Nehru Research Articles

Efficacy of pyroxasulfone and its combinations against weeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 at the research farm of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to study the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides against weeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications and 8 weed control treatments. Major weed flora in the experimental site, viz. Medicago polymorpha (L.) (28.97%) and Cichorium intybus (L.) (26.19%) were predominant in dicot weeds and in monocot weeds, Phalaris minor (17.82%) was dominant. The weedy check plot had the higher density and dry weight of weeds. Hand weeding (once) was done at 25 DAS (day after sowing) in wheat, reducing weeds density and dry weight to the maximum extent at 40 DAS with a weed control efficiency (WCE) of 92.8%, proving superiority over other treatments. Among the herbicidal applications, pyroxasulfone + metribuzin at 127.5 + 280 g a.i./ha significantly reduced the monocot and dicot weeds density and dry weight, followed by pendimethalin + pyroxasulfone at 1250 + 127.5 g a.i./ha. Pyroxasulfone + metribuzin at 127.5 + 280 g a.i./ha resulted in maximum values of growth parameters, viz. plant height (66.38 cm), number of tillers/m2 (403.14) and yield attributing characters, viz. grains per earhead (51.00) and grain yield (5.65 t/ha) as compared to other herbicidal treatments.

Clinicopathological profile of multiple myeloma at a tertiary care hospital in a resource-poor setting: A retrospective study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to study the clinicopathological profile of multiple myeloma (MM) presenting to Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital and Research Center (JLNH&RC) Bhilai and document the disease in central India. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study using patient data from January 2013 to December 2019. The clinical and radiological findings, laboratory parameters, and bone marrow examination were analyzed. Results: About 35.38% of patients presented in the 6th decade of life with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. About 91.93% of patients had low backache and bone pain, and 96.92% of patients had Anemia. About 63.01% of patients had serum creatinine >2 mg/dL, and 92.30% of patients had A/G ratio reversal. About 64.70% of patients had serum beta-2 microglobulin (≥3.5 μg/mL). About 80.7% had osteolytic lesions, predominantly in the skull and pelvis. About 46.15% of patients had >50% plasma cells on bone marrow aspirate. About 85.71% exhibited hypercellularity, and 8.92% of patients had grade 2 marrow fibrosis. About 76.92% of patients presented with Durie Salmon stage III disease, and 58.82% presented with international staging system (ISS) stage II disease. Conclusion: MM has an inconsistent clinical presentation with multiple system involvement. It should be considered as a differential in patients above 50 years of age presenting with normocytic normochromic Anemia and bony pain. Bone marrow study is important in resource-poor settings where specialized laboratory testing is limited. The Durie and Salmon staging and the ISS can be used for the prognosis with equal efficacy.

Comprehensive Assessment of Aphid (Lipaphis erysimi (Kalt.) Resistance in Mustard Cultivars

The study focuses on mustard (Brassica spp.) crops, crucial rabi oilseed crops in India. This study aimed to assess the susceptibility of 45 mustard crop cultivars to Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach, commonly known as the mustard aphid, a significant biotic stressor affecting Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). The necessity of this study lies in the importance of identifying aphid-resistant cultivars to enhance pest management strategies and improve mustard crop yields. Field experiments were conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India during the rabi season, using a Randomized Block Design. The study utilized a mean aphid index-based scoring scheme to categorize the cultivars into different susceptibility levels, ranging from highly resistant to highly susceptible. The classification was determined based on normal distribution values, including highly resistant (HR), resistant (R), moderately resistant (MR), moderately susceptible (MS), susceptible (S), and highly susceptible (HS). The results revealed that none of the cultivars fell into the highly resistant category, but five cultivars demonstrated resistance, with mean aphid index values below 0.34. Thirty cultivars were classified as moderately resistant, displaying mean aphid index values between 0.34 and 0.66. Six cultivars exhibited moderate susceptibility (mean aphid index between 0.66 and 0.82), while four cultivars were categorized as susceptible (mean aphid index between 0.82 and 0.98). Notably, none of the cultivars were highly susceptible. The study underscores the importance of identifying aphid-resistant cultivars to enhance pest management strategies and improve mustard crop yields. The results provide valuable insights into the susceptibility levels of different cultivars, guiding farmers in selecting appropriate varieties for cultivation. The research also emphasizes the significance of environmentally friendly pest management options, considering the potential risks associated with pesticide use. Overall, this study contributes to the development of sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques for Indian mustard cultivation.

To study the utility of tumor budding as a histopathological marker in comparison to various histopathological parameters and TNM staging in breast carcinoma

Background Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in Indian females. Detection of breast cancer in later stages leads to poorer prognosis and therefore decreases patient survival. Various new modalities such as mammography and USG guided FNACs are developed and many new markers are available to diagnose breast cancer; however, tumour budding is a cost-effective method which can be helpful in early diagnosis. Tumour buds are found to have a positive correlation with various histopathological prognostic markers in breast cancer. The present study will be conducted to evaluate tumour buds as a prognostic marker in breast cancer. This study aims to compare tumour budding with histopathological prognostic markers, TNM staging and IHC phenotypes. Methods The study will be observational, cross- sectional, and prospective, will include 60 cases and will be conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC) Wardha in the Pathology Department. Results Data will be collected and combined together over a period of two years and will be analysed statistically for tumour budding as a marker and its correlation with breast prognosis.

Is Indian History Being Falsified? Public Interest Trends of Historical Figures, 2004-2023

Since the ascent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concerns have been raised regarding the appropriation or undermining of the legacies of India’s prominent leaders and the promotion of specific figures to reshape historical narratives by promoting right-wing Hindutva ideology. The study investigates these claims by examining changes in public perception of three significant historical personalities, Mohandas Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Vallabhbhai Patel. Information seeking behavior is used as the theoretical basis to explain any change in public interest, measured using Google search volumes from 2004 to 2023. The data is split into two 10-year subsets centered around 2014 corresponding to BJP’s rise to power. Welch’s t-test is applied to the data to measure if there is any change in search volumes after 2014.Results show an increased interest in Sardar Patel during the period 2014 to 2023 and possible reasons are analyzed. However, no statistically significant changes were observed for Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. There is no evidence to suggest that the legacies of these personalities are being suppressed or appropriated to align with a Hindutva narrative, or that such actions, if any, have had any statistically significant impact on public interest.

INDIA-VIETNAM CONTEXT: REFLECTING AND CONTEMPLATING

India and Vietnam share a strong relationship with a great deal of scope for deepening relations in the future. These relations have a history stretching back to 50 years of diplomatic ties since the 70s but to nearly 2000 years of interactions. During colonial times, people from both countries showed their sympathy and support to each other, and prominent leaders from both countries, like Jawaharlal Nehru and Ho Chi Minh, had personal contacts even before independence. India has also supported Vietnam in several wars in the past. India and Vietnam's timeless friendship is a common feeling among international friends about India and Vietnam's relationship. A study on the relationship between India and Vietnam in their past as well as in the present will help the two countries to understand more about each other, the values of their predecessors, as well as the efforts of the leaders of both countries. Since then, it has been a solid foundation for sustainable development in the future. Based on the studies of prehistoric documents as well as recent state relations of the leaders of the two countries. The article sheds more light on the good relations between the two peoples, the source of good relations at present and prospects for future development.

Comparison of clinical tests versus electrodiagnostic testing in the diagnosis of pregnancy-related carpel tunnel syndrome

Background: Pregnancy-related carpal tunnel syndrome (PRCTS) is a persistent mononeuropathy in pregnancy. The incidence of PRCTS has a wide fluctuation range of 0.8% to 70%. Their incidence depends on the diagnostic technique. The nerve conduction study (NCS) is a very specific test for the diagnosis of PRCTS. There have been very few studies to compare the results of diagnosing PRCTS via NCS with clinical tests. Aims and Objectives: To assess the most reliable technique in the diagnosis of PRCTS by comparing clinical tests with the nerve conduction studies in electrodiagnostic (EDX) testing. Materials and Methods: As per inclusion and exclusion criteria, 100 subjects were included in the study. Out of 75 pregnant females, 25 were agematched non-pregnant females as controls. All were enrolled in the ANC clinic and gynecology outpatient department of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, AMU, Aligarh. All the females were assessed for CTS by the clinical tests as well as the EDX test performed in the department of physiology at JNMCH and AMU. The testing was done at the wrist joint in order to assess the normal functioning of the median nerve. Results: There was a highly significant difference between the two methods for the diagnosis of PRCTS. Out of the total 75 pregnant females enrolled, only 2 were found to be positive for PRCTS via clinical testing, whereas in the EDX techniques, 48% of the pregnant females were diagnosed as having PRCTS. Conclusion: Clinical tests are not emerging as a good method for PRCTS diagnosis, while EDX testing is the gold standard and a prudent method to diagnose PRCTS.

Assessing the Role of Status Epilepticus Severity Score in Predicting Outcome in Patients with Convulsive Status Epilepticus: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Status Epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency that necessitates prompt intervention and treatment. The Status Epilepticus Severity Score (STESS) is a clinical tool developed to assess the mortality rate among patients diagnosed with Convulsive Status Epilepticus (CSE). Aim: To assess the accuracy of STESS in predicting the outcome of CSE. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India from December 2020 to November 2022, involving 110 patients aged more than 15 years presenting with CSE lasting more than five minutes. Age, gender, seizure type, history of epilepsy, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and STESS at presentation were assessed and associated with the outcome. Results: Among the 110 patients included in the study, there was a higher number of male patients compared to female patients. The mean age of the patients was 35.77±17.9 years. The most prevalent type of seizure observed was generalised tonic-clonic seizures, accounting for 65.45% of the cases, 9.09% of the patients expired, 89% of the patients had a STESS below 2. The Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for STESS at presentation to predict in-hospital mortality had an area under the curve of 0.859, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) from 0.780 to 0.918, and p-value<0.0001. It had a sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 95%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 58.3%, Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of 96.9%, and diagnostic accuracy of 92.73%. Conclusion: Assessment of in-hospital mortality at the onset of SE was reliably determined by STESS and is an useful clinical score. To fully comprehend the reasons for the high overall mortality rate following SE and potential prognostic factors, more research is required.

British Pillage of India: A Postcolonial Analysis of Shashi Tharoor’s “An Era of Darkness” and Naipaul's “India: A Million Mutinies Now”

Shashi Tharoor and V. S. Naipaul attempted to discuss the innumerable mistreatments perpetrated by the British Raj in their nonfiction works "An Era of Darkness" and "India: A Million Mutinies Now," respectively. The title plainly indicates that the British governed India for two centuries during which time there was darkness, mutiny, and exploitation. Because of them, Indians were subjected to terrible humiliation and misery, and they were pulled into poverty. The aftermath of such sad events is still present. Due to situations such as Britishers feeling smug, Indians were prohibited from public servant selections, prompting Jawaharlal Nehru to declare, "The Indian civil service was neither Indian, civil, nor a service" (Shashi Tharoor, 60). Both of them utilized a variety of strategies to split India in all areas, allowing exploitation to continue unabated. They devised the concept of a census. They did everything for personal gain. Whether that was the initiation of railways, the interruption of community schools, or the inability to give aid during the Bengal famine, there were many reasons for this. Tharoor does not want compensation for the British's wrongdoing; Rather, he intends them to recognize and apologize. Naipaul investigates the changes in society that occurred in India during British occupation. He captures the varied voices and viewpoints of the people living in India, delving into the country's intricacies via a series of tales and personal interviews. The title symbolizes the concept that India is undergoing numerous transitions, as represented by a million separate rebellions or mutinies. This study reveals a clear and comparable representation of Indian sorrow and British misdeeds via the words of the two authors described above.

Bacteriological Profile and Antibiogram of Aerobic Blood Culture Isolates among Suspected Blood Stream Infections: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) are important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Blood culture is the most important diagnostic tool for BSI. The epidemiology and outcome of BSI are constantly changing due to increasing antimicrobial resistance, changing patterns of antibiotic drug usage, and the increased use of transient or permanent medical devices. Thus, regular monitoring of the bacterial aetiology of BSI and their antibiograms is necessary. Aim: To determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns among suspected BSI patients. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal, Manipur, India, from September 2018 to August 2020. A total of 481 suspected BSI patients were included in the study. The blood culture samples were collected under aseptic conditions and cultured for seven days. The isolates were identified using conventional biochemical tests, and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and the epsilometer test (E-test). Methicillin resistance among the staphylococcal isolates was detected using the cefoxitin disk diffusion method. Data analysis was performed using EpiInfoTM version 7.0, and the Chi-square test was used as a statistical test. Results: A total of 150 (31.2%) blood samples were culture positive out of the 481 samples processed from suspected BSI patients. The predominant isolates were gram-positive, accounting for 113/150 (75.3%), while gram-negatives accounted for 37/150 (24.7%). Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) were the primary pathogens isolated. Methicillin resistance was detected in 59 (54.6%) of the staphylococcal isolates {52 (54.7%) were Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and out of the 13 CoNS isolates, 7 (53.9%) were Methicillin Resistant CoNS (MRCoNS)}. The most susceptible drugs for gram-positives were vancomycin and linezolid, while aminoglycosides and imipenem were the most susceptible drugs for gram-negatives. Conclusion: The study highlighted the prevalence and pattern of aerobic bacterial isolates in BSI cases at JNIMS Hospital, as well as, the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolates. Regular epidemiological studies of BSIs, regarding the pathogens and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, are necessary to guide clinicians in choosing appropriate empirical therapy and to update the hospital antibiotic policy from time to time. This promotes rational antibiotic use and reduces resistance among bacteria.

A Cross-sectional Analysis of Conventional Leishman’s Stain versus Modified Leishman’s Stain: A Study Protocol

Introduction: The conventional Leishman’s stain and modified Leishman’s stain are widely used in medical laboratories for the microscopic examination of blood smears. The conventional stain provides good visualisation of cellular morphology, aiding in the identification of various blood cell types. The modified Leishman’s stain, on the other hand, incorporates alterations to enhance specific cellular structures, improving diagnostic accuracy. Need of the study: In the present study, the authors will observe the differences between the conventional staining method and the modified Leishman's stain method, as well as the advantages of the modified Leishman's staining over the conventional staining method. Aim: To compare Conventional Leishman’s Stain with Modified Leishman’s Stain. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study will be conducted from October 2022 to October 2024 at the Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) blood samples will be used for staining. Conventional Leishman’s Stain employs the traditional Leishman’s staining method, while Modified Leishman’s Stain incorporates specific modifications aimed at improving staining quality and enhancing the detection of eosinophils and leukocytes. Several quality control parameters will be assessed, including staining quality, eosinophil and leukocyte visibility, and overall diagnostic accuracy for both peripheral blood smear samples. A panel of experienced haematologists, blinded to the staining technique, independently examines the slides to minimise potential bias. The numbers and morphological characteristics of eosinophils and leukocytes are meticulously recorded, and statistical analysis will be conducted to compare the two staining methods.

A Prospective Study of Total Extra Peritoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair Fixation versus no Fixation of Mesh

Background: The necessity of mesh fixation in laparoscopic totally extra peritoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. We performed a single-center prospective study to compare the effectiveness of mesh fixation versus nonfixation in laparoscopic TEP repair. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, from August 2021 to July 2023. All patients admitted to the General surgical unit with uncomplicated inguinal hernias were included. A total of 96 patients were included in the study, of which 44 patients underwent TEP repair with fixation of mesh using tacks (GROUP A) and the remaining 52 patients whose mesh was not fixed (GROUP B). Results: Ninety-six patients were randomized to fixation or non-fixation group in TEP. The pain scores at 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months were comparable, but not statistically significant (Day 1 Fixation, 2.7 ± 0.79; Non-fixation 2.48 ± 0.78, P = 0.104, 1 week (Fixation, 0.02 ± 0.15; Non-fixation, 0.08 ± 0.27, P = 0.236). The length of hospital stay (Fixation, 2.07 ± 0.59 days; Non-fixation, 2.1 ± 0.41 days, P = 0.785) and days taken to resume normal activities (Fixation, 3.7 ± 1.02 days; Non-fixation, 3.54 ± 0.94 days, P = 0.41) were also similar for both groups. There was no recurrence in either group at a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The cost of surgery was significantly different between the fixation group and the nonfixation group with a p-value <0.0001. Conclusion: There was no statistical significance between the fixation and non-fixation groups in terms of postoperative pain, requirement and dosage of analgesics, duration of in-hospital stay, time to return to normal activity, complications, recurrence of hernia, except the cost of surgery which was higher in the fixation group.

Study of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Various Clinical Specimens from Tertiary Care Hospital

ABSTRACT Introduction: Staphylococci are Gram-positive bacteria, with a diameter of 0.5–1.5 μm and individual cocci, which are divided in more than one plane from the grape-like cluster. In the genus staphylococci, 32 species and 8 subspecies are present in many of which are present as a commensal in the human body. Staphylococci are frequently found as a normal flora of skin mucosal, surface of respiratory, upper elementary, and urogenital tract of the human body. In immunocompromised condition, the infection can be spread by skin-to-skin contact and also by excretion such as saliva aerosol releasing during sneezing and coughing. Infection of staphylococci may also spread from the animal product such as nonpasteurized milk and milk products. Over the last few decades, Staphylococcus aureus has emerge as the most dangerous organism, which is known as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Some strains show vancomycin resistance by S. aureus in hospitalized patients. The present study was conducted to study the prevalence and antibiogram of MRSA isolates in a clinical sample from Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research), Wardha, from August 2020 to December 2021. The samples received in the microbiology laboratory were inoculated on blood agar and MacConkey’s agar, and incubated for 24 h at 37°C for staphylococcal isolation. A total of 145 Staphylococcal aureus were isolated and confirmed by Gram stain and various biochemical tests such as catalase test, oxidase test, coagulase test, and mannitol salt agar. Antibiotic susceptibility test was examined on the Mueller–Hinton agar plate using the modified Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Screening of methicillin resistant was performed by cefoxitin (30 μg) disc diffusion method and interpreted according to CLSI guideline. Results: The prevalence of MRSA was 76 (52.41%) to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. The highest MRSA was found in the age group >50 years (26.31%). Out of 76 MRSA isolates from different departments, the medicine and orthopedic departments show maximum MRSA as 19.74% each followed by pediatrics (17.11%) and surgery (13.16). Out of 76 MRSA isolates, vancomycin showed 93.42% sensitivity followed by linezolid (85.52%), Gentamicin (71.05%), tetracycline (56.57%), clindamycin (46.05%), and erythromycin (31.57%). Conclusion: With the advancement of new therapeutic agent, MRSA is also being easily resistant. Due to increasing cases of MRSA, there is an increase in the rate of morbidity and mortality. Moreover, except vancomycin, other drugs are resistant, as their MIC is not in the susceptible range. Thus, the results of this study indicate that vancomycin is a suitable medication to take when MRSA cases rise. In such cases, MRSA can be controlled by regular monitoring and checking the irrational use of antibiotics.

Dermatoglyphic Patterns in Undergraduate Medical Students and their Association with Academic Performance: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dermatoglyphics is the study of fingerprint patterns, which are unique to each individual and remain unchanged after birth. It has been used in criminology for decades. In recent years, its role in screening various medical conditions has been established. Dermatoglyphics has also been associated with cognitive ability, making it a potential predictor of academic potential. Aim: To investigate the association between dermatoglyphic patterns and the academic performance of medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India on 200 undergraduate medical students (94 males and 106 females) from January 2019 to December 2020. Fingerprint patterns were obtained using the standard ink method. The parameters studied included arches, loops, whorls, composites, Total Finger Ridge Count (TFRC), and the 'atd' angle. The academic performance of participants was assessed based on the marks obtained in the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the overall marks scored in the first-year university examination. Statistical analysis involved the use of arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: In present study, the most common fingerprint pattern in the right hand was an arch (30.9%), followed by a whorl (24.5%). In the left hand, the most common fingerprint pattern was a whorl (40.6%), followed by an ulnar loop (20.1%), with no gender difference observed. Thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger exhibited different fingerprint patterns between the right and left hand, indicating asymmetry. This asymmetry was associated with lower academic performance. Higher academic performers in the NEET had a higher frequency of whorls and composites. TFRC showed no association with academic performance. Students with an ‘atd’ angle between 41 and 50° demonstrated higher academic performance. Conclusion: The present study found that asymmetry of fingerprint patterns and a higher ‘atd’ angle (≥51°) were correlated with lower academic performance among medical students. These findings suggest potential directions for early academic intervention, provided multicentric studies are conducted in the future.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of undergraduate medical students about sedentary lifestyle and lifestyle modifications – A facility based descriptive study

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: A sedentary lifestyle has become very common in the medical student leading to obesity. MBBS training period of 5½ years is extensive and very challenging. To cope with time and course curriculum, medical students adapt to multiple unhealthy lifestyle arrays. Many scientific articles have reported that medical students develop numerous health diseases over due to their unbalanced schedules and routines. With limited preexisting data on lifestyle patterns of medical students, this study was planned to assess the knowledge, attitude, and behaviors of 1st year undergraduate medical students about sedentary lifestyle and lifestyle modifications at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KAHER, Belagavi, Karnataka state, India. METHODOLOGY: This is a facility-based descriptive study done among 200 first-year medical undergraduate students in the Department of Physiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi. A predesigned structured questionnaire was circulated by Google Forms and responses were coded and entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet. The data analysis was done using percentages (%). Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee for human’s subject’s research of the medical college. RESULTS: Among 200 medical students, 192 (96%) of them responded to the questionnaire. About 174 (87%) of the students were practicing physical activity, about 52 (26%) of them did it five times per week, 70 (35%) did three times a week, and 50 (25%) did only once a week, whereas 26 (13%) of the students did not perform physical activity at all. During free time, the students had varied behavior about 59 (29.6%) of students spent time in one or another form of physical activity, 44 (21.8%) enjoyed music, 45 (22.3%) were active in social networking, 23 (11.4%) liked reading and creativity, and 29 (14.5%) of them did not respond to this question. About 110 (54.7%) strongly agreed to include training modules on the prevention of lifestyle disorders in undergraduate medical curriculum. CONCLUSION: More than half of the students told that 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity should be done regularly. Nearly two-thirds of them knew about the prevalence of obesity and listed the diseases caused by lifestyle diseases. Majority of the students practiced physical activity and knew about lifestyle diseases and were able to identify sedentary behavior. Nearly half of them told that a training module on the prevention of lifestyle diseases is required. There is an utmost important need to include a component of physical fitness in the undergraduate medical curriculum. This will help medical students to decrease stress and improve mental health.

Assessment of Pulmonary Function in COVID-19 Recovered Health Science Students: A Descriptiv Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) impacts multiple organs like the kidneys, heart, and liver, but primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as cough with sputum production, fever, and in severe cases, respiratory failure. Research on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-Coronavirus-2 (CoV-2) has revealed impairments in lung function during the early recovery phase following COVID-19 infection. The aim is to understand the virus’s impact and identify any obstructive, restrictive, or mixed pulmonary alterations in medical professionals six weeks after recovery. Aim: To assess Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) six weeks after COVID-19 recovery in health science students at a medical college in North Karnataka. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in North Karnataka, India, from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 155 COVID-19-recovered health science students were included, and their anthropometry, physiological parameters, and pulmonary parameters were recorded. The “Spirometer Helios 401” was used to estimate an individual’s PFT. Data were analysed using independent sample t-tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.73±3.04 years. The Mean±Standard Devaiation (SD) of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (L), Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV) at the end of one second (L), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (L), forced mid expiratory flow 25-75 (L/s), forced mid expiratory flow 25% (L/s), forced mid expiratory flow 50% (L/s), forced mid expiratory flow 75% (L/s), Inspiratory Reserve Volume (IRV) (L), Expiratory Reserve Volume (ERV) (L), Inspiratory Capacity (IC) (L), and Maximum Voluntary Ventilation (MVV) (L) ± SD of post-COVID-19 subjects were less compared to their corresponding predicted values. The Mean±SD of FEV1/FVC (%) and tidal volume (L) of COVID-19 recovered subjects were higher than their corresponding expected value. The FEV, Forced Expiratory Flow (FEF), and FEV1 values were significantly less in females compared to males. Conclusion: Coronavirus Disease-19-recovered subjects showed altered respiratory functions even after six weeks, with the majority having restrictive disease, followed by a mixed pattern and obstructive diseases, while the remaining showed no changes in lung function. Altered pulmonary functions in COVID-19 patients may be due to alveolar destruction or pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.

Comparative Evaluation of Conventional Nasolabial Flap with and without Fishtail Modification in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a longterm condition characterised by the gradual buildup of fibrous tissue in the oral cavity, often extending to the throat and upper oesophagus. The primary symptoms include progressive limitation in mouth opening due to the formation of stiff fibrous bands in the oral mucosa, accompanied by muscle atrophy. However, the most concerning aspect of this restriction, known as trismus, is its hindrance to effective cancer monitoring. Surgical approaches typically aim to release these fibrotic bands, while medical interventions focus on managing inflammation and preventing further fibrosis. Need of the Study: A modification of the nasolabial flap has been suggested for the reconstruction of intraoral defects following ablative surgery for OSMF. The study will assess its merits in comparison to the conventional nasolabial flap. Aim: To evaluate and compare the aesthetic and functional outcomes of the rima oris between the Conventional Nasolabial Flap and the Nasolabial Flap with Fishtail Modification in patients undergoing surgical intervention for OSMF. Materials and Methods: A prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial will be conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital, associated with Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from November 2023 to November 2024. Patients older than 18 years of age diagnosed with OSMF, without any superimposing cancerous lesions, will be included in the study. They will be divided into two groups: Group A will be treated with bilateral fibrotomy, coronoidotomy and reconstruction with the conventional nasolabial flap, while Group B will undergo the same surgical intervention, except that the reconstruction will be performed using the fishtail modification of the nasolabial flap. The parameters that will be compared include interincisal mouth opening, intercommissural width, dehiscence and flap necrosis. The analysis will be conducted using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s-exact test for categorical data and the independent t-test for continuous data that follow a normal distribution. These statistical tests will help evaluate the association between different demographic, clinical and etiological factors and the outcomes under consideration. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Influence of irrigation levels and stress regulators on growth and productivity of wheat genotypes

Wheat is major food crop of the rainfed areas. However, drought stress poses serious decline in the productivity of the crop. This research was therefore, conducted to evaluate the effect of irrigation levels and foliar application of stress regulators on the growth and productivity of wheat. The experiment was conducted in rabi season of 2021-2022 at AICRP on Wheat, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur. Thirty treatment combinations comprising of main plot treatments of three irrigation levels, sub-plot of two wheat varieties and sub-sub plot of five stress regulators were laid out in split-split plot design and replicated thrice. It was found that three irrigations at CRI, flowering and milking stage resulted in higher growth and yield (4288.26 kg ha-1). Wheat genotype JW3288 outperformed JW3382 with 5.45% enhanced growth and 11.24% higher yield. Among the stress regulators, foliar application of 2% KCl produced highest growth and yield (4136.72 kg ha-1) among other treatments. These results indicate that three irrigations with foliar application of 2% KCl can produce optimal yields in wheat crop under moisture scarcity. Also, wheat genotype JW3288 can be considered best to grow under limited water conditions.

Predictive Value of CT Perfusion Parameters in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Longitudinal Study

Introduction: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Moreover, cerebral contusions, Subdural Haemorrhages (SDH), Extradural Haemorrhages (EDH), and Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (SAH), which are secondary injuries that occur due to alterations in cerebral haemodynamics, remain unevaluated and unchecked by plain non contrast scans. Timely delineation of the cerebral perfusion status of the patient can assist in modifying treatment plans and could lead to a better recovery of the patient. Aim: To assess the cerebral haemodynamics of patients with TBI at admission and evaluate the predictive value of Computed Tomography (CT) perfusion. Materials and Methods: The present prospective longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Neurosurgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India, from September 2019 to September 2020. A total of 40 participants were included in the study using a purposive sampling method. CT Perfusion (CTP) was performed within 72 hours of head injury, followed by Glasgow Outcome at Discharge Scale (GODS) assessments at discharge and one month later. Cerebral perfusion parameters such as Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF), Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV), Mean Transit Time (MTT), and Time To Peak (TTP) were measured, and correlations were established using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients to determine the relationship of GODS with CTP parameters. Results: The mean age of study subjects was 35.8±13.4 years, with a median (25th-75th percentile) of 32 (25-42.75). Among a total of 40 patients, 22 (55%) were males and 18 (45%) were females. Significant positive correlations were observed between GODS at discharge and CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation, CBV (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation, and the number of normal/hyperemic territories, with correlation coefficients of 0.398, 0.329, and 0.504, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between GODS at discharge and TTP (seconds) at presentation, with a correlation coefficient of -0.392. Similarly, significant positive correlations were observed between GODS at one month with CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation and the number of normal/ hyperemic territories, with correlation coefficients of 0.407 and 0.827, respectively. A significant negative correlation was seen between GODS at one month and MTT (seconds) at presentation, with a correlation coefficient of -0.344. CBV (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation exhibited a sensitivity of 100%, followed by MTT (seconds) at presentation (71.43%), and CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation (57.14%). Conversely, CBF (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation showed a specificity of 92.31%, followed by TTP (seconds) at presentation (92.31%), and CBV (mL/100 gm/min) at presentation (53.85%). In predicting unfavourable outcomes, MTT (seconds) at presentation had the lowest specificity of 7.69%. Conclusion: Perfusion CT provides additional information compared to Non Contrast Computed Tomography (NCCT) with insights into the pericontusional areas. Therefore, it can be a potential tool in the evaluation of TBI. Perfusion parameters have prognostic value, and thus, this modality should be studied with a larger sample size for more precise results.

Effect of antenatal corticosteroids on daily fetal movement count in pregnant women

Background: Fetal well-being is reflected in the fetal movements perceived by the mother. Corticosteroids are the most common therapy in clinical practice which can affect fetal activity. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone administration on daily fetal movement count (DFMC) in pregnant women. Materials and Methods: A prospective and cohort study was performed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital. A total of 100 pregnant women between gestational ages of 28 weeks and 38 weeks were enrolled in the study. They were asked to count DFMC on day 0, that is, before administration of injection dexamethasone, on day 2 (after 48 h of first dose), and during day 4 to 7. Women received injection dexamethasone 6 mg i.m. 4 doses at an interval of 12 h for various indications such as pre-term pre-labor rupture of membranes, placenta previa, pre-term labor, and previous cesarean. Outcome measures were changes in DFMC before and after dexamethasone administration. Results: DFMC was significantly reduced on day 2 of injection dexamethasone administration and returned to baseline values after 4th–7th days of receiving dexamethasone. Conclusion: Dexamethasone administration resulted in transient reduction in DFMC that mimics fetal compromise; hence, clinicians should be aware of this phenomenon to prevent iatrogenic pre-term birth of the fetus.