Adopting a Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) marks a significant shift in educational paradigms, with scenario-based assessment emerging as a cornerstone of this evolution. Grounded in Constructivist Learning Theories, Situated Learning Theory, and Problem-Based Learning theory, scenario-based assessment immerses students in real-world situations, fostering active learning, critical thinking, and practical competence. Scholars highlight various forms of scenario-based assessment, including case studies, simulations, and problem-based scenarios, each offering unique benefits for evaluating students' abilities. Facilitating factors influencing scenario-based assessment include clear learning objectives, structured rubrics, collaborative learning environments, timely feedback, and technology integration. However, obstacles such as ambiguous learning objectives, examiner bias, inadequate feedback mechanisms, and resource limitations can hinder assessment outcomes. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure the integrity and efficacy of scenario-based assessment in promoting deeper learning and preparing students for the complexities of the 21st century.

Initial interactions between HIV-1 and the immune system at mucosal exposure sites play a critical role in determining whether the virus is eliminated or progresses to establish systemic infection. The virus that successfully crosses the mucosal barrier to establish infection in the new host is referred to as the transmitted/founder (TF) virus. Following mucosal HIV-1 transmission, type 1 interferons (IFN-I) are rapidly induced at sites of initial virus replication. The resistance of TF variants to these antiviral effects of the IFN-I has been studied among HIV-1 subtypes B and C. However, their role in restricting HIV-1 replication among subtypes D and AD recombinant remains unexplored. This study assessed the sensitivity of HIV-1 subtype D and AD recombinant TF viruses to IFN-I by infecting peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro with infectious molecular clones of these viruses. Cells were exposed to varying concentrations of interferon-α and interferon-β, and viral replicative capacity was measured using HIV-1 p24 antigen ELISA from culture supernatants. Sensitivity to IFN-I was quantified based on viral replication levels. The results showed that interferon-α was more effective in inhibiting viral replication than interferon-β, regardless of the varying amounts of IFN-I used. However, recombinant AD viruses were found to be more resistant to the antiviral effects of IFN-I compared to subtype D viruses. These findings highlight the differential sensitivity of HIV-1 subtypes AD recombinant and D TF viruses to IFN-I and underscore the potential of IFN-I as a therapeutic strategy to target TF viruses and reduce HIV-1 transmission, particularly in populations where subtype D is prevalent.

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination in Uganda by 2025 through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using praziquantel. To achieve this, WHO estimates indicate that MDA coverage and uptake of 75% is required. However, coverage remains suboptimal with insufficient knowledge and inadequate drug supply often cited as key reasons. There is a need to add to the body of knowledge in various settings to enable more robust mitigation measures. This study aimed to assess the uptake of praziquantel for MDA and associated factors in Butiaba sub-county along the shores of Lake Albert in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected villages within Butiaba sub-county between July and September 2021 using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 450 adults, with additional two Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant interviews held with implementation structures from the village to district level. Results: Self-reported uptake of praziquantel within twelve months of the most recent MDA exercise was 71.56% (95% CI: 67.14 – 75.68). Of all the participants, 5.78% reported have never swallowed praziquantel in their lifetime, and 75% (96/128) of participants who didn’t swallow praziquantel in the last twelve months reported having at least swallowed the drug in the last ten years. Respondents were less likely to have swallowed praziquantel if they had no knowledge about schistosomiasis signs (AOR= 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08–0.39) and more likely if they were between the ages 30-39years (AOR= 2.31, 95% CI: 1.35–3.95) or 40 years and above (AOR= 2.86, 95% CI: 1.45 – 4.95). Operational challenges such as the inadequate supply of praziquantel and financial constraints also influence the uptake of praziquantel during MDA in Butiaba sub-county. Conclusion: The uptake of praziquantel during MDA in Butiaba sub-county was high but still below the WHO target of 75%. People with limited knowledge of schistosomiasis symptoms and those aged 18 – 29 years were less likely to take Praziquantel. Irregular drug supply was also a key challenge. Recommendation: Rigorous health education and ensuring a continuous supply of Praziquantel are key to improving MDA uptake.

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae , a capsulated lancet gram-positive bacterium, is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among children globally and is the primary cause of pneumonia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen and the leading cause of nosocomial infections, among patients who are admitted to intensive care units. With the increasing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics, there is a shift of choice from allopathy to naturopathy, where herbs are common ingredients of medicines and components of treatment protocols. It is against this background that this study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae to ethanolic and aqueous extracts of ginger using the agar well diffusion technique. Methodology: Absolute (95%) Ethanol and distilled water were used as solvents to make extracts from the ginger powder. The filtrate was dried, and the resulting substance was used to conduct antimicrobial tests on Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates using the agar well diffusion technique. The diameters of inhibition zones were measured, and statistical analysis was done by one-way ANOVA. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined by serial dilution. Freshly prepared sterile distilled water was used as negative control and ciprofloxacin (5 μ g/disk), an antibiotic was used as positive control. Results: The test organisms were sensitive to both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of ginger. However, this was highly dependent on the concentrations of the extracts. The ethanolic extract had lower Minimum Inhibitory and Bactericidal Concentrations than aqueous extract on both bacterial species and at a concentration of 2g/ml, the ethanolic extract was 2-fold and 1.6-fold more effective in inhibiting the growth of P. aeruginosa and S. pneumoniae respectively than aqueous extract. Conclusion: With the high susceptibility of the tested bacterial isolates to the ginger extracts used in this study, it is evident that ginger extracts can serve as a suitable antibiotic. However, further studies need to be conducted on the antimicrobial effects of ginger extracts on other bacterial species.

Adenovirus vectors have been used for vaccine development, gene therapy, among others, because of their ease of genetic manipulation and high efficiency in delivering and expressing genes in mammalian cells without causing significant cytotoxicity or integrating into the host genome. Adenovirus vectors are relatively immunogenic, hence avoiding the need for adjuvant when used in vaccine design, unlike other vaccine development platforms. Human adenovirus serotype 5 (HAdV-5) has traditionally been employed in vaccine platforms; however, its clinical utility is limited by widespread pre-existing immunity in human populations, which can reduce vaccine efficacy. As a promising alternative, canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) vector offers several advantages, including low seroprevalence in humans, efficient infection of respiratory epithelial and neuronal cells, and long-lasting transgene expression. These features render the CAV-2 vector particularly suitable for vaccine applications requiring repeated administrations or booster doses. In this protocol, we describe methods for the expression, expansion, purification, and titration of a non-replicative CAV-2 vector in the AD-293 cell line. The procedure involves the release of the recombinant viral genome from the pUC19 plasmid backbone, followed by virus stock expansion in a complementing AD-293 cell line, which is able to express the E1 protein to aid virus replication. The virus stock was purified through ion-exchange liquid chromatography and titered using the Improved Kärber method. This work contributes to the growing field of alternative adenoviral vectors with implications for translational research by providing step-by-step procedures for producing a canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) vector.

Background: DNA extraction is the process by which the DNA is extracted and purified from the living or dead cells or tissues. There are many different kits commercially available for DNA extraction, with varying protocols. This study aimed at determining the optimal conditions for the extraction of high yield DNA from banana fruits. Methodology: DNA was extracted from banana fruits by precipitation method. The DNA yield was determined using the Nanodrop DNA quantification technique. Results: The optimal sodium chloride salt concentration for DNA extraction from banana fruits was 4mM and the amount of DNA extracted increased as the temperature decreased. The highest yield was obtained between 4 ⁰C to 0 ⁰C. Conclusion: We report for the first time a protocol with an optimal salt concentration (NaCl, 4mM) for quality DNA yield from banana fruits. A critical consideration is required to establish an optimal range of moderate temperatures and DNA concentrations for better quality and desired yields. There may not be a universal protocol for DNA extraction from all plant materials.