National Journal of Physiology, Pharmacy and Pharmacology
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Editor: Dr. Jay Charan
ISSN: 2320–4672 (Print)
Frequency: 2 issues a year
Language: English
Open Access Peer-reviewed journal
Web site: https://www.njppp.com/
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Item Histopathological findings in autopsy cases in a medical college: A cross-sectional study(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-06) Jain, P; Nath, A; Chelleng, KK; Pegu, S.Background: Autopsies are essential for retrospective quality assessment of clinical diagnoses and medical education, providing insights into disease pathology and treatment efficacy. Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques, autopsies remain crucial for validating diagnoses and overlooked conditions. Aim: This study explores the histopathological findings of autopsies at a tertiary care medical college in Northeastern India, highlighting prevalent diseases and demographic distributions. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 115 autopsy samples collected from April 2022 to April 2024 at a teaching hospital in Northeast India. Properly preserved samples were included. Ethical clearance was obtained, and data on patient history, socio-demographic details, and histopathological findings were collected. The variables analyzed included age, sex, gross evaluation, and histopathology. Data were expressed as frequencies and percentages, and the relationships between demographic variables and disease patterns were evaluated using the chi- square test with SPSS version 23.0. Results: Of the 115 cases, 53.9% were male and 46.1% were female, with the highest frequency in the 21–30 years age group (27.8%). The most common liver pathology was steatosis (37.8%), followed by hepatitis (11.1%) and haemorrhage (8.9%). In the lungs, alveolar haemorrhage (43.2%) and pigment deposition (27%) were predominant. Acute tubular necrosis (75%) was the most common kidney finding, whereas the heart showed mostly unremarkable findings (86.7%). Cerebral oedema was the most common brain pathology (16.7%). Conclusion: This study provides insights into the histopathological findings of autopsy cases in Northeast India. The results align with other regional and global studies, underscoring the importance of autopsies in understanding disease patterns and informing public health strategies. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore regional variations.Item Antisickling effects of hydroethanolic extract of Oxytenanthera abyssinica leaves(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-06) Mbaye, S; Ibrahima, D; Awa, B; Fatoumata, B; Khadim, FC; Absatou, D; Oumy, KM; Mamadou, S.Background: Sickle cell disease is a hereditary hemoglobinopathy. It is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin S levels at high concentrations in red blood cells. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the potential of a hydroethanolic extract from Oxytenanthera abyssinica (AO) leaves to inhibit red blood cell sickling in individuals with sickle cell trait (HbAS) and sickle cell disease (HbSS). Methods: Ten grams of powdered AO leaves were macerated in 100 ml of a 60% hydroethanolic solution. Following filtration, the macerate was concentrated using a rotary evaporator until a dry crude extract was obtained. The dry extract was reconstituted in water to prepare three test solutions at concentrations of 2.5 and 1.25 mg/ml. Emmel tests were performed by incubating these extract solutions with blood samples obtained from individuals with sickle cell trait (HbAS), sickle cell disease (HbSS), and healthy controls (HbAA). The percentage of sickled red blood cells was determined using optical microscopy. Results: The hydroethanolic extract of AO leaves significantly reduced the percentage of sickled red blood cells in individuals with sickle cell trait (HbAS) and sickle cell disease (HbSS). The antisickling effect exhibited a dose- dependent relationship. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the crude hydroethanolic extract of AO leaves has significant antisickling activity. This suggests a potential source of bioactive molecules for the development of low-cost therapeutic interventions against sickle cell disease.Item A study on the effects of online classes and different student populations during the COVID-19 pandemic(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-06) Lingamneni, A; Daniel, R.Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 had a great impact on our everyday lives. People of all professions have been tremendously affected by the pandemic and self-isolation. The lockdown had serious implications for mental health. Many students seldom faced issues and were not able to cope with a sudden change in classes and overall education. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the factors affecting students’ performance in online classes during the pandemic period of COVID-19. Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The respondents were informed about the objective of the study. They were assured about the confidentiality of data. The information used in this study was gathered through an online survey, which was built using Google Forms. It was circulated through social media. Data has been collected from 315 respondents who were studying in schools and universities. Results: Three hundred fifteen responses were analysed. Descriptive statistics show that 33.1% of the respondents belonged to schools and the rest 66.9% belonged to universities. Only 25% of students thought online classes were better than offline mode. Seventy percent of students agreed that offline learning is more effective than online classes. Seventy-five percent of students agreed that they do not get to spend time with their family members, even though they attend online classes. Students faced difficulties like: Itching in the eyes, watering of eyes, headache, a feeling of dullness, reduced sleep and waking up tired, nausea and dizziness, blurred/double vision, dry/red eyes, neck/back pain. Conclusion: The start of online classes has proved to be a great burden and stressor for the student population.Item Understanding pharmacovigilance: A knowledge, attitude, and practice study among medical and nursing students in a tertiary care teaching hospital(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-06) Korde, RA; Shodan, P.Background: Underreporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is a global issue; therefore, healthcare professionals require adequate understanding for timely reporting. Young doctors and nursing professionals must be engaged in pharmacovigilance programs to increase awareness regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting among undergraduate healthcare professionals in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: The present cross-sectional, questionnaire-based descriptive study was carried out for 6 months among second-year medical (n = 96) and nursing (n = 91) students. A validated questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR between medical and nursing students. Results: Most MBBS students had a better understanding of pharmacovigilance compared to nursing students, including definition (64.4%), drug safety identification (76%), ADR reporting timelines (63.5%), and international monitoring centers (58.3%). Both groups strongly agreed on the importance of integrating ADR reporting into pharmacology practicals and establishing it in hospitals, the role of reporting, and the need for pharmacovigilance education. Most MBBS students (99%) had seen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization ADR reporting form, while only over half of nursing students (52.7%) reported awareness of ADRs during ward postings. Conclusion: MBBS students are more aware of pharmacovigilance and the importance of ADR reporting than nursing students. Both MBBS and nursing students have minimal practical experience in reporting ADRs. Implementing effective teaching interventions can improve students’ confidence and skills in ADR reporting.Item A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of awareness, attitude, and practice of materiovigilance among the postgraduates at a tertiary care institute(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-05) Kulkarni, M; Hemagiraiah, HKK; Sreekantaiah, KM.Background: Materiovigilance is an essential component for enhancing patient safety through proactive measures, including the correction and recall of medical devices, and medical residents are pivotal in reporting adverse events. Despite their critical role, there is a concerning scarcity of published research on the awareness, perceptions, and practices of these healthcare professionals regarding materiovigilance is scarce. Aim: This gap in data highlights the need for targeted educational initiatives to improve understanding and reporting practices among medical residents, ultimately fostering a safer healthcare environment. Method: This observational questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among postgraduates at a tertiary care institute. A total of 200 postgraduates participated in the study. The questionnaire covered aspects of knowledge regarding the Materiovigilance Program of India, the classification of medical devices, attitudes toward adverse event reporting, and actual reporting practices. Data collection was carried out electronically using Google Forms. Results: Among the participants, 186 (93%) correctly understood the primary objective of India’s materiovigilance program. A majority of participants 169 (84.5%) understood that medical devices in India are classified based on a risk- based approach. Positive attitudes toward reporting adverse events were prevalent, with 174 (87%) acknowledging the potential for adverse events from medical devices and agreeing on the importance of reporting. However, a gap was noted between noticing adverse events (88 participants, 44%) and actual reporting (45 participants, 22.5%), indicating the need for improved reporting practices. Only 32 participants (16%) had participated in workshops or continuing medical education (CME) sessions on medical device safety. Conclusion: Our study highlights the crucial need for increased awareness among medical professionals about the reporting of adverse events related to medical devices and the materiovigilance program. To effectively bridge this gap, it is vital to implement ongoing training initiatives, such as CME sessions and workshops led by the coordinators of Medical Device Adverse Event Monitoring Centres. These efforts can help ensure that healthcare providers are informed and equipped to prioritize patient safety and the responsible use of medical devices.Item Role of early clinical exposure in first-year medical education as an adjunct to conventional didactic teaching(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-01) Sahoo, A; Behera, S.Background: Competency-based medical education includes early clinical exposure (ECE) to increase understanding and concept-building in the first phase of medical education. ECE does not replace basic sciences and conventional teaching but rather enriches and contextualizes that learning. Aim: To assess the importance of ECE in the first MBBS medical training session when taught as an adjunct to conventional didactic lectures. Method: We started with didactic lectures on a specific topic in electrocardiograms (ECGs) followed by ECE on the same topic. This was done in a hospital setting with real patients. We obtained approval from the institutional ethical committee, and students were included in the study after signing a consent letter. Result: The students returned a completed questionnaire after the didactic lecture, and the same students returned the questionnaire after an additional session of ECE. The students here acted as their own controls. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were performed, which revealed that the results were highly significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: ECE was perceived as very satisfactory by the students, and it helped improve the building concept, clarity in the usefulness of the classroom, and theoretical teaching. This will also spike their interest in the subject in the long run. ECE might prove to be instrumental in bridging the gap between theory and practice from the beginning of medical education if it is executed properly.Item Questionnaire-based comparative analysis of conventional chalk and blackboard versus PowerPoint presentation as teaching methods in medical college from students' perspective and point of view(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-01) Ohal, SS; Rathod, VV; Sheikh, S; Choudhary, UK; Karambelkar, Y.Background: The National Medical Commission (NMC) in India has made it mandatory for medical faculties to undergo basic courses in medical education technology (BCME). Qualitative teaching to medical undergraduates ensures high standards of future medical practitioners with moral practice and ethics. Aim: Study aimed to evaluate First MBBS students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of lectures delivered by Physiology teachers using PowerPoint (PPT) presentation and the traditional chalk and blackboard (CB) method. Methods: The study was conducted in the Physiology Department of the first-year MBBS medical undergraduates of the tertiary care center and medical college in Maharashtra state in 2023. A total number of 172 (85 males and 87 females) MBBS students participated in the current study. A Google sheet with the questionnaire on the two most com- monly used teaching methods namely Chack and Blackboard and a PowerPoint presentation was circulated amongst them. The study aimed to evaluate their perspective towards these methods. Consent was obtained from every one of them to voluntarily participate in study. The right to withdraw was given at any stage to them. All of them were informed that the responses recorded from them were solely for academic and research purposes. Students were given the freedom to answer the questions with their viewpoints on the feedback sheet. The sheet included their choice of technique along with a set of seven questions. Responses were recorded on the scale of whether they agreed, strongly agreed, disagreed, or strongly disagreed. Results: 65% (112 students) grasped the concept better with PowerPoint presentations while the remaining 35% (60 Students) students liked the conventional chalk and board method. In the PPT method, there was proper visibility of contents, the speaker’s voices were audible to everyone, and concepts explained were communicated in a better man- ner, especially to the people seated at far distances. Whereas, in the Chack and Blackboard method majority felt that the concept was made very clear, properly understood, and easily grasped due to direct contact between students and teacher as compared to PPT. However, direct eye-to-eye contact with the teacher was lacking in PPT due to the dis- traction of slides in between. Some students were not able to communicate with teachers in between lectures. Topics seemed to be more interesting in PPT in comparison to CCB. Students were able to draw down notes properly in both methods from an examination point of view. Conclusion: First-year MBBS medical students preferred PPT presentation alone or in combination with the Chack and Blackboard method. The physiology topic was well understood, highly grasped, and qualitatively reproduced at the stages of theory and practical examination if thought by employing PPT. However, this was only the students’ perspective and was highly dependent on the role and attitude of trained faculty delivering lectures utilizing these methods.Item Exploring vitamin D deficiency: A retrospective study of serum vitamin D levels in a Tertiary Hospital in Kerala(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-05) Sabu, SE; Shojan, T; Bahuleyan, B.Background: Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a global health concern all over the world, with evidence linking low vitamin D levels to a diverse list of skeletal and non-skeletal disorders. This retrospective study aims to explore the serum vitamin D levels in patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Kerala and identify potential demographic factors contributing to this condition. Aim: To assess the Vitamin D levels among patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Kerala in the past 3 years. To determine the associations between Vitamin D levels and demographic factors, such as age and gender. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using laboratory data from June 2021 to May 2024, collected from the AOSTA application, focusing primarily on Vitamin D levels, age, and gender of all patients over 18. Results: From the laboratory data of 1940 study participants, 31.4% were deficient and 29.1% were insufficient in vitamin D. A total of 34.8% of the females were found to be deficient in comparison to males to a statistically significant level. Considering the age factor, Vitamin D deficiency was more prominent among younger age groups and this was statistically significant among females. Conclusion: Despite Kerala’s tropical climate and ample sun exposure, Vitamin D deficiency remains surprisingly prevalent. The findings of this study also clearly show that targeted public health strategies in the form of screening, supplementation, and fortification should be implemented from an early age.Item Impact of innovative video-based learning on the academic performance of phase II Medical Students at a Medical Institute, Tamil Nadu, India(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-05) Mhatarba, VS; Sunil, VS; Kumar, AN.Background: There is a notable change in the medical curriculum in 2019. Adopting competency-based medical education has placed students in a central place with a primary focus on flexibility, knowledge application, and outcome-based curriculum. Innovative teaching–learning (TL) has gained much importance in recent years. Innovative video-based TL methods are used in the medical and paramedical professions to primarily address the psychomotor and affective domains, whereas the cognitive domain is not assessed to that extent. In addition, to understand the subject in depth, innovative strategies have a higher edge over conventional TL techniques. The present study aimed to compare the impact of video-based TL against conventional TL methods and to analyze students’ perceptions of novel TL methods. Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of video-based modules by comparing the academic performance of students using video-based learning versus conventional PowerPoint-based learning and analyzing students’ perceptions regarding video-based learning as a teaching tool. Materials and Methods: An audio-visual module consisting of the mechanism of action of Tetracyclines and Fluoroquinolones of 15 minutes duration each was developed using novel techniques and validated by 20 experts using a 5-point Likert scale with a standard predefined criterion. Results: The mean posttest scores between the groups immediately after the session and 2 months later were higher in the video-based TL method. The result was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The difference in mean test scores (3.98) among the video-based TL groups was statistically significant (p < 0.01). More than 75% of students agreed that innovative video-based TL enhanced their learning experiences and helped them better understand the concepts. Conclusion: The present study concluded that innovative teaching methods improve academic performance and, enhance student engagement and retention time.Item Assessment of cardiovascular reflex tests in fibromyalgia patients(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-01) Jalil, E; Ahmad, E; Alauddin, W; Radke, P.Background: Fibromyalgia is caused by various elements, such as hereditary, physical, and psychological, along with social influences. Alterations to the neurological system, including in the brain’s circuitry and cognitive-emotional regions, are associated with chronic pain. According to the neurovisceral integration paradigm, there is a complicated interaction between visceral structures and autonomic dysfunction. Aim: This study aims to assess autonomic reactivity in both healthy controls and fibromyalgia patients. Methods: Out of 60 individuals, 30 were classified as having fibromyalgia by the medicine department, while 30 were healthy controls. Each subject underwent and recorded cardiovascular reflex tests, such as the Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing test (DBT) examinations, handgrip examinations, cold pressor tests, and lying-to-stand tests (LSTs). SPSS edition 21 was used for the statistical analysis. The unpaired t-test was applied to parameters with normal distributions. Results: Patients with fibromyalgia showed a significant decrease in their delta heart rate during DBT (13.11 ± 1.19 vs. 15.26 ± 1.34, p < 0.001) compared to the controlled group. The expiration:inspiration (E:I) ratio during DBT in fibromyalgia patients was significantly decreased (1.19 ± 0.21 vs. 1.30 ± 0.49, p < 0.001) compared to the controlled group, and the Valsalva ratio in fibromyalgia patients was also substantially reduced (1.17 ± 0.65 vs. 1.48 ± 0.78, p < 0.001) compared to the controlled group. The fibromyalgia patients exhibited a significant fall in systolic blood pressure during LST (11.93 ± 4.84 vs. 3.89 ± 2.12, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The 30:15 ratio during LST in fibromyalgia patients was significantly reduced (1.13 ± 0.22 vs. 1.24 ± 0.37, p < 0.001) in comparison to the healthy control group. The rise in heart rate during LST was substantially greater in patients with fibromyalgia (13.32 ± 5.28 vs. 8.34 ± 3.71, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The cold pressor test was significantly decreased in fibromyalgia patients (9.29 ± 4.01 vs. 15.92 ± 5.64, p < 0.001) when compared to the control group. The handgrip test findings were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Revealing autonomic dysfunction, the parasympathetic tone was lower as well as sympathetic impairment was observed in fibromyalgia patients compared to the healthy control group. Future studies should concentrate on autonomic nervous system dysfunction as a biomarker for early warning signals for drug intake and fibromyalgia treatment.Item A comparative study of serum lipids between housewives and working women in the North Eastern Coastal District of Andhra Pradesh(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-01) Sarapalli, L; Bolem, P; Shireesha, LR; Bethiun, S; Premaraja, R.Background: Employment as such does not appear to be a risk factor for coronary heart disease and may in fact have a beneficial effect on health. Although there is at present a paucity of reliable data, several key points emerge. In general, working women are in better health than homemakers or unemployed women. Among working women perception of control over the job environment may be a more important predictor of risk than the level of job stress. Health appears to be compromised most among women who perceive little control over their lives. Although multiple social roles of wife, mother, and employee seem to enhance health, too much intensity in any one role may be detrimental. Both physical and psychological factors significantly impact women’s health, emphasizing the importance of integrated care that addresses the whole person, not just the disease. Therefore, our study aims to observe and compare the effects of serum total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) levels between housewives and working women. Objectives: This study aims to observe and compare the effects of serum TC, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and TG levels between housewives and working women. Materials and Methods: 20 housewives and 20 working women subjects were selected. Data were collected through clinical evaluation, questionnaires, and laboratory investigations. Parametric tests, independent sample t-tests, and non-parametric Mann-Whitney tests have been applied to see the difference between the two groups. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) is similar in both housewives and working women (p-value is 0.28). The mean TC levels are higher in the housewives group when compared to the working women group, but this difference is not found to be significant (p-value is 0.315). The mean HDL level is similar in both the housewives group and the working group (p-value is 0.778). Conclusion: There is no significant statistical difference in serum lipid profile and BMI in both housewives and working women. Maybe because of the small sample size, our study could not find significant differences between the groups.Item Self-directed learning readiness among first-year MBBS students in a Government Medical College of Kolkata, India: A cross-sectional observational study(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-01) Sharmistha, B; Anjan, A.Background: SDL plays a crucial role in inculcating the habit of reading and learning in medical students. A successful medical student should have the ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee his or her own learning experience. In India, usually, students start their journey in the medical field quite early, and they have yet to come out of the concept of relying on teachers for guidance on what and how to learn. Many of these young adults find the concept of SDL unfamiliar. While everyone possesses some level of self-direction in learning, learners differ in their readiness for SDL. Competency-based medical education curriculum has made implementation of SDL mandatory. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the readiness for SDL among first-year MBBS students in a government medical college of Kolkata, West Bengal, using Fisher’s self-directed learning readiness scale (SDLRS). Methods: This study was carried out at the Department of Anatomy, of a government medical college, Kolkata, after obtaining institutional ethics committee clearance. Eighty first-year MBBS students were included in the study. Two SDL sessions were conducted weekly, for gross anatomy of two abdominal viscera. Pre-tests and post-tests were taken before and after each session to assess students’ progress after SDL sessions. In the following week, the students were asked to answer the questionnaires applying Fischer’s SDLRS. Fisher’s SDLRS consists of 40 items categorized into three domains. The items of Fisher’s SDLRS were scored on a five-point Likert. The total score of Fisher’s SDLRS can range from 40 to 200. The data collected were statistically analyzed in consultation with a statistician. Results: Out of 80 students, 35 students scored more than 150 on Fischer’s readiness scale, while 45 scored less than 150, indicating that the majority of the students (56.25%) were not ready for SDL. The mean score for SDL readiness was 140.07. The mean self-management score was 41.25, the mean score for desire for learning was 42.95, and the mean self- control score was 54.35. Conclusion: The majority of the eighty first-year medical students (56.25%) were not ready for self-directed learning, and 43.75% of the students were ready. Our study threw light on the fact that despite having a high desire for learning and ability of self-control, students need to be supported in their self-management skills. Their self- directed learning readiness can be improved if guided properly.Item Smartphone screen time and sleep quality in MBBS students(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-03) Joseph, S; Kurian, S; Shenoy, SJ; Madhavikuty, G.Background: Smartphone use and other screen-emitting devices have surged, particularly among college students. Such devices are often used for both academic and recreational purposes, potentially affecting sleep quality. Aim: To explore the correlation between smartphone screen time (ST) and sleep quality among MBBS students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Government Medical College, Kottayam. A sample size of 370 MBBS students was selected using simple random sampling. Data on sleep quality were collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), while ST was measured using the Stay-Free ST app. Statistical analysis was conducted using Jamovi software, and associations were determined using the chi-square test and ANOVA. Results: The mean ST was higher among male students (5.55 ± 3.98 hours) than among female students (4.84 ± 1.89 hours). Sleep quality was similarly affected. A significant difference in ST was observed across academic phases, with third-year students reporting the highest mean ST (6.23 ± 2.04 hours). Poor sleep quality was reported by 49.8% of students, with a strong correlation observed between increased ST and lower sleep efficiency. The mean PSQI score of males was 6.00 ± 2.53, for females 5.74 ± 2.46, and across phases was between 5 and 6. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a significant association between excessive smartphone use and poor sleep quality among MBBS students. Interventions aimed at reducing ST, particularly before bedtime, can help improve sleep quality and overall well-being among students.Item A study on the assessment of role of BMI on immediate exercise impact on peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) among undergraduate students at one of the medical colleges of Ahmadabad(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-04) Upadhyay, JS; Mistry, D.Background: In India, obesity is a rapidly growing health concern across all age groups. Obesity has significant effects on pulmonary function. The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) demonstrates the caliber of the airways and is widely recognized as an objective indicator of respiratory efficiency. This indicator is useful for the diagnosis and management of respiratory disorders. Aim: This study aimed to determine the relationship between BMI and immediate post-exercise changes in PEFR among medical undergraduate students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 healthy undergraduate medical college students. Baseline anthropometric data, including height and weight, were collected for the assessment of body mass index (BMI). BMI was calculated using the Quetelet index. PEFR was measured using a Wright Peak Flow Meter. PEFR measurements were taken before and after performing a 5-minute moderate-intensity Harvard Step Test by the participants. Results: The results showed that individuals with a normal BMI had the highest mean increase in PEFR (mean difference: 27.85 ± 7.97, p < 0.0001), followed by the overweight group (mean difference: 15.23 ± 12.04, p < 0.0001). The obese group exhibited the least improvement (mean difference: 5.49 ± 11.82, p < 0.0001). The P values in all three groups for PEFR before and after exercise were low (<0.0001) indicating a statistically significant difference in PEFR across BMI categories. Conclusion: This study assessed the impact of BMI on immediate post-exercise changes in PEFR among young medical students. A significant negative association was observed between BMI and PEFR. This relationship was present both before and after exercise. The study found that students with a normal BMI group demonstrated the most substantial improvement in PEFR after exercise, followed by the overweight group. The obese group exhibited the least improvement in PEFR. These findings suggest that excess weight has a direct impact on PEFR. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms.Item Vasorelaxant effects of methanolic fraction leaves powder extract of Elaeis guineensis in porcine coronary arteries: Possible involvement of Nitric Oxide(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-03) Sene, M; Diouf, I; Ndiaye, M; Ba, A; Ndiaye, A; Kane, MO; Sarr, M; Schini-kerth, V; Sene, M.Background: Elaeis guineensis is a plant of the Arecaceae family that is used in traditional medicine in Senegal to treat high blood pressure. However, to our knowledge, there is no scientific evidence supporting its ability to lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Aim: The objective of this study was to provide a scientific basis for the use of this plant as a remedy for high blood pressure in traditional medicine. Methods: We in vitro evaluated the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant capacity of a methanolic fraction of E. guineensis leaf powder (MSEG01). To achieve this, rings of pig coronary arteries with and without endothelium are mounted in isolated organ chambers. After stabilization for approximately 1 hour, the rings were precontracted with U46619 and then exposed to a range of increasing concentrations of MSEG01 ranging from 1 to 100 ?g/ml. For some experiments, the rings were incubated with different inhibitors (L-NA, INDOMETHACIN, TRAM-34 +UCL) to determine the cell signaling pathways involved in MSEG01-induced relaxation. Results: The results showed that MSEG01 causes relaxation in a model of coronary arteries in pigs previously contracted with U46619. For rings with endothelium, a relaxation start was noted at 3 ?g/ml, and the maximum relaxation (90%) was obtained at 100 ?g/ml. Without endothelium, MSEG01 does not induce relaxation. Conclusion: This study explains the use of E. guineensis for the management and prevention of high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications in traditional medicine in Senegal. However, additional research is needed to ensure its safety for human health.Item Comparison of multiscale entropy analysis of heart rate variability in young normotensive adults with and without parental history of hypertension(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-03) Arasan, RD.Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an essential role in regulating cardiovascular functions. Heart rate variability (HRV) refers to the variation in the time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. It serves as a non-invasive marker of ANS activity. ANS dysfunction, which can be identified by HRV, can manifest as hypertension. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare HRV values between normotensives with and without parental history of hypertension. Methods: The study was conducted on 60 normotensives with a history of parental hypertension and 60 subjects without history of parental hypertension in the age range 30–40 years. Subjects with normal sinus rhythm, without any systemic illness, non-smokers, and non-alcoholics were selected. HRV was measured after 5 minutes of rest for 15 minutes. Multiscale entropy analysis was employed and a p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Normotensives with a parental history of hypertension exhibited diminished short-term and long-term HRV adaptability, indicating autonomic imbalance characterized by increased sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic modulation. This reveals significant reductions in HRV complexity across temporal scales in the experimental group. Conclusion: The results reflect diminished autonomic flexibility and reduced ability to respond to environmental or physiological demands among normotensives with parental history of hypertension. This could predispose those individuals to hypertension and cardiovascular risks despite normal blood pressure levels.Item Introducing various formative assessment methods in Biochemistry of Phase I MBBS Curriculum(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-04) Santra, R; Saha, S; Barua, N; Badyal, DK; Samuel, CJ.Background: Assessment in Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) focuses on improving learning as an ongoing and longitudinal assessment so that facilitators can identify the needs of the learner, plan remedial measures, and provide learning opportunities to improve learning. Therefore, it is something we do with or for students and not for the students. Formative assessments consolidate the learning process and reinforce appropriate teaching–learning behavior. It is thus necessary that structured formative assessments be incorporated into the regular assessment system of the curriculum to ensure an optimal educational output. Aim: To design innovative formative assessment methods in a competency-based Biochemistry curriculum for undergraduate MBBS students and teachers and to assess the students’ acquisition and application of the acquired knowledge through the formative assessment methods being applied. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry at Deben Mahata Government Medical College and Hospital of Purulia district in West Bengal. Facilitators or Teachers were sensitized about the newer formative assessment methods namely Teacher’s self-report of content-pedagogical knowledge and periodical logs for the teachers. On the other hand, methods of concept mapping, reflective self-assessment, and multiple choice questions (MCQs) were formulated for the students. All the newly designed formative assessment methods were designed on specific competency areas and discussed with the departmental faculty, tutors, and senior residents through a 1–2 series of group discussions. Teachers then introduced innovations in the continuous teaching process on a number of occasions. Teacher’s self-report of content-pedagogical knowledge was captured in a Likert scale of how they felt about teaching the CBME from 1 (not desirable) to 5 (highly desirable). Periodical logs for the teachers were created through general reporting points. Results: A total of 97 students studying in Phase I MBBS and learning Biochemistry were enrolled in the study. We found that 64 (66%) were male and 33 (34%) were female students. The newer Formative Assessment methods— concept mapping, reflective self-assessment, and MCQs proved to be beneficial for many students in the subject of Biochemistry as 72% of them felt these methods to be brain-storming and innovative while 36% felt them difficult. Such methods increased concentration in 67% of students, and 80% of students felt that they could correlate better during their performance in assessment. At the outset, solving MCQs proved to be tempting in 72% of the students followed by growing interest in explaining the concept maps in 67% of the students. Reflective self-assessment was easier for 64% of the students. The proportion of students who were present during various occasions of formative assessment supports the importance of the role of feedback in continuous teaching learning. Preparation for the assessment engaged them with the curriculum as per Graduate Medical Education Regulations and enabled better concentrating ability with more power to think and correlate various competencies. Conclusion: Designing and introducing newer innovative formative assessment methods proved to be fruitful as being introduced gradually after proper orientation of the students and facilitators of Biochemistry in the Phase I MBBS curriculum. The teachers felt motivated to implement these assessment methods from now onwards with continuous feedback to and from the students.Item Stress, dietary patterns, and emotional eating: A cross sectional study among Indian High School students(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-04) Khurana, V; Verma, R.Background: The relationship between stress and dietary patterns is a significant factor influencing student well- being. Stress and emotional states can trigger physiological responses that alter eating behaviors, leading to either an increase or decrease in appetite. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between stress, dietary patterns, and emotional eating among high school students in Amritsar, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 475 high school students (261 females and 214 males). The survey utilized the perceived stress scale and the emotional eater questionnaire to assess stress levels and emotional eating behaviors. Data on general characteristics, Body Mass Index (BMI), dietary habits, and sleep patterns were also collected. Results: The average weight, height, and BMI of the female participants were 53.18 kg, 163.50 cm, and 21.77 kg/ m², respectively, whereas those of the male participants were 61.22 kg, 167.94 cm, and 19.63 kg/m². Females had higher average stress and emotional eating scores (23.25 and 11.57, respectively) than (19.95 and 9.23, respectively). A positive correlation was observed between stress scores and emotional eating tendencies. Stress levels tended to increase as students progressed to higher grades, with 12th graders experiencing the highest levels of stress. Conclusion: Higher stress levels are associated with increased emotional eating among high school students. Effective stress management strategies are essential to promote healthier eating habits and overall well-being in this population. Further research is required to explore intervention strategies and the impact of cultural factors on these behaviors.Item Impact of COVID-19 infection on pregnancy outcomes: A retrospective cohort study focusing on preterm and low-birth-weight pregnancies(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-01) Chowdary, ND; Sridhar, CM; Kantharajanna, U; Naidu, S; Venkatesh, S; Menon, AS.Introduction: Viral infections pose significant risks to pregnant women and fetuses. Although the impact of many viruses on pregnancy has been well-documented, the specific effects of COVID-19 on gestational age and newborn development remain unclear. There is a need to investigate these relationships in an Indian context where data on COVID-19 and pregnancy outcomes are limited. Aim: To determine the effect of COVID-19 infection on gestational age and birth weight in neonates born to COVID- 19-positive mothers during the third trimester of gestation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study used medical records collected from March 2020 to September 2022 at a tertiary hospital in Bengaluru. The data were analyzed in 2023. A total of 379 pregnant women aged 18–35 years were included in the study, out of which 325 were COVID-19 positive, while 54 were COVID-19 negative. In all the study subjects, comorbidities, gestational age, birth weight, and infection severity were recorded and analyzed. The chi-square test and Mood’s median test were used to compare COVID-19-positive pregnant women with COVID-19-negative pregnant women who delivered during the same time period. Results: COVID-19 infected women had an average gestational age of 269.24 ± 16.11 days compared to noninfected women 270.33 ± 10.65 days with a p-value of 0.733. Approximately 13.84% (45) of COVID-19-positive women delivered their babies preterm. The study found that the average birth weight of babies born to COVID-19 infected mothers was 2.78 ± 0.53 kg compared to 2.81 ± 0.4 kg in noninfected mothers with a p-value of 0.637 and the birth weights in both groups were comparable to the average birth weight in India. Conclusion: The study found that COVID-19 did not appear to increase the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery or low birth weight, in the studied population, suggesting that it does not pose a specific threat to the health of the mother or fetus.Item Effect of a 6-week combined protocol of Bhastrika Pranayama and Nadishodhana Pranayama on dynamic lung function indices of young adults(?Eldaghayes Publisher, 2025-03) Dhar, DK; Shrivastava, A; Jha, S; Saini, PK; Chauhan, S.Background: Emerging research shows that yoga has manifold effects on the physiological functioning of various organ systems. “Pranayama” or yogic breathing techniques forms one of the fundamental components of the classical eight-fold path of yoga or “Ashtanga Yoga”. Literature shows that these breathing practices affect the ventilation of the lungs, gaseous exchange, and even chemoreceptor sensitivity. The dynamic lung function indices affected by pranayama vary widely among studies. The regimens of pranayama also show extensive variation. There have been also very few attempts at quantifying the extent of change. All these factors necessitated the present study. Aim: The aim of the study was to observe the effect of the combined practice of Bhastrika pranayama (fast breathing, vitalizing pranayama) and Nadishodhana pranayama (slow, alternate nostril breathing, and cooling pranayama) on the dynamic lung function indices over 6 weeks in young adults. It also sought to quantify the extent of the change. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 21 randomly selected young, healthy volunteers. Their anthropometric parameters and baseline dynamic lung function tests [Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1st sec (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), and forced expiratory flow 25%–75%] were recorded by digital spirometer RMS Helios 401. The subjects then performed Bhastrika pranayama (for 10–15 minutes) and Nadishodhana pranayama (for 5–10 minutes) for 6 days a week for 6 weeks under the guidance of a certified yoga instructor. The spirometric measurements were repeated after 6 weeks. The comparison was done using a paired t-test. The extent of change was also calculated. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to find out predictor variables that could significantly predict the final value. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean FVC increased from 88.57% ± 10.53% to 91.86% ± 9.32 % and PEFR increased from 96.95% ± 18.27% to 102.81% ± 19.18 %, respectively. The changes were statistically significant. Other parameters did not show a significant change. Conclusion: The present study showed that these yogic breathing practices could bring about a small but statistically significant improvement in both the volume as well as ease of airflow in the respiratory system, which indirectly reflects the mechanical properties of the lungs and chest wall. Importantly, this effect was seen by devoting just around 20 minutes per day for 6 weeks making it a doable practice in our fast-paced world.