Scientific Hub of Applied Research in Emerging Medical science & technology

AWARENESS OF PROPER POSTURE AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS IN DAKSHINA KANNADA

Khushboo Kumari. J — 2026-01-05

Abstract: Spinal pain and postural deviation are common due to the lack of awareness of students in observing proper posture upon performing daily activities were poor posture can lead to pain, muscle ache, and exhaustion. The research sought to determine the level of awareness of proper posture among the college students.

METHOD-A observational study with total of 110 students from colleges of dakshina kannada participated in the study. 110 college students aged between 18-25 years were included. Questionnaire on Body Awareness of Postural Habits in Young People (Q-BAPHYP) Outcome measure was used to determine level of awareness of college students in terms of proper posture. Data was collected with help of online google form^TM.After collecting data, data was analyzed and results were drawn

RESULT- The result in this study shows that the respondents (college students) are frequently aware of thier posture with mean ranging from 2.3-3.5 with a standard deviation ranging from 0.5-1.9. In respect to the body posture at home, 18.8% of the students are frequently, in respect to carrying objects, student’s percentage of 22.1%. In respect body posture in classroom, 18.6% of the students are frequently. Frequency of students observing proper posture in classroom, home and carrying objects is only 40.2%, 42.2% and 45% respectively.

CONCLUSION- This study concludes that students have moderately decreased level of awareness in terms of the posture that should be adopted in performing any ADLs can result in postural problems like postural deviation and low back pain that would last until adulthood. Postural education program may result in positive change where in students adopt the proper posture upon performing any activity.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) Towards Cervical Cancer and its Screening among Women Attending in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Hospital -Based Study

Nandini Penchala — 2026-01-16

Background: Cervical cancer remains a major public health concern in low and middle income countries, accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality despite being largely preventable through effective screening and vaccination strategies. Understanding women’s knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) toward cervical cancer and its screening is essential for improving early detection and prevention.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cervical cancer and its screening among women attending a tertiary care hospital and to identify socio-demographic factors associated with screening uptake.

Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among 350 women attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Telangana, India. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of cervical cancer and its risk factors, attitudes toward screening and prevention and screening practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine associations between variables, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Among the 350 participants, 61.7% had heard of cervical cancer, while only 31.5% were aware of the Pap smear test as a screening method. Although 65.3% demonstrated a favorable attitude toward cervical cancer screening, only 3.4% had ever undergone screening. Higher educational status and prior exposure to health education were significantly associated with better knowledge scores and screening practices (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study demonstrates a marked gap between awareness, attitude and actual screening practices. Strengthening community-based awareness programs and integrating cervical cancer screening into routine healthcare services are critical to improving screening uptake and reducing disease burden.

Comparison of Intravenous Ondansetron versus Dexamethasone in the Prophylaxis of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: A Prospective Study

A. Dhanush Kumar — 2026-01-29

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remains one of the most common complications following general anaesthesia, adversely affecting patient recovery and satisfaction. Prophylactic antiemetic therapy is therefore a key component of perioperative care.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of prophylactic intravenous Ondansetron and Dexamethasone in preventing PONV in patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective comparative study on 100 adult patients scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia. We observed the patients for 24 hours postoperatively for incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting, need for rescue antiemetics and patient satisfaction. The statistical analysis was performed using Chi‑square and Wilcoxon tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The overall incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the Dexamethasone group compared to the Ondansetron group (28% vs 36%, p = 0.041). Patients receiving Dexamethasone experienced significantly less moderate to severe nausea (p = 0.0037) and required fewer rescue antiemetics (16% vs 32%). Patient satisfaction scores were higher in the Dexamethasone group (p = 0.0231). No significant hemodynamic instability or drug‑related adverse effects were observed in either group.

Conclusion: Prophylactic Dexamethasone demonstrated superior efficacy compared to Ondansetron in reducing the incidence and severity of PONV, with lower rescue antiemetic requirement and higher patient satisfaction. Dexamethasone may be considered a preferred single‑agent prophylactic antiemetic in elective surgeries under general anaesthesia.

Age and Gender Related Differences in Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Risk: Role of Cardio metabolic Factors, Obesity and Menopausal Status in an Indian Tertiary Care Population

Akhila Ajith — 2026-01-29

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and is closely linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Emerging evidence suggests that age, gender and hormonal transitions; particularly menopause may significantly influence NAFLD risk and progression, yet data from Indian populations have remain limited.

Objective: To evaluate age and gender related differences in NAFLD risk and to assess the influence of cardio metabolic risk factors, obesity and menopausal status using the Fatty Liver Index (FLI).

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 150 adults aged ≥31 years attending a tertiary care hospital in India. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were collected. NAFLD risk was assessed using the Fatty Liver Index. Associations were evaluated using chi-square tests and correlation analysis. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify predictors of FLI and logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with high risk NAFLD. Statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.

Results: Based on FLI, 14.7% of participants were classified as high risk for NAFLD (FLI > 60), while 84.7% were in the intermediate risk category. Females exhibited higher mean FLI values than males, with postmenopausal women demonstrating significantly elevated FLI scores compared to pre menopausal women. Obesity (BMI > 25 kg/m²), elevated triglyceride levels, sedentary lifestyle and metabolic syndrome were significantly associated with increased NAFLD risk. Post menopausal status emerged as an independent predictor of high-risk NAFLD, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.37. In multiple linear regression analysis, BMI, triglycerides and menopausal status were significant predictors of FLI (R² = 0.884, p< 0.001).

Conclusion: NAFLD risk is highly prevalent among middle-aged adults, particularly in females and postmenopausal women. Cardio metabolic risk factors, obesity and hormonal transitions play a crucial role in NAFLD development. Early identification and targeted lifestyle interventions focusing on weight management and metabolic control are essential to reduce NAFLD burden in high risk populations.

The Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Combined with Weight-Bearing Training Versus Task-Oriented Weight-Bearing Intervention for Improving Balance in Chronic Ischemic Stroke- A Narrative Review

Shalini Kumari — 2026-02-09

Background: Balance and gait impairments are common after stroke, limiting mobility and independence and increasing fall risk due to impaired neuromuscular control and weight shifting. Interventions such as PNF, task-oriented training (TOT), and weight-bearing training (WBT) have shown benefits for maintaining posture and functional balance. However, the comparative effectiveness of combining PNF with WBT versus TOT-based weight-bearing remains unclear. This review summarizes recent studies evaluating these approaches in people with chronic ischemic stroke.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of PNF with weight-bearing training and task-oriented weight-bear training therapies on the static and dynamic balance performance of chronic ischemic stroke survivors. To provide evidence-based recommendations for future research and clinical procedures that concentrate on the recovery of dynamic balance and postural symmetry in the treatment of chronic stroke patients.

Methods: In order to find research on PNF and task-oriented weight-bearing in chronic ischemic stroke, this PRISMA-guided review searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PEDro (2015–2025). Studies that met the inclusion criteria were screened and extracted. PEDro was used to evaluate quality, and the results were qualitatively and narratively summarised.

Results: According to the research, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) procedures improve balance but have no effect on functional transfer. PNF greatly enhances pelvic stability, weight shift symmetry, and trunk control when paired with weight-bearing exercises.

Task-oriented weight-bearing therapies were associated with the best results in dynamic and functional balance, as judged by the Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up and Go test. The study, which rated the overall evidence as moderate to high, promoted multimodal, individualized, and intensive rehabilitation but emphasized the necessity for standardized protocols and high-quality studies because of methodological variability and small sample sizes.

Conclusions: Individuals with chronic ischemic stroke improve from both PNF and task-oriented weight-bearing therapy. PNF increases postural control and weight distribution, whereas task-oriented training mostly improves functional and dynamic balance. The best approach is a combination of, customised, evidence-based approach; however, greater quality research is required to validate optimal protocols and long-term advantages.

A Prospective Study of Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio in Short Term Mortality in Patients with Stroke

G. Rithwic Mani — 2026-02-12

Background: Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide. Early identification of patients at high risk of adverse outcomes remains a clinical challenge. Inflammation and thrombosis play central roles in stroke pathophysiology. The platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), an inexpensive inflammatory marker derived from routine blood counts, has emerged as a potential prognostic biomarker in cerebrovascular diseases.

Objective: To evaluate the association between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and short-term mortality in patients admitted with acute stroke.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted among patients diagnosed with stroke and admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Platelet and lymphocyte counts obtained at admission were used to calculate PLR. Clinical severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients were followed for 30 days to assess short-term mortality. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the association between PLR, clinical severity and mortality outcomes.

Results: Higher PLR values at admission were significantly associated with increased short-term mortality. Elevated PLR showed a positive correlation with higher NIHSS scores and poorer functional outcomes as measured by mRS. Patients with elevated PLR demonstrated a higher risk of mortality within 30 days compared to those with lower PLR values.

Conclusion: Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and readily available biomarker that is significantly associated with short-term mortality in stroke patients. Incorporation of PLR alongside established clinical scales such as NIHSS and mRS may improve early risk stratification and prognostic assessment, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Regulatory and Ethical Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Research: A Global Perspective

Nandini Penchala — 2026-02-14

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into clinical research across multiple stages of the trial lifecycle, including protocol development, patient recruitment and stratification, data management, statistical analysis, and safety surveillance. By enabling rapid processing of large and complex datasets, AI-driven tools offer significant advantages in improving operational efficiency, enhancing predictive accuracy, reducing trial timelines and supporting evidence-based decision-making. These capabilities position AI as a transformative technology with the potential to address long-standing challenges in clinical research, such as recruitment inefficiencies, high costs, and variability in data quality.

Despite these benefits, the implementation of AI in clinical research raises substantial regulatory and ethical challenges that must be carefully addressed. Considerable variability exists in global regulatory frameworks governing AI use, creating uncertainty for sponsors and investigators conducting multinational trials. Concerns related to data privacy, cyber security, algorithmic bias, lack of transparency, unclear accountability and limitations of traditional informed consent processes present significant barriers to the responsible adoption of AI technologies. Regulatory authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union (EU), the World Health Organization (WHO) and various national agencies, have introduced guidance and policy frameworks aimed at mitigating AI-related risks; however, inconsistencies and limited harmonization across jurisdictions continue to impede uniform implementation.Ethical frameworks increasingly emphasize the principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, patient autonomy, and the protection of sensitive health data to ensure trust and accountability in AI-enabled research. This review provides a comprehensive global overview of the evolving regulatory approaches governing the use of AI in clinical research and critically examines the ethical challenges associated with its application. Furthermore, practical recommendations are proposed for researchers, sponsors, ethics committees, and regulators to promote the safe, transparent, and equitable deployment of AI technologies. Addressing these regulatory and ethical challenges is essential to safeguard participant rights, uphold scientific integrity, and fully realize the potential of AI in advancing high-quality, patient-centered clinical research.

Digital Twin Technology in Personalized Pharmacotherapy: Current Concepts and Clinical Potential

A. Dhanush Kuma — 2026-02-24

Digital twin technology represents an emerging paradigm in precision medicine that enables creation of dynamic computational replicas of individual patients integrating biological, clinical, and environmental data. In pharmacotherapy, digital twins combine mechanistic pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling with artificial intelligence to simulate drug exposure and therapeutic response prior to treatment administration. This capability allows optimization of dosing, prediction of adverse drug reactions, and selection of individualized therapies.

Current applications include precision dosing of narrow therapeutic index drugs, pharmacogenomics-guided therapy selection, oncology treatment planning, cardiovascular risk prediction, antimicrobial optimization, and adaptive management of chronic diseases. In drug development, digital twins support in-silico trials, synthetic control arms, dose selection, safety assessment, and precision indication discovery. Regulatory initiatives in model-informed drug development are increasingly incorporating simulation-based evidence. Despite substantial promise, widespread clinical implementation remains limited by data integration challenges, validation requirements, computational demands, regulatory uncertainty, and ethical concerns related to privacy and algorithmic bias. At present, digital twins should be considered an advanced clinical decision-support approach rather than a replacement for clinician judgment.

Digital twin–guided pharmacotherapy represents a transition from reactive prescribing to predictive model-informed precision medicine and has potential to improve therapeutic efficacy, safety, and development efficiency as validation frameworks mature.

Assessment of Stroke Patient Outcomes: Modified Rankin Scale-Based Evaluation of Functional and Patient-Centered Changes Pre and Post Antiplatelet and Statin Therapy

Gangula Nandini — 2026-02-27

Background: Functional recovery after ischemic stroke varies considerably, and real-world Indian data evaluating longitudinal outcomes after secondary preventive therapy remain limited. Although antiplatelets and statins are routinely prescribed following ischemic stroke, their effect on functional recovery assessed using standardized disability scales requires further evaluation.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in 106 patients with ischemic stroke. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SS-QOL) scale at baseline and at 6, 12, and 18 weeks. Statistical analysis included the Friedman test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, chi-square test, and Spearman correlation analysis.

Results: Most patients were male (55.66%) and older than 50 years (78.3%). Hypertension (78.3%) and diabetes mellitus (56.6%) were the predominant comorbidities. At baseline, 58.5% of patients had moderate-to-severe disability (mRS 3–5). Mean mRS score significantly decreased from 3.33 ± 1.62 at baseline to 2.03 ± 1.17 at week 18 (p < 0.001), and functional independence (mRS 0–1) was achieved in 43.4% of patients. The mean Barthel Index improved from 51.37 ± 20.93 to 80.25 ± 12.45 (p < 0.001). Moderate-to-good quality of life was reported in 83.96% of patients at 18 weeks. Stroke severity showed a significant association with SS-QOL (p = 0.021), with a weak but significant correlation between mRS and SS-QOL scores (ρ = 0.128, p = 0.042). Better lipid control was associated with improved recovery.

Conclusion: Antiplatelet and statin therapy was associated with significant improvement in disability, functional independence, and quality of life over 18 weeks. The Modified Rankin Scale provides a practical tool for monitoring recovery in routine clinical practice.

Rheology-Driven Optimization of Semi-Solid Extrusion 3D Printing for High-Precision Personalized Dosage Forms

N. Sriram — 2026-02-27

Semi-solid extrusion (SSE) three-dimensional printing has emerged as a transformative platform for personalized pharmaceutical manufacturing, particularly for thermolabile and dose-flexible formulations. Despite its growing clinical and industrial relevance, systematic rheology-driven optimization frameworks remain underdeveloped. This study establishes predictive rheological parameters governing print fidelity, dose precision, and structural integrity in SSE-fabricated dosage forms. Comprehensive rheological profiling, including viscosity, yield stress, shear-thinning behavior, and viscoelastic moduli, was correlated with extrudability, dimensional accuracy, drug content uniformity, and dissolution performance. Mathematical modeling based on the Herschel–Bulkley and power-law equations was employed to predict flow behavior under printing conditions. Structural stability was assessed using oscillatory rheometry and compression testing, while dissolution kinetics were modeled using Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppa’s equations. Results demonstrate that optimal print fidelity is achieved within a defined rheological window characterized by moderate yield stress, pronounced shear-thinning behavior, and rapid structural recovery post-extrusion. Drug uniformity was strongly influenced by polymer–drug interaction mechanisms and microstructural homogeneity. Compared with fused deposition modeling (FDM), SSE exhibited superior suitability for moisture-sensitive and low-dose drugs, although challenges in rheological standardization persist. The proposed predictive framework provides a mechanistic basis for standardizing SSE fabrication, thereby advancing regulatory alignment and clinical translation of personalized dosage forms.

Influence of Physiotherapist-Supervised Endurance Programs on Improving Cardiorespiratory Efficiency in Football Players: A Narrative Review

Ritvik Shreehari Udutha — 2026-02-25

Background: Football is a challenging and tough sport that keeps going in demand of both aerobic and anaerobic endurance to play. Cardiorespiratory fitness is often measured by VO₂ max and is important for a player’s ability to sustain high-intensity performance throughout a full 90-minute match. While traditional coaching has mainly focused on tactical program, there is growing attention on physiotherapist-led conditioning programs. These programs aim to reduce injury risk, manage training load, and enhance physiological performance. Training strategies such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), small-sided games (SSG), and functional training are commonly used to develop these physical abilities.

Objective: The main aim of this narrative review is to examine existing research on how different endurance training programs, specifically high-intensity interval training (HIIT), small-sided games (SSG), combined training and continuous training affect the cardiorespiratory fitness of football players and is to guide according on the evidence-based physiotherapy practice.

Methods: A literature search was conducted for studies published between 2017 and 2025. Thirteen relevant studies were included in the review. The studies involved football players from high school to elite levels who participated in endurance training interventions, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), small-sided games (SSG), continuous training, and resistance training. Data on VO₂ max, physical performance, and physiological adaptations were collected and summarized.

Results: All high-intensity protocols—HIIT, High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT), and Interval Training—resulted in significant improvements in VO2 Max or VO2 peak across various player levels. SSGs were found to be physiologically equivalent to running-based HIIT in enhancing intermittent

endurance capacity (VIFT). The most contemporary studies demonstrated that Combined Training such as DHIRT and Stretching protocols elicited superior, holistic gains in overall endurance.

Conclusion: High-intensity interventions, particularly (SSG) and (Combined Training), are effective strategies for maximizing cardiorespiratory endurance in football. Physiotherapists should include trainings such as SSG as the primary sport-specific conditioning tool and consider Combined Training for comprehensive physical development.