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Background and Objectives: New teaching methods are under trial in most of the medical schools. The methodology is changing from usual methods (lectures), which are more teacher - centered to modern techniques which encourage students for self directed learning making them independent, life - long learners. We conducted this study to evaluate the assessment outcomes of two teaching methodologies (Lecture vs. Small group discussion) and their relationship with gender. Methods: A quasi - experimental study was conducted at Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt. Fourth year students of two sessions who appeared in written assessment were included in the study without any exclusion. During the session 2010 - 2011, the method of teaching adopted was lecturing for 'Communicable Diseases' and small group discussion (tutorials) for 'Nutrition and Health', while during the session 2013 - 2014 'Communicable Diseases' were taught in small groups (tutorials) and lectures were delivered for 'Nutrition and Health'. A written assessment was placed at the end of each teaching session. The assessment scores of both teaching methodologies were compared. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 19. Independent samples t-test was applied to compare mean scores of both methodologies. Results: One hundred ninety six (54.3%) students appeared in assessments after Lectures and 165 (45.7%) after small group discussion (tutorials). Mean assessment score after small group discussions (62.80 ± 14.84) was significantly better as compared to Lectures (59.93 ± 12.01). The mean score of girls (63.05 ± 13.55) was significantly higher than that of boys (58.45 ± 12.81). Conclusion: It concludes that assessment scores may be improved by conducting small group discussion which may also improve the focus of boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial and antibacterial activities of bimetallic complexes are very important in variety of biological mechanisms. In this research work, a Schiff base ligand 2-(bis-2-hydroxylphenylidene)-1,2-iminoethane was prepared by condensation reaction between the reactants. Using this ligand, the derivatives of post transition bimetallic complexes were also synthesized by condensation reaction between salicylaldehyde and ethylenediamine followed by transition metals (Cu, Co, Mn, Zn). The synthesized ligand was characterized by FT-IR,1H NMR,13C NMR, and MS techniques, whereas the bimetallic complexes were characterized by FT-IR and X-ray crystallographic techniques. In a later stage, the ligand and bimetallic complexes were screenedin vitrofor antibacterial and antifungal activities by using disc diffusion method. Different bacterial strains such asEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus, andBacillus subtiliswere used to check the antibacterial activities of ligand and bimetallic complexes. Similarly, the used fungal strains wereAspergillus flavus,Alternaria alternata, andAspergillus niger. The biological activity data showed that the bimetallic complexes exhibit higher values of antibacterial and antifungal activities as compared with ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT: The novel coronavirus has infected over 609,848,852 individuals throughout the world with a total death of over 6.5 million since its outbreak in December 2019. Since then many therapeutic options have been approached and tested in clinical trials as well to find a potential cure or preventive therapy for the COVID-19 disease. This review summarizes the potential therapeutic options currently available for the treatment of COVID-19 including lopinavir-ritonavir, Hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, Ribavirin, dexamethasone, interferon, antibodies, Tocilizumab, Azithromycin, Piperacillin-tazobactam, Moxifloxacin, Ivermectin, Nitazoxanide, Baricitinib, and Arbidol. This study briefly discusses the clinical trials and encompasses the dosage, efficacy, adverse drug reactions, and possible mechanism of action of the potential treatment candidate where applicable. The growing number of reported cases posits an exigent need for a suitable therapy for the prevention and cure of this disease. Therefore, the study aims to provide vital information on each drug to highlight the latest scientific research that could be helpful for better prevention/treatment of COVID-19 disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plankton and physical-chemical analysis is a vital principle for evaluating the quality of a water body. In this study, we attempted to assess the rotifer species richness, diversity, and evenness in four seasons from December 2009 to June 2010 and to predict the state of a natural pond in relation to physical-chemical parameters. A total of 21 rotifer species belonging to 13 genera were recorded. Maximum species of rotifers were present in summer season which were fifteen. The correlation of rotifer population relative to physical-chemical characteristics varied in different seasons. However, rotifers expressed, usually, positive correlation with temperature, and pH whereas negative correlation with other factors. Species diversity and richness was highest in summer and lowest in winter. Analysis of variance showed that there was significant difference in the Physical-chemical characteristics of water in different seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objective: To assess prevalence of arsenic exposure through drinking water and skin lesions, and their variation by geographical area, age, sex, and socioeconomic conditions. Design, setting, and participants: Skin lesion cases were identified by screening the entire population above 4 years of age (n = 166 934) living in Matlab, o rural area in Bangladesh, during January 2002 and August 2003. The process of case identification involved initial skin examinations in the field, followed by verification by physicians in a clinic, and final confirmation by two independent experts reviewing photographs. The tubewell water arsenic concentrations (n = 13 286) were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Drinking water history since 1970 was obtained for each person. Exposure information was constructed usin9 drinking water histories and data on water arsenic concentrations. Main results: The arsenic concentrations ranged from <1 to 3644 μg/l, and more than 70% of functioning tubewells exceeded the World Health Organisation guideline of 10 μg/l. Arsenic exposure had increased steadily from 1970s to the late 1990s, afterwards a decrease could be noted. In total, 504 skin lesions cases were identified, and the overall crude prevalence was 3/1000. Women had significantly higher cumulative exposure to arsenic, while men had significantly higher prevalence of skin lesions (SMR 158, 95% CI 133 to 188). The highest prevalence occurred in 35–44 age groups for both sexes. Arsenic exposure and skin lesions had a positive association with socioeconomic groups and achieved educational level. Conclusions: The result showed sex, age, and socioeconomic differentials in both exposure and skin lesions. Findings clearly showed the urgency of effective arsenic mitigation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]