Chromium tolerance, oxidative stress response, morphological characteristics, and FTIR studies of phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotium rolfsii.

Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the most destructive fungal plant pathogens that can infect over 500 plants and can adapt to diverse environmental conditions. The present research work was carried out to evaluate the impact of both hexa- and trivalent chromium (Cr) on growth, morphology, enzymatic characteristics, and metal accumulation in S. rolfsii under laboratory conditions. Experiments were performed in both malt extract broth and agar growth medium amended with six different concentrations (10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 ppm) of each Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions inoculated with fungus and incubated for 6-7 days at 25 ± 3 °C. In broth medium, the total protein content was declined and activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased with an increase in metal concentrations. Lower concentrations (10 ppm) of the metal ions stimulated the growth of fungus and higher concentrations (60-100) inhibited it. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) assessment showed hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine groups as major metal binding sites. In agar medium, tolerance index was decreased up to 0.56 at 10-80 ppm of Cr(III) and up to 0.62 at 10-60 ppm of Cr(VI). Considerable modifications were observed in hyphal and sclerotial morphology with an increase in concentration of metal ions. The current study concluded that interference of Cr with growth and physiological process of S. rolfsii could affect its infection level on its host plant. This study provides important information regarding cultivation of susceptible plant varieties in Cr-polluted soil as evidenced by pathogen growth up to 50 ppm of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions.

Student seminar on smoking: A novel way to introduce different perspectives on smoking to medical students.

BACKGROUND: The respiratory module at Shifa College of Medicine (SCM) is delivered in third year with emphasis on respiratory pathophysiology and respiratory medicine. Smoking as a topic was introduced to emphasize the preventive aspects of respiratory illnesses. An innovative approach to involve students in their learning was developed. To determine whether this innovation would be well received and effective for students' learning about smoking, we carried out this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a one group post-test quasi-experiment. Two days were assigned for a smoking seminar. The class of 106 students was divided into 10 batches, and each batch was assigned a theme related to smoking. These themes were developed by the faculty, and each theme was related to a different perspective on smoking. A post-test questionnaire was distributed at the end of the seminar for feedback to see what aspects of students' learning were highlighted and what needed to be improved upon. Questions related to the usefulness of the activity were incorporated into the questionnaire and the students were asked to agree or disagree on a five-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Most (68.3%) students agreed that this activity improved their knowledge regarding smoking, and 54.8% agreed that it also helped in application of this knowledge. Improvement in presentation and counseling skills (59.8%), evidence-based medicine (47.6%), and softer skills, such as teamwork (72%) and creativity (63.4%), were also reported to be enhanced. CONCLUSION: Seminars led by the students have shown to be effective in breaking the monotony and generating an interest of the topic. Such an activity serves as a small step to make our graduates more empathic, humane, competent, and skilful.

Delivering endocrinology and reproduction in an integrated modular curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the perceptions of students and faculty of Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad regarding the delivery of Endocrinology and Reproduction module as a component of the newly introduced Integrated Modular Curriculum. METHODS: A descriptive study, using mixed qualitative and quantitative method, starting from June 6 to August 15 2008. A period of 10 weeks was spent on the study including 8 weeks of planning, 2 weeks of delivery and assessment and a 2 weeks period of post hoc analysis and data collection. A multidisciplinary team of faculty developed themes, clinical cases, objectives and table of specification of the Endocrinology and Reproduction Module for Fourth Year MBBS Class. Continuous assessment was done by theme-based assignments and student presentations. Summative assessment was done by Multiple Choice and Short Answer Questions. Likert scale-based student feedback questionnaire was administered while the students were also encouraged to comment on the module for improvement. Feedback was obtained from the faculty in a similar manner. RESULTS: Out of a class of 86 students, 47 (55%) agreed to a balance between basic and clinical concepts addressed in the module, 21 (24%) agreed that emphasis on clinical concepts was appropriate, 37 (43%) agreed that learning strategies were well integrated, 50 (58%) were of the opinion that the assigned learning material was consistent with the session objectives, while 39 (45%) agreed that case-based instruction was useful, and 40 (47%) students were of the opinion that large group discussion was useful. Faculty feedback was positive towards integrated learning. CONCLUSIONS: Integrated Endocrinology and Reproduction module received mixed response from students. This led us to modify and tailor the curriculum to better cater for the needs of students. Feedback from students and faculty is essential for improvement in the quality of educational interventions.