Emergence of novel coronavirus and progress toward treatment and vaccine.

In late December 2019, a group of patients was observed with pneumonia-like symptoms that were linked with a wet market in Wuhan, China. The patients were found to have a novel coronavirus genetically related to a bat coronavirus that was termed SARS-CoV-2. The virus gradually spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by WHO. Scientists have started trials on potential preventive and treatment options. Currently, there is no specific approved treatment for SARS-CoV-2, and various clinical trials are underway to explore better treatments. Some previously approved antiviral and other drugs have shown some in vitro activity. Here we summarize the fight against this novel coronavirus with particular focus on the different treatment options and clinical trials exploring treatment as well as work done toward development of vaccines.

Perception of MBBS students towards online education during the COVID-19 pandemic period

Objective: This research study evaluated the perception of students of Mohtarma Benazeer Bhutto Shaheed Medical College Mirpur AJK (MBBSMC), towards newly adapted online university education during COVID-19 and the analysis of the performance of instructors during online lectures. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Medical Education Department Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University. Period: 19 May to 13th August 2020. Material & Methods: The information collected through feedback form was analysed using Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) 21 software. The feedback form included 17 questions related to the performance of the instructor, effectiveness of the course and examination. The responses to questions included options of strongly agree, agree, uncertain, disagree and strongly disagree. Results: The findings of the study revealed that students have were satisfied with the performances of instructors during COVID-19 resulting online education sessions conducted by MBBSMC. Conclusion: It has been concluded that despite the commonly mentioned shortcomings of the online education such as lack of in person interaction with the instructor, lack of traditional lecture hall environment etc., students of MBBSMC were satisfied with the online education methods and performances of the instructor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Professional Medical Journal is the property of Professional Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)