Breast Self-Examination Self-Efficacy Scale: Translation and Validation in Pakistani (Urdu) Version

Introduction: There is a necessity of Pakistani (Urdu) translation and validation of Breast self-examination (BSE) self-efficacy scale to access high- risk women confidence in doing self-examination of breast as screening measures. The study aim is to translate and validate breast self-examination self-efficacy scale in Pakistani high-risk women. Methodology: The 12 items BSE Self-Efficacy scale was translated and validated by using Brislin (1970) and Sperber (2004) methodology. Psychometric properties of Pakistan version BSE Self-Efficacy scale were assessed among 120 women from oncology department of the tertiary care hospital in Pakistan selected with simple random sampling. CFA (Confirmatory factor analysis) was done for measuring the construct validity and reliability was assessed by Cronbach alpha coefficient. Demographics characteristics were analysed by descriptive statistics with SPSS and Mplus software was used for CFA. Results: The translated version showed semantic equivalence to the original English version. CFA results indicated that all 12 items were consistent with a unidimensional scale (?2=464.3, p > .05, df=54, RMSEA =.025, CFI=.965, TLI=.913, SRMR=.062), Cronbach’s ? value .96, demonstrating high reliability. Conclusion: The twelve-item BSE self-efficacy scale Pakistani version established appropriate translation, validity and reliability in measuring confidence of doing BSE.

Forensic Examination Of Different Fibres Used In Life Threatening Manja (Kite String) By Simultaneous Thermal Analysis

Science for justice is the principle of forensic science. Physical and biological evidences from crime scene are sent to forensic science laboratories for analysis and the reports generated through analysis are important in judiciary system. As social peace is important for society, likewise, it is also necessary to care for the environment. The Environmental Protection Act 1986 of India covers such activities that are harmful for environment. Use of synthetic kite string (manja) is one of these activities as it is harmful for human, animal and avian life. There has been a surge in the number of cases in which both humans and birds have received fatal Manja injuries. In India, therefore Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has directed all the state governments to prohibit the manufacturing, sale, storage, purchase and use of all synthetic threads for ying kites. Due to all these reasons, kite string/manja is seized under Section 188, 336 of Indian penal Code and 5,15 Environment Protection Act and submitted to the forensic science laboratories for chemical examination. The objective of this paper is to compare the properties of different types of bres/thread using Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA) and thus to ascertain the nature of bre /thread used in Manja.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of competency-based undergraduate curriculum in pharmacology theory and practical examinations among 2nd-year MBBS students in a government medical college under Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences: A questionnaire-based study

Background: Many studies were conducted among medical students to assess the implementation of a new competency-based medical education (CBME) curriculum. Studies assessing the CBME examination pattern are limited. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the experiences and the challenges faced by the medical students in our government medical college, Kadapa while implementing the new CBME examination pattern in pharmacology for the MBBS batch 2023–2024 students. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire containing 20 questions was shared through WhatsApp to 2nd MBBS students through Google Forms with ten descriptive questions having and other ten questions using Likert scale. The time-period provided for answering the questions was 1 week. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel sheet by Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences software. Results: Above 80% of the students were in the opinion that the new CBME theory examination pattern was good. About 20% of the students were in the opinion that few modifications are necessary in the pharmacology theory examination papers. In five-point Likert scale, we got an average mean score of “4” showing that above 95% of the students were in the opinion that the new CBME practical examinations were good. Conclusion: Most of the students were in opinion that the new CBME examination pattern was good and reached to them in the right way. However, a few minor changes are necessary in the new examination pattern for both theory and practicals to make it 100% perfect and right.

Implementing objective structured practical examination as a formative assessment tool for practical skills in 1st-year MBBS students: A comparative study in the physiology department at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat

Background: It is a well-known fact that assessment drives learning. One of the most important aspects of training a doctor is the acquisition of practical skills. The conventional practical examination (CPE) fails to guarantee the development of the skills expected from students by the end of the course. In addition, the scoring is affected based on the examiner’s variability for different students. Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) has been used to evaluate those areas of performance by students. CPE also does not provide any feedback except stating pass or fail. To overcome this problem, an earlier innovation in this regard is the OSPE described in 1975 and greater detail in 1979 by Harden and his group. The OSPE is now an accepted tool in the assessment of practical skills in both pre- and para-clinical subjects. In view of this, we have implemented the system of OSPE for the assessment of practical physiology in the Department of Physiology at SMIMER College in Surat. Aims and Objectives: The study aims to introduce OSPE as a formative assessment method for 1st-year MBBS students within the physiology department. It involves conducting a comparative analysis between CPE and OSPE to evaluate the efficacy of these assessment methods. In addition, the study seeks to assess students’ satisfaction with the implementation of OSPE for evaluating practical skills and to investigate faculty perceptions of OSPE as a formative assessment tool. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the physiology department of SMIMER on 138 students of 1st-year MBBS. The first CPE was conducted on 46 students each on 3 alternate days over a period of 1 week by six faculties. The students underwent a second evaluation of the same practical skills, next week through the OSPE method. Feedback from students and faculties was taken separately. CPE was compared with OSCE statistically to find the significance of the difference in means between the marks of these two methods. Results: The results indicate that while students achieved higher marks in the conventional method of practical assessment compared to OSPE, the difference between the two was not deemed statistically significant (P = 0.1). Interestingly, over 80% of students expressed a preference for integrating OSPE into future assessments. Notably, 60% of students perceived OSPE as potentially easier to navigate than traditional practical assessments, while over 80% acknowledged its broader coverage of topics. Furthermore, a significant majority, more than 70% of students, deemed OSPE as a fairer evaluation method compared to traditionalapproaches. Moreover, a majority of faculty members, exceeding 50%, endorsed the feasibility of conducting OSPE within the Department of Physiology at SMIMER. Their strong consensus highlighted the objectivity and efficacy of OSPE stations in evaluating cognitive and psychomotor skills, surpassing conventional assessment methods. Conclusion: Overall, the findings suggest thatwhile there may not be a statistically significant difference in marks obtained between traditional practical assessment methods and OSPE, there is a strong inclination among students and faculty toward incorporating OSPE into future assessments. Students appreciated the wider coverage of topics in this method. Faculty members recognize the objectivity, validity, and reliability of OSPE but are unsure about its feasibility. The consensus leans toward utilizing OSPE for formative assessment in the future.

Assessment of neurocognitive functions and information processing ability among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Central India – A cross-sectional study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common and prevalent metabolic disorder linked to numerous health complications. Recent research has indicated a potential association between T2DM and cognitive impairment, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aims and Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate neurocognitive functions and information processing ability in T2DM patients compared to healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 participants, including 80 T2DM patients under medication and 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, were enrolled. Cognitive assessments were conducted using Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination (ACE-III) and audiovisual reaction time tests. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences and correlations between groups. Results: The study revealed that T2DM patients exhibited delayed neurocognitive functions, including prolonged auditory and visual reaction times, and lower ACE-III scores compared to healthy controls. Notably, a significant positive correlation between HbA1c levels and cognitive impairment was observed in the diabetic group. Conclusion: This study underscores the presence of cognitive deficits in T2DM patients and highlights the importance of routine cognitive assessment during clinical follow-up. The findings suggest that optimizing glycemic control may offer potential benefits in mitigating cognitive decline in individuals with T2DM. These insights contribute to our understanding of the interplay between T2DM and cognitive function, paving the way for improved patient care and interventions.

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the buccal space—Rare, reported case from our institute

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) of head and neck tumors is a rare salivary gland neoplasm of indolent course. We reported a 63?year?old female who presented as an asymptomatic mass in buccal space. The patient, after metastatic workup, underwent complete excision of the lesion with a negative margin. Postoperative histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were suggestive of PAC. Presently patient is on follow?up as per a multidisciplinary team decision. To conclude, PAC diagnosis is challenging due to morphological diversity, which necessities IHC. In addition, presently treatment of choice as per the literature review is complete excision.

Key clinical predictors in the diagnosis of ovarian torsion in children

Abstract Objective: Ovarian torsion (OT) represents a severe gynecological emergency in female pediatric patients, necessitating immediate surgical intervention to prevent ovarian ischemia and preserve fertility. Prompt diagnosis is, therefore, paramount. This retrospective study set out to assess the utility of combined clinical, ultrasound, and laboratory features in diagnosing OT. Methods: The authors included 326 female pediatric patients aged under 14 years who underwent surgical confirmation of OT over a five-year period. Logistic regression analysis was employed to pinpoint factors linked with OT, and the authors compared clinical presentation, laboratory results, and ultrasound characteristics between patients with OT (OT group) and without OT (N-OT group). The authors conducted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to gauge the predictive capacity of the combined features. Results: Among 326, OTwas confirmed in 24.23 % (79 cases) of the patients. The OT group had a higher incidence of prenatal ovarian masses than the N-OT (22 cases versus 7 cases) (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the authors observed significant differences in the presence of lower abdominal pain, suspected torsion on transabdominal ultrasound, and a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR > 3) between the OTand non-OT groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when these parameters were combined, the resulting area under the curve (AUC) was 0.868, demonstrating their potential utility in OT diagnosis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a prediction model integrating clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound findings that can support the preoperative diagnosis of ovarian torsion, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision and improving patient management. Future prospective studies should concentrate on developing clinical predictive models for OTin pediatric patients.

The prevalence of congenital heart disease in newborn detected by pulse oximeter screening test at 24 hours of birth and its correlation with clinical findings and ECHO

Background: Detecting congenital heart disease (CHD) early is crucial for better outcomes, but most newborns show no symptoms. Newborn screening for CHD can identify such cases preventing serious consequences. This study aims to determine CHD prevalence and evaluate the effectiveness of pulse oximeter screening and clinical examination, correlating them with echocardiography findings.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to screen for CHD in all newborns born in our institution over a period of 3 months. A sample of 660 newborns were screened by pulse oximeter screening and clinical examination after random sampling.Results: Comparison of baseline data like age distribution in mothers, gender and gestational age were comparable between newborns with CHD and those without CHD. A total of 8 CHDs were picked up after screening 660 newborns screened during a period of 3 months. CHDs that were picked up included hypoplastic left heart syndrome, pulmonary atresia, bicuspid aortic valve, transposition of great arteries, coarctation of the aorta, and other complex CHDs. It was found that either clinical examination or pulse oximeter screening has higher sensitivity than pulse oximetry screening or clinical examination alone.Conclusions: For identification of a CHD in newborns after 24 hours of birth the order of preference for screening based on sensitivity is as follows-either pulse oximeter screening or clinical examination >clinical examination >pulse oximeter screening >pulse oximeter screening and clinical examination.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of women towards self breast examination in the rural field practice area of IGGMC, Nagpur, Maharashtra

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females. In India, breast cancer is the top most cancer with about 13.6% new cases diagnosed in 2020. Current knowledge of the aetiology of breast cancer offers little prospect of primary prevention. So secondary prevention like breast screening, which include self breast examination have to be done. The present study was designed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BSE among women aged 18 years and above. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 241 females above 18 years of age in rural health care training centre affiliated to IGGMC, Nagpur. All consecutive participants were interviewed in person using a predesigned and pre-tested proforma. SPSS Version 20 was used to analyse the data collected. Results: It was seen that the mean age of participants was 29.98±7.382 years The majority of participants were belonged to the Hindu religion (63.9%) and nuclear family (82.57%). Majority of participants (68.05%) were having poor knowledge about BSE, most of the participants were having good attitude (51.45%), majority of participants (53.11%) were having poor practice to BSE. Conclusions: BSE is one of the most effective preventive health behaviour for the early detection of breast cancer. In this study, it is evident that knowledge about BSE is low. This indicate that there is a need for Health education about breast cancer and BSE among the rural population of India to improve the KAP about BSE for early detection and better survival.

Celiac disease in children with failure to thrive and our experience in a tertiary care hospital of Kashmir in north India

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune gastrointestinal disease caused by intolerance to gluten. Celiac disease is an important cause of failure to thrive in children. In addition to intestinal and extra intestinal clinical features, the diagnosis of CD is based up on histological findings in duodenal or jejunal biopsies, which may present in various forms. Methods: The study was a prospective observational, cohort study, including all children between 2-18 yrs. of age presented with failure to thrive fulfilling criterias of study. The patients with increased levels of IgA anti tTGA were selected for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and duodenal biopsy. The aim of study is to study the prevalence and clinical profile of CD in children with failure to thrive. Results: A total of 66 cases of failure to thrive/short stature were enrolled, with prevalence of 24.2% of CD. Male: Female ratio was 1:1 in children with CD. Clinical features include weight loss (62.5%), irritability (37.5%), anemia (37.5%), diarrhea (37.5%). On biopsy cases 87.5% cases of failure to thrive had Marsh grading of grade 3 and 12.5% had Marsh grade 2. Conclusions: Failure to thrive patients with diarrhea and anemia should be evaluated upfront for celiac disease.

An Epidemiological Study Of Prevalence Of Salivary Gland Neoplasm In Population Of Garhwal Region Of Uttarakhand

Salivary gland neoplasm are rare group of tumors involving parotid gland in majority followed by submandibular gland and minor salivary glands. Majority of them are benign with less than 1% malignant in nature. This study was done in a medical college situated in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand catering health facility to Pauri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Tehri district population of Uttarakhand. The period of study was from 2018-2023 and a total of 21 cases were studied. Patients presenting with Salivary gland swelling were evaluated rst by Ultrasound Scans and FNAC, thereafter surgery was done and post operative diagnosis was conrmed through HPE. Majority of neoplasms (99%) were benign and were mainly involving parotid gland followed by submandibilar gland. A Male:Female ratio was found to be 4:3. Majority of cases were found to be pleomorphic adenoma (98%). One case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma was found and one case of Warthin's tumor was found. Both of these tumors were found in parotid gland in different patients. This epidemiological study was found to be in alignment with the various studies on salivary gland neoplasm done world wide.

A Community Directed Interventional Approach to Promote Breast Self-Examination Through BEHENA Among Women Residing in Rural Villages of Hingna, Nagpur District

Introduction: The practice of breast self-examination (BSE) does not adopt a community-directed approach, and hence lack the influence of community dynamics. Community-directed strategy to promote BSE through Breast Examination Health Education Network Advocator (BEHENA) acknowledges the impact of collective support. Objectives: To increase the knowledge and empower women aged ?20 years with the help of BEHENA in correctly performing BSE and to identify the perception and challenges encountered by BEHENA in promoting BSE. Methods: A mixed-methods study design will be employed, wherein in the first phase, local women satisfying eligibility criteria will be selected as BEHENA and trained in BSE. In the second phase, these BEHENA workers will sensitize and train the study participants in BSE. In the third phase, the participants will be periodically monitored to monitor BSE sustenance practice. Finally, focus group discussions will be conducted to identify their perceptions and challenges encountered in promoting BSE. Results: An improvement in awareness levels and empowerment of rural women with the skills necessary to perform accurate and effective BSE. Conclusion: Upon the completion of the project, the best practices and lessons learned during the entire duration of implementation will be documented. The findings of the study will be shared with all the concerned stakeholders.

Breast self-examination: knowledge, awareness, and practices among females of reproductive age group

Background: Breast cancer occurs in an observable organ, thus awareness regarding its symptoms can help in its early detection and treatment. Although breast self-examination (BSE) is an old technique, evidence reveals many of females are not aware regarding this, and those with knowledge about breast cancer examination either fail to practice it or do so incorrectly. Methods: It was a cross-sectional exploratory survey. 505 females attending outpatient department (OPD) at selected tertiary care hospital were recruited in the study using simple random sampling. Each participant was given a set of validated questionnaires to answer. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding socio demographic data, knowledge, awareness, and practice regarding BSE. All data were coded, validated, and analyzed utilizing both descriptive and inferential statistics techniques. Results: The study revealed that the largest proportion (42.06%) of subjects fell within the age range of 20-30 years. Total mean score of knowledge and awareness regarding breast self-examination was 9.68±3.5. Maximum 58.42% of the subjects had average knowledge and awareness followed by 23.96% having good knowledge and awareness and least (17.62%) had poor knowledge and awareness regarding BSE. Almost half i.e., 50.49% (255) of participants reported to perform BSE and 49.51% of participants had never practiced BSE. Conclusions: The study revealed that while participants had average knowledge levels, they showed low involvement in routine BSE. This underscores the need for educational interventions to promote BSE practices, identify risk factors and warning signs, and encourage early-stage management of breast cancer, ultimately contributing to primary prevention in healthcare.

Evaluación de la fuerza de los músculos de la pantorrilla mediante la prueba de elevación del talón / Assessment of calf muscle strength through the heel-raise test

RESUMEN La prueba de elevación del talón (HRT, por sus siglas en inglés) es un método habitual para evaluar la fuerza y la resistencia de los músculos de la pantorrilla. Este procedimiento no se limita exclusivamente a su aplicación en evaluaciones, sino también resulta de utilidad para medir los resultados terapéuticos y supervisar la evolución de las afecciones evaluadas. Si bien existen múltiples protocolos, el presente estudio describe los pasos que deben seguirse y brinda recomendaciones para la utilización de la HRT.

ABSTRACT The heel-raise test (HRT) is a common method to assess calf muscle strength and endurance. This procedure is not limited exclusively to evaluations but is also useful for measuring therapeutic outcomes and monitoring the course of the assessed conditions. Although there are multiple protocols for conducting this test, this study describes the steps that should be followed and provides recommendations for using the HRT.

Software educativo sobre examen bucofacial para estudiantes de la carrera de Estomatología

En la carrera de Estomatología, el examen bucofacial resulta un tema complejo para los estudiantes, debido a la gran cantidad de conocimientos que para su realización debe tenerse en cuenta. Ello demanda la utilización de medios de enseñanza que contribuyan a su estudio y comprensión; principalmente los elaborados a partir de las Tecnologías de la Informática y las Comunicaciones. La gran disponibilidad y variedad de dispositivos digitales que existe en la comunidad estudiantil justificó la elaboración de un software educativo para dispositivos móviles inteligentes como recurso para el aprendizaje del examen bucofacial, en la carrera de Estomatología. El software educativo fue diseñado mediante el programa Mobincube para sistemas operativos Android e iOS, teniendo en cuenta criterios pedagógicos, técnicos y económicos. El software educativo elaborado constituye una herramienta que facilita la adquisición, integración y sistematización de conocimientos importantes en la práctica clínica estomatológica, contribuyendo a una mejor preparación académica del futuro estomatólogo.

In the Dentistry major, the orofacial examination is a complex subject for students, due to the great amount of knowledge that must be taken into account for its accomplishment. This demands the use of teaching means that contribute to its study and understanding; mainly those elaborated from the Information and Communication Technologies. The great availability and variety of digital devices that exist in the student community, justified the development of an educational software for smart mobile devices as a resource for learning the orofacial examination, in the Dentistry major. The educational software was developed using the Mobincube program for Android and iOS operating systems, considering pedagogical, technical and economic criteria. The developed educational software constitutes a tool that facilitates the acquisition, integration and systematization of important knowledge in dentistry clinical practice, contributing to a better academic preparation of the future dentists.

Nivel de información sobre cáncer bucal en estudiantes preuniversitarios. Morón, 2022-2023

Fundamento: El cáncer bucal constituye un problema de salud mundial; en este sentido, se hace necesaria la identificación de las necesidades de aprendizaje en la población desde edades tempranas. Objetivo: Caracterizar el nivel de información sobre cáncer bucal en estudiantes preuniversitarios. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, en estudiantes de la escuela preuniversitaria Roberto Rodríguez, del municipio de Morón, provincia de Ciego de Ávila, en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2022 a enero de 2023. Se trabajó con la totalidad del universo (N= 183). Como medidas de resumen de la información se utilizaron las frecuencias absolutas y relativas, así como medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. Resultados: Existió ligero predominio del sexo femenino (51,9 %) y de los que cursaban el duodécimo grado (35,0 %). El hábito de fumar resultó el factor de riesgo más frecuente (30,6 %). En la calificación global 104 (56,8 %) estudiantes fueron evaluados de inadecuado. El 44,8 % de los jóvenes identificó a los medios de difusión masiva como vías de obtención de la información. Conclusiones: Se identificaron inadecuados niveles de información en la mayoría de las categorías de la encuesta, lo cual demuestra la necesidad de realizar estrategias educativas relacionadas con el cáncer bucal, con la finalidad de incrementar el nivel cognoscitivo sobre esta enfermedad.

Foundation: Oral cancer is a global health problem; in this sense, it is necessary to identify the population's learning needs from an early age. Objective: To characterize the information level about oral cancer in college prep students. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out on students from the Roberto Rodríguez college prep school, in the Morón municipality, Ciego de Ávila province, from January 2022 to January 2023. The entire universe was (N= 183). Absolute and relative frequencies, as well as measures of central tendency and dispersion, were used as measures to summarize the information. Results: There was a slight predominance of the female sex (51.9%) and those who were in twelfth grade (35.0%). Smoking was the most common risk factor (30.6%). In the overall rating, 104 (56.8%) students were evaluated as inadequate. 44.8% of young people identified the mass media as ways to obtain information. Conclusions: Inadequate levels of information were identified in most of the survey categories, which demonstrates the need to carry out educational strategies related to oral cancer, with the aim of increasing the cognitive level about this disease.

Evaluación del valor clínico del reflejo nauseoso en la disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica / Apraisal of the diagnostic value of the gag reflex in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia

Introducción. El reflejo nauseoso es un mecanismo de protección que impide que alimentos y agentes no deseados penetren en la vía aérea inferior. Usualmente, hace parte del examen físico de la deglución para detectar la disfagia orofaríngea, pero es un signo potencialmente ambiguo. Objetivo. Evaluar el valor diagnóstico del reflejo nauseoso en pacientes con disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica y en pacientes sin ella. Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio observacional, analítico, en pacientes con disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica (casos) y en personas sin disfagia (controles), en el cual se evaluó por visualización directa la ausencia o la presencia del reflejo nauseoso de forma bilateral. Este resultado se ajustó por sexo, edad y otras variables de interacción. Resultados. Se evaluaron 86 pacientes con disfagia orofaríngea neurogénica y 80 personas sin ella. En el examen físico de la deglución, la presencia del reflejo mostró una relación positiva con los pacientes (lado derecho: OR = 3,97; IC95%: 2,01-7,84; lado izquierdo: OR = 4,84; IC95%: 2,41-9,72), pero una asociación negativa con los controles. En ambos grupos, ni el sexo ni la edad, ni otras variables de interacción modificaron el reflejo nauseoso. Conclusiones. La ausencia o la presencia del reflejo nauseoso no confirma ni excluye la existencia de una disfagia orofaríngea por causas neurológicas o neuromusculares; por lo tanto, no es recomendable que los profesionales de la salud se fíen del resultado de este reflejo. Los médicos tratantes deben ir más allá de una simple revisión del reflejo nauseoso, incluso en pacientes neurológicos en quienes se supone que debería estar ausente.

Introduction. The gag reflex is a protection mechanism that prevents food and unwanted agents from entering the lower airways. It is usually part of the physical examination of swallowing to detect oropharyngeal dysphagia, but it is a potentially ambiguous sign. Objective. To evaluate the diagnostic value of the gag reflex in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia and adults without it. Materials and methods. We conducted an analytical observational study in patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia (cases) and patients without dysphagia (controls). We evaluated the absence or presence of the reflex bilaterally, by direct visualization, and adjusted it according to sex, age, and other interaction variables. Results. We included 86 patients with neurogenic oropharyngeal dysphagia and 80 control subjects. The gag reflex on swallowing physical examination showed a positive relationship with the patients (right side: OR = 3.97; 95 % CI: 2.01-7.84; left side: OR = 4.84; 95 % CI: 2.41-9.72), but a negative association with the control group. In both groups, neither sex, nor age, nor other interaction variables modified the gag reflex. Conclusions. The gag reflex absence or presence does not confirm or exclude the existence of oropharyngeal dysphagia due to neurological and neuromuscular causes. Therefore, health professionals must not rely on this reflex. Clinicians must go beyond a simple reflex revision, even in neurological patients where it is supposed to be absent.

Lifestyle-related behaviour modifications during examinations in undergraduate medical students in India

Background: Examinations are formal tests conducted to assess a student's knowledge. Despite their paramount importance, they can impact students physically and mentally by causing stress and anxiety. Hence, identifying the changes that hamper a student's lifestyle, during examinations, in order to prevent the development of unhealthy behavioral patterns is the goal of this study. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted among undergraduate medical students of Mysuru over a period of 2 months from February 2023 to April 2023 in 120 participants. Data was collected using an online questionnaire, entered into M.S. Excel and analyzed using SPSS software. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for all the categorical variables. Results: 61.7% of the study participants showed extreme examination stress. Only 39.3% consumed 3 balanced meals daily. A complete lack of physical activity was observed in 38.1%. Regular caffeine consumption was noted in 46.4% and 27.4% showed unusual amounts of junk food daily. Irregular sleeping patterns were found in 23.8%, sleeping at odd times beyond 1 am was noted in 59.5% and deficient sleep duration (<6 hours) was observed in 46.6% of the surveyed population. Conclusions: The findings from this survey highlight the significant impact of examinations on the lifestyle-related behaviors of undergraduate students such as high prevalence of extreme examination stress, irregular eating habits, lack of physical activity, and sleep deprivation.

A comprehensive review on technological advancements for sensor-based Nadi Pariksha: An ancient Indian science for human health diagnosis

Nadi Pariksha is a significant, rather symbolic term for Ayurveda. Ancient Ayurvedic literature has prominently stated its importance in the judgment of Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) which are the base of ailment diagnosis and prediction. The knowledge about Nadi Pariksha is uncovered in various ancient Ayurvedic liter- ature like Ravansamhita, Bhavprakash, Nadivigyan by Kanad, Sharangdhar, and Yogratnakar. The various Nadi parameters are indicative of the diagnosis of diseases. These techniques were used as popular diagnostic tools in Indian culture from ancient days. Still, nowadays, these are not being used explicitly due to the lack of expertise, so it is necessary to establish their results once gained so that they can be used along with technical aspects in today’s era. Ayurveda believes that all the elements of the Universe are present in any human body in minute, proportionate quantity, and the Nadi represents these elements, that is, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (VPK). To facilitate the Nadi Pariksha using appropriate sensors may help the Ayurveda practitioners diagnose Prakriti and predict some diseases, making the Nadi Pariksha more reliable and faster. This review paper lists, 2 books and 67 research papers, mostly from countries like India, China, Japan, Korea, etc., from various reputed databases. The review primarily concentrates on six research themes: sensors and devices used for Nadi signal acquisition, signal pre-processing methods, feature extraction methods, feature selection approaches, classification practices, diseases diagnosed, and results attained. The paper also reviews the challenges in implementing the automated Nadi Pariksha with technological aid, which is a necessity of this period and is a very vibrant research arena. Yet significant work remains to be done, like bridging the gaps between technical and commercial development, and the procedure standardization is also required.

Assessment of knowledge and attitude on breast self-examination among female college students at Adichuchanagiri University

Background: Breast self-examination (BSE) is a preventive and easy way for people to keep an eye on the health of their breasts. People who routinely examine their breasts may be able to identify changes or abnormalities at an early stage, which may help in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. This self-care routine encourages an active approach to breast health and actively participate in their own well-being. Objectives of the study were assessment of the knowledge and attitude on breast self-examination among female college students, to assess the major barrier to perform breast self-examination, and to assess the impact of pharmacist mediated education program on breast cancer. Methods: This study is an interventional cross-sectional community based-survey. 1007 students’ female college students at Adichuchanagiri University in B. G. Nagar belonging to 18-33 years were chosen at random using stratified sampling. Knowledge, attitude on breast cancer. Data was analyzed using statistical package for the social science (SPSS) version 25. Results: In pre-test out of 1007 students 251 students had good knowledge about breast self-examination. In post-test 1006 members had good knowledge about breast self-examination. In our study statistical relation found between pre and post questionnaires (p=0.001). Conclusions: The study emphasizes how important it is to launch educational programs to increase awareness of breast self-examination. Additionally, awareness needs to be raised by removing known barriers. It is important to encourage women in the community to self-examine their breasts and to report any changes to a doctor as soon as possible.