IMPACT OF CALORIC VESTIBULAR STIMULATION ON CO-ORDINATION IN PARKINSON DISEASE INDUCED MICE

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of vestibular stimulation on motor coordination in Parkinson’s disease (PD) induced mice. Methods: 18 healthy adult male Swiss albino mice were used in this study. Vestibule was stimulated by caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS). Pesticide Rotenone was used to induce Parkinson’s disease (PD). Motor coordination was assessed by the fall-off time and the activity score using the rotarod and actophotometer, respectively. Results: In the rotarod test, there was a significant increase in the fall-off time (p<0.01) in the CVS PD group (131.63±18.34) on the 30th day when compared to the PD group (95.33±15.17). In the actophotometer, the activity score improved in the PD CVS group on the 15 (235±47.09) and 30th days (251.38±25.76), while there was no improvement in the PD group. This shows the significant effect of caloric vestibular stimulation on motor coordination in Parkinson’s disease. Conclusion: This study confirms that caloric vestibular stimulation with hot water resulted in the improvement of motor coordination in PD. Hence this study certainly merits further studies with a higher sample size to confirm the effect of caloric vestibular stimulation on the enhancement of motor coordination in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Perspectives of Teachers at Medical Colleges Across India regarding the Competency based Medical Education Curriculum – A Qualitative, Manual, Theoretical Thematic Content Analysis

Background: Competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum has been implemented in India since 2019 with a goal to create an “Indian Medical Graduate” (IMG) possessing requisite knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and responsiveness. Objectives: To explore teachers’ perceptions across India at medical colleges on the newly implemented competency-based medical education curriculum. Methods: This was a qualitative cross?sectional study conducted among teachers working at medical colleges across India, between February and April 2022 (n = 192). The data collection was done using Google forms online survey platform on teachers’ perception regarding CBME, its specific components, and perceived bottlenecks. We analyzed this qualitative data using manual, theoretical thematic content analysis following the steps endorsed in Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Results: The majority of the teachers (64.1%) have positively responded to the CBME curriculum’s implementation. However, it came with a caution that the curriculum should continuously evolve and adapt to regional demands. The foundation course, early clinical exposure, and the family adoption program were the specific components of CBME curriculum over which the teachers raised concerns. The need for additional teachers in each department (department-specific teacher or faculty per hundred students ratio to be worked out) and the need for enabling faculty preparedness through adequate training was highlighted. Concerns were also raised regarding implementing CBME with teachers without a medical background (especially in preclinical departments). Conclusion: It is the need of the hour for the curriculum to incorporate a systematic feedback mechanism built into the system, though which such critical appraisals can be meaning collated and acted upon, to ultimately evolve, thereby creating an “Indian Medical Graduate” for the needs of todays’ society

A Study on Clinical Profile and Outcome of Rodenticide Poisoning in South India: A cross sectional study: clinical profile of rodenticide poisoning

INTRODUCTION Deliberate self-harm using rodenticides is one the common causes because of its easy availability. They cause circulatory collapse, hypotension, impairment of myocardial contractility and fluid loss leading to pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, and acute renal failure. With the absence of specific antidote, the treatment options are mainly symptomatic. So, a clear clinical picture is required to prognosticate outcome.   Aim and Objective: To study the sociodemographic profile, clinical features and clinical outcome of patients admitted with rat killer poison in a tertiary care hospital in South India.   METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted among those who have been admitted with rodenticide poisoning in a tertiary care center in south India. Prior Institutional ethical committee Permission and written informed consent was obtained. Data on sociodemographic profile was elicited. The clinical course of all those who were enrolled in the study was closely followed and monitored. All the necessary blood parameters were done on every alternate day after the admission blood investigations. The data was entered in Microsoft excel and was analyzed using PSPP software. The difference in mean blood parameters between survivors and non survivors were compared   RESULTS The consumption of Rodenticide poisoning was higher among females (59 %). Majority (58 %) were married.  Vomiting was present in nearly two-third of the study population and abdominal pain in 21 %. Dose ingested and Time of reporting to hospital was high among non-survivors.  Mean Bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, INR were higher among non-survivors compared to survivors at all the days measured.   CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of Liver parameters plays a vital role in assessing the prognosis of the patient and also in treating them.         &nbsp

Perceptions About E-Learning Among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Study

The COVID-19 pandemic times showed the need for blending e-learning in medical education. The current study aims to find the perceptions of undergraduate medical students on e-learning. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 848 students on perceptions about e-learning. Private college students and Phase IV students significantly faced more data exhaustion. The government college students and phase IV students significantly felt that classes were more monotonous. The longer duration of e-learning caused health effects. Thus, to bring about a better learning environment e-learning can be integrated into the MBBS curriculum as a supplement to bedside and small group learning

Prevalence of Depression and its determinants among undergraduate Medical college students in Salem, Tamil Nadu – An analytical cross-sectional study

Background: Stress is an essential determinant of depression, leading to a greater prevalence of depression among medical students than the general population; a vulnerable subgroup. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of depression among undergraduate medical students. The study also assessed the demographic, academic, medical and psychosocial factors which may contribute to various degrees of depression in medical students belonging to different academic years. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted among medical college students in Salem, Tamil Nadu between October 2021, and December 2022. Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), a validated screening tool for depression was used to identify students who may be experiencing depression. Results: The prevalence of depression among undergraduate medial students was 27.0%; 10.2% had mild depression, 5.4% had borderline clinical depression, 8.5% had moderate depression, 2.4% had severe depression, and 0.5% had extreme depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that presence of separated or divorced or single parent (AOR 87.86, 95% CI 9.82 to 786.04), being in Phase II (AOR 2.81, 95% CI 1.32 to 5.96), without satisfactory academic performance (AOR 3.62, 95% CI 1.97 to 6.65), presence of active or chief complaints (AOR 3.72, 95% CI 1.99 to 6.97), conflicts in the family (AOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.14 to 8.25), and recent failures (AOR 2.60, 95% CI 1.34 to 5.04) among undergraduate medical students were independent predictors of depression in them (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is crucial that medical schools prioritize the mental health of their students and provide appropriate resources and support. This could include access to mental health services including counselling, training in stress management, and coping strategies, assigning personal tutors and initiatives to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues

EFFECT OF VESTIBULAR STIMULATION ON BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IN PARKINSON DISEASE-INDUCED MICE

Objective: This prospective study was conducted to provide an authoritative database for beneficial effects of vestibular stimulation, a simple non-invasive method to alleviate the behavioral changes in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Methods: Vestibule is stimulated by caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS). Pesticide Rotenone is used to induce PD. Open field test and elevated plus maze were used to access learning, memory, and behavior. Results: Behavioral scores were taken before and after stimulation of the vestibular system. The scores were significantly different between rotenone-induced PD, control, and hot water vestibular stimulation groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study categorically confirms that CVS with hot water causes behavioral changes in PD. This study certainly merits further studies with higher sample sizes to confirm the effect of CVS for enhancement of learning, memory, and behavior in patients with Parkinsonism

Risk factors and predictors of severity for ischemic stroke in the rural South Indian population

Introduction Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The risk factors contributing to stroke vary among geographical locations, ethnic populations, and also among genders. This study aims to identify the prevalence of risk factors among patients admitted for ischemic stroke, correlate the stroke severity and identify risk factors in the rural south Indian population. Materials and Methods One hundred and thirty patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke formed the study population. The demographic details and neurological examination at admission were noted. The presence of co-morbidities such as Diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, coronary artery disease, smoking, and quantity of alcohol consumed were documented. All patients underwent a series of investigations including CT brain, fasting blood sugar, fasting lipid profile, complete blood count, and carotid doppler. Stroke severity was graded as per NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale). Results This study of 130 stroke patients (65.4% male, 34.6% female) with a mean age of 61.10 years examined risk factors and their associations with stroke severity. Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus were prevalent (51.5% and 50% respectively). Significant associations were found between age, sex, and alcohol consumption with stroke severity. Overall, age emerged as a critical determinant of stroke severity. Conclusion Tremendous research gaps persist despite significant progress in researching gender differences in stroke as well as particular factors impacting risk and outcomes which need to be addressed in future studies. Urgent healthcare policies are needed to arrest the rapidly rising epidemic of metabolic diseases and combat alcoholism

Organ donation – Perception and practices among health science graduates in Southern India

Background: Organ donation rates in India are among the lowest globally. The complex interplay of social, religious, and media influences behind organ donation in today's social milieu is not fully understood. Health-care professionals are in a unique position to influence popular perception on organ donation through their practices. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore organ donation-related perceptions and practices among health science students from southern India. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based, online descriptive study was carried out among undergraduate health science students from the medical, nursing, and allied health science streams in Coimbatore, western Tamil Nadu. A total of 618 respondents participated in the online survey conducted during the summer 2021. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 27 statistical package. Results: The general awareness levels and perceptions regarding organ donation were fairly high, and 83.1% were interested in becoming an organ donor. Even though a sizable proportion (37.4%) were ready to pledge right away, many did not know how to take the next step – the actual pledging for organ donation. Apprehensions relating to organ donation fell under few major themes – concerns of misuse of organ donation platforms for monetary gains; cumbersome legal procedures; family, social, and religious beliefs; and influences of popular media. Conclusions: Despite a fair degree of knowledge, the practice of organ donation seems to be relatively low among the participants, owing to a multitude of reasons. If enabled appropriately, health science graduates would be the perfect ambassadors for promoting organ donation in the society

CHOICE OF MEDICAL PROFESSION -PASSION OR PRESSURE: MEDICAL STUDENTS PERSPECTIVES

Objective: Medical profession is one of the most aspired career option among school students and parents. Though the profession may look so lucrative and charming, one needs to be committed a lot to become a successful doctor. Passion and interest towards the career will be the most determining option to be a successful practitioner. But there will be many external influences in a students life to choose this career. This study was conducted with the objective to understand the factors that influenced MBBS students to choose this career. Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted among 1060 MBBS students throughout India. A self designed questionnaire which contained questions related to why they selected this career was prepared and validated among experts in the field and was converted into google forms and was circulated to all the medical colleges in India through social media platform. Results: Though majority (60.4%) mentioned that passion to serve as the main reason, nearly one fourth(25.8%)  have opted the career for social status, job opportunity, good remuneration and life style. Nearly one third(32%) have regretted joining the profession. Regarding the plan after MBBS, most of them(59.2%) preferred speciality practice. Clinical subjects were the most preferred Postgraduation. Conclusion: Though passion for the medical profession was the most common reason for coming into this career, parental and few other external influences were also found as the reasons for choosing MBBS among some student

Meniscal Dimensions and its Clinical Implications- A Foetal Cadaveric Study

Introduction: The menisci are made up of fibrocartilage. The menisci are prone for injuries and treated by meniscal repair, meniscectomy and the meniscal allograft transplantation. The knowledge about the morphometry is necessary for orthopaedician, embryologist and morphologist. Aim: To analyse the morphometric parameters of medial and lateral menisci in the knee joint of foetuses. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India, during the year May 2015 to May 2017 in seven males and eight female foetuses with gestational age ranging from 20-37 weeks. After dissection, the morphometric parameters like peripheral and inner length, width and thickness of anterior 1/3rd, middle 1/3rd and posterior 1/3rd of the menisci was measured using digital vernier callipers. ANOVA and paired t-test was used to compare the parameters between gender and sides. Results: The morphometry was studied in 14 male and 16 female knee joints (30 medial and 30 lateral menisci). In the medial menisci width of anterior 1/3rd was significantly narrower than the middle and posterior 1/3rd. In lateral menisci, width of middle 1/3rd was greater than anterior and posterior 1/3rd which was statistically insignificant. There were no statistically significant morphometric differences between gender and sides. Conclusion: The part of the menisci which were narrower was less prone for injuries. The knowledge of the morphometric parameters in particular the width and thickness of the menisci determines the commonest area of injury. This study provides morphometric data of menisci in foetuses as it is scarc