Basic Medical Sciences Research Articles

"Study on the Prevalence of Goiter and Associated Factors Among Hospitalized Patients of District Timergara, Dir Lower Pakistan"

Irfan Ullah1, Naqash Alam2*, Sadiq Ali2, Ihtisham Ul Haq2, Imran Khan3 and Muhammad Asif1 Author Affiliations 1Department of Surgery, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, KP Pakistan 2School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China 3Department of Microbiology, Khyber Medical University Peshawar, KP Pakistan Received: December 27, 2021 | Published: January 19, 2022 Corresponding author: Naqash Alam, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.41.006563

Using project-based learning to enhance curricular integration and relevance of basic medical sciences in pre-clerkship years

ABSTRACT Achieving high levels of integration in the basic medical sciences’ curricula is challenging. Project-based learning (PtBL) is an inquiry-based learning approach that can be used in multiple educational contexts with various designs. We used PtBL to enhance curricular integration during the pre-clerkship years. The study was done at The Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. We designed interdisciplinary clinically relevant integrated research project tasks. Tasks followed curricular objectives. Students worked in teams to write and deliver project reports. Based on their understanding of the basic medical sciences, they analyzed the assigned tasks and used reasoning to create diagnoses. They related the condition to the disrupted normal structure/functions, suggested/contraindicated specific treatment and preventive plans. A cross-sectional survey was introduced to assess students’ perceptions of the learning approach used. Response rate was 52% (n = 694). Students’ responses were analyzed. Most students (84.6%) were satisfied by the integrated interdisciplinary PtBL. They (57.9%) preferred substituting the traditional lectures completely by it. Students understood the relation between objectives of disciplines after PtBL completion (mean 3.66, SD ±0.92) higher than before it (mean 3.46, SD ±0.91), (P = 0.000). Students’ ranking for the degree of integration between basic/clinical sciences in the PtBL was significantly associated with the developed clinical reasoning rank (P = 0.000). It was also associated with responses supporting the future implementation of the PtBL again (P = 0.002). Various ways of adding PtBL approach to the curricula were suggested. The PtBL can be used as a complementary learning method to elevate the level of integration within a multidisciplinary approach to boost students’ learning.

Descriptive Study of Safety and Health Training Content in Iranian Universities and Higher Education Institutes

The root cause of many workplace incidents is the lack of knowledge on occupational safety and health principles. Despite the safety and health authorities in organizations, safety and health is the general responsibility of all other experts working in an organization. Experts and managers are expected to think, decide and work safely in workplaces. However, we don’t have enough information about the level of safety and health-related education when they were in universities. In addition, there is not too much reliable published reports on the academic teaching of safety and health courses and syllabus in higher education in Iran. Therefore, the current study was aimed to provide a general view of the status of occupational safety and health teaching subjects in different academic disciplines (excluding specialized fields in occupational safety and health) in the Iranian higher educational system. Firstly, the latest edition of the entire program (curricula) of all academic disciplines held in Iranian universities was downloaded. Secondly, the required information, including discipline title, program’s degree, number of required (core) and elective (non-core) courses, and program’s date of approval, were recorded in an Excel sheet. Every course’s title and syllabus were then studied to find out any safety and health-related topics. Finally, data were analyzed and reported. 251 academic disciplines in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) and 771 disciplines in the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) were investigated. Most of the curriculums have been revised by both ministries since 2011. Results showed that 20 percent of the MOHME‎ ‎disciplines and 10.4 percent of MSRT‎ disciplines were included in the occupational safety and health courses. The number of courses with health and safety content (syllabus outline) in the MOHME ‎‎and the MSRT‎ were 168 and 173. Most health and safety courses presented in the MOHME academic majors were in the basic medical sciences category of disciplines. A majority of MSRT covered academic safety and health courses and topics were presented in the engineering category of disciplines. Presenting lessons with health and safety content at the MOHME ‎was more practical than that of the MSRT. The quality and quantity of teaching on safety and health topic were not at satisfactory levels. Revising the course syllabus of the academic disciplines and adding theoretical and practical courses related to each field's specific health and safety curriculum can make a significant contribution in improving the general knowledge of the safety and health of the university graduates. In turn, it improves future workplace safety and health conditions, managers’ insights and decision-makers on the importance of safety and health at work. It protects the people's life and the property of the organization.

Scenario-Based, Single Best, Multiple-Choice Questions (SB-SB-MCQs) in Basic Medical Sciences: An Exploratory Study about the Staff Awareness, Knowledge and Difficulties Encountered

Background: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are well known and widely used assessment tool. They can be used to measure the different levels of educational outcomes: knowledge, understanding, judgment and problem solving. Traditional MCQs (stand-alone MCQs) often are used as a tool for facts recall. Advantages of using Scenario-based questions (SBQs) include more focus on learning objectives and ability to assess higher levels of learning. Shifting to scenario-based questions can increase the level of difficulty and measure higher levels of cognition. Purpose: This study explores the current knowledge and overall awareness of the undergraduate teaching staff about the use and difficulties of scenario-based single-best answer, multiple-choice questions (SB-SBA-MCQs) in assessments of the basic medical sciences. Method: We used an e-Likert scale questionnaire to explore this issue. The questionnaire covered the current knowledge, experience of staff in writing (SB-SBA-MCQs), courses or postgraduate degrees they attended and difficulties they face or anticipate in writing (SB-SBA-MCQs). Results: The majority (86%) are familiar with courses or workshops related to MCQs writing and assessment in general, a small minority have not attended any. The majority (86%) had some experience in writing MCQs. Only, a small percentage have not tried writing this type of MCQs. Nearly 60% think it takes time to construct, the majority (96%) of those researched are in support of shifting to scenario-based MCQs in basic medical sciences. Conclusion: The study has shown most of the teachers of basic medical sciences are aware of and with good knowledge in (SB-SBA-MCQs). It also highlighted the importance and need for regular training courses and workshops on the same.

Awareness and readiness to participate in faculty learning communities and e-resources utilisation among academics of Adeleke University, Ede, Nigeria

The study investigated awareness and readiness to participate in faculty learning communities (FLCs) and e-resources utilisation among academics of Adeleke University, Ede, Nigeria. Survey design was adopted with population of 173 academics in six faculties (arts, basic medical sciences, business and social sciences, sciences, engineering and law) in 2021/2022 academic session of the University. Out of whom 108 selected based on Research Advisors Sample Size Table (2006). A self-developed instrument tagged: ‘Academic Staff Awareness and Readiness of FLCs Questionnaire (ASARF)’ was condensed to Google form for easy participation via the WhatsApp. The findings indicated a high level of awareness and readiness to participate in FLCs with wider access to online resources and social media needed for effective FLCs activities. The potential challenges noted included the need for institutional support and membership commitment to participate in FLCs. While the need to creating institutional policy on FLCs adoption was suggested.

Specialty preferences and factors affecting the choices of postgraduate specialty among undergraduate medical students.

Objectives:To study specialties preference of the students at the College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia; and to determine the factors that affect the choice of their postgraduate specialty.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 undergraduate medical students at the College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia for the current academic year 2021-2022. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, and a Chi-square test was utilized to compare qualitative data.Results:Internal medicine is the first choice for 16 (19.8%) students. General surgery and family medicine were selected by 15 (18.5%) and 12 (14.8%) students, respectively. Sixty-seven (82.7%) students relied on their selection of a good future guaranteed by specialty, and 48 (49.3%) selected challenging specialty; 64 (79.0%) were motivated by a practicing doctor for their future specialty selection and 54 (66.7%) by their families.Conclusions:Most preferred specialty for medical students is internal medicine followed by general surgery. Both genders preferred internal medicine as their future specialty. Some important specialties such as public health and basic medical sciences were not selected as a future specialty by any student. The most stated reason behind specialty selection is the provision for a good future. Most students are motivated by a practicing doctor to select a postgraduate specialty.

Anatomy Education: Perceptions and Experiences of Nigerian Anatomists towards Contributing to Programme and Career Advancements

Anatomy, a foremost basic medical science (BMS) has evolved in content and context, while remaining the most fundamental BMS subject. Stakeholders have continually made efforts especially in recent time to achieve an evolution of this subject. The primary aim of this work was to study the perceptions and experiences of Anatomists towards contributing to programme and career advancements. Following ethical approval, structured questionnaire was administered to Nigerian anatomists using a Google form. It is a total population study. The questionnaire had 13 sections, with each section addressing a theme that was integral to the subject of research interest. The last section collected free responses as qualitative information. After indicating informed consent, 106 anatomists properly completed and returned the questionnaires. Statistical and quantitative analyses of results were done. The most popular field amongst respondents was Neuroscience (60.9%); followed by Histology or Microscopic Anatomy (53.6%), Embryology or developmental anatomy (35.5%), Gross anatomy (34.5%) and Histochemistry (30.9%). About half of Nigerian anatomists involved in the study had a PhD degree. Training emphasized the cognitive domains the most. Consequently, emphasis should be laid on the psychomotor (skills) and the affective domain (attitude) to improve capacity, competences, and the job prospects of trainees. The consensus was that the programme trained students and prepared graduates as medical educators, scientists, and researchers. Anatomy has significant potential to contribute to development with proper programme design, emphasis on research, teaching and applied services competencies, effective policy formulation and implementation and adherence to best practices.

Tualang Honey’s Spermatoprotective Effects in A Model of High Cholesterol Diet-Induced Animals

This investigation intended to ascertain the Tualang Honey’s (TH) spermatoprotective effects on the reproductive system of male rats on a high-cholesterol diet (HCD). The animal study was conducted at the Department of Basic Medical Science, Kulliyyah of Medicine, IIUM. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were fed with a 12% HCD for 16 weeks. Then, they were divided into four subgroups (group H1, H2, H3, and H4) and continued on the 12% HCD. This was conducted in addition to the administration

Iraqi Medical Student's Perceptions of Learning Environment Following Surgical Curriculum Change.

Background:There are three undergraduate medical school curricula types - ‘traditional’, ‘integrated’, and ‘problem-based learning’ (PBL). Traditional curricula involve teaching basic medical science in the early years in an atomistic and often didactic way, predominantly through lectures. In later years, students move on to learning clinical skills and applying their medical knowledge in clinical settings. Meanwhile, the philosophy of integrated curricula is that students learn best by understanding medical science in relation to whole systems and by linking knowledge with practice. Integrated curricula take a more holistic approach and bring together elements of medical science rather than teaching them in isolation.Objective:The study aimed to measure and compare perceptions of the learning environment between two cohorts of medical students at a medical school in Iraq. The intention was to explore differences in perceptions between those following a traditional surgical curriculum and those following an innovative, integrated curriculum and thereby add to the body of evidence looking at the impact of the two surgical curriculum models on the learning environment.Methods:The Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) was used to measure students’ perceptions of their learning environment. The unpaired t-test was used to compare the mean scores of two cohorts of medical students.Results:The global mean score for the students following the integrated curriculum was higher than the global mean scores for the group studying the traditional curriculum. This difference is statistically significant. The mean scores for the integrated curriculum students are higher than those of the traditional curriculum students for all sub-sets of the measure. The difference is statistically significant for one sub-set, ‘Students’ Perceptions of Learning,’ and the difference is close to being statistically significant for the ‘Students’ Perception of Teachers’ sub-set.Conclusion:The results reflect those from other international studies and add to the body of evidence that suggests that innovative, integrated curricula are a critical factor in promoting a more positive learning environment than that generated within a traditional curriculum model.

Anatomi Müfredatının “Mezuniyet Öncesi Tıp Eğitimi Ulusal Çekirdek Eğitim Programı-2014” İle Uyum Çalışması: Anatomi-ÇEP 1. Sürüm

Aim: The National Medical Core Curriculum Program has been developed since 2001 to help keep the level of education in medical schools above high standards. The education in basic medical sciences should be adapted to the latest version of the national undergraduate medical education core curriculum, published in 2020. This study, which was planned on the basis of the need for adaptation of the curriculum in basic medical sciences to the national core education program in the field of medical education, was carried out with the decision of the Board of the Turkish Society of Anatomy and Clinical Anatomy with the aim of adaptation the anatomy course contents applied in medical faculties to the National Core Curriculum for Undergraduate Medical Education - 2014.Methods: The planning of the study was based on the "systematic anatomy education approach", which is commonly used in anatomy education. The prepared report was named as Anatomi-ÇEP 1st version, and a work plan was made to keep the new versions up-to-date through this report. Workshops were held with the participation of the faculty members of the anatomy department in the creation of the adaptation lists. Consensus questionnaires participated by faculty members who teach anatomy were used in the acceptance of the adaptation lists.Results: Two workshops were held in the process. In these workshops, the relationships between anatomy subjects and "Core Diseases and Clinical Problems" in "Undergraduate Medical Education National Core Education Program- 2014" were determined. Since the "Core Diseases and Clinical Problems" list was in alphabetical order, the lists were re-created in a systematic order according to the anatomy course contents. The lists were presented to the opinions of faculty members working in the Anatomy Departments twice and a consensus decision was made. In "Anatomy-ÇEP 1st Edition", basic diseases in "UÇEP2014" have been adapted to the basic topics in anatomy education, but they have not been associated with symptoms and conditions and basic medical practices. Conclusions: With this article, it was aimed to share what was done in "Anatomy-ÇEP 1st Edition" with academicians, and to provide data for studies to be carried out to adapt the changes brought by "UÇEP-2020" to "Anatomy-ÇEP" with the feedback to be received.

COMPARISON OF CELL BLOCKS AND SMEAR EXAMINATION WITH FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SUPERFICIAL PALPABLE HEAD AND NECK LESIONS

OBJECTIVE: To compare the findings of cell blocks and smear examination with fine needle aspirates (FNA) in the diagnosis of superficial palpable head and neck lesions taking histopathology as the gold standard. METHODS: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad and Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Eighty patients of all age groups, having superficial clinically palpable lesions of head and neck region were recruited in the study from August 2014 to August 2015. FNA cytology, cell block and open biopsy were performed in all cases and compared with the histopathological examination. The data was recorded in a proforma and analyzed through SPSS Version-23. RESULTS: Out of 80 patients, 44 (55%) were males and 36 (45%) females. The age of patients ranged from 01-81 years with a mean age of 45.68±20.43 years. Lesions involving lymph nodes (n=31; 38.8%) and salivary gland (n=24; 30%) were common in head and neck region. Tuberculosis (n=15: 48.38%) and pleomorphic adenoma (n=13; 54.16%) were the common lesions involving lymph nodes and salivary glands respectively. Overall, 49 (61.2%) cases were benign/reactive and 31 (38.8%) cases were malignant on histopathology. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value was 74.2%, 95.9%, 92% & 85.5% for FNA smears and 83.9%, 98%, 96.3% and 90.6% for Cell Block respectively in diagnosing head and neck lesions. CONCLUSION: Cell block with better diagnostic accuracy can be used as adjunct to FNA smears in diagnosis of superficial palpable head and neck lesions.

Target-Oriented Clinical Skill Enhancement (TOCSE) Is an Effective Tool to Bridge Didactic to Clinical Learning: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Purpose: To connect didactic learning to clinical application is a challenging task both for the teachers and students. Target-Oriented Clinical Skill Enhancement (TOCSE) is a teaching and learning tool that integrates basic medical sciences at the clinical level. The authors sought to determine if TOCSE is effective in bridging didactic knowledge to clinical skill and enhancing the clinical performance of fourth year medical students. Method: Between March 2021 and June 2021, in an online platform, the authors randomly allocated 141 fourth year medical students into the experimental (n=12 groups; n=63) and control groups (n=12 groups; n=78). Participants in the experimental group underwent the TOCSE module workshop while the control group utilized the standard method of teaching. The actively teaching faculty staff blinded of group allocation were invited to assess case presentations using a standardized rubric. A survey was done by the students (experimental and control) to evaluate how they perceived TOCSE to their performance and learning. Independent parametric t-test was performed to compare the clinical skill scores between the two groups. Results: The experimental group had a mean clinical skill score of 35.29 (SD=2.64, excellent) while the control group had a mean clinical skill score of 31.96 (SD=4.04, satisfactory). The between-group comparisons using independent t-test indicated that the mean difference of -3.33 clinical skills scores between the experimental and control groups was statistically significant (t=–2.39, p=0.026, 95% CI=–6.22 to –0.45). Moreover, the perceived usefulness score (scale 10 as highest) among the TOCSE presenters (experimental groups) was 8.43 (SD=0.84) and scores among the TOCSE audience (control groups) was comparable at 8.36 (SD=0.71), both of which were interpreted as very helpful. Conclusion: TOCSE is effective in bridging didactic knowledge to clinical skill and enhancing clinical performance of fourth year medical students.

The Effectiveness of Online Education in Basic Medical Sciences Courses during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) is an emerging pandemic that has caused significant disruptions to education, resulting in marked scholar closures across the world. The present study documents the student perception of the online educational process at six universities in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 lockdown period. The individual variable factors, i.e., institution, sex, and blended learning, that might influence student perception were also investigated. In this respect, a questionnaire that assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the online learning process and student perception was emailed to a total of 17,230 students from 3 institutions (medical, applied health and dental students) affiliated with six universities in Saudi Arabia. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to determine the validity of the questionnaire. A total of 4850 (28%) students responded to the questionnaire and 46.9% (n = 2275) of the respondents were highly satisfied with their online education. Analyses of the scores from the students showed a highly significant difference (p = 0.000) between the male and female students. Applied health students (highly satisfied score = 63.13) were the most satisfied with their online education, while medical students (highly satisfied score = 39.3) were the least satisfied with this education. In addition, applied health, dental and medical students showed a significantly higher score in favor of blended learning after schools re-open (p = 0.000). Collectively, student satisfaction with online education was common, and blended learning was preferred over the traditional format by both genders and all the students. The present data provide interesting contributions and evidence for policy makers and implementers, which might be helpful for the judgment side of decision making.

Research Progress of Zebrafish Model in Toxicology and Its Application Prospects in Forensic Science.

In recent years, zebrafish model has been widely concerned and recognized by scholars at home and abroad. As an animal model, zebrafish is of great research value because it is easy to feed, easy to operate, observe and analyze, and the model results can be highly combined with human body test data. Zebrafish model has been widely used in many fields, including basic medical science, clinical medicine, agricultural production, environmental toxicology and forensic science. This review introduces the biological characteristics of zebrafish, summarizes the research progress of zebrafish model in toxicology, and discusses the application prospect of zebrafish model in forensic science.

Hubungan kemampuan visuospasial dengan kemampuan anatomi

Along with the development of medical learning methods, anatomy remains one of the most difficult subjects to understand among other basic medical education sciences. The study of the structure of the human body, its parts and the relationships between these parts involves the processing of visuospatial information, namely the understanding of the form, location, and position of an object against other objects in 3-dimensional space. The purpose of this research is to find out how the relationship between visuospatial abilities and anatomical abilities of the students of the Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University

A Mixed Questionnaire Study on Prayer as Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ghana

Background: Prayer is paramount in the spiritual welfare and development of an individual. Interestingly, prayer is also considered as a form of complementary alternative medicine and is employed in primary healthcare delivery.
 Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of prayer in primary healthcare delivery as a form of complementary healthcare. This study also investigates why patients opt for prayer as an alternative to standard medical care and ultimately to review the scientific aspect of prayer in medicine.
 Methods: The study incorporates a mixed methods study with integrated data analysis. The respondents in this study were selected practitioners of Naturopathic Medicine with pastoral background, who belong to the Association of Naturopathic Medicine Practitioners in Ghana.
 Results: Patients and complementary and alternative medicine practitioners alike in Ghana believe that prayer is very important to aid recovery and hence, plays an integral role as complementary medicine in healthcare.
 Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a role of prayer as complementary alternative medicine in primary healthcare delivery. We therefore hold the view that, pastors at the prayer camps should be well educated in basic medical sciences to enable an effective referral pathway to the standard medical centers.

Evaluation Of Heat Shock Protein-27 Levels as A Predictor of Diabetic Nephropathy in Early Diabetics

Objective: The current study objective is to find out the levels of heat shock protein-27 in diabetes patients with and without diabetic nephropathy, and to appraise the functional role of HSP-27 as an early diagnostic biomarker in progressive diabetic nephropathy.
 Study Design: Case control study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The current study was conducted in physiology department, Basic Medical Science Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi from March 2019 to September 2020.
 Methodology: A total 105 participants between 30-50 years of age were separated into three groups: Group A (n=35) diabetic-patients with history of diabetes < 5 years without any sign of DN; Group B (n=35) diabetic patients with history of diabetes >5 years duration of diabetes and microalbumin levels < 30 mg/dl in urine and Group C (n=35) healthy individuals. All this study participants were gone through detailed history, anthropometric measurement, BMI, serum blood sugar, serum urea, serum creatinine, BUN, urinary albumin, and serum HSP-27 were estimated.
 Results: Elevated levels of HSP-27 were seen in group-A patients as compared to group-C (p<0.001). Elevated levels of HSP-27 were presented in group-B as compared with group-C (p<0.001) which signify early renal parenchyma injury. Strong association had been seen for HSP-27 with creatinine (r=0.69; p < 0.001), and HbA1c (r =0.72; p <0.001) and urea (r = 0.72; p <0.001) in all these participants. While statistical highly significant and strong positive association were reported for HSP-27 with microalbumin (r = 0.86; p< 0.001) in all participants.
 Conclusion: Elevated levels of HSP-27 with progression of renal injury with or without declining of renal function is seen in current study. These findings perhaps suggest and recognizing HSP-27 as key diagnostic marker for diabetic nephropathy in early diabetics.
 KEYWORDS: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Nephropathy, HSP-27.

Effects of Different Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Circulating Levels of Neurotrophic Factor in Healthy and Hyperlipidemic Adults in A Local Population

Objective: The present study is to compare the pre and post serum BDNF levels in healthy and hyperlipidemic population at baseline and post 12 weeks of exercise and to correlate the pre and post serum BDNF levels in healthy and hyperlipidemic population at baseline and post 12 weeks of exercise.
 Study Design: Two arm follow up non-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT).
 Place and Duration of Study: Physiology department, Basic Medical Science Institute (BMSI), Jinnah Post-Graduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi
 Methodology: A total 258 participants of any age were divided into two groups: 129 participants in one of the two groups, Group-1 adult hyperlipidemic group and Group-2 healthy adults group. Both groups were additional divided into 3 subgroups with different exercise intensity i.e. light, moderate and high intensity exercise. To evaluate the health status of participants, graded exercise test by using Bruce protocol and the HRmax was performed and given a specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The test was a conducted as per Bruce protocol (Smith 2013), using a treadmill with heart rate monitoring and ECG monitor. Blood sample had been taken for the analysis of total cholesterol and serum levels of BDNF.
 Results: Mean levels of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) of healthy and hyperlipidemic participants in all three different intensity exercise group (A, B, and C) at baseline and three follow-ups shown no statistically significant difference between LIEG on BDNF level from baseline (day zero) till three consecutive follow ups (p>0.05). While, in moderate (p<0.05) and high intensity participants (p<0.01) demonstrated an increase in BDNF levels at 90th day when compared from baseline i.e. day zero. Prominently, no significant difference observed at baseline (p>0.05), however a significant difference was found at day 30, 60 and 90 (p <0.05, 20.01, <0.001) respectively.
 Conclusion: In light of our findings we conclude that 12 weeks of moderate to high intensity exercise progress cognitive function, serum BDNF levels, and improved lipid profile parameters, while low intensity exercise showed no significant mean difference for healthy participants.

Reflection - an effective strategy for outcome-based learning in basic medical sciences.

To determine the role of guided reflection for improved learning outcomes in students of basic dental sciences. The quasi-experimental comparative educational study was conducted at the Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan, from May to September 2019, and comprised second-year undergraduate students in the Basic Medical Sciences curriculum for Microbiology. The subjects were arbitrarily divided into Group-1, which was exposed to guided reflection, and Group-2, which was not asked to reflect on the lectures. Post-intervention, a test of 30 multiple choice questions on the selected topics was conducted to compare the level of learning between the groups. After three weeks, the same activity was repeated with the same groups, but with different topics of lectures. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the total 75 students, there were 28 female and 9 male students in Group-1 (Reflectors), 29 female and 9 male students in Group-2 (Non-Reflectors). Overall, there were 18 male and 57 female students. The overall 20.4±0.83 years. The difference between the groups after the first session was not significant (p>0.05). After session 2, Group-1 score was significantly better than that of Group-2 (p<0.05). Reflective practices on teaching sessions at the end of lectures proved to be an effective strategy to achieve outcome-based learning.

Compassion and Empathy in Basic Medical Science Teaching: A Suggested Model.

Medical school education typically consists of two main student bodies: medical students and biomedical graduate students. For both groups, compassion and empathy represent a major component of future professional roles. For medical students, this takes the form of the all-important doctor-patient relationship and adherence to the Hippocratic Oath. For biomedical students, future research and teaching are often driven by the opportunity to contribute to treatments to help pain and suffering for those in need. For both groups, such positive contributions further extend to families, who often suffer emotional distress watching the health struggles of a loved one. Given the key role that compassion and empathy play here, including them as part of student educational development is important. Such focus, however, is limited - especially during the initial academic classroom years - with most time here dedicated to the learning of facts and foundational material. Given its importance in the future professional roles of these students, we posit that more can be done to introduce and reinforce the concept of compassion and empathy during the initial didactic course years. Modest but viable options exist for the introduction of these concepts as a part of basic teaching that will provide additional reinforcement of this all-important sensitivity for others. Here we present a model providing suggestions and recommendations for the integration of compassion and empathy in otherwise basic scientific teaching, and in a way that also includes progressive equality positions on social issues. While the focus here is medical school education since it represents this author’s expertise as well as a field where young trainees graduate to professional careers requiring compassion, it can potentially be applied to many other disciplines.