Kasturba Medical College, Manipal and Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, together known as KMC, are two private medical colleges in coastal Karnataka, India, established in 1953. The colleges were established as a single unit and later became two colleges with their own teaching hospitals. KMC was the first self-financing medical college in India. The colleges are constituent units of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University.
High density lipoprotein (HDL) has historically been considered cardioprotective, with HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels widely used as a biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk. However, accumulating evidence suggests that HDL-C concentration alone does not adequately capture the complex biological functions of HDL particles. This review revisits the evolving understanding of HDL biology and examines the emerging importance of HDL functionality, particle size and particle number in cardiometabolic risk assessment. It further highlights recent methodological advances that enable more detailed characterization of HDL heterogeneity. Contemporary research demonstrates that HDL represents a structurally and functionally heterogenous group of particles with diverse biological activities. Cardioprotective effects attributed to HDL are increasingly linked to functional properties rather than to HDL-C levels alone. Growing evidence suggest that HDL particle concentration and subclass distribution may correlate more strongly with cardiovascular outcomes than conventional HDL-C measurements. Technological advances, such as nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) spectroscopy and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis based systems like the Lipoprint platform, now allow more precise quantification and classification of HDL subfractions. Current evidence challenges the traditional reliance on HDL-C as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular protection. Instead, HDL should be viewed as a dynamic and heterogenous lipoprotein system in which particle characteristics and functional capacity are critical determinants of cardiometabolic risk. Incorporating measurement of HDL particle distribution and functionality into research and clinical evaluation may improve cardiovascular risk stratification and deepen understanding of HDL biology. Continued advances in analytical technologies and functional assays are likely to reshape HDL assessment and support more precise, mechanism based approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention and management.
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (BPA) is a technique used in forensic investigations to recreate violent crime scenes by examining the distribution of bloodstain patterns to interpret the dynamics of the occurrence, including the impact directions, movement of the participants, and the type of weapon that may have been used. Its interpretiveness is, however, severely limited due to underlying limitations, such as the ambiguity of theories of causation patterns, large classification error rates (e.g., 23–30
Abstract Background Phthalates, which are commonly used as plasticizers, are pervasive in modern environments. The potential effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human reproductive health have raised concerns. Among the various health risks, a significant focus has been on male fertility, particularly the relationship between phthalate exposure and a reduced sperm count. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) are two of the most studied phthalates because of their wide use in products such as plastics, cosmetics and medical devices. Growing evidence suggests that they may impair sperm production, viability, and quality, contributing to male infertility. This review synthesizes epidemiological and experimental evidence on the reproductive toxicity governed by phthalates in semen parameters. Methods This systematic review was conducted following the SWiM (synthesis without meta-analysis) guidelines. A comprehensive search across three major databases was conducted to capture literature on phthalate exposure and semen parameters, including sperm concentration, morphology and motility, published between 2014 and 14/10/2024. Two independent researchers screened and selected studies. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed via ROBINS-E tool. A meta-analysis was not performed due to variability in the study designs. Results 38 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Human phthalate exposure has shown that semen parameters are altered, such as a decrease in the sperm concentration. Research suggests that high exposure to phthalates such as MEHP, DEHP and DBP is associated with reduced sperm concentration, motility, and overall semen quality. Phthalates remain a potential contributing factor in male fertility issues, but the variability in findings across populations and exposure levels in these populations indicate that more research is needed to understand this relationship. Conclusion Phthalates, particularly MEHP, DEHP and DBP, negatively affect sperm concentration and affect sperm morphology, likely through endocrine disruption and impairment of testicular function via oxidative stress. The certainty of the evidence is graded as low to moderate, primarily due to the observational nature of the included studies. However, given the potential risks to reproductive health, the evidence supports a precautionary approach advocating stricter regulation of phthalate exposure in everyday products.
Objectives:Melioidosis is increasingly recognized in India, but available evidence remains fragmented across small reports. We aimed to synthesize national case-based data to describe the clinical spectrum and identify factors associated with mortality. Methods:We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to February 5, 2025. Case reports, case series, and observational cohorts with individual patient-level culture- or molecular-confirmed data from India were included. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data using a standardized form, and assessed quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for case reports. Univariate comparisons were performed between survivors and non-survivors. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025640317), and PRISMA guidelines were followed. Results:From 1983 screened records, 209 studies reporting 558 cases from 20 states were included. The mean age was 44.8 years, and 73.4% had diabetes. Bacteremia occurred in 70.1%; pulmonary disease (33.2%), bone/joint involvement (35.1%), splenic abscesses (17.7%), and central nervous system disease (13.3%) were the most common conditions. Among 498 cases with reported outcomes, mortality was 19.9%. Malignancy, pulmonary and central nervous system involvement, and bacteremia were associated with death. Conclusions:In India, melioidosis is widespread and often severe, with substantial mortality. Earlier recognition and improved diagnostic access are needed to reduce preventable deaths.
Background This study aimed to examine the knowledge, attitude, and perception of body donation among Phase-1 medical students at our institution. The objectives were to assist teachers in providing insight into the perception of this among students. Methods This was a cross-sectional, institution-based, time-bound study comprising 29 validated questions regarding comprehensive aspects of body donation. There were 396 medical students in Phase-1 from admissions for two consecutive years. Results Most students (94.4%) were aware of the source of cadavers in the dissection hall, which were either donated or unclaimed bodies from the hospital. However, 38.9% of them were unaware of the guidelines for body donation, and 79% were ignorant of the documents required to pledge. However, 84.3% were aware that it was mandatory to sign a pledge form. The time frame to procure the dead body to the department of anatomy of the institution was not known to 79% of the participants, and 93.2% of the participants opined that corpses from other neighboring states could be accepted. Opinions regarding the acceptance of donated bodies afflicted with long COVID were supported by 218 (55.1%), not supported by 47 (11.9%), and neutral by 131 (33.1%) participants in this study. Conclusion Specific knowledge gaps were encountered, including the timeframe, logistics, and legal issues in procuring the body. Since medical students play an important role in this societal motivation, it is suggested that a scientific session be planned in the curriculum of Phase-1 regarding the protocol of body donation. Apart from providing insights, this study also accomplishes the United Nations’ sustainable development goal-4 in offering quality medical education. This study, apart from providing insights, also accomplishes the United Nation’s sustainable development goal-4 in offering quality medical education.
