Comparative study of problem based learning versus structured group discussion in teaching pharmacology

Background: Pharmacology for undergraduate students is taught primarily with a drug centric approach using didactic lectures. Hence the students can’t correlate the drug with the disease and loses interest in the subject. Problem based learning (PBL) on the other hand involves effort from the students themselves which gives them a sense of ownership and helps to enhance their analytical skills. Structured group discussion (SGD) is used to enable students’ directed learning where they are given structured objectives on the topic followed by a discussion.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study done on 100 second year MBBS students. They were divided into 2 groups (group A and B) of 50 each. Group A was allotted a therapeutic problem (PBL) and the group B was assigned structured objectives on the same topic (SGD). Later the groups were switched for PBL and SGD and given another topic. A pre and post-test was conducted using MCQs for each session. Finally a feedback was taken from all the students.Results: There was a statistically significant gain in knowledge following both the methods of learning. However there was no statistically significant difference in the mean marks between PBL and SGD. Nonetheless the mean for PBL (5.42) in group A and B was greater than that of SGD (5.17) in the same. Students’ feedback was also better for PBL under all the heads.Conclusions: PBL and SGD are effective small group methods for teaching undergraduate medical students. However learning outcome with PBL is better than SGD

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of dipyridamole in acute and chronic experimental models in albino rats

Background: Cyclic nucleotides, particularly cyclic AMP, have an important regulatory role in a variety of inflammatory processes. The concentration of cAMP can be influenced by either inhibition of phosphodiesterase enzyme or by activating adenylate cyclase enzyme. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of dipyridamole a selective (PDE6) phosphodiesterase inhibitor; on acute and chronic experimental models in albino rats.Methods: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by using carrageenan-induced rat hind paw oedema model for assessing acute anti-inflammatory activity. The normal paw volume (0 hour) and the volume of injected paw (3 hour) were measured by using plethysmometer. Assessment of chronic anti-inflammatory activity was carried out using formalin-induced rat paw edema model. The paw volume was measured at 0 hour and on 7th day after injection of formalin by using plethysmometer. The results obtained were compared with the control and the standard anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin.Results: The results indicated that dipyridamole has anti-inflammatory action in both acute and chronic inflammatory models. But statistically significant anti-inflammatory action was seen only with the chronic inflammatory model (0.11±0.05 units, p=0.02). Anti-inflammatory activity could be due to inhibition of inflammatory cells and mediators especially histamine, leukotrienes and eicosanoids.Conclusions: Selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors could be a source of valuable anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to currently available steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents

Bioaccumulation and Depuration Dynamics of Nickel Chloride in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Exposed to Sub-lethal Concentrations

The current objective of this research is to examine the bioaccumulation and subsequent depuration levels of nickel chloride within vital organs such as the gills, liver, and kidney of Oreochromis niloticus under controlled laboratory conditions. The fish were subjected to exposure under two sub-lethal concentrations, i.e., 1/5th (9.39 ppm) and 1/10th (4.69 ppm), for 28 days of absorption and subsequently transferred to uncontaminated, good aerated water for 28days of elimination (depuration). Following 28 days of exposure to lower sub-lethal and higher sub-lethal nickel chloride concentrations, the sequence of bioaccumulation of nickel chloride in organs was observed as kidney > liver > gills. The depuration trend for higher and lower concentrations was gills> liver > kidney. The kidney exhibited the highest accumulation of Ni. Meanwhile, the Ni depuration in the gills was significantly (p<0.05) more when compared to other routes following exposure to both concentrations. This research assessed nickel chloride's bioaccumulation and depuration dynamics in Oreochromis niloticus, providing insights into its physiological responses to metal exposure. The study concludes that nickel accumulates predominantly in the kidney, with gills exhibiting the highest depuration rates, highlighting the importance of understanding metal uptake and elimination mechanisms in aquatic organisms for effective pollution management

Type II First Branchial Cleft Cyst: A Case Report with Review of Literature

We report a rare case of type II first branchial cleft cyst that presented as an intraparotid cyst. Rarity and varied presentations of the first branchial cleft cysts have led to frequent misdiagnosis. High index of suspicion is required. Complete excision is the main treatment