Objectives: The objective of the study is to impart prescription communication skills in second MBBS undergraduate students using role play and self-directed learning (SDL). Materials and Methods: A total of 25 second year MBBS undergraduate students participated in this pilot study after providing written informed consent. The intervention consisted of an SDL session, a faculty-led role play demonstration and student-performed role plays. Prescription communication skills were assessed using three objective structured practical examination (OSPE) stations. Scores from the final OSPE station of participating students were compared with those of non-participating students using an unpaired t -test. Student perceptions of their prescription communication skills and the effectiveness of the teaching–learning methods were collected through free listing and analysed using cognitive salience index (CSI). Results: The OSPE scores of students who underwent the intervention were significantly higher compared to non-participants ( p < 0.05). Students reported enhanced confidence and improved prescription communication abilities. They highlighted that role play simulated real-life scenarios effectively, while SDL encouraged active, independent learning. Conclusion: Role play combined with SDL is an effective teaching method to impart prescription communication skills in undergraduate medical students.
Objectives: Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), defined based on changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac biomarker levels, is a significant complication of chemotherapy, often subclinical in early stages. While conventional markers (high sensitivity cardio troponin I [hscTnI], N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) are routinely used, the role of novel biomarkers (glycogen phosphorylase BB [GPBB]), myeloperoxidase (MPO), chemokine ligand-23 (CCL23) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) remains unknown. Furthermore, the potential influence of shared cancer and cardiovascular disease on tumour marker variability remains unclear, as they share common risk factors and biological pathways. This study aimed to evaluate selected biomarkers alongside hscTnI and LVEF in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Materials and Methods: Postmenopausal women ( n = 37) newly diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer were recruited. Biomarkers were measured using a Beckman Coulter chemiluminescence analyser (Dxi600) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after 7 cycles of NACT. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 20.0 was used for analysing the data. Results: GPBB, hscTnI and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) showed a significant increase from baseline after NACT, with a significant reduction in LVEF. No significant differences were observed in CCL23 (Myeloid Progenitor Inhibitor Factor-1), MIF, MPO, CA 125, carcinoembryonic antigen, CA 15-3 and cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 before and after NACT. A significant inverse correlation emerged between LVEF and hscTnI levels (r = −0.58, p < 0.001). No significant correlations were seen between LVEF and other biomarkers. Thirty per cent of breast cancer patients developed mild, asymptomatic CTRCD after NACT. The levels of LVEF and hscTnI among patients with and without CTRCD after NACT differed significantly. However, levels of other biomarkers did not differ significantly between the two patient groups. Conclusion: The evaluated novel biomarkers did not demonstrate clinically significant additional utility for assessing cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity in our cohort. However, these findings are exploratory and require validation in larger studies.
Objectives: The study was designed to explore the possible action of resveratrol (RES) on transcription factor 7-like 2 ( TCF7L2 ) gene expression and its effect on lipid profile in type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Diabetes was induced in Group 1 through alloxan and nicotinamide. Group 2 was diabetic, and Group 3 was a non-diabetic control which received RES too. The researchers evaluated blood glucose (BG) and lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], high-density lipoprotein [HDL] and low-density lipoprotein [LDL]) at 28 days. Liver TCF7L2 gene expression was measured in parallel. Results: Group 1 achieved successful diabetes induction, as evidenced by significantly reduced TCF7L2 gene expression and HDL levels, and increased BG, TC, TG and LDL ( P < 0.05). However, both of the RES-treated groups (Groups 2 and 3) showed astounding enhancements. Over the last few weeks, they showed an upwards trend in HDL and TCF7L2 gene expression, as well as a downwards trend in BG, TC, TG and LDL ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Diabetes impaired metabolism, and RES ameliorated these effects. RES modulated expression of TCF7L2, and our data indicate that this can perhaps partly explain the anti-diabetic, antioxidant and metabolic benefits of RES. This study emphasises the potential of RES for therapeutic benefit in T2DM.
Objectives: Extended application with the use of drugs with anti-inflammatory properties is concerned with adverse events frequently restricting their use. Therefore, an investigation into the safety profile of Analgesic drugs is required. The assessment of Crocus sativus ethanolic extract water fraction (CSEEWF) for the treatment of inflammatory activity in animal models was carefully considered. Materials and Methods: Following permission by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee for in vivo investigations, the animals were grouped and each group consisted of six rats. Each group includes positive control (Normal saline [NS]), standard drug - Diclofenac 10 mg/kg or Dexamethasone 0.5 mg per-oral, CSEEWF (200, 400 and 600 mg). Acute and subacute anti-inflammatory effect of C. sativus stigmas were assessed through carrageenan-induced inflammatory method and cotton pellet-induced granuloma method, respectively, in albino rats. Results: Statistical investigation was conducted using analysis of variance with subsequent Dunnett’s test. CSEEWF (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) demonstrated inflammatory inhibition by the graded dose-dependent paw oedema method induced by carrageenan, followed by the cotton pellet inflammatory method. Significant results were analysed for 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg. However, 600 mg/kg revealed the most significant results compared to the control. Conclusion: The findings indicated promising anti-inflammatory effects of CSEEWF, which could potentially aid in managing inflammation-related complications.
Objectives: According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy listening habits put 1.1 billion young people at risk of hearing loss globally. Youth commonly spend their leisure and relaxation time listening to dangerous levels of music on headphones/earbuds or are exposed to high levels of music at concerts, parties, sports arenas and clubs. An exposure level of 85 decibels is the maximum safe limit for duration of up to 8 hours. The objective of the study is to assess hearing in healthy young adults using electroacoustic devices by mobile app HearWorld Health Organization (WHO) and pure-tone audiometry (PTA). Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee of King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, eligible participants were recruited. The study procedure was carried out in the department of physiology. Participants were first screened using the questionnaire, followed by self-assessment through the HearWHO app using mobile phones and personal headphones. Finally, audiometric testing was performed using PTA to obtain a detailed evaluation of hearing thresholds. Results: The HearWHO app demonstrated a significant correlation with standard audiometric (PTA) findings, supporting its potential utility as a preliminary hearing screening tool. However, long-term use of headphones and electroacoustic devices showed only a weak correlation with both HearWHscores and PTA thresholds. Notably, no significant association was found between daily duration of device use and either hearing metric. Conclusion: The study highlighted the usefulness of the HearWHO app as a convenient and cost-effective hearing screening option. Although cumulative headphone use showed weak associations with standard thresholds, subtle auditory effects might emerge at higher frequencies or with prolonged exposure. These findings emphasised the need for early screening, particularly among younger populations, and suggested the potential benefit of incorporating extended high-frequency audiometry in routine hearing assessments.
Objectives: To comprehensively examine correlations between detailed body composition parameters, including fat distribution and body water compartments, with IOP in a well-characterised adult population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 120 participants (60 males and 60 females) aged 18 years and older. Body composition assessment was performed using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, measuring BMI, body fat mass index (BFMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat percentage, dry lean weight, total body water percentage (TBW%), intracellular water percentage (ICW%), and extracellular water percentages (ECW%). IOP was measured using Canon TX-20P noncontact tonometry. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess relationships between body composition parameters and IOP. Results: Participants had a mean age of 47.09 ± 9.91 years; 35.8% were overweight. Mean IOP was significantly higher in females (16.08 ± 2.94 mmHg) versus males (14.52 ± 2.85 mmHg, p = 0.004) and in overweight participants (16.48 ± 2.54 mmHg) versus normal weight (13.19 ± 2.56 mmHg, p < 0.001). Strong positive correlations were observed between IOP and BMI (r = 0.447, p < 0.001), BFMI (r = 0.421, p < 0.001), and fat percentage (r = 0.331, p < 0.001). Conversely, significant negative correlations were found with TBW% (r = −0.430, p < 0.001), ICW% (r = −0.391, p < 0.001), and ECW% (r = −0.343, p < 0.001). FFMI showed no significant correlation (r = 0.075, p = 0.418). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that adiposity measures correlate positively with IOP, while body water distribution parameters show inverse relationships. These findings suggest that body composition assessment, particularly fat distribution and hydration status, may serve as valuable adjuncts in glaucoma risk stratification and support targeted interventions for IOP management.
Migraine is a disabling neurological disorder that may progress to chronic or resistant forms, which are especially challenging to manage in elderly patients. Transauricular non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (ta-nVNS) has recently gained recognition as a safe supplementary treatment for migraines in adults; however, there is limited data available for individuals over the age of 65. We report the case of a 67-year-old male with chronic resistant migraine refractory to three pharmacological prophylactic classes. The patient participated in biweekly ta-nVNS sessions for a period of 6 weeks, which led to a marked decrease in both the frequency and intensity of headaches, alongside improvements in headache impact test scores and heart rate variability indices. When symptoms reappeared after several weeks, they were effectively managed with a second course of ta-nVNS, administered once a week. ta-nVNS appears to be an effective, non-invasive adjunct therapy for chronic resistant migraine in elderly individuals, showing beneficial modulation of autonomic function and migraine burden.
Among non-communicable diseases, cancer has become the prime cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. India is in third position after China and the USA, having approximately 1.46 million new cases reported in 2022. Traditional treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, have limitations such as systemic toxicity, drug resistance and recurrence. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel targeted therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based targeted immunotherapies, including CAR T-cell (CAR-T) and CAR Natural killer (CARNK) cell treatments, are now revolutionising cancer treatment. The current scenario of advanced CAR therapies in India indicates that India has achieved a significant milestone by developing and testing its indigenous CAR-T (NexCAR19) therapy with a 73% overall response rate in B-cell cancer patients. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has approved NexCAR19 under restricted emergency use in 2023. Another CAR-T therapy (Varnimcabtagene autoleucel) developed and tested by Immuneel Therapeutics, along with Christian Medical College Vellore and Miltenyi Biotec, reported 100% and 50% complete remission rates for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients, respectively. Regardless of global progress with promising safety and efficacy, no clinical trials of CAR-NK therapy have yet been conducted in India, stressing the need for innovative research and clinical studies. The CAR-T and CAR-NK therapies have great potential in India. To understand their potential, a multifaceted approach is essential. Emphasis should be given to indigenous innovation, equitable healthcare policies and a collaborative framework to ensure their affordability, sustainability and broader applicability in the Indian population.
Objectives: Bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone densitometry scores are helpful in examining paediatric skeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the differences between (vitamin D3, parathyroid hormone [PTH], serum ferritin, and BTMs) and their biostatistical correlations with bone densitometry score in teenaged β-thalassemia major (βTM) patients in Basrah. Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted in 2023, on ninety teenaged paediatric subjects of both sexes, aged from 12 to 15 years, 45 of them with βTM (cases), collected from the hereditary blood diseases centre in Basrah and 45 of an apparently healthy (control). Biochemical investigations as well as dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scan examination were done for evaluation of bone mineral density and to study the correlation of these variables with Z-score of bone density results. The statistical analysis for the variables was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 29. Results: Patients exhibit considerably lower body mass index, vitamin D3, and Z-scores and significantly elevated serum ferritin, PTH and BTMs. For the correlation of these biochemical markers with Z-score of bone density, there is a non-significant negative correlation of vitamin D3, serum ferritin, PTH and osteocalcin in cases and serum ferritin, PTH and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase in control. In addition, the majority of the cases had osteopenia (51.1%), while osteoporosis was present in 26.6% of them. Conclusion: We can conclude that βTM patients have an imbalanced bone turnover and inadequate bone mineral density.
Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) participate in a mutual pathophysiological connection of oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory response and mitochondrial damage which leads to the development of long-term neurologic deficits. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is a precursor to glutathione (GSH), has been proposed to exert neuroprotective outcomes by controlling oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and mitochondrial function. Material and Methods: This systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines. Demographic data, intervention process, pharmacokinetics, biomarker measurement, clinical outcomes and mechanistic information were extracted from the data. Risk of bias 2 (RoB 2.0) and RoB in non-randomised studies (ROBINS)-I instruments were used to assess the RoB. Sensitivity analyses using the leave-one-out method were conducted to investigate the robustness of the results. Results: The six trials included, and then combined, in our analysis consisted of diverse populations with 12–81-patient sample sizes and 48-h to 6-month follow-up periods. Administration routes included oral, intravenous and naso/orogastric routes with dose regimens ranging from 25 mg/kg to 140 mg/kg loading doses. Achieved NAC serum levels ranged from 16,977 to 18,447 ng/mL, while cerebrospinal fluid concentrations ranged from 269 to 468 ng/mL. Significantly elevated levels of GSH were achieved, representing an increase of a mean of 0.30 ± 0.21 mM ( p < 0.0001), and cognitive and functional recovery were facilitated by an odds ratio of 3.6 ( p = 0.006). The functional connectivity indices, fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations, degree centrality and functional connectivity strength were statistically significantly improved ( p < 0.05), and evidence towards mechanistic benefit included GSH, glycolytic pathways and reductions in apoptosis-associated metabolites ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: The results indicated that NAC had favourable pharmacokinetics, was tolerable and was responsible for antioxidant replenishment, improvement of cognition and restoration of functional brain networks in TBI and HIE patients. Results were still affected by study heterogeneity and heterogeneity of population characteristics and outcomes.
Objectives: The current study was plotted for evaluating nephroprotective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction from the alcoholic extract of phyllanthus niruri leaves on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats’ models. Materials and Methods: Overall 24 albino rats were randomised into 4 groups with 6 rats in each group. The first group served as a control with normal saline 10 mL/kg and negative control group received gentamicin 80 mg/kg i.p. injection. The third group was administered the ethyl acetate fraction of P. niruri (EAFPN) 200 mg/kg orally. EAFPN 400 mg/kg orally was given to the fourth group. After 9 th day, animal was sacrificed for histopathological and haematological estimation. Results: Histopathological reports revealed nephroprotective results with EAFPN leaves. Blood urea nitrogen, serum urea and serum creatinine exhibited significant improvement when compared with control group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the EAFPN may be promising in protecting nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin.
Objectives: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) are established aerobic exercise regimens known to enhance cardiopulmonary fitness. However, comparative data on their effects on lung function in healthy young adults are limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of an 8-week HIIT versus MICT programme on pulmonary function parameters in college students. Materials and Methods: In this randomised controlled trial, 70 healthy participants (aged 20–35 years) were randomly allocated in equal numbers to HIIT or MICT using block randomisation with sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelope concealment. HIIT sessions comprised 8–12 × 30 s high-intensity intervals (75–95% maximum heart rate [MHR]) with 90 s recovery, performed thrice weekly. MICT involved 30–40 min continuous cycling at 50–75% MHR, 5 times weekly. Pulmonary function was assessed before and after the intervention using spirometry, measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ), FEV 1 /FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and forced expiratory flow at 25–75% (FEF 25–75% ). Within and between-group differences were analysed using paired and unpaired t -tests, respectively; significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvements across all spirometric indices ( p < 0.001). Intergroup comparisons favoured HIIT for FVC (4.18 ± 0.47 vs. 3.88 ± 0.58 L; p = 0.020), FEV 1 (3.43 ± 0.41 vs. 3.10 ± 0.36 L; p = 0.001), PEFR (534 ± 51 vs. 485 ± 56 L/min; p < 0.001), MVV (121 ± 13 vs. 109 ± 14 L/min; p < 0.001) and FEF 25–75% (3.81 ± 0.46 vs 3.53 ± 0.53 L/s; p = 0.023). No significant between-group difference was noted in the FEV 1 /FVC ratio ( p = 0.793). Conclusion: An 8-week HIIT protocol elicits greater improvements in pulmonary function than an iso-energetic MICT regimen. The term iso-energetic is used to indicate that both HIIT and MICT were designed to deliver a comparable overall aerobic workload as per American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, despite differences in intensity and duration in healthy college students. HIIT may be recommended for optimising ventilatory capacity in this population.
Objectives: Head-up tilt testing has become a widely accepted tool in clinical evaluation of patients with recurrent syncope of unexplained aetiology. Several attempts have been made to evaluate vasovagal syncope (VVS) of unexplained aetiology to shorten the time duration of head-up tilt test. Scientifically validated and accepted protocol, which is used in most of the laboratories of the world, requires a time duration of more than 90 min. The study on the relationship between diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during the early few minutes of tilt and the incidence of syncope is lacking. The present study was carried out with the objective to find the correlation between positive outcome of tilt test and DBP response during the first 10 min of tilt. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of the data of 119 patients (Age: Fainters [F]-26.1 ± 8.2, nonfainters [NF]-32.3 ± 10.5 years, height; F-170.9 ± 6.2, NF-169.8 ± 6.2 cm, body weight; F-65.4 ± 7.0, NF-65.8 ± 7.6 kg) was carried out for evaluation. Results: Mean heart rate was significantly higher F > NF at four (92.3 ± 19.0 vs. 84.3** ± 13.6), six (91.9 ± 18.6 vs. 85.1* ± 13.7), eight (93.8 ± 19.5 vs. 85.8** ± 13.4) and ten (95.4 ± 18.9 vs. 86.1** ± 13.9) minutes of tilt, while systolic and DBP were lower Fp < 0.05, ** p < 0.01). The pathophysiology of VVS remains elusive. Conclusion: The findings of the present study elucidate that abnormal response to orthostatic stress in VVS is a combination of cardiac sympathetic activation along with sub-optimal peripheral sympathetic response, manifesting as syncope.
Objectives: Schizophrenia is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by significant cognitive deficits, with working memory impairment being a core feature. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of individuals with schizophrenia on a modified visuospatial working memory (VSWM) task designed to assess the [effects of cognitive load on accuracy and search times. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 30 age-matched healthy controls participated in a cross-sectional observational study. Participants performed a computerised VSWM task involving abstract image pairs at three memory load levels: Load I (3 pairs), Load II (6 pairs) and Load III (8 pairs). Task performance was evaluated based on accuracy (correct matches) and search time (time to locate matching pairs). Statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism version 9, applying unpaired t -tests or Mann–Whitney U tests as appropriate. Results: Patients with schizophrenia exhibited significantly lower accuracy and longer search times compared to healthy controls across all three memory loads ( p < 0.0001). Notably, impairments were observed even at the lowest memory load, indicating deficits in executive functioning and attentional allocation early in task complexity. These findings contrast with earlier studies where deficits were more apparent only under higher cognitive loads. Task modifications, including the removal of a fixed delay before responses, may have improved sensitivity. Conclusion: The modified VSWM task effectively captured load-dependent working memory deficits in patients with schizophrenia, even at low task demands. This task shows promise as a sensitive cognitive assessment tool and may contribute to earlier detection and intervention strategies for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Future research may focus on integrating such tasks into clinical practice to better evaluate and manage cognitive dysfunction in psychiatric populations with neurocognitive deficits.
Objectives: The study aimed at evaluating the analgesic potential of the ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia auriculiformis (EEAA) and its acetone-enriched A. auriculiformis (AEAA) fraction, using experimental and computational approaches. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic leaf extract and its bioactive fraction were prepared using the reflux method. The antioxidant potential of EEAA and AEAA was assessed using in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays, while the analgesic activity was evaluated using a hot plate analgesiometer and tail immersion methods in Wistar albino rats at a dose of 200 mg/Kg and 400 mg/Kg over a period of 7 days. The probable phytoconstituents in EEAA and AEAA were analysed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis, and the identified constituents were docked in silico using the Kappa opioid receptor (KOR). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s test. Results: AEAA demonstrated superior-free radical scavenging capacity in all three assays. Both EEAA and AEAA exhibited dose-dependent analgesic effects, with AEAA at 400 mg/Kg exhibiting a statistically significant increase in activity ( p < 0.05) in both the analgesic models. Furthermore, LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents. The selected phytoconstituents, when docked with KOR in silico demonstrated strong binding affinities, indicating a possible mechanism underlying their analgesic action. Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight the promising therapeutic analgesic potential of A. auriculiformis , especially its AEAA fraction, and warrant further investigation to isolate and characterise the bioactive constituents.
The extremely low efficiency of existing methods of treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) makes it highly relevant to develop fundamentally new drugs for its therapy. It is advisable to create drugs that stimulate neurodegeneration. As part of the implementation of this route, it is promising for the identification of targets from numerous intracellular signalling molecules, including Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent intracellular pathways. The work objective was to explore the potential of regulating the brain regeneration-competent cells (progenitors and neurogliacytes of various types) using the adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A blockers under conditions of the neurotoxic effects of beta-amyloid in vitro . The C57BL/6 mice were used. The functioning of neural stem cells (NSCs), neuronal committed progenitor (NCP) cells and neurogliocytes of the subventricular zone of the brain under the influence of blockers of adenylate cyclase (Chemical Abstracts Service [CAS] number 6698-26-6) and protein kinase A (CAS 108068-98-0) was studied. NCP, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microgliacytes were obtained from neural tissue using immunomagnetic sorting. We revealed the discoordination of the activity of NSC and NCP under the action of neurotoxic b-amyloid. The ability of the adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A blockers to synchronise the implementation of the progenitors’ functions when exposed to beta-amyloid was found. The blockade of cAMP-dependent pathways on exposure to a neurotoxic agent also enhanced the secretion of stimulatory neural progenitors by several types of neurogliocytes. Particularly pronounced was the reaction of oligodendrocytes and microglial cells during protein kinase A inactivation. The results show the potential of coordinated stimulation of the functions of different progenitors and neurogliocytes using selective inhibitors of intracellular molecules of cAMP-dependent pathways (primarily protein kinase A) in Alzheimer’s dementia.
The objective of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic, lipid-lowering and immunomodulatory effects of ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFE) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD), with metformin serving as the reference standard. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups ( n = 6 each). Type 2 diabetes was induced by feeding a HFD followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ (40 mg/kg). The diabetic animals were treated once daily for 21 days with either TFE extract (200, 500, or 1000 mg/kg, orally) or metformin (100 mg/kg, orally). Fasting blood glucose (FBS), serum lipid profile, body weight and resistin concentrations were assessed at baseline, week 5 and week 8. Statistical evaluation was carried out using one-way analysis of variance with appropriate post hoc analysis. Administration of TFE extract led to a dose-dependent decline in fasting glucose and serum resistin, with the 1000 mg/kg dose showing highly significant improvement ( P < 0.001), comparable to metformin. Treated groups also exhibited favourable changes in lipid profile, with reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very LDL, alongside a significant rise in high-density lipoprotein. Furthermore, the weight loss observed in diabetic controls was attenuated in animals receiving TFE or metformin. TFE extract markedly enhanced glycaemic regulation, corrected lipid disturbances and reduced systemic inflammation in diabetic rats. These actions are likely mediated by bioactive constituents such as trigonelline and 4-hydroxyisoleucine, supporting its promise as a safe, plant-based adjunct in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Case-based learning (CBL) and Problem-based learning (PBL), unlike traditional lectures, are innovative student-centred approaches that promote critical thinking, clinical reasoning, collaborative skills and the integration of basic science subjects with clinical disciplines. The present study was conducted to compare the effectiveness and preferences of CBL and PBL as teaching tools in Physiology. A crossover educational interventional study was carried out among Phase I undergraduate medical students using PBL and CBL methods on two different topics of Physiology. Pre-test, post-test and retention test scores were analysed to assess the knowledge gain and retention ability. The student perceptions of these two methods were recorded using a feedback questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale. Binary logistic regression was performed on the factors identified through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and academic performance (1 st internal assessment scores) to predict student predilections between PBL and CBL. Of 223 total participants, 172 (77.13 %) preferred CBL, whereas 51 (22.87%) favoured PBL, as students appreciated faculty-guided, actively engaging case discussion within a structured learning framework in comparison to inquiry-driven driven self-directed, time-consuming, open-ended problem solving. CBL showed a higher retention score than PBL as it enhanced an in-depth understanding of core concepts and reinforcement of memory. Four factors identified by EFA were as follows: (I) Faculty-guided structured content, (II) Group discussion related comfort/anxiety/stress, (III) Time management and cognitive workload and (IV) Effectiveness and clinical relevance. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that Factors I (odds ratio [OR] = 7.47, P < 0.001) and Factor II (OR = 0.43, P = 0.003) predicted CBL preference, whereas academically stronger students were inclined towards PBL (OR = 0.96, P < 0.001). CBL is more suitable for novice Phase I M.B.B.S students, whereas PBL is appropriate in later phases of the curriculum when they have acquired the ability of self-directed learning, iterative thinking and logical reasoning.
The widespread dispersal of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has revolutionised communication. It has also affected the teaching-learning process as the vast syllabus in medical studies makes it a magic wand for students. Although it is perceived as a threat to replace humans in medical diagnostics and prescription writing, as it can generate sentences and provide answers, it appears to be unable to improve the comprehension and emotional skills required for the medical profession. An online survey was conducted to assess undergraduate medical students’ perceptions of the challenges and opportunities for teaching and learning in the era of GenAI and their readiness to adapt. A questionnaire with 15 closed-ended and two open-ended items was used. We received 181 responses, out of which 173 responses were analysed. The Chi-square value (141.56) of the items shows statistical significance ( P = 0.001) as per the Friedmann mean rank test, with the highest rank for item P -3 ‘The use of GenAI in medical education can help simulate complex medical scenarios effectively’ (9.56) and lowest rank for item P-8 ‘I feel confident in navigating the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in healthcare as a medical student’ (6.41). The open-ended questions for the role of GenAI in the teaching-learning process identified five themes: Enhancing teaching and learning, clinical applications and skill development, efficiency and productivity, innovation in medical education and ethical and human-centric considerations. Six themes were identified for their challenges: Technological challenges, educational impacts, human-centric challenges, social and cultural barriers, practical and clinical limitations and psychological and perceptual concerns. The medical undergraduate students strongly perceive that GenAI has the potential to improve the landscape of medical education. Although they were apprehensive about patient privacy and data security, they are ready to embrace GenAI in medical education and training.
