survey of the students' perspectives of open-book examinations in the histology/embryology course

Background and purpose: An open-book exam permits the examinees to consult some specific selected reference sources or materials while answering the exam questions. This study focused on the students' perspectives of open-book examinations in the histology/embryology courses, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences [ZUMS], Zahedan, Iran

Methods: The survey was conducted via a questionnaire after open-book examinations had been conducted in the histology and embryology courses, between 2009 and 2010. Of the 254 students who entered the new education system, 160 students were selected at random

Results: The results revealed that 72% of the students preferred the open-book type to the closed-book kind of examinations. Most of the students voiced that this type of examination was more suited to test high cognitive learning skills and solving real life situation problems, involving less stress while preparing for and taking the exam. They also mentioned that their marks in these examinations were not higher than those from the closed-book examinations. The overall satisfaction scores of the students of the biological sciences were significantly [p<0.001] higher than those of the medical sciences students [16.28 +/- 4.17 vs. 12.65 +/- 5.16]; in the government run university students it was significantly [P<0.001] higher than in the international university students [14.93 +/- 4.53 vs. 10.24 +/- 5.08]; the embryology course results were significantly [p<0.001] higher than the histology course [15.23 +/- 4.07 vs. 12.79 +/- 5.4] and among the MD students it was significantly [p<0.001] lower than those of the BSc students [12 +/- 5.1 vs. 15.93 +/- 4.29]. There was a positive correlation between the scores they acquired in their course and the overall satisfaction scores with the open-book type of examinations [r=0.46, p value=0.01]

Conclusions: The finding of a positive response towards the open-book examination augurs well for extending such a type of examination to other subjects in our university

Effects of diets enriched in different sources of fatty acids on reproductive performance of Zel sheep

The present study evaluated the effects of diets enriched in saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids [n-3 and n-6] on reproductive indices, metabolic hormones and metabolites prior to ram introduction in oestrus synchronized ewes. Zel ewes [n=188] were assigned to 4 groups. Ewes in the control group [CON] did not receive fat. Ewes in the 3 other groups received 3% oil/DM/day of palmolein oil [PLM], safflower seed [SAF], or flaxseed [FLX]. Fat supplementation was carried out for 31 days [day 0 = initiation of fat supplementation]. Oestrus was synchronized using CIDR for 14 days starting from day 16 of fat supplementation. Rams were introduced 24 h after CIDR removal. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 30, and 39. There was no difference in oestrus expression and mating parameters among groups. There was no difference in non-esterified fatty acids [NEFAs], insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 [IGF-1] between day 0 and day 30 among groups. However, changes in cholesterol and LDL concentrations during the same occasions were greater in PLM, SAF, and FLX groups than in CON [P<0.05]. There was no difference in reproductive indices, including: fertility rates, prolificacy and sex ratio of lambs among groups. In conclusion, diets enriched in n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid prior to mating did not affect reproductive performance, insulin, IGF-1 and progesterone in Zel sheep

problem of mixing up of leishmania isolates in the laboratory: suggestion of ITS1 gene sequencing for verification of species

Leishmaniasis is endemic in Iran. Different species of Leishmania [L.] parasites are causative agents of this disease. Correct identification of Leishmania species is important for clinical studies, prevention, and control of the diseases. Mix up of Leishmania isolates is possible in the laboratory, so there is need for verification of species for isolates of uncertain identity. Different methods may be used for this purpose including isoenzyme electrophoresis and molecular methods. The isoenzyme electrophoresis, due to its drawbacks, is feasible only in specialized laboratories while molecular methods may be more feasible. The aim of this research was to study the application of the internal transcribed spacer 1 [ITS1] sequencing method, in comparison to isoenzyme electrophoresis method, for verification of Leishmania species. Six Leishmania isolates were received from different research institutions in Iran. The species of these isolates were known by donating institution according to their isoenzyme profile. The species of these isolates were re-identified in Pasteur Institute of Iran by PCR amplification of ITS1 followed by sequencing and comparison of these sequences with Leishmania sequences in GenBank. Isoenzyme electrophoresis confirmed the confirmation of the results of ITS1. ITS1 sequence showed that some isolates were mixed up or contaminated with Crithidia. Isoenzyme electrophoresis confirmed the results of ITS1 sequences. ITS1 Sequencing is relatively more feasible than the traditional isoenzyme electrophoresis method and is suggested for verification of Leishmania species

Typing of Ovar-DRB1 second exon with PCR-RFLP technique in Iranian Shaul Sheep

Several studies have focused on polymorphisms of major histocompatibility complex [MHC] in sheep, Ovar-MHC. This molecule plays a pivotal role in antigen presentation for eliciting immune responses against invading pathogens. The best-characterized genetic control of disease resistance and immune response in animals is associated with MHC. Numerous molecular genetic investigations have been undertaken to detect polymorphisms of MHC genes and their association with resistance to infectious diseases. We have examined Ovar-DRB1 in DNA samples of 82 Shaul Sheep using polymerase chain reaction [PCR] and restriction fragment length polymorphism [RFLP] method. Identities of 8 different patterns and 5 distinct DRB1 alleles among Iranian Shaul Sheep have been determined. PCR-RFLP analysis allows rapid identification of Ovar-DRB1 types and enables rapid discrimination between homozygotes and heterozygotes. Data obtained from the present study have revealed that the exon 2 region of Ovar-DRB1 was highly polymorphic in sheep. So PCR-RFLP can be applied to the analysis of this locus

Effect of giardia lamblia Infection on the cognitive function of school children

The association between helminthic parasitic infection and cognitive function has long been recognized, however there are few reports about Giardia lamblia infection. This paper describes a study about the effect of G. lamblia infection on the cognitive function. One hundred thirty two children infected with G. lamblia from Robat Karim south of western Tehran, Iran were compared with 150 children without any parasitic infection. These two groups were identical in socioeconomic and nutritional status. Cognitive function was assessed using, three tests from Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children and one subset of the Clinical Evolution of Language Function. Comparison of two groups revealed that uninfected children improved significantly more than children who had G. lamblia infection in the tests of Fluency [P< 0.02] and Digit-span Forwards/ Backwards [P< 0.004]. Regular stool examination is suggested in areas with low hygienic conditions, since G. lamblia infection might be present without any clinical manifestation

[Evaluating the applicability of post thyroidectomy drainage in the prevention of respiratory distress sencondary to hematoma formation of the surgical site]

Hematoma is a rare but potentially dangerous complication of thyroidectomy that can lead to airway obstruction and respiratory distress.The use of drain age tube for prevention of hematoma has met with reservations. In a randomaized controlled trial, thyroidectomized patients treated as groups with and without drains were assessed and compared with regard to hematoma formation, respiratory distress and duration of admission. 48 pts without drains [51.1% male, mean age 37 yrs] and 52 pts with drains [52% male, mean age 41.5 yrs] were studied. Two patients who had drainage tubes developed hematoma and respiratory distress [p<0.005]. There was no hematoma formation and respiratory distress in the group] without drains. Duration of hospitalization in the group without drain age tube was 2.9 days [SD 1.3 days], and in the group with drain age tube 4.1 days [SD 1.5 days] with a p>0.05