Evaluating team-based, lecture-based, and hybrid learning methods for neurology clerkship in China: a method-comparison study.

BACKGROUND: Neurology is complex, abstract, and difficult for students to learn. However, a good learning method for neurology clerkship training is required to help students quickly develop strong clinical thinking as well as problem-solving skills. Both the traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) and the relatively new team-based learning (TBL) methods have inherent strengths and weaknesses when applied to neurology clerkship education. However, the strengths of each method may complement the weaknesses of the other. Combining TBL with LBL may produce better learning outcomes than TBL or LBL alone. We propose a hybrid method (TBL + LBL) and designed an experiment to compare the learning outcomes with those of pure LBL and pure TBL. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven fourth-year medical students attended a two-week neurology clerkship program organized by the Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital. All of the students were from Grade 2007, Department of Clinical Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University. These students were assigned to one of three groups randomly: Group A (TBL + LBL, with 41 students), Group B (LBL, with 43 students), and Group C (TBL, with 43 students). The learning outcomes were evaluated by a questionnaire and two tests covering basic knowledge of neurology and clinical practice. RESULTS: The practice test scores of Group A were similar to those of Group B, but significantly higher than those of Group C. The theoretical test scores and the total scores of Group A were significantly higher than those of Groups B and C. In addition, 100% of the students in Group A were satisfied with the combination of TBL + LBL. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support our proposal that the combination of TBL + LBL is acceptable to students and produces better learning outcomes than either method alone in neurology clerkships. In addition, the proposed hybrid method may also be suited for other medical clerkships that require students to absorb a large amount of abstract and complex course materials in a short period, such as pediatrics and internal medicine clerkships.

Inhibitory effects of edaravone in ß-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

Amyloid protein can damage nerve cells through a variety of biological mechanisms including oxidative stress, alterations in calcium homeostasis, and proapoptosis. Edaravone, a potent free radical scavenger possessing antioxidant effects, has been proved neuroprotective effect in stroke patients. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of EDA in an Aß-induced rat model of AD, by studying Aß 1-40-induced voltage-gated calcium channel currents in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, learning and memory behavioral tests, the number of surviving cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, and the acetylcholine level in the hippocampus in this rat model of AD. The results showed that the Aß 1-40-induced increase of I Ca can be inhibited by EDA in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with EDA significantly improved Aß 1-40-induced learning and memory performance. Choline acetyltransferase positive cells in basal forebrain and acetylcholine content in the hippocampus were increased by the administration of EDA as compared with the non-EDA treated Aß 1-40 group. These results demonstrate that EDA can inhibit the neurotoxic effect of Aß toxicity. Collectively, these findings suggest that EDA may serve as a potential complemental treatment strategy for AD.

Correlation between the changes in ambulatory electroencephalography findings and epilepsy recurrence after medication withdrawal among the population in southern China.

Patients suffering from epilepsy need long-term medication. However, after the epilepsy is completely under control, the recurrence rate is high once the drug dose is reduced gradually. The present study investigated the possible correlation between the changes shown by ambulatory electroencephalography (EEG) and epilepsy recurrence after medication withdrawal, and assessed the value of ambulatory EEG findings in predicting the recurrence of epilepsy after medication withdrawal, in 265 patients from Southern China followed up for 5 years. Anticonvulsants were withdrawn until onset had been controlled thoroughly for over 3 years and ambulatory EEG detected no abnormalities. Ambulatory EEG was performed at least once per year, and findings at the first visit, during treatment, and before and after medication withdrawal were compared and analyzed. There were 47 patients with recurrent epilepsy in this study. Patients with normal ambulatory EEG findings at the first visit and during treatment had lower recurrence rate (about 8.1%) compared to patients with epileptic waves (25.0%), and patients with focal epileptic waves in the temporal, occipital, frontal, and parietal lobes, or in multiple areas was even higher. Patients with epileptic waves also showed higher clinical recurrence rate during the follow-up period. Abnormal ambulatory EEG findings are an important indicator of epileptic recurrence, and is of great value in predicting the recurrence of epilepsy after medication withdrawal.

Basic fibroblast growth factor protects C17.2 cells from radiation-induced injury through ERK1/2.

AIMS: To establish a radiation-induced neural injury model using C17.2 neural stem cells (NSCs) and to investigate whether basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) can protect the radiation-induced injury of C17.2 NSCs. Furthermore, we aim to identify the possible mechanisms involved in this model. METHODS: C17.2 NSCs received a single exposure (3, 6, and 9 Gy, respectively) at a dose rate of 300 cGy/min with a control group receiving 0 Gy. Different concentrations of bFGF were added for 24 h, 5 min postirradiation. The MTS assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Expression of FGFR1, ERK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 proteins was detected with or without U0126 was pretreated prior to C17.2 NSCs receiving irradiation. RESULTS: C17.2 NSCs showed a dose-dependent cell death as the dose of radiation was increased. Additionally, the rate of apoptosis in the C17.2 NSCs reached 31.2 ± 1.23% in the 6 Gy irradiation group, which was the most significant when compared to the other irradiation treated groups. bFGF showed protective effect on cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The mean percentage of apoptotic cells decreased to 7.83 ± 1.75% when 100 ng/mL bFGF was given. Furthermore, U0126 could block the protective effect of bFGF by inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. CONCLUSIONS: An in vitro cellular model of radiation-induced apoptosis of NSCs, in C17.2 NSCs, was developed successfully. Additionally, bFGF can protect neurons from radiation injury in vitro via the ERK1/2 signal transduction pathway.

Kallikrein gene transfer induces angiogenesis and further improves regional cerebral blood flow in the early period after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats.

AIMS: The aims of this study were to find out whether kallikrein could induce angiogenesis and affect the cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in the early period after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R). METHODS: The adenovirus carried human tissue kallikrein (HTK) gene was administrated into the periinfarction region after CI/R. At 12, 24, and 72 h after treatments, neurological deficits were evaluated; expression of HTK and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by immunohistochemistry staining; the infarction volume was measured; and rCBF was examined by( 14) C-iodoantipyrine microtracing technique. RESULTS: The expression of VEGF was enhanced significantly in pAdCMV-HTK group than controls over all time points (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the rCBF in pAdCMV-HTK group increased markedly than controls at 24 and 72 h after treatment (P < 0.05), and the improved neurological deficit was accompanied by reduced infarction volume in pAdCMV-HTK group 24 and 72 h posttreatment. CONCLUSION: In the early period after CI/R, kallikrein could induce the angiogenesis and improve rCBF in periinfarction region, and further reduce the infarction volume and improve the neurological deficits.

[Analysis of acute cerebral arterial thrombosis with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence, case fatality and risk factors of acute cerebral arterial thrombosis complicated by multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in 830 patients with acute cerebral arterial thrombosis, among whom 89 also developed MODS. RESULTS: The incidence of MODS in these patients was 10.7% with case fatality of 58.4%. The presence of concurrent infection and increased number of organ involved both resulted in higher case fatality. The preceding health status, number of failing organs and score of neurologic impairment were the main fetal factors according to logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: MODS usually occurs in two weeks after the onset of acute cerebral arterial thrombosis. Prevention of MODS involves rigorous treatment of the compromised organs and comprehensive systemic therapy in addition to the management of the primary diseases.

[Effect of ulinastatin on apoptosis in ileal mucosa of rats with hemorrhagic shock].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ulinastatin on apoptosis in ileal mucosa of rats with hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: A prospective, controlled animal study was performed. The rat model of hemorrhagic shock was replicated according to method described by Chaudry. After 60 minutes period of bleeding, rats were resuscitated by transfusion of shed blood and normal saline. A part of the animals were additionally treated with ulinastatin. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), malondialdehyde (MDA) content in serum, and expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase 3 protein in ileal mucosa were determined at different time points after reperfusion. RESULTS: Compared with the normal saline group, the expression levels of TNF-alpha, MDA content in serum, Bax and caspase 3 protein in ileal mucosa during hemorrhagic shock after resuscitation were significantly increased, while Bcl-2 protein was markedly decreased. After fluid resuscitation, obvious increase in MDA, Bcl-2 protein, significant decrease in the level of TNF-alpha, the expression of Bax and caspase 3 protein in ileal mucosa were observed in the ulinastatin group compared with normal saline group. CONCLUSION: Ulinastatin has protective effect on rats with hemorrhagic shock by suppressing the apoptosis in ileal mucosa.