Indian Institute Research Articles

Neoadjuvant pertuzumab, docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab (PTCH) regimen in patients with HER2 positive early, locally advanced, and oligometastatic breast cancer: Real-world Indian experience.

e12556 Background: Pertuzumab/docetaxel/carboplatin/trastuzumab (PTCH) regimen constitutes one of the standard neoadjuvant treatments in human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) positive breast cancer. The real-world outcomes of its use from the Indian sub-continent are lacking. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 114 HER2-positive BC patients presenting with nonmetastatic or oligometastatic disease and treated with a uniform PTCH regimen in a neoadjuvant setting at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, between Jan 2015 to May 2023. Total six cycles of PTCH [pertuzumab (840 mg loading followed by 420 mg), docetaxel (75 mg/m2), carboplatin (AUC 6), trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading followed by 6 mg/kg) q21 days] were administered with primary GCSF prophylaxis. The primary outcome was invasive disease-free survival (iDFS). The secondary outcomes included pathological complete response (pCR) rates, overall survival (OS), and toxicity. Adjuvant trastuzumab is used for patients achieving pCR, while for patients not achieving pCR option of adjuvant trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) or trastuzumab was decided based on patient affordability. Results: One hundred and fourteen (114) patients were included with a median age of 47 years (range, 23-70). Overall, 52 (45.6%) patients had hormone-positive disease and 73 (64.01%) were premenopausal. Forty patients (35.08%) had stage II, 62 (54.38%) had stage III, and 12(10.5%) had oligometastatic disease. Sixty-one (53.5%) patients underwent breast conservation surgery and pCR was observed in 62 (54.38%) cases. With a median follow-up of 31 months, the 3-year iDFS was 81.5% and overall OS was not reached. Median iDFS was 33 months in patients with node-positive disease and was not reached in patients with node-negative disease. Three-year iDFS was 68.1% in patients who achieved pCR and 49.8% in those who did not achieve pCR (p=0.001). Grade 3/4 toxicity was seen in 26.7% of patients which caused dose modification and interruption in 13.9% of patients. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity was diarrhea in16 (14.03%) cases and thrombocytopenia in 11 (9.6)% cases . Febrile neutropenia was seen in 4 (3.5%) patients. Four patients (3.5%) had a reversible decrease in cardiac left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions: In a real-world context, PTCH is an effective and safe anthracycline-free regimen for use in curative (adjuvant and neoadjuvant) setting for HER2 positive breast cancer in Indian women Using neoadjuvant PTCH may improve pCR and obviate the need for adjuvant T-DM1 after surgery making it a cost-effective strategy in limited recourse setting. The survival outcomes were significantly better among those with node-negative disease and among those who achieved a pCR.

Impact of rituximab maintenance on survival of patients with mantle cell lymphoma: A north Indian tertiary care center experience.

e19047 Background: Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive variant of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Indian data is scarce owing to its rarity in south-east Asia. Till now, studies have not shown overall survival benefit with rituximab maintenance (RM). Our study aims to assess if RM improves overall survival of MCL patients. Methods: We retrospectively analysed clinicopathological data of 90 transplant-ineligible MCL patients treated between January’2013-December’2023 at Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital - All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Rituximab-based induction chemotherapy was used in all patients as per institutional protocol. RM was used in twenty-eight (31.0%) patients due to financial constraints. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were event free survival (EFS) and factors affecting OS, EFS. OS was defined as time from treatment initiation to demise from any cause or last follow-up. EFS was defined as time from treatment initiation to disease progression or relapse or demise from any cause. Response was assessed by modified Cheson’s lymphoma response evaluation criteria. STATA 13.0 was used to assess survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis and log rank test. Factors affecting survival were assessed by multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards model) and expressed as adjusted hazard ratio (aHR). p value < 0.05 defined statistical significance. Results: Median age was sixty years; male-female ratio 3:1. Thirty-five (39.0%) had one or more co-morbidities, 79(88.0%) generalised lymphadenopathy, 72(80.0%) extra-nodal involvement, 49(54.0%) B symptoms, 84(93.0%) advanced stage (III/IV), 49(54.0%) high risk MCL international prognostic index (MIPI). Clinical and tumor characteristics, response rates after initial induction were similar in both maintenance and non-maintenance groups. Overall, 52(58.0%) patients were alive with median follow-up of 63.0 months (inter-quartile range 37.0-90.0 months). Median OS was 37.5 months in non-maintenance group and did not reach in maintenance group. Estimated 1.0-, 2.0, 3.0-year OS were 100.0%, 91.0%, 81.0% vs 75.0%, 63.0%, 55.0% respectively in maintenance vs non-maintenance group. RM was significantly associated with better OS [aHR (95% confidence interval): 0.31 (0.13-0.75), p=0.01]. Advanced stage, Eastern Co-operative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 at presentation were also significant factors for poor OS. Median EFS was significantly lower in non-maintenance group [14.0 vs 42.5 months; aHR (95% confidence interval): 0.34 (0.18-0.64), p=0.001]. Advanced stage, anemia, high risk MIPI at presentation were also significant factors for poor EFS. Conclusions: This was the first study from south-east Asia demonstrating impact of rituximab maintenance in MCL. Rituximab maintenance significantly improved OS and EFS of MCL patients.

Antifibrotics in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Prospective Real-World Experience From an Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic in India.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious complication with varied prevalence ranging from 4% to as high as 68%, with varied presentation. Immunosuppressants and antifibrotics are used in the management of RA ILD. The clinicodemographic profile and presentation in our country need to be further explored. We assessed the efficacy and safety profile of antifibrotic drugs in combination with immunosuppressants among RA ILD patients. A prospective observational study was conducted in the Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Clinic in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Raipur, India, between January 2022 to January 2023. RA patients with dyspnea and chronic cough were referred to us for evaluation of ILD. Patients underwent clinical examination, complete lung function study including spirometry, single breath diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), six-minute walk test, and high-resolution computed tomography of the thorax. Quality of life was assessed using the King's Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (KBILD) questionnaire. Two hundred eighteen RA patients were evaluated and out of these, 43 (20.8%) had features of ILD on high-resolution computed tomogram (HRCT) thorax. Twenty-six (2.18%) met the inclusion criteria for starting antifibrotics. The mean ± SD. age of the patients was 52.96 ± 14.04 and the majority (77%) were females. Fourteen (53.38%) patients had usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/probable UIP pattern and 12 (46.22%) had nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) patterns on HRCT. Out of 26 patients, 24 (92.3%) were started on antifibrotics. Fourteen (53.8%) patients were on nintedanib and 10 (38.4%) were on pirfenidone. The mean ± SD forced vital capacity (FVC)% predictedwas 62.5 ± 20.04.The mean ± SD. The DLCO percentage predicted was 54.4 ± 22.8. Twenty-two (84.6%) patients did not experience any side effects. The mean ± SD. KBILD score was 59.9 ± 11.17 and was similar in both sexes. In our study, the prevalence of RA ILD was nearly 20.8% and more common in females. Twenty-four (2%) patients were included for antifibrotic treatment. There was an improvement in lung function at the end of six months, but the change was not significant. All patients tolerated antifibrotics well without any serious adverse events.

Compliance to iron and folic acid supplementation and associated factors among antenatal mothers attending OPD in a tertiary care institute in India

Compliance to iron and folic acid supplementation and associated factors among antenatal mothers attending OPD in a tertiary care institute in India

Interpreting Workplace Bullying in Higher Education Institutions in India: Through the Lens of Gender

This article attempts to explore the prevalence, forms and responses to workplace bullying through a gendered lens using the theory of gendered organisation and gender role socialisation theory. The study is conducted among faculty in higher education institutions in India, and the article also discusses the context of new managerialism prevalent in higher education institutions. Adopting, interpretive phenomenological analysis, data are collected from 13 respondents using semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data reveal that workplace bullying in higher education institutions is gendered. The five major themes identified are the prevalence of bullying, gender differences in types of bullying, gender and leadership position, gender and responses to bullying and gender roles and reasons for bullying. The article contributes at micro level, the influence of gender in academics on the level of bullying, the types of bullying techniques preferred by them, and the variation in their behavioural reactions. This study broadens the perspective of workplace bullying in higher education institutions through the concepts of gender, culture and new managerialism.

Educator Competencies in Implant Dentistry among Postgraduate Prosthodontic Dental Faculty in Academic Dental Institutions of India - A Need Analysis

Background Competence-based education is increasingly recognized as essential in dental education, particularly in implant dentistry. This shift focuses on ensuring students achieve and demonstrate essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for independent practice. However, the competencies required for dental educators, especially in the context of implant dentistry, are not well-documented. This study aims to assess the current competencies of dental educators in implant dentistry in India and identify the need for further development. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling strategy. Data were collected from 125 faculty members across twenty dental institutions in India between June 2022 and June 2023. A self-administered competency-based survey instrument was distributed via Google Forms. The survey included sociodemographic information and assessed perceptions and self-assessment of competencies using Likert scales. Data were analyzed statistically to determine relevance, existing competency levels, and interest in competency development. Results The study found that 90-95% of participants reported a need for an educational competency program. Participants demonstrated basic knowledge and moderate experience in competencies. Relevance of competencies was rated between 69-78%, willingness to develop skills was 80-95%, and existing competency levels were 25-35%. Variations in educational preferences were noted based on age, gender, and qualifications of respondents. Conclusion The results indicate a significant need for competency development programs in implant dentistry among dental educators in India. Such programs are essential to address current gaps in knowledge and practice, ensuring that dental educators are well-equipped to train the next generation of dental practitioners effectively.

Catherine Bauer’s Passage Through India: Frontier Urbanization and the Construction of ‘Interdisciplinary’ Urban Research at the College of Environmental Design, Berkeley

This article examines the work of Catherine Bauer from 1953 to 1963, an overlooked period in her life, when she engaged with questions of ‘Indian urbanization’ alongside the formation of an urban research institute in India. Her unique interdisciplinary vision for planning research and practice in this period was co-produced through her concurrent work on California and resulted in multiple reports on Californian urbanization as well as a seminar and book on Indian urbanization. The institute in India did not materialize; however, in 1962 an urban institute was set up in the newly formed College of Environmental Design at Berkeley.

Diversity and status of butterfly fauna at Kurukshetra University campus, Haryana, India

Campuses of educational institutions in India serve as important reservoirs for different faunal components, including ecologically sensitive species like butterflies. To record the diversity, status, and occurrence of butterfly fauna in Kurukshetra University Campus, Haryana, a year-long survey was done from July 2021 to June 2022. A total of 710 individuals of butterflies belonging to 39 species, 32 genera, and five families were recorded. Nymphalidae represented the highest diversity with 13 species followed by Lycaenidae (11 species), Pieridae (10 species), Papilionidae (3 species), and Hesperiidae (2 species). The number of individuals encountered was maximum in family Pieridae (n = 158) while the minimum was in family Hesperiidae (n = 4). Species richness, abundance, and diversity differed significantly (P <0.05) across the different seasons. Species richness was recorded to be the highest in summer season (35 species) followed by monsoon, post monsoon, and winter. Among the recorded species, one species, i.e., Common Baron Euthelia aconthea is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act (2022). The findings of the present study support the importance of the higher educational institution campuses in providing valuable habitat and resources for butterflies.

The Post-COVID-19 Haul on Pulmonary Function: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Long COVID syndrome, characterized by symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, and cough, persisting for weeks to months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses significant challenges globally. Studies suggest a potential higher risk among females aged 40-50, with symptoms affecting individuals regardless of initial COVID-19 severity, underscoring the need for comprehensive understanding and management. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at a teaching tertiary care institute in Central India, involving COVID-19 patients from May 2020 to September 2021. Participants, aged 18 or older, diagnosed with COVID-19 and surviving until the last follow-up, were monitored telephonically and during outpatient visits for treatment details and outcomes. Data analysis was done using R software 4.2.1. The baseline characteristics of the study participants showed a majority of moderate COVID-19 severity (47.5%), with a higher proportion of males (64.8%) affected. Common comorbidities included diabetes (27.1%) and hypertension (22.9%). Long COVID-19 symptoms, notably breathlessness, were prevalent, with females exhibiting a significantly higher association. Pulmonary function abnormalities were associated with both long COVID-19 symptoms and higher COVID-19 severity categories, indicating lasting respiratory impact post-infection. Long after the pandemic, COVID-19 continues to raise concerns due to persistent sequelae, with a majority experiencing long COVID symptoms, particularly those with severe initial illness, including breathlessness and abnormal lung function, highlighting prevalent restrictive lung pattern changes.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Laparoscopic and Open Surgery in Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Our research compares the clinical results of open surgery versus laparoscopic surgery for colorectal malignancies. Our analysis focused on a database that included data on patients with colorectal cancer who had laparoscopic or open surgery for stages I to III at a prestigious healthcare institute in India. Two groups of 50 patients underwent laparoscopic and 50 underwent conventional open colorectal surgery (OCRS and LCRS, respectively) throughout the same time. Patient demographics, operation data, initial postoperative outcomes, follow-up appointments, pathology results, and cancer stages were examined. The LCRS group had a much longer operation time compared to the OCRS. Subjects in the LCRS group experienced a notably accelerated recovery after surgery. The hospital stay for the OCRS group was considerably longer compared to that in the LCRS group. Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a reliable and convenient alternative to the traditional open approach, providing comparable oncological efficacy.

Talicabtagene Autoleucel: First Approval.

Talicabtagene autoleucel (NexCAR19™) is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy being developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) and Immunoadoptive Cell Therapy (ImmunoACT) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. Talicabtagene autoleucel contains autologous T cells from the patient, which have been modified to express a humanized anti-CD19 CAR that targets B cells. A single intravenous dose of talicabtagene autoleucel was associated with high response rates in pooled results from a phase I and phase II trial in patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies. Talicabtagene autoleucel was approved in India for the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas and relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on 13 October 2023. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of talicabtagene autoleucel leading to this first approval for relapsed/refractory B-cell lymphomas and relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Guidelines for setting up low-vision and rehabilitation services in India.

Low vision and blindness are increasing public health issues impacting individuals' quality of life. During clinical low-vision services, vision rehabilitation is crucial for enhancing daily living skills and improving life quality. Low-vision and rehabilitation (LVR) services encompass comprehensive measures that aid visually disabled individuals in restoring function, autonomy, and social participation. Such holistic management requires a multidisciplinary approach, facilitating adaptation to environmental and sociocultural changes. However, the lack of awareness about the principles and practices of LVR services poses a major hindrance to setting up such a special clinic in the eye hospital. This article is about a consensus statement on the guidelines for establishing LVR services focusing on basic requirements, especially in low-resource countries. The present recommendation to set up an LVR clinic was made after group discussions and debates among various experts and stakeholders during the National Workshop on Strengthening Low-Vision and Rehabilitation Services organized at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The event was participated by many ophthalmologists and optometrists coming from across the country. The recommendations required at the tertiary level are outlined under the four headings: Human resources and training: two ophthalmologists, that is, a low vision specialist or a well-experienced in low vision and one who has received one-week orientation and training, one optometrist, one rehabilitation supervisor, and two rehabilitation assistants; Assessment equipment: basic screening and diagnostic; Assistive devices for low vision, including, digital and non-digital; Assistive devices for rehabilitation, and methods for records maintenance. The institution may not follow strictly the present guidelines but will provide an idea on LVR services initiation.

Physical Activity and Quality of Sleep Among Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis face issues like poor quality of sleep and reduced physical activity, which can impair their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the physical activity and quality of sleep among CKD patients on hemodialysis. This cross-sectional study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur. Data from 66 participants selected consecutively using self-reported standardized tools, namely, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were collected, along with sociodemographic variables. After receiving written informed consent, questionnaires were administered through face-to-face interviews. The majority of the individuals, 45 (68.2%), were found to be physically active with a mean score of 2280.8 metabolic equivalents (MET)-min/week. The average PSQI score was 9.24 ± 4, and 49 (74.2%) participants had a PSQI score as higher than 5, suggesting poor quality of sleep. Physical activity and quality of sleep were found to have a significant relationship (P = 0.03). Physical activity was found to have a significant relationship with age (P = 0.01), whereas quality of sleep was associated with smoking status (P = 0.04), alcohol consumption (P < 0.01), and body mass index (BMI; P = 0.03). Contrary to many studies where CKD patients on hemodialysis were found to be physically inactive, the present study showed a substantial portion of them to be physically active. Poor quality of sleep was common; hence, interventions to promote sleep quality recommended.

Identification of Population-Specific Novel Protein Biomarkers and Possible Therapeutic Targets in Gliomas by Proteomics Approach

Abstract Objective To analyze the differential proteomic profile of gliomas in patients from South India and to identify novel protein glioma biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets to tailor the treatment to individual patients. Material and Methods We have prospectively analyzed the differential proteomic profile of 34 patients with glioma imaging characteristics and compared them with that of normal brain tissue. This research was conducted at the Institute of Neurosurgery, Madras Medical College, in technical collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, over 1 year. Statistical Analysis Biological variate analysis (I-ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE (ANOVA)) was used, with p-value less than 0.05 being significant. Results Twenty proteins (10 upregulated and 10 downregulated) were differentially expressed in tumor tissue. The expression of three pro-apoptotic proteins was downregulated and the expression of three anti-apoptotic proteins was upregulated with statistical significance. The cellular functions of the 20 differentially regulated proteins were subjected to pathway analysis revealing significant alterations in heme biosynthesis, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling, and epidermal growth factor (EGF0 receptor signaling in glioma. Conclusion KRT18, PRS4, and EF1A2 are anti-apoptotic proteins and are significantly upregulated in gliomas. EARS2, COX5A, and LSM3 are pro-apoptotic proteins, and are significantly downregulated in gliomas. This subverts the apoptotic pathways resulting in prolonged cell survival. This study's statistically significant dysregulation of these six proteins was unique, suggesting that they might be considered population-specific biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets for patients from South India. Abnormalities of heme biosynthesis at the proteomic level were identified in this study, which has not been very well studied previously.

Cell scientist to watch – Bhavani Shankar Sahu

ABSTRACT Bhavani Shankar Sahu is an Associate Professor at the National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) in Manesar, India. He completed his PhD in cell biology and molecular genetics at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, studying links between neuroendocrine function and metabolic disease. Inspired to better understand fundamental mechanisms of neuropeptide secretion, he then completed postdoctoral research in Prof. Margaret Robinson's lab at the University of Cambridge, UK and with Prof. Alessandro Bartolomucci at the University of Minnesota and University of California San Diego, USA. In 2019, he returned to India to start his own lab at the NBRC, where he and his team investigate the biology of exocytosis in neurons and neuroendocrine cells from the molecular to the physiological level. We spoke with Bhavani over Zoom about his career journey, mentorship philosophy and enthusiasm for science outreach.

Overcoming Hurdles: Strategies for Management Education Institutions in India

Overcoming Hurdles: Strategies for Management Education Institutions in India

Role of Academic Leadership in The Context of Transformation of Higher Education in India

The higher educational institutions have started witnessing initiatives taken towards restructuring and revamping existing educational structure as envisaged by the New Education Policy 2020.Strategic planning at all hierarchical levels of institutional structure is the need of the hour. Efficient leadership is the key to ensure necessary improvements and innovation at the institutions. College level institutions constitute 86 percent of Higher Education in India. Revival in colleges will have ripple effects at large. The role and responsibility of academic leadership on all organizational levels is crucial to effectively implement the NEW Education policy 2020 in its true spirit. Literature survey has been done on academic leadership aspects and Implementation of NEP 2020 which showed relevance for further study. The main research question dealt with is to understand the roles and responsibilities of academic leaders in Higher Educational Institutes in India to achieve and sustain quality and excellence in the light of New Education Policy 2020. Devise an applicable framework for institutional development plan commensurate to curriculum and pedagogy in HEIs as propounded in NEP 2020. The paper will be useful for Management and leaders of Undergraduate level of education.

Electrocardiographic Changes and Their Association With Disease Severity in Adults With Sickle Cell Anemia at a Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Sickle cell anemia (SCA), a severe hematological disorder, is characterized by the presence of sickle-shaped erythrocytes that obstruct capillaries and restrict blood flow. This pathophysiology not only promotes systemic complications but may also influence cardiac function. Cardiac complications are a leading cause of mortality in SCA patients, yet the specific electrocardiographic (ECG) changes associated with disease severity are not thoroughly understood. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore ECG abnormalities in adults with SCA and correlate these findings with disease severity. Methods An observational cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months, from January 2022 to June 2023, among 140 SCA patients at the Sickle Cell OPD of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Raipur, India. Steady-state SCA (HbS >50%) patients screened by high-performance liquid chromatography were enrolled. A history, physical examination, complete blood count, and ECG were done for all cases. The disease severity score was calculated using the Adegoke and Kuti severity scores, and their association with various ECG changes was studied. The chi-square test (Fisher's exact test, wherever applicable) was used for comparing the proportion. The correlation was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient or Spearman's rho. Results Out of 140 patients, the mean age of the study participants was 26 ± 6 years. More than half of the cases (80; 57%) fall under the 18-27 age group, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:3. A total of 99 (70.7%) of the participants had mild disease, and 41 (29.3%) had moderate disease. The QT interval was significantly higher among patients with mild disease compared to those with moderate disease (p-value: <0.01). QTc dispersion and prolonged QTc interval were significantly higher among patients with moderate disease compared to mild disease (p-value <0.01, 0.04, respectively). Sinus tachycardia and right ventricular hypertrophy with p-pulmonale were significantly higher in moderate severity (p < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was observed between QTc dispersion, P-wave dispersion, and severity (r: 0.19, 0.17; p-value: 0.02, 0.04, respectively). Conclusion As the disease severity progressed, the ECG changes studied had a higher distribution and significance. ECG is a readily and widely accessible investigation that can be used to screen all SCA patients for early recognition of various underlying cardiac complications.

Empathy Among Medical Students: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Survey.

Context In the context of healthcare, effective communication and empathy are fundamental skills for physicians, as empathy correlates positively with patient satisfaction, compliance, treatment adherence, and lower rates of physician burnout, depression and anxiety. This study aimed to assess empathy levels and related factors among undergraduate medical students. Methods A cross-sectional study in a Central Indian medical institute examined empathy levels and factors associated with it among medical students, utilizing various scales and statistical analyses. Results This study found that while empathy levels were relatively high among undergraduate students, there was a decline as they progressed through medical education, particularly after the first year of clinical exposure. The study identified several factors associated with empathy levels, including perceived stress, emotional separation, and social support. Notably, individuals experiencing higher levels of stress and emotional separation tended to have higher empathy levels. Conclusions The study's findings suggest that medical education should incorporate interventions to enhance empathy, including addressing stress, providing social support, and exposing students to the emotional aspects of patient care.

Employee Well-Being in Higher Educational Institutes of India –A Study of LPU Employees

With rising expectations for high-quality instruction, research output, and global competitiveness, India's higher education industry has seen significant change recently. Amidst these shifts, there is now more attention on the topic of employee well-being in higher education institutions. The nature of work in academia settings, with its high standards, demanding schedules, and frequently difficult workloads, calls for a closer look at the variables affecting the wellbeing of those who contribute to the mission of LPU using Lovely Professional University as an example, this case study offers a distinctive viewpoint on employee well-being in the context of Indian higher education. LPU's quick development, wide range of academia programmers, and dedication to building a lively community make it an engaging place to learn about the difficulties associated with employee well-being in the context of an evolving educational institution. In an environment where demands are high, and stress levels can be significant, prioritizing the wellbeing of faculty and staff is not just a moral support but also essential for maintaining productivity, creativity, and overall effectiveness organizational. Keywords: employee well-being, higher education, educational institutes.