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.

No abstract

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.

Lectures are a major part of a university student’s learning experience and are an effective means of transferring knowledge and concepts to large groups in less time and with minimal resources. Objectives: To find the effects of lectures alone and when lectures are combined with strategy of think-pair-share, on the 1st and 2nd year medical student’s participation, confidence, critical thinking and involvement in learning activities during the Anatomy class. Study Design: Descriptive Cross sectional study. Methodology: Present study enrolled 200 participants involving both genders. Online feedback Performa based on 5 questions was developed and collected data from students before and after the 10-week treatment program. Statistical analysis: Data was analyzed by SPSS software, version 19 as qualitative variables were expressed as percentages. Results: There was a significant benefit to majority of students by applying think-pair-share technique during their Anatomy lectures. Conclusion: We concluded that think pair share strategy in lectures kept the students more actively involved in the class discussion and they felt more confident in sharing their ideas with the peers. It also promoted critical thinking among the students and they received feedback more frequently from the teacher. Keywords: Lectures, Think Pair Share Strategy, Critical Thinking and Anatomy Class.

Background: Acetylsalicylic acid is in common clinical use but has the side effect of causing gastric mucosal erosions and selective injury to parietal cells. Aim: To explore if prior treatment with Prunus dulcis (almond) had a protective effect against acetylsalicylic acid induced injury. Study design: Experimental study. Methodology: Albino mice weighing 30 to 40 grams were given two drops of almond oil without peel and 300 mg of finely ground whole almond kernel by oral gavage for sixty days followed by 400 mg/kg body weight of acetylsalicylic acid orally. Gastric mucosal damage was observed and recorded as ulcer index. The number of parietal cells/ sq. micrometer and area of parietal cells were observed and recorded under microscope in formalin fixed H and E stained sections. Data analyzed by SPSS 22.0v. Results: Mucosal damage, distortion of gastric glands and damage to parietal cells was pronounced in the positive control animals. The number of surviving parietal cells after acetylsalicylic acid insult in animals given almond oil was significantly higher when compared with positive control animals (p<0.001) and even better in animals receiving whole ground almond kernel. The area of parietal cells was also similarly larger in the treated animals. Conclusion: This study concluded Prunus dulcis offers protection against acute gastric mucosal injury and damage to the gastric parietal cells caused by acetylsalicylic acid in mice. Keywords: Prunus Dulcis, Parietal Cells, Gastric Erosions and Acetylsalicylic Acid.