University Faculty Research Articles

Implementation of the right to health through vaccination

Health is regarded as a basic human need Health is a fundamental right recognized in various international human rights instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a global public health pandemic on January 30, 2020. Based on the data collected, there are still members of the community who have not received the Covid-19 Booster vaccine even though it is urgently given as an antiviral. Therefore, as part of an effort to increase the coverage of vaccination, it is necessary to implement a Covid-19 public dedication as the fulfilment of the right to health. The method of community-based participatory research (Community Based Participatory Research, CBPR) is implemented. The results of the vaccination activities carried out at Tanjungpura University Faculty of Law can contribute to the vaccine coverage that exists in the community. As for the number of participants of the activity was 172 (one hundred seventy-two) people consisting of 117 (a hundred seventeen) students and 61 (sixty-one) the general public. In addition, there are students and members of the community who have not received the Covid-19 Booster Vaccine while the delivery is very urgent as an anti-virus, even there are those who have never received the vaccine at all.

Project-based Learning Model for Freestyle Swimming Education at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Megarezky

This study aimed to develop a project-based learning (PBL) model for freestyle swimming in the Physical Education Department of Megarezky University's Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, which was developed through a series of stages, including analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. In this study, 30 students and 5 lecturers were selected as samples using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and observations, and analyzed using descriptive analysis and content analysis. The results show that the PBL model can enhance students' skills and abilities in freestyle swimming, improve their learning outcomes, and promote active and independent learning. Additionally, the model can assist lecturers in teaching more effectively and improving the quality of freestyle swimming education. In conclusion, the PBL model for freestyle swimming can be an alternative to improve student's learning outcomes in freestyle swimming education, with significant advantages, such as enhancing students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills and improving the quality of freestyle swimming education. The research findings indicate that the PBL model has high validity, practicality, and effectiveness in improving students' learning outcomes in freestyle swimming. Therefore, efforts should be made to optimize the use of this model in freestyle swimming education and conduct further research to develop the model further and apply it to various contexts.

Knowledge and opinions on natural disasters and disaster education of pre-service teachers who survived the 6 February earthquake in Turkey

Human-related events that occur in an unexpected time and affect people’s lives adversely are defined as natural disasters. Today, when we live in the age of technology, several regions are faced with natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and hurricanes. Not different from various countries in the world, Turkey faces such natural disasters frequently. Especially the earthquake disaster of February 6, 2023, which affected a very broad area, caused many people to suffer. After the earthquake, several problems such as unemployment, need for education and shelter, and psychological traumas, especially among children, emerged. Although preventing natural disasters is not possible, it is a well-known fact that damages can be minimized through disaster education given in schools from an early age. It is of vital importance that Turkey, which is located in an earthquake zone, attaches more importance to disaster education and that students are educated on this subject from an early age, as in countries such as Japan, in order to reduce the disaster damages. Some action has been taken in this area in Turkey especially after the 1999 Marmara earthquake, but the recent major earthquake disaster has shown that more attention should be paid to disaster education. This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and opinions on disaster and disaster education of pre-service teachers who survided the earthquake in Turkey on February 6, 2023. The study group consisted of students studying in different departments of education faculties of universities. The structured interview form developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool.

The influence of temperature, light, pH and salinity on germination and growth of Cutandia memphitica (Spreng.) Benth

Background: There are many weed species that affect yield and quality in date palm orchards. Cutandia memphitica (Spreng.) Benth. is one of the weeds that is common in date palm orchards in Iraq. However, there is not enough information about C. memphitica in the literature. In order to provide information about the effect of key environmental factors (temperature, light, pH, and salt) on the seed biology of this weed species, this study was conducted.Methods: Within 2020, seeds were collected from agricultural regions in southern Iraq, and trials were done at Erciyes University Faculty of Agriculture labs in Kayseri Türkiye. All experiments were carried out with 30 seeds in the sterile 90 mm (90×15) petri dishes containing two layers of sterile filter paper.Results: The results of this investigation revealed that the seeds of this species germinated by 72.49% in three days when incubated at 25°C, and by 96.66% in 14 days when incubated at 15°C. The results also indicated that even during the longest incubation time examined, which was 28 days, the seeds of this species never germinated at 30 degrees or above. They can germinate during this period if kept at 5°C. The study also revealed that 90% of the seeds of this species germinated in complete darkness, whereas only 11.66% germinated in light. However, light has a significant impact on studied growth parameters (plant height and seedling fresh and dry weight). The results also demonstrate that the pH levels examined, which varied from 4 to 10, had no effect on the seed germination and growth parameters of seedling.Conclusion: The results showed that the seeds of this species germinated at the highest salinity levels (250 mM NaCl) by 10.83%. Meanwhile, the best germination was recorded at 25 mM salinity level of 89.16%, but without significant differences with salinity level at 50 mM and control. Also, the growth indicators were reduced significantly at the salinity level of 250 mM compared to the control.Keywords: Light; Salinity; Seed Germination; Temperature; Weed; Date Palm

Evaluation of Pediatric Patients Admitted to the Hospital for Drug Intoxication

Abstract Objective: Drug poisoning is the most common form of poisoning in children, and it is a situation that can lead to fatal consequences, but can be prevented if appropriate precautions are taken. Children are the future of a society, so drug poisoning poses an important public health problem. Factors such as high-dose drug combinations, misuse, poor storage conditions, and children's access to drugs can all contribute to drug intoxication. The aim of this study is to understand the effects of drug poisoning on children, to identify the characteristics of these children and to raise awareness about the measures that can be taken to prevent this problem. Material and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively on 100 patients who applied to the pediatric emergency department of Karabuk University Faculty of Medicine Education and Research Hospital with the complaints of drug use and drug exposure. Results: It was observed that the mean age of the patients was 7.65±6.51 years, 58% of them were girls and 71% of them accidentally drank drugs. When the drugs consumed by the patients were examined, it was determined that the analgesic-anti-inflammatory (Paracetemol) group was the highest with 18%. When the hospitalization status of the patients was examined, it was seen that 22% of them were not hospitalized. It was observed that 56% of the patients experienced symptoms, and the most common symptom was nausea and vomiting with 33%. No mortality was observed in any of the patients. Conclusion: Study results show that children often take drugs accidentally. The fact that analgesic-antipyretic group drugs are mostly encountered suggests that it is a predictable result of their widespread use in the community. In addition, the high hospitalization rate with 78% unfortunately leads to an extra expenditure of our limited resources for a condition that could have been prevented. For this reason, establishing an effective public health policy and taking preventive measures for commonly used drugs can reduce the frequency of poisonings. We think that our findings will guide clinicians. Keywords: Drug poisoning, intoxication, drugs, pediatric patients

Impact of Drought on the Livelihoods of Farmers in Western Odisha: A Comparison Between Drought and Non-Drought Years

The agriculture of our country is increasingly affected due to the irregular climatic variations like drought, flood, etc. which is causing great distress to agriculture farmers financially, socially and emotionally during the period. The present study was undertaken to assess the impact of drought on livelihood of agriculture farmers in drought versus non-drought years in drought prone western Odisha. 194 respondents engaged in agriculture farming as their primary occupation were selected randomly from 3 districts of Western Odisha by stratified random sampling. Ten pertinent questions were selected after due consultation with different stakeholders of the agricultural sector, Govt. officials, University faculties and experts of the field to study the impact of drought. The questions were designed to be answered either in yes or no, which were related to the social, economic, food security and family responsibilities of the agricultural farmer and his family. It was found that the respondents were not able to meet the basic requirements in drought years which could be achieved in non-drought years through agricultural operations. This study also indicated that the basic needs like food, medicine and social needs are severely affected in the drought hit years as compared to the non-drought years. The famers were not even able to purchase medicines in drought hit years. The farmers showed their inability to take care of the basic needs of family during drought. The Government of Odisha may promote secondary sources of livelihood generating options like dairy farming, poultry farming, beekeeping, goat farming, etc., in the drought affected districts of Odisha along with agriculture for meeting basic needs of life during drought period.

Faculty and Student Perspectives on Online Learning in Higher Education

The international transforming learning community, coupled with cultural diversity and technological complexities, spurred an unprecedented acceleration in the adoption of online learning. This reshaped the educational landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities for educators and learners worldwide. To provide insights into the use of information technology and online learning in higher education and to inform future practices, this qualitative study investigated university faculty and students’ online learning experiences. Purposeful sampling was employed to ensure a diverse selection of participants. Eight faculty and eight students from diverse higher education institutions in the U.S. participated in one-on-one interviews. The study utilized a social constructivist interpretive paradigm, and data were analyzed using iterative categorization. Findings revealed concerns about online learning effectiveness due to limited social interaction. Three main themes emerged: challenges encountered, student engagement, and strategies to improve online learning effectiveness. This research enriches the scholarly discourse on online education by elucidating faculty and student perceptions regarding factors impacting the effectiveness of online learning and sustainable teaching strategies for future higher education. It highlights a paradigm shift in higher education and emphasizes the importance of equitable access to digital resources and inclusive policies to address disparities in online learning support, promoting equity and social justice in education.

How much ICT literacy is required? The epistemic perceptual framework of Iranian university faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic

Nowadays, information and communications technology literacy (ICT) means more than achieving isolated digital and technological skills. ICT literacy means the skills young people need in the digital world in which information and interaction are accessed through such digital technologies as social networks, virtual environments, and smartphones. To enhance the ICT literacy of these “digital natives”, university faculty are encouraged to implement digital technology in their classes and this will be fulfilled if they are highly competent in the area. This situation gained more prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as the educational systems all around the world were reshaped requiring educators to embrace new educational technologies in instruction. This study is based on the premise that faculties play a key role in successful incorporation of digital technology in higher education. To explore the issue, the epistemic perceptual framework of 285 male and female university faculty members teaching different fields of study in both public and private universities in Iran was investigated considering their knowledge and perception of ICT literacy, its integration at academic levels, and how coronavirus pandemic has affected the incorporation of digital technology in teaching. Exploring the results showed that there was a significant difference between the lecturers’ actual and perceived ICT literacy in Iran. It was revealed that some faculty had never used technological tools in their classes before the pandemic and the situation has forced them to adopt digital teaching. However, most faculty favored digital integration claiming the pandemic had caused them to improve their ICT literacy and teaching methods. The findings called for an urgent need for faculty’s continuous and effective ICT education upgrading which in turn results in training a more efficient young generation for the digital world.

Determining Split Renal Function in Children With Ureteropelvic Junction Stenosis: Technetium-99m Mercaptoacetyltriglycine (Tc-99m MAG-3) or Technetium-99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (Tc-99m DMSA)?

Background Ureteropelvic junction stenosis (UPJS) is the most common cause of clinically significant antenatal hydronephrosis. We compared separate renal function results obtained using technetium-99m-mercaptoacetyltriglycine (Tc-99m MAG-3) and technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid (Tc-99m DMSA) in pediatric patients with UPJS to evaluate the adequacy of Tc-99m MAG-3 scintigraphy and the necessity of additional Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy during follow-up. Methodology Patients diagnosed with hydronephrosis in the Pediatric Nephrology Department of Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine over a period of 10 years (2012-2022) were evaluated retrospectively. Patients who had been diagnosed with UPJS and underwent both Tc-99m MAG-3 and Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy during follow-up were included in the study. Technetium-99m-labeled MAG-3 and DMSA scans were re-evaluated for all patients by the Department of Nuclear Medicine. Results The study included 52 children with unilateral UPJS (12 girls and 40 boys) with a mean age of 6.34 ± 4.81 years (range: 2.97-9.79 years). Thirty-six patients (69.2%) were diagnosed antenatally. Differential renal function in Tc-99m DMSA was 46.94 ± 10.64 and in Tc-99m MAG-3 was 43.08 ± 11.18; the functions were lower in Tc-99m MAG-3, but the values were within normal limits for both groups (p=0.0001, z=-3.893). When differential renal functions were compared between Tc-99m DMSA and Tc-99m MAG-3 results, a statistically significant positive and strong correlation was found in the kidney with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) (p=0.0001, r=0.752). When classifying the Tc-99m MAG-3 and Tc-99m DMSA results in the kidney with UPJO (supranormal, normal, low function) for the determination of differential renal functions, there was a consistency of 76%, and it was correlated (p=0.0001, k=0.456). While two patients had supranormal function and 13 patients had low function in Tc-99m MAG-3, five patients had supranormal function, and eight patients had low function in Tc-99m DMSA. Conclusions Some studies in the literature have reported that Tc-99m MAG-3 causes supranormal function measurements in patients with UPJS; our results showed that Tc-99m DMSA resulted in a higher rate of supranormal values for affected kidneys. We believe that Tc-99m DMSA should not be performed in addition to Tc-99m MAG-3 scintigraphy in the follow-up of every patient with UPJS but can be utilized in select cases, such as patients with surgical indications and those suspected before surgery.

From Request To Result: The Clinical Significance of EEG in a Tertiary Hospital in Turkey

Objective: This study aimed to assess the clinical and demographic profiles of patients undergoing electroencephalography (EEG) over one year, evaluate EEG's impact on patient management, and ascertain the appropriateness of EEG requests. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in the neurophysiology department at XXX University Faculty of Medicine over 12 months from October 2022 to October 2023. The study included the EEG request to the neurophysiology department; pediatrics and the cases that had artifacts or technical issues were excluded. Age, gender, imaging characteristics, EEG findings, and the reasons for EEG requests were recorded. The contribution of EEG to patient management was analyzed. Results: The study included 1217 patients with a mean age of 34.4±16.5 years, ranging from 18 to 90 years. Of these, 656 were female and 561 male. A history of epilepsy was reported in 821 patients. Neurology outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, and intensive care units requested the majority of EEGs. Epilepsy, presyncope/syncope, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) were the top reasons for EEG requests. Among the newly diagnosed epilepsy patients, 13 showed abnormal EEG results. The study identified MRI abnormalities in 202 patients, with a 27% concordance between EEG and MRI findings. EEG significantly influenced patient management in 577 cases (46.5%), demonstrating its crucial role in clinical decision-making. Conclusion: EEG's diagnostic value, particularly in epilepsy and complex neurological conditions, remains unique. Advocating suiting EEG requests and increasing physician knowledge of seizures can optimize patient care and resource use.

Training and Technology Acceptance of ChatGPT in University Students of Social Sciences: A Netcoincidental Analysis.

This study analyzes the perception and usage of ChatGPT based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Conducting reticular analysis of coincidences (RAC) on a convenience survey among university students in the social sciences, this research delves into the perception and utilization of this artificial intelligence tool. The analysis considers variables such as gender, academic year, prior experience with ChatGPT, and the training provided by university faculty. The networks created with the statistical tool "CARING" highlight the role of perceived utility, credibility, and prior experience in shaping attitudes and behaviors toward this emerging technology. Previous experience, familiarity with video games, and programming knowledge were related to more favorable attitudes towards ChatGPT. Students who received specific training showed lower confidence in the tool. These findings underscore the importance of implementing training strategies that raise awareness among students about both the potential strengths and weaknesses of artificial intelligence in educational contexts.

A Comparative Legal Analysis of Attractiveness of Educational Programs of Law Faculties of Universities of the Two Capitals from the Competitive Ability Standpoint

A Comparative Legal Analysis of Attractiveness of Educational Programs of Law Faculties of Universities of the Two Capitals from the Competitive Ability Standpoint

COVID-19 vaccination hesitance and adverse effects among US adults: a longitudinal cohort study.

Although Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination is critical to control its spread, vaccine hesitancy varies significantly among the United States population; moreover, some vaccine recipients experienced various adverse effects. We aim to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in a university-affiliated community, the factors affecting participants' decisions, and their adverse effects. A pre-vaccination online Institutional Review Board IRB-approved survey was emailed in Nov/Dec 2020, 2 months before the implementation of state-policy protocols for COVID-19 vaccination. A post-vaccination survey was emailed in May/June 2021, two months after protocol execution. A third follow-up survey was sent in Nov/Dec 2021, and a fourth was sent in June/July 2022. The study population included three groups of adult participants: university students, faculty, and staff-(MS), university health system patients-(MP), and Cancer Center patients-(MCP). The study was designed as a longitudinal cohort study. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS. With a combined response rate of 26% (40,578/157,292) among the four surveys, 15,361 participants completed the first survey (MS = 4,983, MP = 9,551, and MCP = 827). 2/3 of participants (63.5%) were willing to get vaccinated, with a significant difference in acceptance among groups, MS:56.6%, MP:66.2%, and MCP:71.6% (p < 0.05). Vaccine acceptance rates reached 89% in the second survey after the vaccine's approval, with a lower acceptance rate of MS:84.6% than with MP:90.74% and MCP:92.47% participants (p < 0.05). Safety and effectiveness concerns were the main factors affecting participants' decisions in all the first three surveys; however, participants reported these concerns decreased between pre-vaccination, post-vaccination, and follow-up surveys with 87%, 56%, and 46%, respectively(p < 0.05). More than two-thirds of the participants (70%) reported having either minor/moderate symptoms (61.6%) or major symptoms (8.6%) after getting some of the vaccine doses (p < 0.05). The hesitance of COVID-19 vaccination was associated with concerns regarding its safety and efficacy. Vaccine acceptance rose higher than expected after protocol execution, likely due to continuous education, whereas safety and efficacy remain factors hindering vaccine acceptance. Continuous education focusing on safety and efficacy of the vaccine can reduce vaccine hesitancy and raise the rates of vaccination.

Interaction impact of drought stress, nutrient-deficient water, and seed-borne pathogen (Alternaria alternata) on germination and vigor of two tomato varietiesination and vigor of two tomato varieties

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is considered one of the leading vegetable plants in the world. This study evaluated the germination and vigor capabilities of ‘Marmande’ and ‘Kecskeméti Jubileum’ varieties under different conditions, including drought stress, nutrient-deficient water, and the effect of seed-borne disease caused by Alternaria alternata when prime and non-prime with salicylic acid. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory in 2023 at Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management Faculty of University of Debrecen. Results indicated that the ‘Kecskeméti Jubileum’ variety exhibited a superior strength to ‘Marmande’ in the seedling’s dry weight, seedling growth rate, and vigor index under nutrient-deficient water. Nevertheless, when applying levels of drought, the ‘Marmande’ variety had a higher viability rate of 62.5% in comparison with another variety, and the germination rate of the two tomato varieties is at 85.5% in 5% concentration but decreased progressively when exposed to a higher drought concentration of 10%. When using 3 ml of salicylic acid during germination stages, the seedling vigor index of ‘Marmande’ shows a greater index at 165 compared to ‘Kecskeméti Jubileum’, just 108 under the infection of Alternaria alternata. The results of the examination of drought stress, and the effect of Alternaria alternata, one cause of seed-borne pathogens, showed that the percentage germination and vigor ability of the ‘Marmande’ variety performed better than ‘Kecskeméti Jubileum’ under the same conditions.

Exploring Academic Mobility Experiences of Russian University Faculty Members

Exploring Academic Mobility Experiences of Russian University Faculty Members

PHARMACY STUDENTS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES ABOUT PROBIOTICS

Objective: Probiotics are an important and fast-growing functional food group. Pharmacy students, as pharmacists of the future, need to have sufficient knowledge on this subject. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate pharmacy students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about probiotics. Material and Method: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among students of Suleyman Demirel University Faculty of Pharmacy in Türkiye between 9 October and 30 October 2023. The paper-based questionnaires consisted of 23 questions and were administered for approximately 10-15 minutes. Result and Discussion: The questionnaires were answered by 347 (74.7%) students. The mean±SD of the knowledge score was 5.14±1.53. The majority of respondents (79%) correctly identified probiotics. Approximately half of the participants knew the type of bacteria used in probiotic production The mean±SD of the attitude score was 11.13±1.44. Most respondents (91.9%) believed that probiotic consumption was beneficial for health. The mean±SD of the practice score was 3.72±2.77. 45.2% of respondents stated that they had used probiotic supplements before and 31.1% stated that they had sought additional information about probiotics from various sources. 40.6% of the respondents stated that they recommend probiotics to their family/close relatives. This study showed that although the attitudes of pharmacy students were acceptable, they had some knowledge deficiencies and their practices were poor. To increase the knowledge and practices of pharmacy students about probiotics, this subject should be given more space in undergraduate education and relevant scientific events should be organized.

Clinicopathological significance of mutation profile detected by next generation sequencing in different metastatic organs of non-small cell lung cancers

BackgroundThe primary tumor and it’s metastases show heterogeneity in molecular studies for targeted therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC), the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The study aimed to identify somatic mutations in biopsies from NSCLC patients’ metastatic organs using Next-Generation Sequencing(NGS) and examine their association with clinicopathological parameters. Materials and methodsThe study included 128 NSCLC patients and, NGS was performed on tumor biopsies from different metastatic organs at Molecular Pathology laboratory of the Department of Medical Pathology in Aydın Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine. The age, gender, histopathological diagnoses, metastatic organs, smoking and mutation status were all recorded, along with the analysis results of 72 genes and 4149 primers in the panel of the NGS system. Results53.9 % of the cases had a history of smoking and patients with brain metastases had a higher smoking rate(p=0.000). The most common occurrence(39.8 %) was lymph node metastasis, followed by brain(19.5 %). There was a strong correlation between mutation presence and metastasis in the liver(p=0.012), bone(p=0.002), and pleura(p=0.008). Smokers had a higher frequency of KRAS(p=0.000) and TP53(p=0.001) mutations. Brain metastases showed a statistically significant NF1 mutation(p=0.001), while the liver exhibited a significant BRAF mutation(p=0.000). NF1-TP53, PTEN-TP53 and NF1-PTEN were the most common concomitant mutations and, the brain was the most common metastatic organ in which they occurred. ConclusionOur results suggest prizing assessing detected mutations, in the prediction, follow-up and management of metastases, especially in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. The assessment also needs to consider the tumor's mutation status in metastatic organs. New therapeutic agents targeting NF1 mutations will be available in the future to treat NSCLC, especially in metastases.

Tested Instructions for the 1-Minute Laughie Laughter Prescription

This Brief Report presents tested instructions for facilitating the Laughie (Laugh Intentionally Everyday) Laughter Prescription in a group setting. The Laughie is a rapid, 1-minute prescriptive technique conceived to encourage participants to harness the positive outcomes associated with laughter. The Laughie was prescribed to Turkish earthquake survivors (N = 20) 3 times a day for 2 weeks in a laughter intervention that was delivered by the first author, a nurse faculty member at Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, Ankara, Türkiye. The report aims to describe tested instructions for how the Laughie prescription may be facilitated by nurses and health care workers to benefit participants within their communities.

In vitro fertilization results of GNRH antagonists and medroxyprogesterone acetate used to prevent premature LH surge during ovarian hyperstimulation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) treatment in comparison to those of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists for the prevention of premature luteinizing hormone surges during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (OS) and the impact of these effects on developing embryos and pregnancy outcomes. Data from 757 cycles of GnRH antagonist treatment and 756 cycles of MPA treatment were evaluated at the Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine Assisted Reproductive Treatment Center between October 2018 and April 2022. Patient records were obtained from the electronic database of the centre and analysed. In our centre, GnRH antagonist protocols were used between 2018 and 2020, and MPA protocols were used between 2020 and 2022. We chose our study population by year. Our study is a comparative retrospective study. All methods in this study were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. Patients using MPA were significantly older (33.9 ± 5.6 vs. 32.6 ± 5.6, p < 0.001) and had a lower number of antral follicles (AFC) (10.7 ± 8.6 vs. 11.9 ± 10.8, p = 0.007) than those using GnRH antagonists. Both MPA (2.9%) and GnRH antagonists (2.2%) had similar effectiveness in preventing premature ovulation (p = 0.415). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the number of total developed embryos (1.3 ± 1.3 vs. 1.2 ± 1.2, p = 0.765). There was no significant difference in the clinical pregnancy rates with the first ET (%35.4 vs. %30.1, p = 0.074), per total number of transfers (35.3% vs. 30.1%, p = 0.077). MPA was found to be effective at preventing premature ovulation during OS treatment, and the incidence of developing embryo and pregnancy outcomes in patients using MPA were similar to those in patients using GnRH antagonists. Therefore, the use of MPA instead of GnRH antagonists during OS may be a viable alternative for patients not scheduled for fresh ET.

Triple therapy: Three departments collaborating to train medical students in rural settings.

The primary healthcare (PHC) rotation places medical students in rural district hospitals for 4 weeks during their 4th or 5th year. This rotation is a collaboration among three academic units at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Learning activities during this rotation include participation in a longitudinal community-oriented primary care project, conducting rehabilitation-oriented home visits to persons with disabilities, and assessing and treating patients presenting with undifferentiated problems on an in- and outpatient basis. Working in rural contexts for a month affords students opportunities to foster meaningful relationships with the healthcare team, patients and the community, while learning about collaborative teamwork and communities. Critical reflections about the interprofessional care of patients and a community evaluation are key components of the students' learning and assessment. Demonstrating the importance of interprofessional collaboration in PHC, this integrated training model has received, and continues to receive, positive feedback from students and the clinicians involved. Attention to logistics and academic support plays a crucial role in ensuring optimal learning for students. An integrated approach that involves multiple academic units, various healthcare professions and communities is strongly recommended for those who are considering training students in rural PHC environments.