Distance Learning: Perceived Constraints Towards the New Norms in Learning Anatomy During COVID-19 Pandemic

@#Introduction: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has led to unavoidable new norms, including increasing demands for online learning. In view of the potential constraints to virtually learn anatomy among medical students, this study was conducted to identify the level of exposure towards online anatomy learning as well as the perceived constraints among medical students in a public university in Malaysia. Methods: A cross sectional study utilizing online survey was conducted during the movement control order (MCO) enforcement in Malaysia between March and October 2020 among all consented medical students at a public university in the Klang Valley area. The data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire which was distributed using Google Form application. Results: A total of 281 medical students consented and completed the online survey, with 94.3% students had low level of exposure towards online anatomy learning. Year of study and accessibility towards computing facilities and internet connection were significantly associated with online anatomy learning, with the non-clinical students are 19.9 (aOR= 19.888, B=2.990, 95%CI: 2.484-159.220) times more likely to have higher exposure towards online anatomy learning respectively. Conclusion: A very high proportion of medical students having low exposure towards online anatomy learning was observed in this study, which was predicted among the clinical students. Strengthening the utilization of online learning should be seriously considered in parallel with the new norms and the many uncertainties with COVID-19 pandemic, to ensure continuity of effective and quality learning.

[Quantitative real-time PCR technique for rapid diagnosis of trisomy 21]

Prenatal diagnosis and prevention of live-born children with Down syndrome is a principle priority of Iran's ministry of health. The aim of this study was the rapid diagnosis of Down syndrome by quantitative real-time PCR technique as a new method for prenatal diagnosis. In this experimental study, two milliliters of peripheral blood was obtained from each patient and normal control. Then genomic DNA was extracted using salting out method. DYRK1A2 gene as target gene and PMP22 gene as reference gene were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR technique. DYRK1A2/PMP22 gene ratio was 1.68 +/- 0.13 and 1.00 +/- 0.09 in Down syndrome and normal samples, respectively [p<0.001], demonstrating 3 copies of target [DYRK1A2] gene in trisomy 21 syndrome and 2 copies in normal individuals. DYRK1A2/PMP22 gene ratio is significantly higher in patients with Down syndrome compared with normal individuals. So, quantitative real-time PCR technique can be used as a sensitive, accurate and reliable technique for rapid diagnosis of trisomy 21 syndrome