Objective: The objective of the study was to identify and isolate stem cells from healthy and inflamed dental pulp and characterize their differentiation potential into multiple lineages. Study design: Study was conducted in dental pulp tissues obtained from the children in the age range of 5-14 years. Tissue samples were collected from teeth indicated for pulp therapy and extractions for orthodontic purpose. Samples were processed in the laboratory including cell culture, isolation and differentiation into multiple lineages. The results for the analysis of various cell surface markers used for dental pulp were compared with bone marrow which is considered as a gold standard. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found in the expression of various surface markers between inflamed dental pulp and bone marrow. Healthy pulp from the primary teeth was not sufficient to use as a source for harvesting stem cells moreover the healthy tissue obtained from permanent teeth failed to show any results at all. Conclusion: Inflamed pulp discarded during pulp therapy procedures is a potential source for harvesting adult stem cells.
Introduction: Study habits is one important factor which influences the academic performance of students. The learning strategies of high achievers are likely to be more effective. The study was aimed to analyse the study habits among undergraduate medical students and compare the study habits of high, average and low achieving undergraduate medical students. Application of effective learning strategies may be helpful in achieving better academic outcomes. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a cross sectional, observational study with 118 Final year MBBS students as study participants using Dennis Congos Study Skills Inventory Questionnaire consisting of 51 study habits questions classified according to domains of Text Book reading, Notes taking, Memory, Test Preparation, Concentration, Time management. Results: The percentage of students scoring above the cut off levels in each domain were: Memory: 61/118 (51.69%), Concentration: 67/118 (56.77%), Notes taking: 7/118 (5.93%), Time management: 17/118 (14.40%), Test preparation: 31/118 (26.27%), Text book reading: 35/118 (29.66%). The only Study habit that showed significant difference across the high, medium and low achievers was: Ability to pay attention in the class (p: 0.006). Conclusion: Though the students are talented and fare better in Memory and Concentration skills, there is glaring lack of attitudinal skills like Notes taking, Time management, Test preparation and Textbook reading skills. Paying attention in the class seems to be one most important distinguishing learning strategy determining the academic performance. Teaching-Learning methodologies need to be made more interesting so as to actively engage the attention of low achievers also.
Introduction: Social media has become a pervasive force in the lives of 21 st century learners. Mobile learning has been increasingly used in the educational context. However, its adoption in medical education has been slow, and its effectiveness in medical education is a new area of inquiry. This study was conceived to assess the effectiveness of social media as a medical teaching tool. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a cross sectional, observational study with 150 III year MBBS students as study participants who were already enrolled in social network groups for educational purpose. A questionnaire catering to the objectives of the study was distributed and the response was evaluated. Results: 54% of the students answered that social media as a teaching tool, significantly made learning fun and lively. 55% of students responded that it significantly improved the academic enthusiasm. 66% of students observed that it was significantly effective in kindling interest in clinical learning. 61% felt that it simplified the difficult concepts moderately and 28% felt that it significantly simplified difficult concepts. 60% of students felt that it did not distract them from their routine studies. 42% and 54% of students rated the usefulness of the social media as an educational tool as excellent and as moderate respectively. Conclusion: Social media is effective as a medical teaching tool improving enthusiasm in academics, kindling interest in clinical learning, making learning fun and lively, without much distraction to students and can be integrated in the medical educational context.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the young men and less commonly women with a spectrum of manifestations including uveitis, arthritis, sacroiliitis, colitis and psoriasis (spondyloarthropathy). Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is a complex and heterogenous autoimmune disease that affects women in their childbearing age. It is characterized by circulating autoimmune antibodies that deposit in tissues, resulting in inflammatory response, causing irreparable tissue damage. Overlap and co-existence of these diseases are uncommon, as per literature evidence. The present study has reported the case of a 35-year-old female, who had HLA B27-positive spondyloarthropathy for 10 years and had been receiving sulfasalazine, and had neck swelling for 4 months. Screening conducted for TB in view of fever, weight loss and neck nodes, had reported negative results. She was found to have Reynaud’s disease, arthritis, bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy and elevated autoantibody titers including ANA, U1SM/RNP and Coombs-positive hemolysis. The diagnosis was concluded as MCTD and she had responded well to the treatment. As per the available literature, this could be touted as the first case study of a female patient with ankylosing spondylitis and MCTD.
Introduction: Hearing impairment is one of the under-recognized complications of diabetes that affects the cognitive performance and quality of life. The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment and analyze the type, degree and pattern of hearing impairment in diabetic population. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted as a case-control study including 50 diabetic patients and 20 healthy individuals after exclusion of confounding factors. Hearing assessment was done using pure tone audiometry. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment in diabetics of age 35-65 years was 74% compared to normal population (15%). 7 out of 13 diabetic patients in the age group of 35-45, 19 out of 37 diabetics in the age group of 45-55 & 11 out of 13 diabetics in the age group of 55-65 had hearing impairment. 9 out of 12 diabetic patients having HbA1c of < 7 and 28 out of 38 diabetic patients having HbA1c of >7 had hearing impairment. 21 out of 27 patients with diabetes duration of <1 year, 6 out of 11 patients with diabetes duration of 1-5 years, and 10 out of 12 patients with diabetes duration >5years had hearing impairment. Out of 37 diabetic patients who had hearing impairment, 24 (64%) had diabetic neuropathy. Conclusion: Eighth nerve dysfunction is common among diabetics. Its prevalence among the diabetics increases with age and positively correlates with the duration of diabetes and presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. However, its prevalence did not show positive correlation with the HbA1c levels.
Objectives: To present details of isolation, processing and differentiation of stem cells from inflamed dental pulp of primary teeth. Materials and methods: Tissue sample was collected from teeth indicated for a single visit pulp therapy. Samples were transported and processed in the laboratory which included culturing of cells, isolation and in vitro differentiation into multiple lineages. The results for the analysis of various cell surface markers used for dental pulp were compared with bone marrow. Results: There was no statistically significant difference found in the expression of various surface markers between dental pulp and bone marrow. The stem cells from dental pulp were differentiated into multiple lineages. Conclusion: Isolation of cells from oral tissues is technique sensitive.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.