Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University

Background Studies show that consumption of nicotine in any form (nonsmoke and smoke) have a strong association with body weight and related health problems. Aims and Objectives This study aims to examine the prevalence of smoked tobacco consumption and its association with body mass index (BMI) levels among men and women in India. By analyzing this relationship, the study provides insights into the indirect health risks (Boday Mass Index) associated with tobacco use across different population groups. Data and Methods The Indian National Family Health Survey-4 was used. A total of 687,876 women and 100,459 men sample were included and analyzed using bivariate statistical techniques. Results The data revealed that 4.6% of women and 21.2% of men were using smoke tobacco in India. The prevalence of smoke tobacco use was higher among underweight BMI women (5.5%) and underweight/normal BMI men (22%) in India. Statistically significant differences ( P < 0.05) in prevalence between the groups associated with their BMI categories were evident for the states Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, and Manipur. States with a noticeable difference in the obese category are Rajasthan, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Daman and Diu, and Arunachal Pradesh. Conclusion Underweight individuals, including reproductive-age women and older adults, should receive strong encouragement and support to quit smoke tobacco use to prevent negative health effects.

Diarrhoeal diseases remain a significant public health concern globally, particularly among under-five children. Understanding the factors influencing diarrhoea prevalence and treatment practices is crucial for improving child health outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to assess the burden, determinants, and management practices of diarrhoeal diseases among under-five children in India. We conducted a secondary data analysis of NFHS-5, covering 707 districts across India. The survey employed a stratified two-stage sampling method, and analysis included 186 920 under-five children. Poisson regression was utilized for identifying determinants of diarrhoeal burden and health-seeking behaviour and reported as adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence interval. Prevalence of diarrhoea in under-five children has decreased from 9.5% in 2015–16 to the current estimate of 7.5% in 2019–21. Health seeking behaviour for diarrhoea has changed from 76.2% in 2015–16 to 76.8% in 2019–21. Age, gender, birth weight, malnutrition, maternal age, and education level were significantly associated with diarrhoea prevalence. Geographical region and wealth index influenced health-seeking behaviour towards diarrhoeal illness. The study shows a marginal decline in the diarrhoeal prevalence among children under-five years in India. Key determinants identified highlight the critical areas where targeted interventions are urgently needed.

Background The 21 st century health profession curriculum is shifting toward informal learning, emphasizing hidden curricula to nurture medical humanities, empathy, and communication skills. Art forms, including cinema, provide an emotional platform for exploring these themes. This study aims to assess their awareness of humanities through cinemeducation and evaluate its effectiveness in fostering a deeper understanding of humanistic care in facilitating MBBS students toward humanism. Methodology A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was conducted from October 2023 to June 2024. The study involved 102 3 rd -year MBBS students for quantitative analysis and 16 participants for qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs). Eight films were screened, followed by pre- and post-tests using a 21-item Humanistic Professional Awareness Scale-for Healthcare Students and Providers questionnaire. Feedback forms and reflective writing supplemented the data. Quantitative scores were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed–rank tests and FGDs underwent thematic analysis. Results Quantitative analysis revealed significant improvements in personal integrity (median: 73–79, P = 0.0005), sensitivity to others (46–51, P = 0.0001), and professional competence (50–54, P = 0.0031). Total scores increased from 168 to 181 ( P = 0.0001). Qualitative findings highlighted the films’ emotional and ethical impact, enhancing empathy and understanding of patient-centered care. Over 90% of participants found the sessions relevant and impactful. Conclusion Cinemeducation is an effective tool to foster humanistic values in medical students, bridging the gap between technical knowledge and emotional intelligence. It promotes empathy, ethical reasoning, and professionalism, offering a transformative approach to medical education. Future research should explore its broader implementation and long-term impact.

Cognitive decline and dementia are major public health challenges globally, with stress and inflammation emerging as significant contributors. Understanding the interplay between stress-related factors, inflammatory markers, and cognitive decline is crucial for identifying potential preventive strategies and interventions. This systematic review explored 17 studies examining the role of stress and inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., interleukin [IL]-6 and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) in cognitive decline and dementia. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a thematic approach was used to analyze the findings, focusing on stress, inflammation, and their combined impact on cognitive health. Key themes identified include (1) stress as a risk factor for cognitive decline, with midlife and posttraumatic stress influencing long-term cognitive trajectories, (2) inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-α being significantly associated with accelerated cognitive decline and dementia risk, (3) lifestyle and environmental factors, including air pollution, smoking, and social determinants, exacerbating stress and inflammation, and (4) sleep quality, perceived stigma, and social networks as potential modifiers of stress-induced inflammation and cognitive impairment. The findings highlight the multifaceted interactions between stress and inflammation in cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions addressing stress management, lifestyle modifications, and inflammatory pathways to mitigate dementia risk. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships and develop effective prevention strategies.

Hemoglobin (Hb) is an important oxygen carrying protein inherent in erythrocytes facilitates exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide from body tissues. Bioengineered synthetic erythrocytes with enhanced Hb proteins have been developed as efficient blood transfusion substitutes to supply oxygen to patients in extreme situations. This has driven research towards the molecular characterization and structural elucidation of Hb in organisms thriving in extreme conditions. Camel is recognized as a typical organism to investigate molecular level adaptations to surpass extreme ecological conditions in the arid zone. The molecular architecture of Hb is linked to the oxygen requirements of an organism to sustain at extreme living conditions. Molecular structure of camel Hb can be determined by X-ray crystallography. In this study, camel Hb is purified and crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21 with cell dimensions of a = 52.75 Å, b = 116.78 Å, c = 52.80 Å and β = 120.07 Å. The crystal packing parameters reveal that a whole biological molecule is present in the asymmetric unit with the final R-factor and Rfree value 23.1 and 29.5%, respectively. The Quaternary structural analysis of the camel Hb [PDB ID: 3GDJ] suggests its state to be identical to human R-state Hb.

This case study examines the use of the strain counterstrain (SCS) technique in treating a 45-year-old IT professional diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy and an associated upper trapezius trigger point. The patient presented with neck pain radiating to the right shoulder and arm, numbness in the fingers, and muscle weakness. These symptoms, persisting for six months, were not significantly alleviated by conventional physical therapy and medication. Following a thorough assessment, including physical examination, imaging studies (MRI), and electromyography (EMG), the diagnosis was confirmed. The SCS technique was chosen as the primary treatment modality due to its non-invasive nature and focus on patient comfort. After four weeks of treatment, the patient experienced significant pain reduction, improved muscle strength and range of motion, and was able to return to work with ergonomic adjustments. Follow-up EMG showed decreased nerve irritation, and the upper trapezius trigger point was no longer palpable, with a 25% improvement in conduction amplitude in the right C6 nerve root, indicating decreased nerve irritation. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) score improved from 28 to 12. This case study suggests that the SCS technique can be an effective treatment option for upper trapezius trigger points in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

A nickel‐catalyzed intramolecular acetylene hydroarylation process has been described to produce dibenzo[b,e]azepin‐6‐one derivatives in an effective, regioselective manner. This procedure demonstrates a broad substrate scope and exceptional tolerance to various functional groups. Mechanistic insights were confirmed through the use of the density functional theory method. Selective synthesized compounds were subjected to biophysical analysis such as UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, stoichiometric analysis, thermal melting, and circular dichroism spectroscopic analysis revealing strong binding affinity to exploit their interactions with human hemoglobin (Hb). Additionally, molecular docking studies provided insights into the interactions between the synthesized molecule and human Hb.

In diabetes, the level of glyoxal (GO), a highly reactive oxoaldehyde increases from its normal value. GO reacts with various proteins and produces advanced glycated end products (AGEs). Living cells contain densely packed biomolecules, which exert crowding effects that may take up 20–40% of the entire volume of a cell. Molecular crowding significantly influences various cellular processes by affecting the behavior of molecules within the crowded intracellular environment, impacting protein folding, stability, interactions, and ultimately, the function of many biological pathways. Thus, it essentially acts as a key regulator of cellular activity within a confined space. The effect of the molecular crowding environment on the process of hemoglobin (Hb) glycation was studied in this work. Polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) was used as a crowding agent. To execute the study, Hb was incubated with GO for a week at 37 1C in the presence of different percentages of PEG 200. Glycated Hb exhibited high absorbance at 280 nm, high turbidity, high browning, and a high melting temperature compared to the control Hb. Glycated Hb also showed higher thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence and higher AGE fluorescence than the control Hb. Additionally, CD results indicated alterations in the secondary structures of glycated Hb. These glycation-mediated structural alterations of Hb can be reversed in a highly molecular crowded environment. A melting experiment performed on glycated Hb showed a small entropy change, indicating that the intermediate conformational transition is independent of entropic factors. Thus, the molecular crowding environment plays a significant role in preventing Hb from becoming glycated. This study may provide insight into the actual glycation scenario inside the human body.

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of nanobiosensors (NBSs) advancements for COVID-19 detection, highlighting their repurposing potential to enhance global health security against emerging threats. It outlines the use of various nanomaterials like gold and magnetic nanoparticles in developing NBSs for detecting SARS-CoV-2, emphasizing their adaptability and rapid detection capabilities. Gold nanoparticles are highlighted for their superior surface chemistries and stability, making them ideal for label-free COVID-19 detection and other diagnostic applications. Magnetic nanoparticles, particularly superparamagnetic iron oxides, offer alternative detection mechanisms based on magnetism, providing high sensitivity and reliability in pathogen detection. The document also discusses nonmetallic nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes and selenium nanoparticles, which have been used to develop optical and electrochemical NBSs for COVID-19 detection. Breathalyzers are recognized for their noninvasive, rapid detection of volatile organic compounds specific to COVID-19. Such advancements in NBSs have significantly contributed to global health security by providing reliable, portable, and affordable diagnostic solutions, especially in resource-limited settings. However, despite technological advancements, commercialization and market adoption challenges persist, necessitating improvements in manufacturing scalability, cost reduction, and clinical validation. The document emphasizes the need for transparent and efficient regulatory strategies to address concerns related to nanomaterial toxicity, health effects, and environmental impact during the R&D phase. While presenting a comprehensive framework for successful research to market translation, this review highlights the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to tailor country-specific nanotechnology roadmaps for optimized resource allocation, navigating diverse regulations, and addressing unique societal needs.

Background Maternal Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, including preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth restriction and reduced Vitamin B12 levels in neonates. Aims This study aimed to assess the impact of maternal Vitamin B12 levels on neonatal outcomes, particularly focusing on anthropometric measurements and Vitamin B12 status in newborns. Subjects and Methods This prospective study was conducted from February 2023 to January 2024, involving antenatal mothers over 28 weeks of gestation admitted for delivery to a tertiary care hospital. After obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent, blood samples were collected to measure maternal Vitamin B12 levels, which were classified as deficient, insufficient or sufficient. Neonatal outcomes, evaluated immediately after birth, included birth weight, length, head circumference and Vitamin B12 status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-square test was employed for analysing categorical variables, while one-way ANOVA was utilised for continuous variables. Results Among the 100 mothers studied, 72% had low Vitamin B12 levels, with 41% being deficient and 31% insufficient. Neonates born to mothers with low Vitamin B12 levels showed higher incidences of low birth weight (9%), small for gestational age (23%), short length (<10 th percentile) (5%) and small head circumference (<10 th percentile) (1%). Although 7% of newborns had low Vitamin B12 levels, no statistically significant association was found between maternal Vitamin B12 status and neonatal anthropometric measurements. Conclusion Maternal Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, including lower birth weight rates. These findings emphasise the critical need for routine screening and supplementation of Vitamin B12 in pregnant women.

The issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of global significance, affecting both developed and underdeveloped nations. In the context of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in Africa and other regions confronted with worsening health inequities such as inadequate healthcare resources and infrastructure, and a rising burden of infectious diseases, the adverse impact of antimicrobial resistance is exacerbated. This narrative review delves into the difficulties encountered in tackling the effects of AMR, focusing specifically on LMICs in Africa, where the overlap of climatic factors, socio-economic disparities, and inequities in access to healthcare intensifies the problem. The themes that emerged from the review include the need for infection prevention and control strategies, the adoption of a One Health approach to combat AMR, and the need for surveillance and monitoring. Several challenges were identified, including organizational and governmental issues, and the absence of leadership commitment. The review also emphasized the need for public and professional education for healthcare professionals and patients to promote and influence behavioral change patterns, a central aspect of AMR issues in Africa. These initiatives should be in tandem with enhanced diagnostic capacity, effective AMR surveillance, and capacity building at all levels of the healthcare system. Sustaining antimicrobial stewardship programs in Africa presents considerable obstacles, ranging from financial constraints to the lack of political will and coordinated efforts. When countries and partners adequately address these challenges by implementing sustainable solutions, LMICs in Africa can mitigate the threat of AMR, safeguard public health, and promote the responsible use of antimicrobials for future generations.

Objective Retinal neuronal damage can be recorded as thinning of inner layers of retina using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This study aimed to determine the effect of systemic hypertension (HTN) on the inner retinal layers in patients without clinically evident hypertensive retinopathy. Methodology This cross-sectional observational study used spectral domain OCT to measure the thickness of the peripapillary and macular retinal nerve fibre layer (pRNFL and mRNFL) thickness as well as macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (mGC-IPL) thickness in HTN patients without retinopathy. These measurements were compared with age-matched and sex-matched controls. Results Fifty HTN patients without retinopathy and 50 age-sex matched controls ( p > 0.05) were included in the study. The pRNFL, mRNFL and mGC-IPL thickness in HTN group were 98.9 ± 6.29, 34.62 ± 3.98 and 63.57 ± 4.61 μm, respectively. This was significantly reduced when compared to controls [113.04 ± 6.94 μm ( p = 0.001); 36.50 ± 5.26 μm ( p = 0.047); 68.04 ± 4.60 μm ( p = 0.001) respectively]. A significant reduction in pRNFL ( p = 0.003) and mGC-IPL ( p = 0.007) was noted with increased duration of HTN. Sex, family history of HTN, Type of anti-HTN medication did not seem to affect the inner retinal thickness in our study ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Hypertensive patients without retinopathy showed significant thinning of the pRNFL, mRNFL and mGC-IPL when compared to the controls. Longer duration of hypertension was associated with greater thinning of inner retinal layers.

BACKGROUND Metabolic diseases are a group of disorders characterized by abnormalities in the body’s metabolism. Sedentary lifestyles and lack of regular exercise are key risk factors for metabolic diseases, as they lead to decreased insulin sensitivity and increased obesity. The study aimed to find the prevalence of lifestyle risk factors for metabolic diseases among adult women and to find the association of risk factors with the selected demographic variable at P < 0.001. MATERIALS AND METHODS A community-based cross-sectional descriptive design was used. A total of 1200 adult women between 20 and 59 years were selected using a nonprobability convenient sampling method. A Standardized WHO STEPS survey tool was used to survey the participants. RESULTS The present study survey revealed that about 1.08% and 0.42% have habits of tobacco usage and alcohol usage, respectively. A total of 86.08% and 95.25% of the adult women had inadequate fruit and vegetable intake per day in the study. 72.75% of the participants had not followed the recommended physical activity per week. Age and family income are found associated with inadequate fruit intake and occupational and family income is found associated with inadequate vegetable intake of the participants at the 0.001 level of significance. Similarly, age and family income are found associated with decreased physical activity. CONCLUSION The study has shown the presence of lifestyle risk factors for metabolic diseases among women in the community. The rising burden of chronic diseases can be curtailed with the appropriate health promotional interventions among women.