Sundaram Kartikeyan

Comparative effect of treadmill and yoga on malondialdehyde level in normal young adults

Background: Stress level can be estimated by evaluating the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels produced from lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Accordingly, a holistic health care approach (instead of a conventional drug-based approach alone) for the treatment is highly recommended; development of a mind-body medicine or an inclusive approach of mind-body interactions is the need of the hour. Thus, the effect of yoga which comprises pranayama, asana, and meditation is more relaxing than the well-equipped gym schools of today which are very lucrative and attractive, but they are costly means of fitness. Yogic exercises are more relaxing and cost effective. Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to compare and see the effect of treadmill exercise and yoga on oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted in Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology (Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra, India). 50 male subjects of age group 18-20 years, were divided into two groups, treadmill exercise (Group A) and yoga (Group B) consisting of 25 each. On regular exercise, subjects were assessed at the start of and after 3 months of the training schedule (45 min/5 days/week). Blood samples were collected to assess the MDA levels before and after the intervention. The parameter assessed were vital parameters (heart rate and pulse rate), VO2 max; they were also assessed for their social and environmental behavior by WHO-quality of life questionnaire. Results were compared using Student paired t-test and unpaired t-test and age-wise distribution by Chi-square test. Result: Results showed that the pre-exercise levels of MDA in Group A (1.30 ± 0.1) and Group B (1.23 ± 0.1) and the postexercise levels in Group A (0.92 ± 0.2) and Group B (0.37 ± 0.2). There was an increase in the vital parameter in Group A, whereas no significant changes were observed in Group B. VO2max levels state that the oxygen requirement is more for Group A than Group B. Conclusion: The study concludes that yoga has more beneficial effect than the treadmill exercise which helps to decrease the free radical production.

Effect of case-based learning in reproductive physiology on cognitive domain scores of first-year medical students in Western India

Case-based learning (CBL) is a discussion-based smallgroup learning method that makes use of a guided inquiry method. CBL enhances comprehension and acquisition of cognitive skills since learning is placed within its milieu. Learning and its retention is enabled when the topic is connected to real-life situations since the students realise the necessity of understanding the topic for future clinical practice.

Gram staining in Microbiology for second-year MBBS students: Comparative study of student scores in Objective Structured versus Traditional Practical Examination

This cross-sectional comparative study on Gram staining was conducted in a medical college in Maharashtra, Western India. Fourth semester MBBS students (n=90) with prior exposure to traditional practical examination in Microbiology were randomized by lottery method and divided into three groups of 30 students each. Students in Groups 1 & 3 were evaluated by traditional practical examination. Group-2 students rotated through a 3-station objective structured practical examination wherein the pre-validation of the checklist and questionnaire was done by university-approved senior teachers. There were significant differences in the marks scored by students in Groups 1 & 3 (Z=3.818; p<0.002) though they were exposed to the same pattern of traditional practical examination. This could be ascribed to inadequate uniformity in the allocation of marks. The standard deviation of scores for Group-2 (objective structured practical examination group) was the least among the three groups indicating consistency in allocation of marks.

Comparative Study of Objectively Structured Versus Traditional Viva-Voce in Microbiology amongst Second-Year MBBS Students

This comparative educational interventional study was conducted at Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Kalwa, Thane, Maharashtra, India to assess the difference in the marks obtained by students in traditional vivavoce (TVV) and objectively structured viva-voce (OSVV) examination formats and to evaluate the perception of students regarding OSVV. After obtaining institutional approvals and written informed consent, participating second-year MBBS students (n=62) were oriented about OSVV format. Assessment as per TVV format followed that using the OSVV format (both out of 20 marks) on the same day. Feedback comprising nine closed-ended questions (Likert scale) and one open-ended question was obtained from the participants. The marks obtained were statistically analysed and feedback was evaluated. While there was no significant difference (p=0.2357; Z=0.72), significant correlation (linear relationship; p<0.01, r=0.44) was observed between marks obtained in the two viva-voce formats. Majority of students were satisfied with OSVV in relation to syllabus coverage, duration for answering, relevancy of questions, avoidance of subjectivity/bias and fifty percent felt that difficulty level was well maintained. There was significant correlation between the marks obtained in the two formats of viva voce, though the participants preferred OSVV format.

Objective Image-based Analysis of Leg ulcers - A Pilot Study

The clinical appearance of leg ulcers is an important factor in the clinical assessment of healing progress. Digital imaging techniques, being objective and reproducible, have advantages over human assessment of wounds. In this cross-sectional, prospective study, conducted in a teaching hospital in Western India, images of 45 chronic leg ulcers were obtained using a digital camera to objectively analyze ulcer images with the help a software system. The clinical state of ulcers was documented by a wound score by the first observer and the readings of Red-Yellow-Black-Pink components of the ulcer-images were taken using ImageJ software by the second observer. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. The leg ulcers were classified clinically into four categories: Healing, Inflamed, Slough and Necrotic, as per Applied Wound Management assessment tool. The clinical score and Red-Yellow-Black-Pink colour analysis using ImageJ were obtained. The inter-rater analysis using linear weighted kappa (K) was highly significant (K=0.833; 95% CI: 0.709 to 0.957), indicating excellent agreement. The results from this pilot study suggest that digital imaging technique has the potential to objectively process digital images of chronic ulcers.

In vitro study of anti-dermatophytic activity of select plant extracts

Dermatophytes are fungi that infest keratin-rich human tissues, such as skin, hair and nails. These fungal infestations, collectively known as dermatophytoses, are caused by various species of Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton and constitute an important public health problem. Dermatophytoses generally respond well to topical antifungal therapy. However, topical therapy may not be suitable for extensive infestations. The emergence of drug resistance has sparked a hunt for new anti-fungal agents. Extracts of easily available plants, such as, Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. (Holy Basil), Cynodon dactylon Pers. (Bahama grass) and Cassia fistula Linn. (Indian Laburnum) were selected for the present study. The results indicate that the extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum (at 10, 15 and 20% concentrations) and Cynodon dactylon (20% concentration) inhibited the growth of Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton verrucosum. However, at 15% concentration, Cynodon dactylon inhibited the growth of Trichophyton verrucosum only. Extract of the bark of Cassia fistula (20% concentration) inhibited the growth of Trichophyton verrucosum and was not found to inhibit growth of Trichophyton rubrum. The results of this in vitro study reveal that extracts of these plants exhibit anti-fungal properties and are prospective alternative inexpensive remedies for dermatophytoses.