Lipid profile of chronic kidney disease patients on two different modalities of treatment: Conservative versus hemodialysis

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible deterioration of renal function and cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in CKD patients. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of lipid profile among cases of CKD. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for 1 year covering total 200 cases (males and females) of newly diagnosed or known cases of CKD. Parameters recorded were as follows: Fasting blood sugar, Serum urea (S. Urea), Serum Creatinine (S. Creatinine), and lipid profile. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by Cockcroft-Gault formula. Results: Mean age was 51.04 years in conservative management patients and 53.20 years in hemodialysis patients. Overall, male-to-female ratio was 1.82:1. S. Creatinine, S. Urea, and eGFR were deranged more in patients on hemodialysis (Group 2). Mean values of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and serum triglycerides (TG) were significantly higher in patients on hemodialysis compared to those on conservative management, while mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower. Dyslipidemia was more common in female CKD patients (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Dyslipidemia in CKD worsened as patients progressed to severe stages with significant increase in TG, LDL, and VLDL levels in hemodialysis cases in comparison to conservatively managed, confirming presence of atherogenic lipid profile needing early intervention to prevent cardiovascular complications.

Evaluation of preferred learning styles among undergraduate students of Government Medical College, Jammu

Background: A person’s preferred method of collecting, processing, interpreting, and organizing knowledge is referred to as his/her “learning style” and several models exist to assess one’s preferred learning style. The VARK model that encompasses four sensory modalities, namely, Visual (V), Auditory (A), Read/Write (R), and Kinesthetic (K) provides students with insight into their preferred forms of sensory information perception. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was (1) to evaluate the learning styles of medical undergraduates, and (2) to determine the gender-specific relationship between learning style and academic performance. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out for duration of three months, covering 200 MBBS students (males and females both) from all phases of the MBBS. The VARK self-administered structured questionnaire, version 7.8, was distributed among students and their response collected. Results: About 53% of pupils in the current study utilized multimodal learning, while 47% utilized unimodal knowledge. Kinesthetic approach was the most prevalent unimodal approach (22%), followed by auditory (21%). Bimodal was the most common multimodal strategy, accounting for 31% of all multimodal techniques (Audio and kinesthetic together). About 1% were tetramodal (visual, aural, read/write, and kinesthetic), and 21% were trimodal (auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic). There was no statistically significant correlation between gender and learning styles. Conclusion: VARK is a useful tool to collect information about different learning styles. It makes the student as well as the educator aware about different learning style preferences. Moreover, it is better if students in a teaching medical institute are made aware of their preferred learning style.

Stress perception among the elderly and its effect on some muscle strength parameters

Background: With improvement in living conditions in the population and the availability of treatments for various communicable and non-communicable diseases, the life expectancy and consequently the elderly population have increased. Stress leads to mental and physical problems. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stress on muscle functions in the elderly. Materials and Methods: One hundred apparently healthy persons (50 males and 50 females) took part in the study. Perceived stress scale was used to measure their level of stress. Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance time were measured with the help of a handgrip dynamometer. Results: The elderly population sample in our study showed a moderate level of stress, but there was no significant difference between the three age groups under study. Conclusion: A significant positive correlation between MVC and stress level was observed in our study subjects.

Does visual reaction time change with gender?

Background: The reaction time (RT) of an organism refers to how quickly it reacts to a stimuli. The rate at which the central nervous system analyses sensory data and then executes it as a motor response is measured by RT. The human body responds to different sensory modalities in different ways and at different rates. This is critical in both routine and emergency situations. Gender, age, physical fitness, level of exhaustion, distraction, and alcohol have all been shown to influence RT. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the visual RT of first phase MBBS and BDS students to red and green colors. Materials and Methods: Following ethical approval, 250 first phase medical students, ranging in age from 17 to 20, were selected, and all participants provided written informed consent. Anand Agencies Pune designed an audiovisual RT gadget that was utilized to collect visual response time (VRT). The unpaired t-test was performed to assess the data statistically. Results: The individuals’ VRT for the colors Red (R) (Mean: 0.199 s) and Green (G) (Mean: 0.218 s) were statistically significant (P < 0.001). In addition, the variance of VRT in men (Mean: [R] 0.192 s, [G] 0.206 s) was significantly greater than in females (Mean: [R] 0.209 s, [G] 0.226 s; P < 0.001). The results were tallied and examined statistically. Conclusion: As a result of our research, we discovered that the VRT for green was significantly greater than that of red. This might be due to the fact that green takes longer to process than red. Males react to stimuli faster than females.

Trend of handgrip strength in male and female medical students from North India

Background: Handgrip strength is the maximum force produced during a maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) handgrip strength (HGS). The handgrip dynamometer is used to work out upper-body muscles, particularly those in the forearm and hand. HGS is frequently used as an objective measure of upper extremity functional integrity. HGS is a physiological characteristic influenced by a variety of parameters such as gender, age, and body size. Aims and Objectives: The objective of th study was to assess and compare HGS in healthy first-phase male and female medical subjects. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional research, 250 healthy 1st-year medical students between the ages of 17 and 20 participated. Maximum HGS was measured using a handgrip dynamometer. The grip strength of the dominant hand was assessed 3 times at minute intervals, as suggested by the American Society of Hand Therapists, with the higher value (in kg) reflecting the maximal HGS for each. Results: In comparison to female subjects (Mean: 31.87 kg), HGS in male subjects (Mean: 41.85 Kg) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in height, weight, and body mass index between men and women, despite the fact that there was no statistically significant difference in mean age. Conclusion: Male individuals had stronger grips than female ones. The purpose of this study is to provide a baseline of normative data (control values) among a sample cohort of GMC Jammu medical students. This study, however, was confined to medical students between the ages of 17 and 20. We believe that diverse age groups should be studied.

Serum ferritin and glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A case–control study

Background: High body iron stores have been linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and gestational diabetes. Complications of diabetes mellitus are influenced not only by its duration but also by average level of blood glucose, the latter can be monitored by glycated hemoglobin. Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to study the relationship of serum ferritin and glycated hemoglobin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: The case–control study was undertaken on 100 subjects, both males and females; age 35–70 years; categorized into two groups: Group 1 (Cases = 50 patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]) and Group 2 (Controls = 50 healthy, non-diabetic individuals). Results: Fasting blood glucose, serum ferritin, and glycated hemoglobin values were 178.96 ± 37.16 mg/dL, 261.29 ± 76.98 ng/dL, and 9.37 ± 1.44%, respectively, in T2DM cases, while the corresponding values were 95.06 ± 12.68, 90.75 ± 67.53, and 4.81 ± 0.88 in healthy controls. Conclusion: Increased levels of serum ferritin were seen in T2DM and significant correlation between blood sugar and serum ferritin was found.