http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/5493 2025-10-31T00:12:14Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/12411 INJURY PATTERN AMONG PATIENTS WITH SELFINFLICTED CUT INJURIES PRESENTING TO THE ACCIDENT SERVICE UNIT OF NATIONAL HOSPITAL, SRI LANKA Goonewardene, A.D.; Jayakody, S. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/12410 Childhood Asthma and its Association with Selected Obstetric and Neonatal Factors among Children Aged 3 -10 Years in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Colombo District Deen, F.A.H.; Kottahachchi, K.C.; Perera, S.S.; Dissanayake, D.M.O.C.; Jayakody, S. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/12409 Comparing Traditional and Integrated Curricula on Physiology Knowledge Retention and Application Fernando, S.; Ellawala, A.; Wijayasir, A. Introduction: The Faculty of Medical Sciences revised its curriculum from traditional, subject-based, to an integrated, system-based one in 2007. This study aimed to assess and compare the ability to retain and apply knowledge in Physiology, among the last batch of students following the traditional curriculum and the first batch following the integrated curriculum. Methods: Twenty true/false type applied Physiology questions from the 2nd year examinations of the two batches were administered separately when the students were in the final year. The marks were compared with those obtained for the same questions at the 2nd year examination. The difference between the two was considered the retention score. A SAQ comprising applied Physiology questions was also administered to assess application ability and the scores were compared. Results: A total of 152 and 132 participated from the batches following the traditional and integrated curricula respectively. Both batches displayed a significant loss of knowledge by the final year (negative retention score). The knowledge loss was lower in academically average and high performing students of the integrated curriculum. Students following the integrated curriculum showed significantly higher ability to apply Physiology knowledge to clinical problems. Conclusion: The students following the integrated curriculum were better in applying physiology knowledge to clinical scenarios and the retention of knowledge was also better among the average and high performing students following the integrated curriculum. 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://dr.lib.sjp.ac.lk/handle/123456789/12408 Treatment of COVID-19: A review of emerging treatment Wanigatunge, C A; Munidasa, D; Uluwattage, W; Sathischandra, H; Rajapakse, S COVID-19 has caused a devastating pandemic, infecting 3,090,445 people and causing 217,769 deaths, as of 30 April, 2020. The current evidence base for selected drugs repositioned to treat COVID19 are summarized here. Chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) block the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into cells and have immunomodulatory effects. Early, poor quality studies pointed to benefit with CQ and HCQ treatment in COVID-19 infection, but no further evidence supporting their use is available to date, and the drugs cannot be recommended for treatment or prophylaxis. However, several countries use CQ or HCQ for compassionate treatment. Lopinavir-ritonavir, which is effective against HIV, was evaluated in one clinical trial which showed no benefit. Remdesivir, a drug developed for EBOLA, has been shown to have in-vitro efficacy against SARS-CoV-2, and the treatment has been used on compassionate grounds in severe cases. Limited studies have shown clinical improvement with remdesivir which is approved for emergency use in severe COVID-19. The RNA polymerase inhibitor favipiravir has been shown to improve clinical features, hasten viral clearance, and improve HRCT findings. Corticosteroids have shown no benefit. Trials are underway with the IL-6 receptor blocking monoclonal antibody tocilizumab, with retrospective data showing reduction in inflammatory markers and clinical improvement. Convalescent plasma has been shown to be of some benefit in severe cases of SARS, MERS and H1N1 influenza, and is recommended by the FDA for those with serious or immediately life-threatening infection with COVID-19. Several large randomized controlled trials are underway, evaluating these repositioned therapies as well as many other treatments. No effective specific treatments are available for COVID19 infection as yet 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z