Perceptions of first and third year medical students on self-study and reporting processes of problem-based learning

Background  

The objective of this study is to investigate the perceptions of first and third year medical students on self-study and reporting processes of Problem-based Learning (PBL) sessions and their usage of learning resources.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, rubella and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women in southern Turkey

Primary infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii, rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to serious complications in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma, rubella and CMV infections through antenatal screening. In this study, the consecutive records of 1652 pregnant women examined between the period March 2004 to January 2006 were included. The results of the antenatal screening for Toxoplasma, rubella and CMV during the first trimester of pregnancy were evaluated. Anti-Toxoplasma, anti-rubella and anti-CMV IgG and IgM antibodies were assayed using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method. Of the 1652 pregnant women tested, anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibody was found in 860 (52.1%) of the cases, while 9 (0.54%) of the subjects tested positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM. Anti-rubella IgG and IgM antibodies were reactive in 1570 (95.0%), and in 9 (0.54%) of the tested women, respectively. Moreover, 1568 (94.9%) of them were found to be positive for anti-CMV IgG, while 7 (0.4%) tested positive for anti-CMV IgM. Consequently, because of the high seropositivity of T. gondii, rubella and CMV in the pregnant women, the country's health authorities should be alerted, and preventive measures should be taken.     

Knowledge level and attitude towards complementary and alternative treatment methods among medical students: a cross-sectional survey study in Turkey

Abstract

Objective

People often use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) methods in Turkey, but reliability of the application of these methods is controversial. Considering the role of medical students (i.e. physician candidates) in sustainable health, their perspectives on CAM methods are important. This report explores the level of knowledge, experience, and preferences for the use of CAM methods among medical school students.     

Which is the dominant factor for perception of rheumatic pain: meteorology or psychology?

It is believed that there is an association between the weather and rheumatic symptoms. We aimed to investigate what kind of association is present and what are the factors which determine the nature of this association. Fifty-six subjects with rheumatic disease (31 RA, 15 SpA, 10 OA) who live in Antalya were followed between December 2005 and July 2006. Patients were asked to fill diaries which contain questions regarding the symptoms of their rheumatic diseases everyday. In every monthly visit, disease activity measurement, laboratory assessment and Beck depression inventory assessment were recorded. The symptomatic and psychological measurements were matched with the meteorological data of Antalya Regional Directorate of Meteorological Service of Turkish State. Correlation of symptoms with weather variables was investigated. Contributory effect of weather and of psychologic factors on symptom scores were evaluated by stepwise multiple regression analysis. Eighty-four percent of subjects belive in an association between weather and rheumatism, while 57% claimed to have ability to forecast weather. The maximum correlation coefficient between weather and arthritis symptoms was −0.451 and the maximum contribution of weather on symptoms was 17.1%. Arthritis symptoms were significantly contributed by Beck depression score. The belief about presence of weather–arthritis association was found to be stronger than its statistical power. Our results did not prove or rule out the presence of weather–rheumatism association. As long as the scientific attempts result in failure, the intuitive support in favour of the presence of weather–arthritis association will go on forever.     

Poor efficacy of ranitidine bismuth citrate-based triple therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori eradication rates have tended to decrease recently possibly related with increasing antibiotic resistance. The present study investigated the efficacy of three different ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) based triple regimens in a population with high prevalence of H. pylori. METHODS: 300 consecutive H. pylori positive patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia were randomized into three regimens: (1) RBC 400 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and tetracycline 500 mg [RBC-AT], (2) RBC 400 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg and clarithromycin 500 mg [RBC-AC], (3) RBC 400 mg, metronidazole 500 mg and tetracycline 500 mg [RBC-MT]. Tetracycline was given q.i.d, all other drugs were given b.i.d. for 14 days. Gastroscopy and (14)C-Urea breath test (UBT) were performed before enrollment and UBT only was repeated 6 weeks after the end of treatment. RESULTS: 274 patients completed the protocols. The overall 'intention to treat' and 'per protocol' H. pylori eradication rates in all subjects were 57.6% (95% CI: 52-63) and 63.1% (95% CI: 57-68), respectively. The eradication rates achieved in the groups (RBC-AT, RBC-AC and RBC-MT) were 64.4% (95% CI: 54-74), 66.2% (95% CI: 56-76), and 58.9% (95% CI: 49-68) on 'per protocol' analyses, respectively. There was no difference in eradication rates, compliance and major side effects between the groups. CONCLUSION: The current RBC-based H. pylori eradication therapy is not adequately effective.     

Response to vaccination against hepatitis B in patients with Behcet's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health problem in Turkey. Although hepatitis B vaccination is regarded as safe and effective for the general population, recommendations for hepatitis B immunization in patients with Behcet's disease are not clear. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the response of patients with Behcet's disease to hepatitis B vaccination and to determine whether hepatitis B vaccination has any adverse effects on the course of the disease. METHODS: Thirteen patients with Behcet's disease and 15 healthy individuals were enrolled into a prospective study. All subjects received the 3-dose series of routine hepatitis B vaccine. Anti-hepatitis B surface response was evaluated 1-3 months after the third dose of vaccine. RESULTS: The responder rates for patient and control groups were 12/13 (92.8%) and 14/15 (93.8%), respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of both the responder rates and mean antibody titers. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings might suggest that the majority of patients with Behcet's disease develop protective antibody response after hepatitis B vaccination and that the immune response against hepatitis B surface antigen is adequate, efficient and intact.