Learning style and attitude toward computer among Iranian Medical Students

Background and purpose: Presently, the method of medical teaching has shifted from lecture-based to computer-based. The learning style may play a key role in the attitude toward learning computer. The goal of this study was to study the relationship between the learning style and attitude toward computer among Iranian medical students

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 medical students. Barsch learning style inventory and a questionnaire on the attitude toward computer was sent to each student. The enthusiasm, anxiety, and overall attitude toward computer were compared among the different learning styles

Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 91.8%. The distribution of learning styles in the students was 181 [49.3%] visual, 106 [28.9%] auditory, 27 [7.4%] tactual, and 53 [14.4%] overall. Visual learners were less anxious for computer use and showed more positive attitude toward computer. Sex, age, and academic grade were not associated with students' attitude toward computer

Conclusions: The learning style is an important factor in the students' attitude toward computer among medical students, which should be considered in planning computer-based learning programs

[Fungus paranasal sinusitis in non-immunocompromised patients in Tehran, Iran [2006-07]]

Incidence of fungal infections particularly fungal sinusitis is increasing in Iran and identification of causative agents is essential for its control and treatment. This study was carried out to determine the fungus paranasal sinusitis in non-immuno-compromised patients in Tehran, Iran. This cross-sectional study was done on 108 patients [73 males, 35 females] with chronic sinusitis ranged from 9 to 68 years, admitted to Amir Alam and Emam Khomeini hospitals in Tehran, Iran during 2006-07. Sinusitis in patients confirmed by radiologic images. Complementry information were obtained using questionnaires which including gender, job, presence of disposing disease diabetes and consumption immunocompromised drugs. Sinus samples were collected by washing and biopsy were carried out by two methods of fenestration and Cald-wel luc operations. Subsequently they were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar [SDA], SDA+chloramphenicol and blood agar [BA] media at 30 C and 37 C. Direct examination and fixative sample for histhologic evaluation was done and for colonies confirmation the slide culture method also was used. 8 cases [7.4%] were positive for fungal sinusitis with following sub type: 6 cases [Alternaria Spp], 1 case [Paecilomyces] and 1 case [Aspergillus flavus]. The most fungal sinusitis [5 cases] were observed in 30-39 years patients. Considering the prevalence of 7.4% fungal sinusitis and isolation of paecilomyces which is a rare subtype complematry investigation is recommended, in the field of research

[Expresion of Ki67antigen in oral and esophagus squamous cell carcinoma]

Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] is the most frequent malignant tumor of oral cavity and esophagus. Ki67 antigen, a proliferative cell marker, has a significant role in determining biological behavior of the tumors. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of Ki67 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity and esophagus and their correlated factors. In this descriptive study 40 paraffin embeded blocks of patients with oral and esophagus S.C.C [20 of each] were selected, clinicopathological data were recorded and Immunohistochemical staining [1HC] was done on the newly cut sections for Ki67 antigen. The immunostained cells were counted on 10 HPF [High Power Field] Percent of positive cell5 [Labeling Index] was calculated and then classified in to low [LI. 45%] and high [LI>45%] levels. Statistical analysis was performed in SPSS, version 13 and Chi-square test. The results showed that 24 cases [60%] were male and 16 cases [40%] were female. The mean age of the patients was 65.3 +/- 14.3. 45% of esophageal SCC specimens and 10% of oral SCC specimens were in high expression group. 55% of esophageal SCC and 90% of oral SCC were in low expression group and there was significant differences among oral and esophagus SCC [P<0.05]. Age and sex were not correlated with Ki67 expression but the grade and size of the tumors were significantly correlated with the expression of Ki67.[Oral: P=0.01, P=0.03 respectively], [Esophageal: P=0.02, P=0.03 respectively]. Ki67 expression in esophageal SCC was significantly higher than oral SCC which may define its more aggressive behavior. Age and sex were not correlated with Ki67 expression, but the grade and size of the tumors were significantly correlated with Ki67 expression

[In vitro evaluation of extension force and comparison of force degradation in three brands of orthodontic latex elastics]

Elastic made from natural rubber is one of force supplies in orthodontic practice. Using elastic depends on the extension force of its different sizes as announced by the manufacturers. On the other hand, the elastic's force is not constant and is decayed gradually. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare three brands of latex orthodontic elastic with respect to initial force and force decay over a 24 hour period. A sample size of 20 elastic bands from American orthodontics, Dentaurum and Unitek companies was used. Products with identical size were tested [The 3/16 inch and 4 or 4.5 oz elastic from each company]. Two statical tests were employed: A dry test for extension force, and a wet test to evaluate force degradation in artificial saliva used to simulate the oral environment. A Dartec testing machine with load cell capacity of 200 Newton's for testing was used. The extension of the elastic bands was 3 times as much as the marketed internal diameter [standard index]. Force measurements were made at 7 time intervals: 0, 1/2, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. ANOVA and Duncan tests were used. The results showed a wide range of initial force between the brands at the extension of 3 times of the marketed internal diameter. The elastic bands from American orthodontics and Dentaurum generated a force below their marketed force level at 3 times extension of their internal diameter extension. Unitek elastic bands generated a significantly higher force than that marketed at 3 times internal diameter extension [p<0.05]. The force decay patterns of all brands were very similar. Most of the elastic bands did not match the specified index using the dry tests. There were notable force degradation of all the types of elastic when they were subjected to artificial saliva immersion, approximating%18.64 during the first hour. An average degradation of 4% was observed in a period of up to 24 hours

[Evaluation of two surveillance methods for surgical site infection]

Surgical wound infection surveillance is an important facet of hospital infection control processes. There are several surveillance methods for surgical site infections. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of two different surgical site infection surveillance methods. In this prospective cross sectional study 3020 undergoing surgey in general surgical wards of Imam Khomeini hospital were included. Surveillance methods consisted of review of medical records for postoperative fever and review of nursing daily note for prescription of antibiotics postoperatively and during patient's discharge. Review of patient's history and daily records and interview with patient's surgeon and the head-nurse of the ward considered as a gold standard for surveillance. The postoperative antibiotic consumption especially when considering its duration is a proper method for surgical wound infection surveillance. Accomplishments of a prospective study with postdischarge follow up until 30 days after surgery is recommended. The result of this study showed that postoperative antibiotic surveillance method specially with consideration of the antibiotic usage duration is a proper method for surgical site infection surveillance in general surgery wards. Accomplishments of a prospective study with post discharge follow up until 30 days after surgery is recommended

Force characteristics of nickel titanium closed coil springs [3M, GAC, RMO]

The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of deflection load of three kinds of nickel titanium closed coil springs. This research was an experimental study. Research sample contains three kinds of NiTi closed coiled springs [heavy, medium, light] from GAC, 3M, and RMO factories. 10 springs with 9 mm length for each group [totally 90 springs] were subjected to tensile test. They were pulled to 12 mm extension by Dartec machine and then were released. Our variables were maximum force at 12 mm extension, force at the start of the plateau, deflection at the start of plateau, mean force of plateau, plateau slope, force at the end of plateau, deflection at the end of plateau. For tensile test, we used DARTEC universal machine. The data were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan tests. In comparision among identical coils from different factories, the deflection at the end of plateau hadn't significant difference [P=0.107] but the other parameters had significant differences [P<0.001]. Among heavy coils, the maximum force of coil had statistically significant difference between 3M and GAC heavy coils. In medium coils, the maximum force of three kinds of springs had significant differences with each other [P<0.001]. In comparision among light springs, maximum force of coils had significant differences with each other. Mean force of plateau among the identical types of different manufacturer and among the different types of one factory had significant differences [P<0.001]. Only light type of RMO coil springs had a favorable force for tooth movements. In GAC and 3M springs, the medium type is recommended for canine retraction

[Lectin histochemistry epididymal epithelium in mouse]

Introduction: Several different cell types have been identified morphologically in the epididymal epithelium in male mammals. They absorb luminal fluid and secret sperm-maturation glycoconjugates. Lectin histochemical method is useful for detection of glycocojugates with specific terminal sugars

Objective: This study surveys the distribution of glycoconjugates containing terminal sugals in cells of different areas of epididym and its canal sperms by the use of lectins

Materials and Methods: Sample of epididymal tissue was obtained from 30 adult male BALB/C mouse. After fixation and routine laboratory process, 5 microm sections was prepared from paraffin blocks. Slides were exposed to lectins with lectin-histochemistry. Then the slides were assessed by light microscope and graded reaction intensity in different cells

Results: Basal cells reacted to MPA, SBA and principal cells to all of lectins. Reaction intensity in essential cells was different as compared to various lectins and a special lectin in different areas of epididym. Narrow cells reacted to LTA, MPA and clear cells reacted to all of lectins. There wasn't any reaction in basal lamina and interstitial tissue except for MPA

Conclusion: epididymis secrets many sperm-maturation related glycoconjugates. Different reactions in different probably synthesieed glycoconjugates in basal cells due to inability to reach lumen and limited reaction in membrane, are used for repair and reconstruction of membrane. Faint or lack of reactions in caput of epididymis and appearance in corpus principal cells indicates that these cells in caput are involved in fluid absorption and/or glycoconjugates secretion in corpus. Epididymal sperm transit are accompanied with focuse content increasing and alternation in other terminal sugars