ventriculoatrial [VA] conduction was recorded in 21 [38.9%] patients; it was slightly more prevalent in the men [44.2% vs. 18.2%; p value = 0.114]. In the patients without VA conduction, the means of AVWP, AERP-AVN, and PR intervals were significantly more prolonged [p value = 0.007, 0.030, and 0.045, respectively], and a trend toward more prolonged AH, HV, and QRS interval was seen in them [p value = 0.078, 0.124, and 0.159, respectively]., WWP was the best predictor for the absence of Ventriculoatrial [VA] conduction. Fifty [92.5%] patients had a better AV than VA conduction. Age, presence of ischemic heart disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, and diastolic function could ml predict VA conduction. A significant direct relationship was found between left ventricular ejection fraction and VAWP [p value = 0.036, r = 0.4; the Pear son correlation test]. Prediction of VA conduction based on clinical and echocardiographic characteristics is not possible. Impairment of AV conduction was the best predictor for the impairment ofVA conduction, and most patients had a better AV than/ km VA conduction. In this study, the men had a slightly higher prevalence of VA conduction

Stereoacuity following LASIK

To evaluate the effect of laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK] on stereoacuity [SA]. This prospective study includes 200 patients scheduled for LASIK. SA was evaluated preoperatively and one week, one month and three months postoperatively using the Random Dot test. Patients with preoperative SA worse than 480 sec/arc were excluded from the study. The study included 138 female [69%] and 62 male [31%] subjects. Spherical equivalent was -0.5 to -12.0 D. Mean preoperative SA was 124.80 +/- 124.64 [range 480-15] sec/arc which deteriorated to 138.30 +/- 126.48 sec/arc one week after surgery [P=0.158] but improved to 111.30 +/- 112.15 sec/arc [P=0.002] one month and 103.65 + 112.20 sec/arc [P = 0.001] three months postoperatively. Overall, stereoacuity decreased in 9.5%, increased in 32.5% and remained unchanged in 58% of patients [P = 0.007]. Patients with anisometropia had worse SA; eventually, SA increased in 5 non-amblyopic anisometropic patients. Despite the overall improvement in mean SA after LASIK, a minority of patients experienced decreased SA. Anisometropic patients without amblyopia seem to have a chance for improved SA after LASIK

Etiology of oculomotor nerve paralysis

To determine the etiology of oculomotor nerve paralysis over a one year period at a university-based hospital. This observational case series was conducted on consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of isolated oculomotor nerve paresis who were referred to the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran during 2001-2002. All patients were evaluated for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In patients with confirmed diabetes mellitus or hypertension, oculomotor nerve palsy was diagnosed as ischemic. However if no recovery was observed up to four months, the patient underwent MRI and MRA. The etiology of oculomotor nerve palsy was classified into six categories including ischemia, trauma, aneurysm, neoplasm, miscellaneous and idiopathic. During the period of the study, 28 eyes of 28 patients [17 male and 11 female subjects] with mean age of 50.5 years were enrolled. Blepharoptosis was observed in 89.3%. Pupil reaction was normal in 50%, sluggish in 14.3% and absent in 35.7%. Pupil size was normal in 57.1% and mydriatic in 42.9%. The paralysis was ischemic in 42.8%, traumatic in 14.3%, aneurysmal in 7.1%, neoplastic in 7.1%, miscellaneous in 10.7% and idiopathic in 17.8% of the cases. In the present series, ischemia was the most common cause of oculomotor nerve palsy in which the most prevalent underlying disorder was diabetes mellitus