Self-directed learning versus traditional didactic learning in undergraduate medical education: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Self-Directed Learning (SDL) is a theory of andragogy in which adult learners take their own initiative to identify and tailor their individual learning process and outcomes. In undergraduate medical education, SDL aims to develop medical students into lifelong learners. This study aims to estimate the overall effectiveness of self-directed learning compared to traditional didactic learning (TDL).

Novel multiparameter optical sensor head design for marine environments.

Anthropogenic activities have led to increased stress on our marine and other aquatic environments. There is a pressing need to monitor, measure, understand and mitigate causes of these pressures. This paper presents a novel optical head for monitoring and measuring marine based optical phenomena.

Childhood-Onset ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: From Genetic Studies to Advances in Pathogenesis, Classification and Novel Therapeutic Approaches.

Childhood-onset antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) represents a heterogeneous group of multi-system autoimmune conditions associated with chronic inflammation, characteristically affecting small blood vessels, leading to various organ and system manifestations. Although rare in paediatric populations, AAV poses challenges in early recognition, diagnosis and management of refractory cases. This review highlights the characteristics of clinical presentation and outcomes of AAV in children, as well as its current classification and progress achieved in understanding the disease pathogenesis, with a focus on adult and paediatric genetic studies.

Synergistic Effects of the Combination of Alpelisib (PI3K Inhibitor) and Ribociclib (CDK4/6 Inhibitor) in Preclinical Colorectal Cancer Models.

The CDK4/6 inhibitor Ribociclib has shown limited efficacy as a monotherapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, combining Ribociclib with targeted therapies could present a viable strategy for treating CRC. This study evaluated the combination of Ribociclib and the PI3K inhibitor Alpelisib across four distinct cell lines representing different mutational statuses ( wild-type, -mutated, -mutated, and -mutated).

Carotid Artery Medialization in Velocardiofacial Syndrome: Importance of Nasoendoscopy.

Velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS), also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome, is a complex genetic disorder associated with a spectrum of phenotypic features, including craniofacial anomalies, congenital heart defects, and neurodevelopmental challenges. Among the more concerning, though under-recognized, presentation in VCFS is carotid artery medialization-a finding that places patients at substantial risk for vascular injury during pharyngeal surgeries.