The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a public health crisis and a global catastrophe for human societies. In the absence of a vaccine, non-pharmaceutical interventions have been implemented across the world to reduce COVID-19 transmission. Recently, several studies have articulated the influence of meteorological parameters on COVID-19 infections in several countries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lockdown measures and meteorological parameters on COVID-19 daily confirmed cases and deaths in Bangladesh. Different parameters, such as case fatality rate, recovery rate, number of polymerase chain reaction tests, and percentages of confirmed cases were calculated for data covering March to September 2020. The meteorological data include daily average temperature, humidity, and wind speed, and their effects on COVID-19 data were analyzed after 0, 3, 7, and 14 days. A linear regression analysis revealed that all the studied meteorological parameters were positively correlated with the daily new cases and deaths in Bangladesh, while the highest correlations were observed for the 14 days incubation period. These results provide useful implications for the healthcare authorities to contain the pandemic in Bangladesh and beyond.

Objective This study investigates the association of preventive measures with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) seropositivity. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Combined Military Hospital Kharian Medical College, Pakistan, in September 2020. A total of 442 participants from three different strata (faculty, students, and administration/technical staff) were enrolled using a convenient sampling technique. A rapid antibody testing method was used to detect antibodies. The Ichroma™ COVID-19 Ab test is an in vitro diagnostic device that helps in the rapid identification of COVID-19 by measuring the levels of IgG and IgM antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the blood. An automated fluorescent immunoassay system (AFIAS-6), with a clinical sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 96.7%, was used for qualitative analysis. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results In total, 442 participants were included in the study: 40 (9%) faculty members, 299 (67%) students, and 103 (23.3%) administrative/technical staff. As many as 14.9% of the participants were symptomatic; 32.4% always used masks, and 14% never wore masks. Furthermore, 69.7% of participants frequently washed their hands for 20 s, and 75.6% were aware of social distancing. A total of 16.96% of participants tested positive for IgG antibodies. Moreover, most of the administration/technical staff who tested positive for IgG were asymptomatic (68.42%). A significant association ( p < 0.001) was found between following the safety guidelines (wearing masks, handwashing, and social distancing) and the occurrence of COVID-19. Conclusion This study showed a higher seroprevalence rate than other studies as it was conducted toward the end of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are still far from achieving herd immunity. Furthermore, strict compliance with preventive measures is the only way to ensure safety until an effective vaccine is developed.

Background: Liver is not only involved in maintaining homeostasis but also exhibits significant role in metabolism and detoxification of various drugs and toxins. Aim: To explore the hepato-protective role of N-acetylcysteine against methotrexate induced hepato-toxicity. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Methodology: This study having mice (n=18) was carried out after ethical review committee’s (ERC) approval at Foundation university medical college in collaboration of National institute of health, Islamabad in 2017. Single intraperitoneal injection (20mg/kg) of methotrexate induced hepato-toxicity. Hepatoprotective effect was assessed by oral administration N-acetylcysteine (50mg/kg) alone with methotrexate. The extent of liver damage and effect of protective agents were determined by measuring serum ALT, AST, ALP after 24 hours of respective treatment. Liver samples were taken for histological analysis. One way ANOVA followed by Post Hoc Tukey test was applied for multiple comparisons of biochemical markers between the groups. Histopathological findings were analyzed by Chi Square test. p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Significant (p < 0.05) hepatotoxicity was seen with substantial elevation in serum ALT, AST and ALP with methotrexate. N-acetylcysteine attenuated the methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity significantly (p < 0.05). The histopathological examination showed mild steatosis along with focal pleomorphism in the liver of mice that received methotrexate in comparison to group treated with N-acetylcysteine and methotrexate though minimal inflammation was seen. Conclusion: We concluded that N-acetylcysteine ameliorates the methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity on when used concomitantly. Keywords: Hepatotoxicity, N-acetylcysteine and Methotrexate

Blood donation acts as a life saving measure and steps are required to remove misunderstanding about current issues. Blood donation is required every second in life globally. Purpose: To determine and evaluate an attitude and knowledge of people regarding blood donation. Study Design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Methodology: Present study was conducted among the employees of CMH Kharian Medical College over a time period of 3 months. Data was collected by self structured questionnaire through convenient sampling. Data analysis was done by SPSS 20. Results: Out of 180 participants, 87% had donated blood in the past, 81.66% were willing to accept blood donation. Most of the participants were unafraid of donating blood (83.34%). Only 35% thought that they will catch infection while 71.67% believed that they will become obese, unconscious and anemic. Conclusion: We concluded that there was a positive attitude among the respondents towards blood donation. However, survey showed that blood donation (voluntarily & regularly) was low in actual practice according to WHO standards. Most likely reasons included misconception related to it. Hence, government should plan a strategy to educate common people regarding this health issue. Key word: Blood Donation, Attitude, Health Issue and Employees.