Objective: This study examined the qualitative and quantitative analysis of tartrazine in specific commercial food products utilizing chemical and spectrophotometric methods. Methods: Samples comprising candy, badam milk, turmeric powder, custard powder, lemon-flavored beverage, and saffron were procured from local retail markets. Initial processing entailed centrifugation succeeded by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to effectively isolate synthetic colors. Qualitative identification was conducted with the azo dye test, which relies on diazotization and coupling reactions, hence verifying the presence of azo dyes in the majority of samples. Quantitative analysis was conducted utilizing UV–Visible spectrophotometry at 427 nm, the peak absorption wavelength of tartrazine. Results: The azo dye test confirmed the presence of azo dyes in most samples. Quantitative analysis revealed that tartrazine concentrations ranged from 1.63 ppm to 94.25 ppm. Custard powder showed the highest concentration, while the lemon-flavored beverage had the lowest. All measured values were within the permissible regulatory limit of 100 ppm for synthetic food colorants. Conclusion: The research indicates that centrifugation along with MAE improves dye extraction efficacy, while UV–Visible spectrophotometry offers a dependable, quick, and economical approach for the regular assessment of synthetic food colorants.
Objective: The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity among first-year undergraduate medical students. Additionally, the research sought to evaluate the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and various cardiovascular risk factors, specifically blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2018 and August 2019 at a medical college in Northern India, involving 100 students aged 18–30 y. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, waist, and hip circumference) were taken to calculate BMI, classifying participants as normal, pre-obese, or obese. Blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles, and blood pressure was measured using a calibrated digital instrument. Qualitative data regarding exercise habits and family history were collected via a self-structured questionnaire. Result: The study found that 58% of students had a normal BMI, while 29% were pre-obese and 13% were obese. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between BMI and total cholesterol (r=0.866), triglycerides (r=0.788), and LDL (r=0.864), alongside a significant negative correlation with HDL (r=-0.809). Furthermore, BMI showed a strong positive correlation with both systolic (r=0.785) and diastolic (r=0.718) blood pressure. Physical inactivity was significantly associated with higher BMI and poorer cardiovascular markers (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Pre-obesity and obesity are prevalent among medical students and are strongly linked to adverse lipid profiles and elevated blood pressure. The findings indicate that a lack of physical exercise significantly contributes to increased BMI and associated cardiovascular risks. Immediate interventional strategies, including the promotion of regular physical activity and dietary modifications, are essential to prevent long-term health complications in this young adult population.
Objective: To assess the prescribing patterns of pharmacological medicines for alcohol dependence syndrome at a tertiary care hospital in Northeast India, emphasizing adherence to WHO core prescribing parameters. Methods: A observational prospective research project was carried out over a three-month period in the psychiatry unit of a tertiary care hospital. Analysis was conducted on prescriptions for patients identified as having alcohol dependence syndrome. The evaluation of data utilized WHO core prescribing indicators, assessing the frequency of use of drug categories including benzodiazepines, anti-craving agents, and vitamins. Descriptive statistics were utilized for the analysis. Results: Seventy-one prescriptions were reviewed. The mean age of patients was 27.79 y, with a predominance of males at 94.29%. Vitamins were prescribed most frequently, with 108 instances, followed by benzodiazepines at 82 instances and anti-craving drugs at 72 instances. The mean number of medications per encounter was 1.87. Generic prescribing constituted 95.42%, with no instances of antibiotic prescriptions recorded. Injections were prescribed in 2.86% of encounters, while 74.81% of medications were sourced from the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2022. Conclusion: The research demonstrates a rational prescribing pattern in alcohol dependence management, particularly in the use of benzodiazepines and vitamin supplementation. However, underutilization of anti-craving agents and partial adherence to the essential medicine list indicate areas for improvement. Strengthening prescriber awareness and ensuring availability of evidence-based pharmacotherapies are recommended.
Objective: The Family Adoption Program, at the behest of the National Medical Commission, aims to enhance community-based learning among undergraduate medical students. However, active participation has been limited by constraints such as logistical barriers. Mobile health applications, including the WHO EYES app and the NHS Heart Age Calculator, could be integrated to engage students better, while also improving learning outcomes and community interaction. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of mobile Apps (WHO eyes app and NHS heart age calculator) on perception regarding Family Adoption program among phase 2 MBBS students. Methods: A before-and-after study was conducted over a three-month period (October–December 2025) involving 250 Phase 2 MBBS students participating in the FAP at Madurai Medical College. The pre-test evaluated participants' knowledge and perceptions regarding FAP and mobile health tools using a structured, pre-validated Likert-scale questionnaire. Subsequently, participants received training in utilizing the WHO EYES app for vision screening of individuals aged ≥8 years and the NHS Heart Age Calculator for assessing cardiovascular risk in individuals aged 30 to 95 years. These tools were employed during successive FAP visits. The same questionnaire was administered for the post-test survey. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing a paired t-test and descriptive statistics. Results: The average self-assessed learning score showed a significant increase, rising from 2.93±0.87 before the test to 3.86±0.75 after the test (t = 12.19, p<0.001). Participants demonstrated a marked improvement in their understanding of preventive health and the primary goal of FAP following the intervention. Most students reported high levels of confidence and ease in using the apps, which facilitated better interactions with families. Feedback from families indicated a heightened awareness of vision and cardiovascular risks, along with a greater motivation to engage in health-seeking behaviors. Conclusion: The incorporation of mobile health applications into family adoption program (FAP) has markedly improved students' perceived knowledge, confidence, and community engagement, thereby affirming their efficacy as valuable tools for community-oriented medical education.
Objective: To measure the anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameters of the foramen transversarium bilaterally, determine the mean diameter on both sides, classify the shape of the foramen transversarium and record the incidence of accessory foramen transversarium. Methods: A descriptive osteological study was conducted on 120 dry cervical vertebrae. Measurements were taken using a digital vernier caliper and analyzed statistically. Results: Elliptical foramina predominated over round types. Minor side-to-side differences were observed. Accessory foramina were present in unilateral and bilateral forms. Conclusion: Considerable morphometric and morphological variations exist in the foramen transversarium, emphasizing the importance of anatomical knowledge during cervical spine procedures.
