Students' Perception of Online Platform Based Tutorial in Physiology Curriculum.

Tutorial is one of the effective ways of interactive small group teaching activity sessions. The tutorial is a short series of classes that is ideally conducted in the small group. The use of media in the form of online platforms in tutorials could be very useful. Aims of the study to evaluate the response and perception of students about the small group learning activities like Online platform tutorials in the medical undergraduate Physiology curriculum. This was the cross-sectional study done in the Physiology Department, AIIMS, Bhopal, India from 2022 to 2023 which involved first-year MBBS students (n=39). Five online platforms-based tutorials were taken whereby five topics- one for each system were discussed. In this form of tutorial, 20 to 25 minutes were focussed on discussion, followed by assessment by multiple choice questions through an online platform. Perceptions of students were assessed through a predesigned validated questionnaire, which involved open-ended and close-ended questions. Likert scale questionnaires were also used. The chi-square test and odds ratio was used to see the difference between categorical variable (yes vs. no). The mean and Median score of the Likert scale was reported. The major issue faced was the failure to promote writing skills followed by connectivity problems. Seventy-eight percent (78.0%) of participants liked this form of tutorial, and 94.0% of participants advocated using it in the future. Online platform-based tutorials motivated 84.0% of students to learn topics in a better way. However, 41.0% feared that it does not involve communication and 92.0% opined that writing skill is not promoted. Online platform-based tutorials should be used in the Physiology curriculum. However, infrastructure in the form of prior training and internet connection must be provided. Conventional forms of tutorial should also be used to promote communication and writing skills.

Assessment of Sleep Quality Using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire in Undergraduate and Post Graduate Medical College Students in Bhopal.

In an attempt to deal with their workload and stressful atmosphere, medical students often cut down on their sleep. Sleep not only has an impact on cognitive functions, but it is also essential for stress recovery and tiredness removal. The study was done to determine the quality of sleep using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) among medical students in Bhopal. This cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire study of 408 medical (MBBS or MD) students from AIIMS and GMC, Bhopal, was undertaken from June 2020 to September 2020. They were presented with online self-administered questionnaire (Google forms). The Google forms were organized into four sections: student's information sheet, consent form, demographic data (gender, age, and year of education separately for PG and UG) and PSQI questionnaires. The mean age of all undergraduate and post graduate students (n=408) volunteered to participated in this study was 21.76±3.01 years of which 170 students (41.7%) had age less than: ≤20 years, 23(56.9%) between 21-30 years and 06(1.5%) of the participants had age between 31-40 years. The age (years) ranged from 18-38 years. The number of male and female students were 251(61.5%) and 157(38.5%) respectively. Out of the total number of participants, 335(82.1%) were MBBS students and 73(17.9%) were MD/MS students. N-parametric tests (Kruskal Wallis Test) were used to make group comparisons. The mean global score for MBBS and Post graduate students were 6.11±3.06 and 6.00±3.64 respectively which reflect poor quality of sleep. Variables of sleep latency, sleep duration and daytime dysfunction were variables were significantly associated (p<0.05). There should be more academic counseling facilities at medical schools that emphasize the need of getting enough sleep.

Innovative Approach of Learning Physiology through National Level Quiz.

Quiz has been considered an innovative practice of teaching. Self-directed learning is promoted by the quiz and this would help in better retention and help in clearing the concept of the students. The study aimed to assess the perception of the National level quiz conducted by the Physiology Department at AIIMS, Bhopal amongst participants from all over India through the questionnaire-based survey. This cross-sectional study was done based on questionnaire-based feedback from the students (29 number) participating in National Physiology Quiz. A pre-designed, structured, pre-validated questionnaire that includes close-ended questions based on the Likert scale and open-ended questions was distributed to participants and their responses were recorded. The Mean ±SD scores and median scores of 20 feedback questionnaires were evaluated using Microsoft excel software. The majority of the students (Mean more than 6) agreed that attempting/ attending the majority of the rounds was a good learning experience. The further quiz developed an interest in innovatively reading Physiology, it developed novel ideas and develop an interest in research activities and it helped us to improve communication and would help in clinical practice. Participants suggested conducting a screening round online (86.0%) and an audio-visual round (41.0%) was liked most, followed by a rapid-fire round (31.0%). National level quiz is an enjoyable activity for students and it promotes active learning in the students.

Effect of Music Tempo on Pattern Reversal Visual Evoked Potential in Young Adults-Multisensory Stochastic Resonance: A Pilot Study.

Stochastic resonance (SR) is a phenomenon in which an intermediate level of noise enhances the response of a weak input signal. This phenomenon is experimentally used for rehabilitation and treatment of visuomotor disorders associated with low amplitude and higher latency P100 VEPs. We presupposed that shortly it will be possible to develop and design new devices that enable multisensory SR in the audio-visual modality for human sensorimotor enhancement and rehabilitation purposes. This study was newer in which the auditory noise was used in the form of song of different tempos and their amplitude and latency of P100 PRVEP (pattern reversal visual evoked potential) was compared. Whether the different tempos song may affects the PRVEP. This study was conducted on 57 healthy volunteers in AIIMS Bhopal. The subjects were placed in front of a computer displaying a checkerboard 8x8 size. Electrodes were pasted on their scalp. The average latencies and amplitudes of the PRVEP were recorded at resting, then with the stimulus of acoustic noise in the form of low and high tempo song. The PRVEP were recorded for each event. We found that low- and high-tempo songs do not affect the latency component of PRVEP, while it significantly affects amplitude. Music therapy can help with vision rehabilitation, especially in patients with low amplitude PRVEP. A more significant number of samples for further study in this field in multisensory SR with visual evoked potentials (VEP) are necessary. We can also conclude that a sound-free environment is essential during VEP recording.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Techniques of Face-mask Usage and Hand Hygiene among COVID-19 Positive Individuals at a COVID Care Centre in Central India: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study.

Most of the published reports of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) surveys with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic are on healthy population or selective groups. We hypothesised that knowledge gap regarding COVID-appropriate behaviour (face-mask use technique and hand hygiene) was responsible for the spread of COVID-19 infection. The participants of our study were unique in the sense that they were already afflicted with COVID-19 infection before getting enrolled in the study. We conducted an online questionnaire-based survey among the COVID-19 positive patients admitted at the district COVID Care Centre at Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh, India to study the KAP of COVID-appropriate behaviour of individuals already afflicted with COVID-19. Two-hundred COVID-19 positive patients were approached, out of which 175 consented and participated in the survey, a response rate of >85.0%. The average knowledge score was 3.21±1.85 (out of 5). The average attitude score was 9.51±4.94 (out of 35). The average practice score was 12.4 (out of 72). Knowledge, attitude as well as practice scores were higher for the participants who were young (18 to 37 years of age), had higher education (university) and those with higher monthly income (>?10,000 per month). No significant difference was noted in these scores based on gender, and on the place of residence (rural vs. urban). Positive correlation was noted using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient for the practice of COVID-appropriate behaviour with higher knowledge and attitude scores. Overall, the KAP scores of our study participants were poor. Low knowledge scores were associated with still lower attitude scores for COVID-appropriate behaviour. The strong positive correlation was noted between knowledge, attitude and practice. The results of this KAP survey suggest the need to improve dissemination of knowledge and suitable modification of messaging strategies to improve attitude as well as practice of COVID-appropriate behaviour among the population.

Changes in Peripheral Brachial Blood Pressure from Supine to Lateral Decubitus Position in Hypertensive and Normotensive Subjects.

Arterial blood pressure is crucial for supplying the nutritional demands of the all body tissues and is also under tight control for the same. The day to day stress impacts the blood pressure (BP), which is effectively corrected by the baroreceptors mechanism. The effect of lateral decubitus position on the blood pressure with respect to supine position needs to be evaluated as it impacts the haemodynamics. The peripheral brachial blood pressure changes are studied among the normotensives and hypertensives with its significance from change in supine to lateral decubitus position. Sixty (60) normotensives and 60 hypertensive subjects were evaluated for arterial blood pressure measurement using mercury sphygmomanometer by gold standard auscultatory method in the supine, right and left lateral decubitus position. The same observer measured the blood pressure at the similar point of time for all the participants. The Supine and lateral decubitus Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (Mean±SD) parameters were recorded and compared using the paired 't' test (Supine Normotensives SBP 112.5±16.9, DBP 70.1±17.7 mm of Hg; Hypertensives Stage I SBP 130.2±14.5, DBP 85.2±2.8 mm of Hg; Hypertensive Stage II SBP 152.6 ±17.5, DBP 98.4±9.5mm of Hg). The mean and percentage change in systolic and diastolic BP for Normotensives from supine to right lateral position- SBP 11.6 mm of Hg (10.3%), DBP 8.8 mm of Hg (12.5%) and supine to left lateral position SBP 12.5mm of Hg (11.1%), DBP 9.9 mm of Hg (14.1%) p<0.05, for Hypertensives Stage I supine to right lateral position SBP 13.8 mm of Hg (10.5%), DBP 14.8 mm of Hg (17.37%) and supine to left lateral position SBP 13.5 mm of Hg (10.3%), DBP 12.3 mm of Hg (14.13%) p<0.05 and for Hypertensive Stage II from supine to right lateral position SBP 22.6 mm of Hg (14.8%), DBP 16.6 mm of Hg (16.8%), form supine to left lateral position SBP 12.3mm of Hg (8%), DBP 14.7mm of Hg (14.9%) p<0.01) changed significantly among the all the groups with respect to change from supine to lateral decubitus position. The fall in diastolic BP was of greater magnitude than the systolic BP. The right lateral decubitus position was dominant among the hypertensives for producing the change as compared to left lateral decubitus position. However among the normotensives it was left lateral decubitus which produced greater reduction in blood pressure. The lateral decubitus position definitively reduces the blood pressure as compared to supine position and the changes produced can't be simply ascribed to the hydrostatic effect of gravity on blood column. Sleeping on lateral side could thus be advantageous in reducing the arterial blood pressure.

Understanding the histology and hematobiochemical aspects of Kadaknath an Indian black fowl with an appealing taste native to Dhar district Madhya Pradesh.

1. The Kadaknath, an Indian fowl, is popular for its taste and health benefits. However, there is scarcity of information on its histology, haematology and biochemistry.2. Histology was conducted on various organs, including brain, heart, intestine, liver, kidney and the lung. For haematology investigation Mispa Count Plus was used (AGAPPE Diagnostic, India).3. Biochemical analysis involved determination of blood sugar, serum creatinine, serum urea, serum bilirubin, SGPT, serum protein and the alkaline phosphatase. The organs contained significant amounts of proteins characterised by strong amide (amide I-ß-sheet) bands within mid and NIR region.4. Hydrated fatty acids were not found in mid IR region, although NIR revealed traces substantiated by strong - OH bending within 10 680/cm -10 400/cm.5. This work reported the usefulness of attenuated total reflectance (ATR) in understanding nutritive benefits of Kadaknath chickens and can assist avian practitioners in the detection of infections or pathological conditions.

This work sheds a light on histology & biochemical features of an Indian black fowl Kadaknath.The studied organs demonstrated significant amount of proteins characterised by strong amide (amide I-ß-sheet) bands within mid and NIR region.NIR revealed traces of hydrated fatty acid substantiated by strong ­ OH bending within 10 680 cm-1­10400 cm-1.This work assist avian practitioners to detect any associated infection or pathological condition of the fowl.

Slow Frequency Anuloma Viloma Pranayama Modulates Cardiac and Neural Oscillations in Yoga Practitioners.

Anuloma viloma pranayama (AVP) also known as Alternate nostril breathing (ANB) is the most commonly used form of pranayama, the ancient breath control practice. It is known to modulate cardiovascular control and brain activity. This study analysed the simultaneous recording of Heart rate variability (HRV) and brain activity during and after AVP at a very slow frequency. We carried out an observational cohort study from October 2021 to December 2021 with purposive sample of 30 (Thirty) healthy volunteers involved in regular kriya yoga practice for the last 15 years were inducted into this study AVP involves slow and deep inhalation through one nostril at a time. The ECG for HRV analysis and spectrum of EEG waves were recorded throughout the pre-AVP, during-AVP and post-AVP (each of five-minute duration). The parameters were compared and analysed by repeated measures of analysis of variance with post-hoc analysis using Bonferroni and Holm's multiple comparisons. In time Domain parameters, SDNN and RMSSD were significantly higher during AVP as compared to the pre-AVP and post AVP. In frequency domain parameters total power, LF power, HF power, showed a significant increase during AVP, LF/HF ratio increased during AVP and remained higher post-AVP also. Similarly, Alpha, Beta and Gamma wave power increased significantly during AVP as compared to pre-AVP and post-AVP. The lungs-heart-brain act as coupled oscillators, the analysed data show an increased arousal, attentive and focused state with a negligible change in the heart rate. An overall increased variability in HRV was recorded.

A Hospital-Based Randomized Controlled Trial-Comparing the Outcome of Normal Delivery Between Squatting and Lying Down Positions During Labour.

BACKGROUND: Labour is a physiological process. Before the seventeenth century, the upright birthing position was common in western countries. The supine position became popular because of the convenience for health professionals rather than the benefits for women. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of normal deliveries between squatting and lying down positions and to assess the risks and benefits of squatting position during the second and third stages of labour and its comparison with the lying down position. METHODOLOGY: A hospital-based prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in tertiary care centre carried over a period of 18 months among 212 female patients in labour assigned in Group A squatting position and Group B lying down position. RESULTS: The mean age of patients in Group A was 23.30 ± 4.30 years and Group B was 23.81 ± 4.13 years. The mean duration of second and third stages of labour in both multigravida and primigravida patients was significantly lower in Group A (p < 0.05). The mean amount of blood loss in Group A was significantly higher compared to Group B (p < 0.05). The mean VAS score assessing severity of pain at second stage and third stage of labour was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Squatting position was found much convenient for mothers in terms of less duration of second stage of labour, less number of patients administered oxytocin, lesser extension of episiotomy and greater maternal satisfaction on severity of pain.

Use of MTT Assay for Proliferation of U937 Cell Line and its Inter-rater Reliability - Best Taken with a Grain of Salt.

Background Biomedical research frequently employs immortal human cell lines to study various physiological and pathological topics of interest. An important problem that is often ignored is the question of reliability of observations made while using a particular assay on cell lines, especially MTT Assay. Recent studies have questioned its reliability by highlighting the diverse intracellular environmental factors that affect accuracy of MTT assay results. Objective To assess the inter-rater reliability of MTT assay while observing the differential effect of addition of fetal bovine serum to the culture medium on proliferation of U937 cell line using Intraclass correlation coefficient. Method U937 cell suspension prepared by the tutor to maintain uniformity of immortalized cell line was used. Four trainee investigators who participated in the study underwent rigorous training in pipetting and plating methods for four consecutive days prior to start of the experiment. Each trainee investigator followed the same protocol and all procedures were conducted simultaneously. At the end of the experiment, inter observer reliability was calculated. Result Interrater reliability calculated by using intra class correlation coefficient with two way mixed effect model was found to be poor (p = 0.173). For growth with 10% fetal bovine serum, inter-rater reliability was 0.258 for each item and 0.58 for the average of the triplicates, whereas for 0% fetal bovine serum it was 0.374 for each item and 0.70 for average of the values (p=0.104). Conclusion Though MTT assay is considered the gold standard test for assessment of cell proliferation and viability, the inter-rater reliability of this assay might be poor and needs further investigation.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oil and various extracts of fruits of greater cardamom.

Greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb. Zingiberaceae) commonly known as "Bari ilaichi" is a well known plant used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. It has been used for the treatment of various diseases and disorders like gastric ulcer. Therefore antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, methanol and aqueous extracts from leaves and roots, essential oil and isolated vasicine from A. vasica were tested against various microorganisms. Antimicrobial activity was done by disc diffusion method. The zone of inhibition observed was compared with that of standard drugs, ciprofloxacin and fluconazole. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined against microorganisms used in the study. The results of this study reveal that methanol extract of fruits of A. subulatum shows remarkable antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli whereas in case of other microorganisms used it was found inferior to the standard drug used. Methanol extract of rind showed good antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. It was found that the essential oil isolated was effective against majority of microorganisms used viz. Bacillus pumilus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Development of pharmacophoric model of condensed pyridine and pyrimidine analogs as hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors.

Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) has been established on a series of thirty-eight compounds of four different sets of condensed pyridine and pyrimidine analogs, for their hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor activity, in order to understand the essential structural requirement for binding with receptor, in terms of common biophoric and secondary sites employing APEX-3D software. Among several 3D pharmacophoric models with different sizes and arrangements, one model was selected based on r2 = 0.8, chance<0.001, match equivalent to 0.38 and all the 38 compounds were considered. The results suggest that hydrophobicity, hydrogen acceptor and optimum steric refractivity play a dominant role in the inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase. The information obtained from the present study can be used to design and predict more potent molecules as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, prior to their synthesis.

Estrogen protection against coronary heart disease: are the relevant effects of estrogen mediated through its effects on uterus--such as the induction of menstruation, increased bleeding, and the facilitation of pregnancy?

Women in the age group of 20-50 are shown to have much less susceptibility to Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and other atherosclerotic diseases as compared to men. Exact cause of which is not precisely known and estrogen is constantly shown to be associated with this phenomenon. Improvement of serum HDL concentration and improvement of endothelial functions are some of the proposed mechanisms through which estrogen is believed to mediate this effect. Estrogen therapy however has failed to protect women with bilateral oophorectomy and hysterectomy. Similarly inability of endogenous estrogen to protect women, who have undergone hysterectomy with functioning ovaries from CHD, questions the currently accepted mechanisms through which estrogen brings about these protective effects. Ineffectiveness of estrogen therapy as prophylaxis against CHD in men further questions the credibility of the currently accepted protective mechanisms of estrogen. Estrogen has variety of effects of on uterus, to induce menstruation, to induce bleeding, facilitative role in pregnancy, fetal growth and development. As these physiological effects either directly or indirectly result in loss of cholesterol from cardiovascular compartment, it is proposed that cholesterol-losing effects of estrogen are more important than its presently believed beneficial effects. The small amount that is lost causes movement of cholesterol from atheroma towards plasma and thereby retards the progress of atherosclerosis. These cholesterol-losing effects of estrogen enable women to enjoy freedom from CHD during their reproductive age, as compared to men of comparable age group. Statistical data obtained from blood donors indirectly support the proposed hypothesis.