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Pattern of Ultra Processed Food (UPF) Consumption and Mental Wellbeing of Medical Undergraduates of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India – A Cross sectional Study
Abstract:
Background: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health and development of individuals. In recent years, the rise in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, especially among young adults, has been linked to various health issues, including mental health concerns. This study aims to assess the pattern of UPF consumption and its impact on the mental well-being of medical undergraduates in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 medical undergraduates aged 18 years and above enrolled in three tertiary care teaching hospitals. Data was collected using a questionnaire, which included demographic details, lifestyle factors, a UPF frequency questionnaire, and mental well-being assessments using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.
Results: The study found that 87.2% of participants consumed high amounts of UPFs, with a significant association between higher UPF intake and elevated perceived stress (p=0.026). Participants also reported using UPFs as mood enhancers, particularly during emotional instability.
Conclusion: The study highlights the widespread consumption of UPFs among medical undergraduates, which is linked to higher stress levels. These findings emphasize the need for educational interventions to promote healthier eating habits and improve mental well-being among medical students
Prevalence of Depression among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Urban Mysuru – A Cross-Sectional Study
Background: Depression is a significant comorbidity among individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) adversely affecting disease management and overall quality of life. Diabetes and depression have a bidirectional relationship, where poorly managed diabetes increases the risk of depression, and depression exacerbates diabetes-related complications. Depression contributes to poor glycemic control, decreased adherence to treatment, increased risk of diabetes-related complications, and higher healthcare utilization.
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in urban Mysuru.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients \u3e18 years of age and diagnosed for \u3e6 months. Data collection involved semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic details and depression assessment using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v26.0. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between depression and sociodemographic factors.
Results: Among the 300 participants, overall prevalence of depression happens to be 57.4%. Minimal depressive symptoms were reported by 18.3%, mild depression by 17%, moderate depression by 14.7%, moderately severe depression by 4.4%, and severe depression by 3% of participants. A statistically significant association were found between gender, Occupation, family history of diabetes with depression levels. Other variables such as age, marital status, education, dietary pattern, substance use, sleep, and comorbidities did not demonstrate statistically significant associations with depression levels.
Conclusion: The high prevalence of depression among T2DM patients in urban Mysuru underscores the urgent need for mental health screening and integrated care strategies. Incorporating lifestyle interventions, psychological support, and routine screening into diabetes management programs could improve patient outcomes and overall well-being
Two-staged Lateral based Thenar Flap for Fingertip Injuries of Index and Middle Fingers –A Functional Outcome
Introduction:
Fingertip injuries, particularly of the index and middle fingers, account for major accidents which occur in industrial regions due to machinery usage, causing sharp cuts or crush injuries of the tips. The treatment of these fingertip injuries previously was amputation and stump closure. As the advancement of flaps occurred, there came many flaps mentioned to treat these tip injuries. Many of these flaps had failed to provide the same functional and aesthetic outcome following surgery. This study aims at assessing laterally-based thenar flap for tip injuries of index and middle fingers for its aesthetic and functional outcome.
Methods:
This prospective study was done for fingertip injuries presenting to the emergency and OPD in 18 patients, with most involving the tip along with pulp loss. Patients were treated with laterally-based thenar flaps near the metacarpal base of thumb and subsequent release was done in all the patients as a second stage after 3 weeks. The results were assessed using static and dynamic 2 point discrimination and 4 point Likert scale and the total ROM of fingers was also assessed.
Results:
Majority of injuries were in males in the dominant hand in index finger (12 cases) with a mean age group of 28.2 years. Aesthetic appearance measured by Likert scale showed 3.9 at the end of 6 months (extremely satisfactory). The Mean Static and Dynamic 2-point discrimination for functional outcome was 7.44 and 6.42 respectively. Total ROM was measured on the injured side (234+/-3.66) and compared with the contralateral side (246+/-4.26), which statistically showed no significant difference in movement after the surgery.
Conclusion:
This study emphasizes that the thenar flap, which is laterally based at base of the thumb, has very good functional outcome and it resembles the lost pulp with thenar bulk, showing similar color and sensations. Also, this procedure can be done in a primary care setting with minimal resources and minimal plastic surgery exposure
Study of Proportion of Cardiac Involvement Secondary to Dengue Infection in Pediatric Population Admitted in a Tertiary Hospital- A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
Background- Dengue is one of the most important mosquito-borne illnesses worldwide. Cardiac manifestations of dengue illness can range from asymptomatic bradycardia to life-threatening myocarditis. There is an overall paucity of published Indian studies of clear demonstration of cardiac manifestations secondary to dengue in the pediatric population. Aim- To study the proportion of patients with cardiac involvement secondary to dengue viral infection in the pediatric age group based on clinical manifestations of cardiac enzymes (CKMB, Troponin I) and ECG (electrocardiography), in a tertiary center. Methodology- This study is undertaken to find out the proportion of patients with cardiac manifestations secondary to dengue in the pediatric population aged between 1 to 18 years admitted in a tertiary center. A total of 51 patients who had positive tests for dengue (NS1 or IgM antibody) with or without IgG positive were included in the study. Cardiac enzymes i.e. CK MB and Troponin I were done for all dengue patients at the time of admission. Also, repeat CK-MB and Troponin I were done on day 3 and at any time if the patient has new emerging cardiac symptoms like chest pain, oedema, hypotension and arrhythmia. If any abnormalities are detected on ECG and/or of levels of cardiac enzymes, 2D cardiac echography was done to assess cardiac function. Results-Sinus bradycardia was the predominant manifestation of ECG in dengue viral fever patients. 13.7% (n=7) had abnormal ECG on day 3 of admission. Out of these 7 patients, 85.71% were in the recovery phase and 1.96% were in the critical phase of dengue at that time. There was a significant association between CK-MB and clinical cardiac manifestations at the time of admission. It was observed that there was no correlation between cardiac biomarkers and ECG or 2D echocardiography findings. Conclusion- Patients manifest with a variety of clinical features suggesting cardiac involvement many of which overlap with other complications of the condition. Cardiac involvement in dengue fever is often underdiagnosed owing to a low index of clinical suspicion, its overlapping clinical manifestations and low sensitivity and specificity of clinical features of myocarditis
Whipple’s Procedure Under Combined Segmental Spinal and Epidural Anesthesia with Enhanced Recovery: A Case Report
The Whipple’s procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), is a complex surgery performed for various indications, usually under general anesthesia (GA). However, GA carries a significant perioperative risk, especially in patients with comorbidities. Combined segmental spinal and epidural anesthesia (CSSE) with low doses of local anesthetics and adjuvants may be a feasible alternative owing to hemodynamic stability, potentially reducing complications and promoting enhanced recovery.
We present a 43-year-old male with periampullary adenoma with high-grade dysplasia who underwent a Whipple’s procedure under CSSE due to high-risk features (e.g., severe jaundice, low blood pressure, and anemia) and chronic smoking and alcoholism. Thoracic epidural (T7–T8) and spinal anesthesia (T8–T9) with bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine provided effective surgical anesthesia and hemodynamic stability. The procedure was successfully completed without conversion to GA, with early bowel recovery by postoperative day 1 and discharge on day 6.
CSSE resulted in safe, opioid-free anesthesia for a high-risk Whipple’s procedure, with enhanced recovery and a resource-sparing technique. Further studies are required to validate the role of CSSE in major oncologic surgeries
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Towards Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Aged 20 Years and Above in Mysuru, India
Background: Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women globally and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in India. Despite being largely preventable through screening, uptake remains suboptimal due to socio-cultural and systemic barriers.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 women aged ≥20 years residing in urban and rural areas of Mysuru. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 30.
Results: Awareness of cervical cancer was reported by 90% of participants and of screening methods by 80%. However, only 21% had ever undergone screening and 17% within the preceding three years. While 77% recognized the importance of screening even in the absence of symptoms and 69% expressed willingness if recommended by a healthcare provider, key barriers included lack of awareness (52%), time constraints (23%), and embarrassment or fear (19%).
Conclusion: The study highlights a clear knowledge–practice gap, with high awareness but poor utilization of cervical cancer screening services. Targeted health education, culturally sensitive counselling, and improved accessibility—particularly through female healthcare providers and community health workers—are essential to enhance screening uptake
Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Pediatric Asthma : A Diagnostic Challenge Mimicking Tuberculosis
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a rare hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus, more commonly observed in adults and patients with cystic fibrosis. It can, however, present in pediatric asthmatics with refractory symptoms, leading to diagnostic challenges due to overlapping features with other pulmonary diseases, including tuberculosis. ABPA should be considered in children with uncontrolled asthma and atypical radiologic features, especially when unresponsive to standard therapies. Early recognition and appropriate management are critical to prevent irreversible lung damage and improve quality of life
Influence of Attachment Styles on Oral Hygiene Status of 9e12 Year Old Children - A Cross Sectional Study
Background: Oral hygiene, which is measured by the status of plaque-free tooth surfaces, is essential for the promotion of oral health. Bowlby suggests that children develop internal working models in earlier stages depending on their attachment relationships with parents.
Aim: To determine the prevalence of attachment styles in 9-12-year-oldschool children and also to note the oral hygiene status of children based on their attachment style.
Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on three eighty-four 9–12-year-old school children in the Nellore district using the cluster sampling method. Attachment style was measured using 15-item questionnaires developed from the Attachment Questionnaire for Children (AQ-C). First, the children were instructed, and then they were asked to read and rate the extent to which each questionnaire item described themselves. Oral hygiene status was noted using OHI-S index. Data was analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test for prevalence of attachment style and oral hygiene status. Thelevelofsignificancewassetatp≤0.05.
Results: The secure attachment style was found in 64.10% of all study participants, whileavoidantandambivalentattachmentstylesin7%and28.9%ofparticipantsrespectively. Secure children had more of good oral hygiene followed by ambivalent and avoidant styles with no statistically significant difference (p=0.161).
Conclusion: Thesecureattachmentstyleismoreprevalentfollowedbyambivalentandavoidant attachment styles. Attachment styles had no significant influence on oral hygiene status of children.
Key words: Attachment style, attachment questionnaire for children, prevalence, oral hygiene statu
Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm(IPMN)
A 50-year-old male presented with complaints of abdominal pain which was on and off along with weight loss of 6kg in the last 1 month and was diagnosed of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.
EUS+FNA was performed which showed hypoechoic cystic mass with solid component in head of pancreas communicating with MPD. FNAC was performed in the same setting which showed benign ductal epithelial cells. Cystic fluid was aspirated and CEA and amylase were elevated. The treatment and prognosis of IPMNs (intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms) depend on factors like lesion type and patient condition. However these lesions possess malignant potential which might require surgical resection, based on risk factors and patient preferences.
For proximal lesions, a Whipple procedure is performed, while distal lesions require a partial pancreatectomy. Complete resection can be curative
Harnessing Nature\u27s Power of Azolla Pinnata Superfood with Biofertilizers for a Sustainable Future
Azolla pinnata, a rapidly growing floating aquatic fern, flourishes in freshwater bodies throughout India. It forms clusters in marshes, drains, and rice fields, doubling its biomass every 1.9 days. Azolla, known for its versatility, is used in food, medicinal, water purification, biofertilizers, and livestock feed. Its use in animal diets improves live weight, protein efficiency, and feed conversion rates. Azolla has pharmaceutical benefits in addition to agricultural, including antioxidant and immunological stimulation, as well as hepatoprotective properties. It also plays an important part in phytoremediation and bioremediation. Azolla\u27s potential extends to biofuel production, making it a promising feedstock for sustainable bioenergy. Keywords: Azolla pinnata, Heterosporous, Biofertilizer, and Livestock feed