Cytopathology training in the United States – a personal view

In this review we present an outline of cytopathology training in the United States, for a non-US readership.     

Female medical physicists: The results of a survey carried out by the International Organization for Medical Physics

IntroductionThe gender composition of the existing medical physicist (MP) workforce around the world is basically unknown. The International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) performed a survey in order to investigate the number of MPs in countries around the world and the percentage of women MPs compared to total number of MPs.Materials and methodsA simple online questionnaire prepared as a Google Forms survey asking the country, the total number of MPs, the number of female MPs and finally the gender of the person providing the data was sent in mid-March 2013 to six regional member organizations of IOMP, as well as contact points in many member countries.ResultsSixty-six countries responded to the survey by mid-July 2013. Fifty two percent of those who filled the form were females, the rest males. The total number of MPs was 17,024, of which 28% were female (4807). The median values of percentages of females were 21% in the USA, 47% in Europe, 35% in Asia, 33% in Africa and 24% in Latin America.ConclusionThis is the first international survey that investigates the number and percentage of female MPs around the world. There are European countries that are far away from the target set by European Commission (40%) whereas in countries in the Middle East and Asia, female MPs actually outnumber males. This study is the first step in a more in-depth study that needs to be taken in near future.     

Psychiatric training in the UK: the next steps

Postgraduate education and training in the UK is undergoing tremendous change. In this paper the changes affecting psychiatry are described, with an account of the drivers. Patients, their carers and politicians all expect psychiatric service providers to have certain characteristics. Psychiatric training is becoming more competency focused and it is right that assessments of competencies also occur at the place that trainees work. There are key competencies that trainees need to take into account while learning and working. These are described along with the way forward     

The replication of Hyposoter didymator polydnavirus: Cytopathology of the calyx cells in the parasitoid

Summary— In the ichneumonid wasp Hyposoter didymator, a polydnavirus was detected in the female reproductive tract. With the aim of studying the regulation of polydnavirus replication, the location and the structure of the virus-producing cells were determined, and the virus replication process was followed inside the ovaries of young adult females observed in light and electron microscopy. The examination of ovaries of pupa females revealed that virus replication is initiated within the calyx just prior to adult emergence. This study revealed that the calyx appears to be a specialized virogenic tissue which also has, during late pupal life, a secretory function that alters the function of virus production.     

On the safety assurance of cell processing carried out in medical institutions for autologous immuno-cell therapy

Autologous immuno-cell therapy of cancer has been mainly carried out in university hospitals as therapeutic research. Recently, private clinics specialized in the therapy are appearing in Japan. At present, cell processing necessary for the therapy is carried out not by pharmaceutical companies but by medical institutions. In this case, there is no government regulation on the safety assurance of the procedure. For the wholesome popularization of the therapy, however, it is of utmost importance to carry out cell processing under safety assurance, which could be done as self-regulation by medical institutions. A guideline for safety assurance tentatively set by Seta Clinic Group, which is a group of clinics specialized in the therapy and its usefulness in protecting patients from hazardous accidents are shown.     

On the safety assurance of cell processing carried out in medical institutions for autologous immuno-cell therapy

Recent evaluation of human prostate tissues has shown predominantly high expression of the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor in prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia or prostate cancer. However, the expression of its ligand, the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and the biological role of this signaling in prostate cancer has not been analyzed. In this research we determined the relationship of serum M-CSF level to clinical parameters of prostate cancer progression. We measured the serum level of M-CSF in 170 patients with histologically confirmed prostatic adenocarcinoma and in 54 patients in whom prostate cancer was not detected. We also investigated the M-CSF expression in prostate cancer tissues by immunohistochemistry. The serum levels of M-CSF in bone metastatic prostate cancer patients was significantly higher than those in non-metastatic patients, while M-CSF did not differ with regards to histological grade, Gleason score or local tumor progression. M-CSF expression was detected in prostate cancer cells themselves by immunohistochemistry. These results suggest that M-CSF may have a functional role in prostate cancer progression.     

The quality of smear taking training for hospital medical trainees

INTRODUCTION: Training for cervical smear takers in primary care is well established. We aimed to assess the adequacy of training in cervical smear taking among hospital medical trainees. METHOD: An anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted among hospital medical trainees within the North West region of England. The questionnaire assessed the trainees' level of confidence in their knowledge and skills in the theoretical and practical aspects of cervical smear taking, and the training they had received. The standards used were as stated in the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme Resource Pack for Training Smear Takers (July 1998). These included practical smear taking, pre- and post-test counselling, the background to cervical screening, the National Health Service Cervical Screening Programme, the role of the Health Authority and the laboratory, provision for women with special needs, acceptability, accountability and quality assurance. RESULTS: Seventy-eight per cent of trainees returned the questionnaires. Although all the trainees were confident about taking smears, a significant percentage was concerned about the theoretical and specific issues associated with smear taking such as the care of women with special needs. Only 60.7% had received formal training in practical smear taking. Furthermore, only 48.3% had been formally trained in the clinical management of smears. CONCLUSION: There appears to be an urgent need for formal training in the theory and practice of smear taking and for the standardization of the course content. The introduction of training in liquid-based cytology provides us with a golden opportunity to address this deficit.     

开展临床指导教师对普通专科医师培训情况的调查结果分析

目的:调查我院专科医师培训开展的整体情况,为继续做好专科医师培训工作提供依据。方法:随机调查我院参与普通专科医师培训轮转科室的指导教师,发放自制调查表。结果:90%以上导师认为科室带教质量高;48.78%导师认为临床科室应为学员每月发放1000元以上生活补助;60.98%导师认为硕士研究生普通专科医师培训时间应为二年;60%以上导师认为应着重硕士研究生临床操作技能、医患沟通能力、病历书写能力及阅片能力等方面能力的培训;50%以上导师认为目前培训中存在的主要问题是生活无保障;图书馆国内外最新文献不足;监管力度不强;临床技能培训针对性不强等。结论:我院开展普通专科医师培训整体情况较好。但仍存在很多问题,在今后的培训过程中应继续为学员的生活提供更多保障,继续加强管理监督,保证培训按计划、按质量完成。     

开展临床指导教师对普通专科医师培训情况的调查结果分析

目的：调查我院专科医师培训开展的整体情况,为继续做好专科医师培训工作提供依据。方法：随机调查我院参与普通专科医师培训轮转科室的指导教师,发放自制调查表。结果：90％以上导师认为科室带教质量高;48．78％导师认为临床科室应为学员每月发放1000元以上生活补助;60．98％导师认为硕士研究生普通专科医师培训时间应为二年;60％以上导师认为应着重硕士研究生临床操作技能、医患沟通能力、病历书写能力及阅片能力等方面能力的培训;50％以上导师认为目前培训中存在的主要问题是生活无保障;图书馆国内外最新文献不足;监管力度不强;临床技能培训针对性不强等。结论：我院开展普通专科医师培训整体情况较好。但仍存在很多问题,在今后的培训过程中应继续为学员的生活提供更多保障,继续加强管理监督,保证培训按计划、按质量完成。     

Focus: Bioethics: Cannabis Use Patterns and Related Health Outcomes Among Spanish Speakers in the United States and Internationally

Cannabis and health research continue to largely ignore the usage patterns, perceptions, and medically related use in Spanish-speaking communities. The primary aim of this study was to collect data among Spanish-speaking communities on cannabis use that specifically characterizes granular demographic information, medically motivated and recreational use patterns including potency of products, medical motivations for use, and what perceptions are held as to risks and benefits. Secondarily, exploratory analyses were made to investigate potential effects of location or acculturation status. Five hundred forty-nine individuals completed the survey, including 294 residing in the United States (US) (M_age=31.8, SD=9.72; 154 women, 137 men, 3 non-binary and self-described individuals), 174 residing outside of the US (International) (M_age=26.6, SD=8.75; 77 women, 96 men, 1 non-binary and self-described individuals), and 81 who did not report country of residence (Unknown location) (M_age=26.7, SD=7.37; 17 women, 61 men, 3 non-binary and self-described individuals). Overall use was mostly recreational, while the US group was significantly more motivated by medical or combined medical and recreational reasons than the other two groups (p=0.02). The most common reason for medical use was anxiety or depression (14% of sample). The US group also smoked or vaporized significantly more often than the other two groups and was more likely to include daily users (p<0.001). The sample generally viewed the effects of cannabis use more favorably than negatively, but there were significant differences in these views between users and non-users. The rich heterogeneity suggested by these data belies the importance of taking an equity focused approach to cannabis research and will help to improve representation in the field.     

探索病理学教学改革,培养高素质医学人才

病理学是医学院校的重要基础课,高质量的病理学教学是培养高素质医学人才的必要基础。从更新教学内容,科学运用新的教学方法及多种现代化教学手段等方面探讨了当代病理学教学改革。     

Preliminary study on current perceptions and usage of training equipment by horse enthusiasts in Canada

Training practices may impose restrictions on the equine behavioral repertoire through the use of training equipment. Presently, the prevalence of the use of training equipment in Canada is unknown. Through an online survey for horse enthusiasts (n = 654), this study evaluated the prevalence and predominant uses of whips, spurs, and head-control equipment by enthusiasts with direct contact with horses compared to perceptions held by enthusiasts with no direct horse contact using chi-squared analyses. Respondents primarily reported using whips and spurs to augment rider or trainer cues and reported using head-control equipment mainly for lunging purposes. The perceived frequency of spurs and head-control equipment use during riding or training by nonactive horse enthusiasts was significantly greater than reported usage by riders and trainers (p < .05). The results potentially indicate a lack of understanding and miscommunication of training equipment use by riders and trainers. The frequent reporting of training equipment for the purpose of augmenting rider cues may imply misinterpretation of the correct application of learning theory. These preliminary results warrant further investigation of equipment use within the horse industry.     

Biochemical mechanisms of stone alteration carried out by filamentous fungi living in monuments

Biochemical weathering mechanisms carried out by Penicillium frequentans and Cladosporium cladosporoides on unaltered sandstone, granite and limestone were studied using FTIR, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption and flame photometry. Strains belonging to both fungal species, isolated from the façades of two Spanish Cathedrals, were used.Large amounts of oxalic, citric and gluconic acids were produced by P. frequentans in broth cultures. These metabolites caused extensive deterioration of clay silicates, micas and feldspars from both sandstone and granite and also of calcite and dolomite from limestone, as a result of high cation release and organic salts formation such as calcium, magnesium and ferric oxalates and calcium citrates. Comparatively, the biodegradative effect brought about by C. cladosporoides was much less than that caused by P. frequentans. Neither organic acids nor organic salts were formed by C. cladosporiodes samples.It is concluded that filamentous fungi are able to cause an extensive weathering of stone, due principally to organic acid excretion, although other metabolites participate to a lesser extent in these deteriorative processes. Ecological adaptative mechanisms, such micronutrients uptake and trivalent cations chelation (Fe³⁺ and Al³⁺) are derived from fungal growth on stone monuments.     

国际基因工程机器大赛对本科生综合能力培养模式的探索

华东理工大学生物工程学院从高水平专业比赛出发,以学生的兴趣为切入点,依托强大的科研和教学基地,构建具有"生物创客"精神的人才培养体系和创新实践能力培养体系.充分发挥学生主观能动性,提升了生物工程类相关专业本科生的科研素养和综合能力.对传统的高校教育模式进行了有效探索,满足了生命科学飞速发展时期对创新型人才的迫切需求.     

Survey of smear taking practice in the former North Thames region

One hundred and seventy-seven doctors and 161 nurses from 230 clinics responded to a questionnaire on smear taking practice. The responses show that 66% of smear takers use the Aylesbury spatula and 30% use the Ayre spatula. A total of 53% use a cytobrush for selected cases. Training of smear takers and preparation of smears was satisfactory. Most (but not all) smear takers routinely record clinical information on the request form. Only 20 cytology laboratories in the North Thames region (70%) provide additional feedback to the smear takers about the quality of their smears apart from the information on the request form. Our study shows that feedback is an area where interaction between the laboratory and smear taker could be encouraged.     

Surveying trends in radiation oncology medical physics in the Asia Pacific Region

ObjectiveOur study aims to assess and track work load, working conditions and professional recognition of radiation oncology medical physicists (ROMPs) in the Asia Pacific Region over time.MethodsA structured questionnaire was mailed in 2008, 2011 and 2014 to senior medical physicists representing 23 countries. The questionnaire covers 7 themes: education and training including certification; staffing; typical tasks; professional organisations; resources; research and teaching; job satisfaction.ResultsAcross all surveys the response rate was >85% with the replies representing practice affecting more than half of the world’s population. The expectation of ROMP qualifications (MSc and between 1 and 3 years of clinical experience) has not changed much over the years.However, compared to 2008, the number of medical physicists in many countries has doubled. Formal professional certification is only available in a small number of countries. The number of experienced ROMPs is small in particular in low and middle income countries. The increase in staff numbers from 2008 to 2014 is matched by a similar increase in the number of treatment units which is accompanied by an increase in treatment complexity. Many ROMPs are required to work overtime and not many find time for research. Resource availability has only improved marginally and ROMPs still feel generally overworked, but professional recognition, while varying widely, appears to be improving slowly.ConclusionWhile number of physicists and complexity of treatment techniques and technologies have increased significantly, ROMP practice remains essentially unchanged over the last 6 years in the Asia Pacific Region.     

Medical students as medical educators: opportunities for skill development in the absence of formal training programs

All physicians, at some point in their career, are responsible for the education of their peers and junior colleagues. Although medical students are expected to develop clinical and research skills in preparation for residency, it is becoming clear that a student should also be expected to develop abilities as a teacher. A handful of institutions have student-as-teacher programs to train medical students in education, but most students graduate from medical school without formal training in this area. When such a program does not exist, medical students can gain experience in education through participation in peer teaching, course design, educational committees, and medical education scholarship. In doing so, they attain important skills in the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs. These skills will serve them in their capacity as medical educators as they advance in their careers and gain increasing teaching responsibility as residents, fellows, and attending physicians.     

生物工程专业校企协同人才培养模式的创新与实践

伴随着我国生物工程相关行业的高质量发展,与之相关的人才需求及培养质量也受到广泛关注。为解决高校生物工程专业人才培养工作未能紧密契合行业企业所需等方面的不足,切实发挥专业特色,有效深化校企合作,促使专业建设与产业发展相适应,南京多所高校生物工程专业围绕培养“品行正、学习好、能力强”人才,立足学科比较优势,大力推行并持续优化校企协同人才培养模式,突出科产教融合,注重创新教育教学方法、提质工程实践教育。前期育人成效表明,该模式提升了学生的工程实践能力和综合素养,得到了用人单位和学生等的认可。