Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Research Articles

Specialties preference by gender among medical students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa.

To determine the speciality preferences and the gender differences in the choice of speciality among medical students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa. This cross-sectional study was conducted among fourth- to sixth-year medical students. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 16 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, United States). A total of 174 students participated (response rate of 74%). Their median age was 23 years with interquartile range of 2 years. More than half (57%) were females. About 83% had no previous qualifications. Most (89%) have shown interest in pursuing specialist training. Surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology and internal medicine were the most selected specialities, while family medicine, ophthalmology, forensic medicine, public health medicine, ear, nose and throat, and accident and emergency medicine were the least preferred. Males were more likely interested in surgery and internal medicine, while females preferred obstetrics and gynaecology. The majority of the medical students intends to pursue their postgraduate medical training. Even though the results were not statistically significant, there are gender differences in speciality preferences. There is a need to develop and implement career guidance and recruitment plans to deal with specialities with poor recruitment and gender imbalance.Contribution:To deal with specialties with poor and gender imbalance, career guidance and recruitment plans must be developed and implemented.

Understanding of 'generalist medical practice' in South African medical schools.

In South Africa, medical students are expected to have acquired a generalist competence in medical practice on completion of their training. However, what the students and their preceptors understand by 'generalist medical practice' has not been established in South African medical schools. This study aimed to explore what the students and their preceptors understood by 'generalist medical practice'. Four South African medical schools: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Walter Sisulu University and the University of the Witwatersrand. The exploratory descriptive qualitative design was used. Sixteen focus group discussions (FGDs) and 27 one-on-one interviews were conducted among students and their preceptors, respectively. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. The inductive and deductive data analysis methods were used. The MAXQDA 2020 (Analytics Pro) software was used to arrange data, yielding 2179 data segments. Ten themes were identified: (1) basic knowledge of medicine, (2) first point of contact with all patients regardless of their presenting problems, (3) broad field of common conditions prevalent in the community, (4) dealing with the undifferentiated patient without a diagnosis, (5) stabilising emergencies before referral, (6) continuity, (7) coordinated and (8) holistic patient care, necessitating nurturance of doctor-patient relationship, (9) health promotion and disease prevention, and (10) operating mainly in primary health care settings. The understanding of 'generalist medical practice' in accordance with internationally accepted principles augurs well in training undergraduate medical students on the subject. However, interdepartmental collaboration on the subject needs further exploration.Contribution: The study's findings can be used as a guide upon which the students' preceptors and their students can reflect during the training in generalist medical practice.

A review of the career choices of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University pharmacy graduates from 2015 to 2019 – A pilot study

A review of the career choices of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University pharmacy graduates from 2015 to 2019 – A pilot study

A New Methodology to Determine the Orifice for Root Canal Configurations in First Permanent Molar Root and Canal Morphologies Using Micro-Computed Tomography.

The distinction between where the pulp chamber ends and the root canal system begins is poorly defined within the existing literature. This paper aimed to describe a range of accurate methods to define the transition from pulp chamber to root canal in different first molar root morphologies using micro-focus computed tomography (micro-CT). The sample consisted of 86 mandibular and 101 maxillary first molars from the skeletal collections housed in the Department of Anatomy and Histology of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and the Pretoria Bone Collection. A stepwise approach using the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and dedicated landmarks was followed to create an automated cross-sectional slice. Transition from pulp chamber to root canal could be accurately determined on maxillary and mandibular teeth. The occurrence of two separate roots in mandibular molars was 97.7%, with the remaining 2.3% having an additional disto-lingual root, with no mandibular molars displaying fused roots. In the maxillary molars, 92.1% had three separate roots and 7.9% displayed root fusion. Within this group, one tooth displayed a C-shaped root canal configuration and one a mesotaurodont-type morphology. The suggested methodology to determine orifice location was found to be appropriate in all morphological types.

What do medical students and their clinical preceptors understand by primary health care in South Africa? A qualitative study

BackgroundThe definition of Primary Health Care (PHC) issued by the World Health Organisation in 1978 indicated that essential health care should be made accessible to individuals and their communities close to where they live and work. In 1992 Starfield articulated the four pillars of PHC: the patient’s first contact with healthcare, comprehensive care, coordinated care and continuous care. Using this literature guidance, this study sought to explore what undergraduate medical students and their clinical preceptors understood by PHC in four South African medical schools.MethodsA qualitative study using the phenomenological design was conducted among undergraduate medical students and their clinical preceptors. The setting was four medical schools in South Africa (Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Walter Sisulu University and the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Witwatersrand University). A total of 27 in-depth interviews were conducted among the clinical preceptors and 16 focus group discussions among the students who were in their clinical years of training (MBChB 4–6). Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim, followed by thematic data analysis using the MAXQDA 2020 (Analytics Pro) software.ResultsFour themes were identified in which there were similarities between the students and their preceptors regarding their understanding of PHC: (1) PHC as the patient’s first contact with the healthcare system; (2) comprehensive care; (3) coordination of care and (4) continuity of care. A further two themes were identified in which these two groups were not of similar understanding: (5) PHC as a level or an approach to healthcare and (6) the role of specialist clinical preceptors in PHC.ConclusionsMedical students and their clinical preceptors displayed an understanding of PHC in line with four pillars articulated by Starfield and the WHO definition of PHC. However, there remains areas of divergence, on which the medical schools should follow the guidance provided by the WHO and Starfield for a holistic understanding of PHC.

Clinical academic staffing levels at a South African dental school

The inadequacy and skewed distribution of oral health personnel in South Africa are well-documented. Surprisingly, the staffing levels at dental schools have not previously been described. To determine the number of full-time equivalent clinical academic staff working at the dental school of the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University for the five-year period 2015 to 2019.A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study. Data related to the demographic characteristics and employment types of clinical academic staff working at the dental school between January 2015 and December 2019 were acquired from annual reports, payroll records and school calendars and used to calculate full-time equivalents (FTE) by academic ranks and specialties. Females and Black general dental practitioners at lecturer level constituted the majority of staff. FTE of staff at lecturer level increased sharply between 2016 and 2017 (52.7 FTE vs 65.9 FTE respectively) and have since graduall declined. FTEs of staff at senior lecturer (15.8FTE vs 12.1FTE) and professorial (7.8 FTE vs 5.3FTE) levels have continued to decline. FTEs of staff working in the majority of specialties have decreased while staffing levels in Prosthodontics and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery have increased. Staffing levels declined between 2015 and 2019

Using log diaries to examine the activities of final-year medical students at decentralised training platforms of four South African universities

Background. An important strategy in the transformation and scaling up of medical education is the inclusion and utilisation of decentralised training platforms (DTPs). Objective. In light of the dearth of research on the activities of medical students at DTPs, the purpose of this study was to determine how final-year medical students spent their time during the integrated primary care (IPC) rotation at a DTP. Methods. The study was conducted at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and Walter Sisulu University (WSU). At each of the participating universities, a voluntary group of final-year medical students completed a log diary by entering all activities for a period of 1 week during the IPC rotation. The log diary contained five activity codes: clinical time teaching time, skill time, community time and free time, with each subdivided into additional categories. The data were analysed for students at each university separately, using frequencies and proportions. Results. A total of 60 students volunteered to complete the diaries: at WSU n=21; UKZN n=11; Wits n=18; and SMU n=10. At each university, students reported that they spent large amounts of time on clinical activities: WSU=46.0%; UKZN=33.8%; Wits=29.6%; and SMU=44.1%. They reported low amounts of time spent on community-based activities: WSU 0.8%; UKZN 7.6%; Wits 6.8%; and SMU 0.0%. Conclusion. Students reported that they spent a sizeable proportion of their time on clinical activities, while reported time spent on community-based activities was negligible. The transformation potential of DTPs will only be realised when students spend more time on community-based activities.

A Comparison of Convergence Angles of Crown preparations in an undergraduate programme at a Tertiary Institution

The retention of indirect dental restorations is of concern for clinicians as it influences the success of clinical outcomes. Retention and resistance are dependent on many factors including the convergence angles of the opposing axial wall tapers. Adequate axial wall taper is important in crown preparation to improve physical retention and increase resistance of the restoration. Aims and objectives To determine and compare the convergence angles (CA) of KaVo® teeth prepared for full coverage crown restorations by fourth year dental students in a preclinical fixed prosthodontics module in a five year dentistry training programme. Methodology Crown preparations produced by fourth year dental students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), South Africa, over a period of 3 years were included in this study. These preparations were digitally captured using CAD-CAM imaging technology. The images were analysed in ImageJ® software to determine the mesio-distal convergence angles. Statistical analysis was undertaken using SPSS ver. 27 for Windows. Results The overall mean convergence angle of 15.38° ± 6.68° was computed for n=75 crown preparations. ANOVA revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in the CA among the three cohorts (2017: 16.87° ± 6.94°; 2018: 17.23° ± 6.13°; 2019: 12.02° ± 5.86°). A reasonable proportion of dental students n=25 (33%) achieved the recommended CA of 6° to 12°.ConclusionThis study indicates that with objective evaluation tools, it is possible to improve on the intended guidelines for crown preparations during undergraduate teaching and training in pre-clinical Fixed Prosthodontics.

Contextualising the Perceptions of Pharmacists Practicing Clinical Pharmacy in South Africa-Do We Practice what We Preach?

The National Department of Health published their Quality Standards for Healthcare Establishments in South Africa and introduced the National Health Insurance, with the pilot phase that commenced in 2012. The system requires an adequate supply of pharmaceutical personnel and the direct involvement of clinical pharmacists throughout the medication-use process to ensure continuity of care, minimised risk with increasing improvement of patient outcomes. The study aimed to provide insight into the pressing issues of clinical pharmacy practice in South Africa, and sets out to contextualise the current profile of the pharmacist performing clinical functions. The study used a quantitative, explorative, cross-sectional design. The population included pharmacists from private and public tertiary hospitals. A questionnaire was administered, using Typeform™. Ethics approval was obtained from Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, National Department of Health and Private Healthcare groups. Categorical data were summarised using frequency counts and percentages; continuous data were summarised by mean values and standard deviations. The sample size included 70 pharmacists practicing clinical pharmacy (private sector n = 59; public sector n = 11). Most participants hold a BPharm degree (busy with MPharm qualification) (64%; n = 70). No statistical significance was found between participants in private and public practice. Most pharmacist agreed (32% (private); n = 59) and strongly agreed (45% (public); n = 11) to have sufficient training to perform pharmaceutical care. The majority respondents felt that interventions made by the pharmacist improved the rational use of medicine (47% (private); 55% (public). Pharmacist interventions influence prescribing patterns (42% (private); 64% (public); and reduce polypharmacy (41% (private); 55% (public). The clinical functions mostly performed were evaluation of prescriptions (private 90%; public 82%), while the top logistical function is daily ordering of medication (40.7%; private), and checking of ward stock (36%; public). Although not all pharmacists appointed in South Africa has completed the MPharm degree in clinical pharmacy, the pharmacists at ward level perform numerous clinical functions, even if only for a small part of their workday. This paper sets the way to standardise practices of clinical pharmacy in South Africa, with a reflection on the differences in practice in different institutions.

Future plans of final-year dental therapy students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

The distribution and accessibility of healthcare professionals as well as the quality of healthcare services that the healthcare system is able to deliver are significantly affected by the choices of the medical and other health science graduates. To describe the career and practice intentions of final-year dental therapy students’ classes of the years 2017 and 2018 at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Design A cross-sectional survey. A structured, closed, self-administered, questionnaire was used to collect data. Data related to demographic characteristics, work preferences and career intentions were acquired and then captured in Microsoft excel software. Female students constituted the majority (54.05%). The average age of the population was 23 years old. 64.86% of the students preferred to work in the public sector. A little more (18.9% vs 13.5%) students had been offered jobs than had applied. Twice as many (54.05% vs. 27.03%) preferred to work in the Gauteng province as the percentage who resided there. No fewer than 59.46% saw themselves owning private practices in five years’ time. The majority of students preferred to work in the public sector after graduating with the intention of owning a private practice in the medium term.

Integrating Industry-Specific Training into Mainstream University Computer Science Curriculum: Case of SMU

Changes in industry promote curriculum reforms in education, especially in higher education, which serves as an industry feeder. The need to renew the Computer Science curriculum (CSC) is critical because it is dynamic and constantly evolves as the axis of modern technology. Integrating the industry's needs into the CSC can be a useful strategy for keeping up with such changes. A number of countries in Europe and beyond have developed ways in bringing vocational training into mainstream university curriculum. This paper discusses the significance of integrating industry-specific training (IST) into the existing CSC in higher education. The Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa is used as an example. This integration combines standard academic CSC content with beneficial, carefully selected industry aspects. The study followed a qualitative design, which encompassed the ideas and perceptions of the students enrolled at the time, experiences of former students who are employed in the computer science industry, and lecturers. Data were collected using questionnaires, directed to each stratum. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results from the study were satisfactory and affirmed that, IST integration into the CSC is valuable, helps build networks and integrates timely mentorship into the world of work in the students.

The relationship between the mechanism of injury and mandibular fractures

This prospective study describes the mechanism of injury, patient demographics and clinical presentation of 100 consecutive patients encountered in the patient population served by the Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. To determine the demographics, presentation and mechanism of injury of patients presenting with mandibular fractures in the patient population served by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Seventy percent of mandibular fractures were secondary to assault. Although this was high in comparison to other studies, it was similar to studies performed in London and other regions of South Africa. Mandibular fractures resulting from MVA (motor vehicle accidents), falls and sports were found to be less than the norm. The high percentage of mandibular fractures due to assault concurs with similar studies previously conducted in South Africa. With some variables similar to international trends, while others are not; certain salient results highlight the need for interventional campaigns.

From teaching psychology in conqueror South Africa to teaching Africanswa moyain the psychology curriculum: critical reflections and experiences in a Masters Clinical Psychology programme

The democratic transition in conqueror South Africa in 1994 from the colonial and apartheid education system to the current epoch did not transform and address the epistemological and ethical injustices embedded in the psychology curriculum. This is despite the Constitutional provision for the exercise and enjoyment of cultural rights by the multiple ethnic groups existing in the country. Despite the fact that most departments of psychology in conqueror South African are led by Blacks and the staff and students composed mainly of Black African bodies, the philosophies, methodologies, and theories which are taught in the psychology curriculum still reflect the dominance of the conqueror’s epistemological paradigm manifesting in the exclusion of African swa moya (life discerning power of the soul). From the viewpoint of the conquered, the epistemological and ethical justification on which African experiences are excluded from the psychology curriculum are questionable. In order to fully gain legitimacy, relevance, and reflect the multiplicity of the realities of the current student population, and to serve the local communities, psychology in Africa in general and conqueror South Africa in particular must be premised on swa moya curriculum. Swa moya (life discerning power of the soul) is the resolute reaffirmation of African humanness. It also recognises the humanisation of the colonial conqueror and its posterity. In this article, I present the epistemological and ethical basis for an authentic African swa moya, as well as the development and practical implementation of swa moya curriculum in the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology training programme that is currently being taught at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.

Adherence to safety practices and risks associated with toxic chemicals in the research and postgraduate laboratories at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

The study investigated the knowledge of postgraduate students in the Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry departments regarding safety practices, protective measures and risks associated with toxic chemicals in the postgraduate and research laboratories. The study was exploratory and was conducted through administering 83 questionnaires. The results showed that the majority (78%) of the students received training on laboratory safety even though only 34% of them could identify all the warning signs associated with hazardous chemicals. Protective measures practised by students included wearing of buttoned laboratory coats (74%), closed shoes (78%), use of latex gloves (43%), correct use of dustbins for waste disposal (10%) and inspection of warning signs on chemical containers before use (54%), while only 25% of the students used fume cupboards. In case of an emergency, 72% knew what steps to take, whereas 28% were unaware of the steps to take. Students were aware of the potential risks associated with hazardous chemicals in the laboratory and had knowledge on the warning signs on chemicals even though adherence to the safety practices was still a problem. The majority of the participants felt that there was a need for continuous training on laboratory safety and regular reminders through the use of safety charts in laboratories.

Perceptions of Students towards the Postgraduate Biology Practical Demonstrators at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

The present study assessed the experiences of junior students on the ability, performance, and competence of demonstrators or instructors for practical classes in the Biology department. A total of 148 self-administered questionnaires were completed by the junior Biology students in years 1, 2, and 3. The result showed that 52.1% and 62.3% of the participants indicated that the demonstrators had adequate content knowledge of the practical sessions and were helpful during practical sessions respectively. Furthermore, 51.4% agreed that the marking of the practical assessments by the demonstrators was not usually accurate. Most of the respondents stated that the demonstrators were good listeners (77.4%), approachable (71.9%) and 83.0% of the participants did not have any problems with taking instructions from the demonstrators. The majority (69.0%) of the participants wanted the services of the demonstrators to be continued and 36.0% felt that there was a need to increase the number of demonstrators for the practical sessions. Some of the shortcomings of the demonstrators as mentioned by the respondents were the use of cell phones during the practical sessions and that the demonstrators were fond of talking amongst themselves rather than concentrating on the students they were supposed to assist. In general, though the demonstrators were considered to be helpful and that their services should be continued it is however recommended that they should be required to write pre-practical tests before the practical classes to improve their competency in marking and giving accurate answers during the practical classes.  https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.7.6

Throughputs of two cohorts of dental students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University: A comparison.

INTRODUCTION: The numbers of student dentists enrolled at dental schools across the country do not give an indication of the students' progress to degree. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe and compare the throughputs of dentistry course for two cohorts of students at Sefako Makgatho Health Science University. The progress to degree of the 2005 and 2010 cohorts of first year dental students was tracked and compared. DESIGN: A comparative cross-sectional study. METHODS: Academic records of the 2005 and 2010 cohorts of first year dental students were followed up over a five-year period. Data related to the demographic characteristics, numbers enrolled, numbers who dropped out, and the numbers who graduated were acquired and then captured in Microsoft Excel software. RESULTS: Female students constituted the majority of enrolees in both cohorts (53.8% vs. 51.3%). The proportions of students who started the course, completed the degree and graduated within the regulation time among the 2005 and 2010 cohorts were similar (42.1% vs. 41.2%. A lone student among the 2010 cohort dropped out of the course. The majority of students (57.9% vs. 55.9%) in both cohorts took longer to qualify. CONCLUSIONS: The throughputs of dentistry course for the two cohorts hovered around 40%.

Medical Volunteerism in Undergraduate Medical Programme: A Novel, in-depth Curriculum

Health disparities persist among several populations globally and doctors are well-placed to advocate for better health outcomes among the population they serve thereby promoting health equity. According to the literature, medical educators have the capacity to produce socially responsible medical doctors who have competency in health advocacy in addition to their clinical knowledge. However, apart from being taught the determinants of health, little, or no real-live experience is given to medical students in social medicine and health advocacy to enable them to develop the necessary skills in this area. At the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Pretoria, South Africa, Medical Volunteerism was offered as a selective course during the 2016 academic year. It entails engagement of the medical students in activities that tied them with the primary burden of providing service to an identified community, where they plan and participate in an organized activity that meets the identified needs of such community. This article describes the structure, content, and outcomes of this curriculum. The feedback from students and other stakeholders were strongly positive, the students rated the course highly in a variety of instances, including appropriateness of lecture topics, presentation of the course contents, course materials, effectiveness of teaching and level of students' participation. The average overall rating for the course was 8.4 based on a ten-point scale. Furthermore, the students acknowledged that it contributed to their personal development in terms of social activism in health. In conclusion, medical volunteerism selective has positive impact that is measurable, support should be given to students and facilitators who are interested in implementing similar selective as it has the potential of reinforcing certain values in medical students that could motivate them to have increased desire to work with underserved communities after graduation.

Anti‐glycation Effect and Advanced Glycation End‐products Cross‐link Breaking Ability of Sclerocarya birrea Stembark Extracts

Advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of late microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. Currently, there is no clinically approved anti‐glycation agent with minimal side effects. The objective of the study was to investigate the anti‐glycation effect and AGE‐cross‐link breaking ability of Sclerocarya birrea (S. birrea) stembark extracts. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was incubated with fructose in the presence of different stembark extracts of S. birrea at 37°C for 40 days. Fluorescent AGEs (FAGEs), total immunogenic AGEs (TIAGEs) and carboxymethyl lysine (CML) formed were measured using spectrofluorometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ability of S. birrea stembark extracts to break BSA‐AGE‐collagen cross‐links was also investigated by means of ELISA.Ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts significantly inhibited the formation of FAGEs than the standard inhibitor aminoguanidine. Hexane extract demonstrated significantly higher anti‐glycation activity than aminoguanidine against TIAGEs. The water extract exhibited higher inhibitory activity than aminoguanidine against the formation of CML. With regard to the ability to break down AGE‐cross‐links, S. birrea stembark methanol and water extracts demonstrated higher ability to break AGE‐cross‐links than the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts. In conclusion, crude S. birrea stembark extracts have the ability to inhibit the formation of AGEs and to breakdown AGEs‐protein cross‐links. The results of this study may lead to the isolation of bioactive phytochemicals from S. birrea stembark extracts that may be used for the prevention of vascular complications of diabetes.Support or Funding Information1. National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa. 2. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), South Africa

Exploring the Anti‐Cancer Properties of Efavirenz, in Comparison to Thalidomide

IntroductionIt has been suggested that “highly active antiretroviral therapy” (HAART) caused resolution of secondary pulmonary cancers. The question then is: ‘Do antiretroviral drugs (ARD) possess anti‐cancer properties, and if so, then how? Efavirenz, a Non‐Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor (NNRTI) and a first line drug used to manage HIV‐1 infection in both adults and children, is hereby investigated, in comparison with the known anti‐angiogenic and anti‐cancer drug, thalidomide.MethodologyEmbryonic CAMs of 30 fertile eggs of the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus variant Domesticus) were used as in vivo vascular test environment as follows: they were randomly allocated (n=6) to Human recombinant VEGF (R&D Systems), Thalidomide (Sigma‐Aldrich), Control 1 group treated with 70% ethanol (diluent), Control 2 group of embryos that were not manipulated and Efavirenz, (Sequoia Research Products).ResultsEfavirenz suppressed angiogenesis in Chick CAM in 100% of the subjects, showing more anti‐angiogenic properties than thalidomide. Embryonic viability (as a product of CAM angiogenesis) in all the experimental groups (n=6) was as follows: Control 6 (100%); VEGF 5 (83.3%); Thalidomide 1 (17%) and Efavirenz 0 (0.0%). Thalidomide failed to suppress angiogenesis in 17% of the subjects. Moreover, unlike thalidomide, Efavirenz also suppressed erythropoiesis.Discussion and ConclusionThe role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in both developmental and pathological angiogenesis has been studied (e.g. Ferrara, 2000; Hagedorn et al. 2004; Losordo et al., 2004; Maharaj, 2006; Makanya et al., 2007). VEGF is a specific and potent mitogen for endothelial cells that is expressed in a distinct temporo‐spatial pattern during mammalian lung development. Since cancer cell growth and viability depends on neo‐vascularization, this property of Efavirenz, which is antagonistic to VEGF activities, may cause spontaneous resolution of HIV‐associated cancers in patients placed on HAART. In a future work, the mechanism of action of this notable ARD will be further investigated.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Ga‐Rankuwa, Gauteng province of South Africa CAM Images CAM IMAGESCAM ImagesFigure 1 Results Group Mean Angiogenic effect Standard Deviation F P‐value VEGF 0.83 0.41 Thalidomide 0.17 0.41 9.306 *0.0005 Efavirenz 0 0 Control 1 0.67 0.52 Control 2 1 0 *indicates the p value is significant, p < 0.005. Possessing 17% angiogenicity implies the thalidomide failed as an anti‐angiogenic drug in the one embryo. Moreover, one of the embryos the thalidomide group reached the end of the experiment but died within seconds of exposure. CAM had one short thriving blood vessel on the CAM surface. In Efavirenz‐treated CAMS, no blood vessels were seen and neither was there any sign of erythropoiesis.

Student perceptions of clinical experiences in endodontic access cavity preparations

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to gain understanding into the perceptions of undergraduate dental students regarding their levels of competence and confidence when preparing endodontic access cavities MATERIALS AND METHOD: Anonymous survey forms were given to 100 undergraduate dental students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Oral Health Sciences. Students were asked to indicate their self-confidence level by using a 5-point Likert scale as 'not confident', 'manageable', 'comfortable and confident',' extremely confident' and 'never done it'. RESULTS: The response rate was 75 % out of 100 students. The majority of the participants (88%) indicated that they would perform endodontic access cavity preparation with ease on anterior teeth and the lowest (43%) confidence levels was indicated on multi-rooted posterior teeth Keywords: Perceptions, clinical experiences, endodontic access cavity preparation, teaching and learning.