This study was conducted on forty adult rats divided into four groups: Group I (control) that is divided into subgroups A, B, and C and Group II (methotrexate (MTX)-treated); the rats were injected ...intraperitoneally with MTX at a dose of 1 mg/kg/week, for 8 weeks. Group III (MTX-Se co-treated) was injected with MTX like Group II plus an oral administration of selenium at a dose of 10 μg/kg b.w/day, for 8 weeks. Group IV (MTX-PRP co-treated), rats were injected intraperitoneally with MTX like Group II plus platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection under the scrotum, three times with 2-week intervals (volume–0.1 ml per injection) and euthanized after 8 weeks. Histological, immunohistochemical, and genetic expression using qPCR and western blotting technique were conducted. There was improvement in histological structure of testes in most specimens of Group IV. The latter group revealed a significant decrease in Bax and an increase in Bcl-2. The regeneration of testicular tissue was more observed in Group IV as measured by an increase in mean number of PCNA. Moreover, Group IV revealed an increased genetic level of
FSCN3
,
GCNF
,
UBQLN3
, and
DAZL
. Both MTX-Se and MTX-PRP have an anti-inflammatory effect as measured by a reduction in
NF-κb
. The anti-oxidative effect of selenium and PRP was noticed by a decrease in the level of the
iNos
and an increase in
eNos
protein and the autophagy marker
LC3
. PRP has ameliorative effects on induced rat testicular toxicity as evaluated by morphological changes and confirmed by immunohistochemical reactions, genetic expression, and western blotting analyses including oxidative and anti- oxidative markers.
بعد جائحة كوفيد-١٩، قامت المؤسسات الأكاديمية على الفور بتحويل جميع النشاطات الأكاديمية إلى التعليم الإليكتروني. يصف العمل الحالي الإجراءات المتزامنة للتعليم الإليكتروني والتقييم التي أجريت في كلية ...الطب، بجامعة القصيم، بالمملكة العربية السعودية. كما درسنا تأثير التعلم الإليكتروني والتقييم على أداء الطلاب وأعضاء هيئة التدريس، والتحديات التي تواجه استدامتها.
في هذه الدراسة المستعرضة الوصفية، قمنا برصد عدد ومدة الأنشطة التعليمية الإلكترونية المختلفة أثناء جائحة كوفيد-١٩. تم عقد الدورات التدريبية للإجراءات المختلفة للفصول الافتراضية والتقييم الإلكتروني للمعلمين والطلبة. ورتبت لجنة التقييم الإليكتروني المنشأة حديثا مختلف التقييمات الإليكترونية. تم مقارنة متوسط درجات نفس الطلبة أثناء جلسات التعلم القائم على حل المعضلات سواء عقدت وجها لوجه أو تم عقدها إلكترونيا. كما تم عمل وتحليل استبانة رضا الطلاب، والتقارير الأسبوعية لتصور أعضاء هيئة التدريس بالإضافة إلى خبرات جلسة مجموعة التركيز عن التعلم الإليكتروني.
تم تنفيذ ٦٢٠ فصلا افتراضية بنجاح على مدى ٩٩٤ ساعة شملت المحاضرات النظرية، وجلسات التعلم القائم على حل المعضلات، والندوات وحلقات النقاش. لاحظنا زيادة ذات دلالة إحصائية في متوسطدرجات الطالبات أثناء الجلسات الإلكترونية للتعلم القائم على حل المعضلات. عكس أكثر عدد ممكن ٥٢.٨٢٪ من طلاب السنوات الأساسية بالإضافة إلى أعضاء هيئة التدريس الرضى العالي تجاه الفصول الافتراضية، والتقييم الإليكتروني وورش العمل الإلكترونية.
أوضحت هذه الدراسة فوائد التعلم الإلكتروني والتقييم. لاحظنا ارتفاعا في إنجاز الطلاب وتصورا واعدا لأعضاء هيئة التدريس وتحسنا ملحوظا في مهاراتهم التكنولوجية. تدعم هذه النتائج التحول نحو التنفيذ المستقبلي لمزيد من المقررات الطبية الإليكترونية.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, academic institutions are promptly shifting all educational activities to the e-learning format. The present work describes concurrent procedures for online teaching and assessment performed at the College of Medicine, Qassim University, KSA. We also explored the impact of e-learning and assessment on the performance of students and faculty, and the challenges to their sustainability.
In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we recorded the number and duration of different online educational activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training sessions for various procedures of virtual classrooms and online assessments were organised for teachers and students. A newly established e-assessment committee arranged different online assessments. A comparison between the mean problem-based learning (PBL) grades of the same students was conducted either face-to-face or online. A student satisfaction survey and online staff focus group about the online learning experiences were conducted, and weekly staff perception reports were prepared. The results obtained were then analysed.
A total of 620 virtual classrooms were successfully implemented over 994 h including theoretical lectures, PBL sessions, seminars, and tutorials. A significant increase in the mean PBL grades was observed for female students during the online sessions. Out of the basic year students and staff, 58.82% reflected their high satisfaction towards virtual classrooms, online assessment, and online workshops.
The present study elaborates on the benefits of e-learning and assessment. We observed higher student achievements and promising staff perceptions with obvious improvement in their technological skills. These findings support the shift towards future implementation of more online medical courses.
The distinctive feature of liver fibrosis is the progressive replacement of healthy hepatic cells by the extracellular matrix protein, which is abundant in collagen I and III, with impaired matrix ...remodeling. The activation of myofibroblastic cells enhances the fibrogenic response of complex interactions of hepatic stellate cells, fibroblasts, and inflammatory cells to produce the excessive deposition of the extracellular protein matrix. This process is activated by multiple fibrogenic mediators and cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, accompanied with a decrease in the anti-fibrogenic factor NF-κβ. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapy for liver fibrosis, allowing for a more advanced regenerative influence when cultured with extrinsic or intrinsic proliferative factors, cytokines, antioxidants, growth factors, and hormones such as melatonin (MT). However, previous studies showed conflicting findings concerning the therapeutic effects of adipose (AD) and bone marrow (BM) MSCs; therefore, the present work aimed to conduct a comparative and comprehensive study investigating the impact of MT pre-treatment on the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of AD- and BM-MSCs and to critically analyze whether MT-pre-treated AD-MSCs and BM-MSCs reveal equal or different therapeutic and regenerative potentials in a CCl4-injured liver experimental rat model.
Six groups of experimental rats were used, with ten rats in each group: group I (control group), group II (CCl4-treated group), group III (CCl4- and BM-MSC-treated group), group IV (CCl4 and MT-pre-treated BM-MSC group), group V (CCl4- and AD-MSC-treated group), and group VI (CCl4 and MT-pre-treated AD-MSC group). Liver function tests and the gene expression of inflammatory, fibrogenic, apoptotic, and proliferative factors were analyzed. Histological and immunohistochemical changes were assessed.
The present study compared the ability of AD- and BM-MSCs, with and without MT pre-treatment, to reduce hepatic fibrosis. Both types of MSCs improved hepatocyte function by reducing the serum levels of ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and total bilirubin (TBIL). In addition, the changes in the hepatocellular architecture, including the hepatocytes, liver sinusoids, central veins, portal veins, biliary ducts, and hepatic arteries, showed a decrease in hepatocyte injury and cholestasis with a reduction in inflammation, apoptosis, and necrosis of the hepatic cells, together with an inhibition of liver tissue fibrosis. These results were augmented by an analysis of the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β, the anti-fibrogenic factor NF-κβ, the apoptotic factor caspase-3, and the proliferative indicators antigen Ki-67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). These findings were found to be statistically significant, with the restoration of normal parameters in the rats that received AD-MSCs pre-treated with MT, denoting optimal regenerative and therapeutic effects.
AD-MSCs pre-treated with MT are the preferred choice in improving hepatic fibrosis and promoting the therapeutic and regenerative ability of liver tissue. They represent a very significant tool for future stem cell use in the tissue regeneration strategy for the treatment of liver diseases.
The COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced the adoption of virtual learning after the urgent suspension of traditional teaching. Different online learning strategies were established to face this learning ...crisis. The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to reveal the different digital procedures implemented by the College of Medicine at Qassim University for better student performance and achievement.
The switch into distance-based learning was managed by the digitalization committee. Multiple online workshops were conducted to the staff and students about the value and procedures of such a shift. New procedures for online problem-based learning (PBL) sessions were designed. Students’ satisfaction was recorded regarding the efficiency of live streaming educational activities and online assessment.
The students were satisfied with the overall shift into this collaborative e-learning environment and the new successful procedures of virtual PBL sessions. The digital learning tools facilitated the performance of the students and their peer sharing of knowledge. The role of informatics computer technologies was evident in promoting the students, research skills, and technical competencies.
The present work elaborated on the procedures and privileges of the transformation into digitalized learning, particularly the PBL sessions, which were appreciated by the students and staff. It recommended the adoption of future online theoretical courses as well as the development of informatics computer technologies.
Objective: To investigate the medical students’ performance with and perception towards different multimedia medical imaging tools.
Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of ...Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, from 2019 to 2020, and comprised third year undergraduate medical students during the academic year 2019-2020. The students were divided into tow groups. Those receiving multimedia-enhanced problem-based learning sessions were in intervention group A, while those receiving traditional problem-based learning sessions were in control group B. Scores of the students in the formative assessment at the end of the sessions were compared between the groups. Students’ satisfaction survey was also conducted online and analysed. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.
Result: Of the 130 medical students, 75(57.7%) were males and 55(42.3%) were females. A significant increase in the mean scores was observed for both male and female students in group A compared to those in group B (p<0.05). The perception survey was filled up by 100(77%) students, and open-ended comments were obtained from 88(88%) of them. Overall, 69(74%) subjects expressed satisfaction with the multimedia-enhanced problem-based learning sessions.
Conclusions: Radiological and pathological images enhanced the students’ understanding, interaction and critical thinking during problem-based learning sessions.
Key Words: Radiological images, PBL sessions, Medical students, Qassim University, Medical imaging.
Anatomy is a core component of the basic health sciences and a structural foundation for higher clinical courses. Mastering this foundational science is an essential competency for health care ...providers. Some medical schools still adopt the traditional teacher-centered methods for teaching anatomy with the disadvantages of lacking the students’ opportunity to practice higher levels of thinking such as application, interpretation, or analysis during class. One of the promising teaching strategies that enhance student engagement is the flipped classroom (FC). The present study explored the students’ achievement during the anatomy FC, compared with traditional classroom for the first time in Qassim College of Medicine.
Online educational materials were uploaded on the Blackboard in the form of electronic textbooks, PowerPoint presentations, online websites, journal articles and multimedia in the pre-class phase of the FC. The in-class phase included open discussion and problem-solving activities were based upon the digitalized resources. Students’ attendance was recorded during the in-class sessions. Comparison between the students’ scores of the pre-and post-tests for both the FC and traditional classroom. A computed students’ survey towards the FC was analysed.
The mean students’ scores of the lower and higher-order thinking questions of the FC in the pre-tests were significantly increased in the pre-tests (4.40 ± 1.18 and 1.39 ± 0.53 respectively), compared with that of the traditional classroom (1.44 ± 1.09 and 0.41 ± 0.51 respectively) as well as in the post-tests (5.73 ± 1.03 and 2.14 ± 0.71), compared with that of the traditional classroom (5.07 ± 1.2 and 1.66 ± 0.93 respectively). The absence rate of the students during the FC was lower by 16.13%. Students’ survey conveyed their satisfaction towards the FC. Cronbach’s alpha test revealed high reliability of all students’ survey items and their correlation coefficient was positive.
The current work concluded that the educational outcome gained from the technology-enhanced active learning (TEAL), through the implementation of the anatomy FC, enhanced the students' achievement and commitment and suggested the upgrading of the anatomy teaching methods and exploring the long-term effects of the FC.
•1,25(OH)2D3 has an insulin sensitizing effect and can attenuate insulin resistance.•1,25(OH)2D3 decreases lipotoxicity and modulates the inflammatory response.•1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits apoptosis and ...stimulates proliferation of liver cells.•Metformin had similar effects to that produced by 1,25(OH)2D3.•Using combination of both agents gives a better protection.
There is an accumulating evidence suggesting an immunomodulatory role of 1α,25(OH)2D3. Altered 1α,25(OH)2D3 level may play a role in the development of T2DM and contribute to the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Our study was designed to study and compare the effect of metformin and 1α,25(OH)2D3 supplementation on liver injury in type 2 diabetic rat.
Sixty male Albino rats were divided into 5 groups; group 1: control rats. the remaining rats were fed high fat diet for 2 weeks and injected with streptozotocin (35mg/kg BW, i.p.) to induce T2DM and were divided into: group 2: untreated diabetic rats, group 3: diabetic rats treated by metformin (100mg/kgBW/d, orally), group 4: diabetic rats supplemented by 1α,25(OH)2D3 (0.5μg/kg BW, i.p.) 3 times weekly and group 5: supplemented by both 1α,25(OH)2D3 and metformin. Eight weeks later, serum glucose and insulin levels were measured, HOMA IR was calculated, lipid profile, Ca2+, ALT and AST were estimated. Liver specimens were taken to investigate PPAR-α (regulator of lipid metabolism), NF-κB p65, caspase 3 and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) and for histological examination.
The liver enzymes were elevated in the diabetic rats and the histological results revealed an injurious effect of diabetes on the liver. 1α,25(OH)2D3, metformin and both drugs treatment significantly improved liver enzymes as compared to the untreated rats. The improvement was associated with a significant improvement in the glycemic control, lipid profile and serum Ca2+ with a significant reduction in NF-κB p65 and caspase 3 and increased PPAR-α, and PCNA expression as compared to the untreated group. 1α,25(OH)2D3 induced a slightly better effect as compared to metformin. Both agents together had a synergistic action and almost completely protected the liver. Histological results confirmed the biochemical findings.
Our results showed a protective effect of 1α,25(OH)2D3 and metformin on liver in diabetic rats as indicated by an improvement of the level of the liver enzymes, decreased apoptosis and increased proliferation and this was confirmed histologically, with modulating NFkB and PPAR-α. Both agents together had a synergistic effect.
Abstract
Background
Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentary skin disorder characterized by loss of functioning epidermal melanocytes. Oxidative stress has been suggested to be the initial pathogenic ...event in melanocyte degeneration. Total oxidant status (TOS) had been reflect the global status of oxidative stress in serum. While, albumin acts as a buffering agent for toxic molecules within the circulation. It undergoes structural changes when exposed to ischemia or oxidative stress and ischemia modified albumin IMA are produced under these conditions with high levels. Hence it considered as a marker of oxidative stress in different clinical conditions.
Aim of the Work
The aim of this work was to evaluate the serum level of ischemia modified albumin in vitiligo patients and its relation to total oxidant status and disease activity.
Patients and Methods
This is a cross sectional study. Forty-eight patients with vitiligo were included in this study. Twenty-four were considered active cases while the other 24 were non-active vitiligo patients. The study also included 48 age-and sex-matched healthy adults as a control group. Five ml of venous blood were withdrawn from each patient and control subjects. The vitiligo activity and tensity were assessed by VIDA and VETI scores respectively. Serum IMA and TOS had been assist by ELISA kits.
Results
Our study found a significant increase in serum total oxidant status (TOS) and serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in vitiligo patients compared to controls. We also found a positive correlation between TOS levels and IMA levels and vitiligo disease activity represented by VIDA score.
Conclusion
The total oxidant status (TOS) and IMA levels were increased in vitiligo patients' sera and positively correlated to disease activity. To the best of our knowledge, we were the first to detect the significantly positive correlation between serum IMA and vitiligo disease activity.
INTRODUCTION: There has been increase in demand to use natural whitening agents nowadays which include activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has gained popularity recently with various claims to its ...benefits that have not been proven.
AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of activated charcoal whitening agents and regular whitening tooth paste on enamel surface of first premolars and to compare between the effects of materials used.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one mandibular first premolars were used and divided into control group: untreated teeth that were later incorporated into experimental group. Experimental group: Consisting of three subgroups: Subgroup I: treated with Carbon Coco. Subgroup II: treated with Venu activated charcoal. Subgroup III: treated with Crest 3D white. Brushing was done nine s for 30 days then teeth were preserved in artificial saliva.
RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopic results showed areas with rodless enamel more observed in Subgroup III than Subgroups I and II. EREs were more numerous on Subgroups I and II than Subgroup III on enamel surface. Partially occluded EREs with precipitates were more observed on Subgroups I and II than Subgroup III. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis results for calcium showed significant increase between all groups with control. The highest value was recorded in Subgroup II followed by Subgroups I and III while control group was the lowest one. Phosphorous showed significant increase between all groups with control. The highest value was recorded in Subgroup I followed by Subgroups III and II while control group was the lowest one. Micro-hardness results of Subgroups I and II showed significant increase compared to control group and no significant difference between control and Subgroup III was detected.
CONCLUSION: Powder form activated charcoal is more abrasive than whitening toothpastes. There is no visible difference between pure 100% activated charcoal powder and charcoal powder with additives to it.v
Objective To evaluate the degree of postoperative pain in patients with necrotic teeth with symptomatic apical periodontitis after applying ultrasonic irrigation or manual dynamic agitation.
Methods ...Seventy-eight patients diagnosed with necrotic mandibular first molar with symptomatic apical periodontitis were randomly allocated into 1 of 3 separate groups (n=26); Manual Dynamic Agitation group, Ultra X group, or NaviTip group (control). After a single-visit root canal treatment and a specific method of agitation, depending on each group, the patients were given a questionnaire on which they would mark the degree of pain in a scale from 0 to 10 at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours and 7 days post-operative. Data were statistically analyzed with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.
Results Final irrigation protocol including Ultrasonic agitation and NaviTip (control) groups showed significantly lower values of pain than the MDA group. There was a reduction in pain values by time in all groups.
Conclusion There was significantly less pain associated with passive ultrasonic agitation and side vented needle (NaviTip) irrigation compared to Manual Dynamic Agitation.
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