Sai Chaitanya Reddy, Manik Inder Singh Sethi, Priyanka Singhal
{"title":"National Task Force on Mental Health and Well-being of Medical students: A critique.","authors":"Sai Chaitanya Reddy, Manik Inder Singh Sethi, Priyanka Singhal","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_80_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_80_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The National Task Force (NTF) report on Mental Health and Well-being of medical students presented a comprehensive document based on a nationwide survey and after multiple stakeholder consultations. The findings indicate that a substantial proportion of medical students experience moderate to high levels of stress in medical schools and suggests measures to overcome it. In this critique, we highlight several ground realities-such as institutional inertia, limited staffing, inadequate gatekeeper training, and poor follow-through-that may limit the impact of these recommendations. Translating the proposed measures into sustained and meaningful change will require adequate resources, regular monitoring, and a shift that places student mental health at the core of medical education.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"417-421"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541151/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Stage-specific lipidomic signatures as biomarkers in progression of cervical cancer.","authors":"Akshata Kishore Karekar, Sandhya Kaustubh Kamat, Padmaja Yashwant Samant, Sucheta Prakash Dandekar, Dinesh Amrith Uchil, Mayuri Nalinkumar Gandhi, Jayanti Mania-Pramanik, Shilpa Chandrakant Kerkar","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_3238_2025","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_3238_2025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background and objectives Lipidomics has advanced cancer research by uncovering biomarkers that reveal key mechanisms of tumourigenesis. By analysing endpoint lipid metabolites influenced by genetic and environmental factors, the lipidome closely reflects a cell's functional state. Mass spectrometry, strengthened by modern bioinformatics and biostatistics, now enables precise detection of cancer-related lipid changes, motivating us to adopt this approach. Methods We have applied advanced mass spectrometry and machine-learning methods to develop a novel tool for cervical cancer screening, the second most common cancer in India. The study included cervical cancer patients diagnosed through cytology, HPV testing, histopathology, or imaging, along with healthy volunteers as controls. Serum samples from all participants were analysed using Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with high-resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry using a targeted approach for lipid biomarker discovery. Results A comprehensive evaluation of controls and cervical cancer patients across clinical stages revealed distinct lipidomic patterns and biomarker differences. We identified a 3-biomarker panel [LPE (22:6)+H, PE (18:1_20:4)+H, and MG (20:0)+H] effective for early-stage detection and a 4-biomarker panel (LPE (22:6)+H, PE (18:1_20:4)+H, PC (16:1_20:5)+H, and TG (16:0_18:1_18:3)+H) suitable for comprehensive cervical cancer screening. The combined ROC for the 3-biomarker panel showed 88% sensitivity, 93% specificity, 90% accuracy, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.945, while the 4-biomarker panel achieved 87% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 86% accuracy, and an AUC of 0.946. Interpretation and conclusions Our study demonstrates a clear link between altered lipid metabolism and cervical cancer, paving the way for future research to identify new diagnostic and prognostic markers and ultimately enabling earlier detection and timely intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"349-356"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541206/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887477","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vinit Nitin Deshmukh, Satish R Patil, Dilip D Hinge, Priyanka S Jadhav
{"title":"HPV genotype distribution and associated risk factors in women from Karad, Maharashtra: A molecular characterisation study.","authors":"Vinit Nitin Deshmukh, Satish R Patil, Dilip D Hinge, Priyanka S Jadhav","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_4_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_4_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution varies regionally, influencing vaccination and screening strategies. This molecular characterisation study determined HPV prevalence and circulating genotypes among 225 women (≥30 y) attending gynaecological clinics in Karad, Satara district, Maharashtra. HPV DNA was detected in 14 participants (6.2%) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Identified genotypes included HPV-6, HPV-59, HPV-66, and HPV-81, indicating circulation of both low-risk and high-risk types. Multiple sexual partners showed the strongest association with HPV infection. These preliminary findings highlight the need for region-specific genotype surveillance to inform prevention strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"493-495"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541163/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Burden of sickle cell disease among pregnant women in central India.","authors":"Sayali C Tiwari, Nagaraj Jaganathasamy, Chhedi Lal Gupta, Aruna Anil Jawade, Nagamuralidhar Merugu, Pallavi Thaker, Nikhil Shinde, Sneha Dadheech, Vinod Umare, Projyot Vijayrao Deshmukh, Prabhakar Kedar, Malay B Mukherjee, Manisha Madkaikar","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_255_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_255_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major public health concern in central India. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies, haematological variations, family screening status, prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women. A total of 11,602 pregnant women were screened between 2017 and 2022. Among the screened, the prevalence of sickle cell homozygous (SS) and sickle β-thalassemia (Sβ-thal.) was 0.25% and 0.38%, respectively. The haematological parameters differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the phenotypic groups. In a retrospective analysis, we found that only 61.1% (n=204) of spouses and 42.5% (n=226) of children were screened for SCD. Pregnant women with SCD had longer hospital stays, a lower birth weight, a higher incidence of preterm birth, an increased likelihood of caesarean delivery, and a higher rate of blood transfusions. Our study highlights the importance of early screening for pregnant women for SCD.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"489-492"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541125/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Leena Kaushik, Kiran Nehra, Sugandha Arya, Pratima Anand, Tushar Kanti Maiti, Nitya Wadhwa, Harish Chellani
{"title":"Effect of zero-separation in mother-newborn care unit on preterm infant's stress and growth.","authors":"Leena Kaushik, Kiran Nehra, Sugandha Arya, Pratima Anand, Tushar Kanti Maiti, Nitya Wadhwa, Harish Chellani","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_417_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_417_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background and objectives Previous studies have focused on the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on stress among stable infants. Evidence regarding continuous zero-separation care among sick preterm infants remains limited. We hypothesised that keeping sick preterm infants with mothers in mother-newborn care unit (MNCU) with zero-separation would result in less stress and better growth as compared to inmates of conventional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods This cohort study enrolled preterm infants admitted to either MNCU or NICU. The assignment of infants in both the groups was non-random and based on bed availability. Preterm infants were admitted to MNCU if bed was available. Once all beds were occupied, infants were admitted in NICU. Stress was assessed using salivary cortisol and preterm infant pain profile (PIPP) scores. Growth parameters including body weight, length and head circumference were measured at birth and at discharge. Results 180 preterm (90 from each MNCU and NICU group) infants were enrolled in the study. MNCU infants showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels (-0.2±0.4µg/dL), whereas those in the NICU group showed an increase (+0.43±0.3 µg/dL); indicating significantly lower stress among MNCU group (P<0.001). Mean PIPP scores were significantly lower in the MNCU group as compared to NICU group (6.7±2.5 vs. 12.68 ± 2.03; P<0.001). Growth variables were significantly better in MNCU as compared to NICU, with higher daily weight gain (19.7±11.08 vs. 8.3±6.6 g/day; P<0.001), length gain (0.11±0.08 vs. 0.08±0.09 cm/day; P=0.003), and head circumference gain (0.11±0.10 vs. 0.03±0.05 cm/day; P<0.001). Interpretations and conclusions Zero-separation in MNCU is associated with reduced stress and better growth as compared to those admitted in NICU.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"397-404"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Empowering accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers to support community mental health in Karnataka State of India: A systematic review.","authors":"Johnson-Pradeep Ruben, Supriya Shivashankar, Ramakrishna Goud Bhooma Goud, Aishwarya G V, Rajani Parthasarathy, Srinivasa G A, Girish Kumar, Prem Kumar Mony, Sumithra Selvam, Krishnamachari Srinivasan, Pulkit Verma, Neha Dahiya, Ashoo Grover","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_646_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_646_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background and objectives Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) play a key role in community mental health services in Karnataka; however, evidence on training interventions has not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to systematically synthesise evidence on mental health training interventions for ASHAs in Karnataka, focusing on provider competencies and service delivery outcomes. Methods Systematic search of databases, trial registries, and grey literature (October 2025-January 2026) included studies published between 2000 and 2025. Eligible studies involved ASHAs in Karnataka and evaluated mental health training interventions with outcomes related to provider competencies or service delivery. Due to heterogeneity, findings were synthesised narratively using SWiM guidelines for quantitative studies and GRADE-CERQual for qualitative. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, ROBINS-I (v2), MMAT, and CASP. Results Of 648 records screened, 13 studies comprising 567 ASHAs met the inclusion criteria. Narrative synthesis showed improved provider competencies and service delivery outcomes from quantitative studies, while qualitative studies revealed moderate confidence. Overall, risk of bias was judged as 'low to some concerns'. Digital and hybrid models showed more sustained gains than standalone in-person training. Selected service delivery outcomes, including screening coverage, home visits and supervisory engagement, improved with structured support. However, the evidence was limited by pre-post designs, small sample size, reliance on self-reported outcomes, and heterogeneity in interventions and outcome measures. Interpretation and conclusion Structured training may improve ASHAs' mental health provider competencies and service delivery. Digital and hybrid models are promising, but evidence remains limited, highlighting the need for rigorous studies with standardised outcomes and long-term follow up.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"385-396"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541200/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arya S Kumar, Sanjeev K Singh, Meera Susan John, Shreya H, Nimi Mohan, Irine Anna Sebastain, Vaishnavi S
{"title":"Carbapenem-resistant and other multidrug-resistant organisms in a South Indian tertiary care centre: A laboratory-based study.","authors":"Arya S Kumar, Sanjeev K Singh, Meera Susan John, Shreya H, Nimi Mohan, Irine Anna Sebastain, Vaishnavi S","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_103_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_103_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background and objectives Carbapenem-resistant gram-negative pathogens are associated with limited treatment options and poor clinical outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, and clinical outcomes of multidrug-resistant organisms from intensive care units and related wards in a South Indian tertiary care hospital over three years. Methods A retrospective laboratory-based study was conducted between October 2022 to May 2025, analysed culture-positive specimens from the selected locations using hospital information system data. Multidrug-resistant organisms were defined according to international criteria. Organisms included carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Demographics, specimen distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility, and outcomes were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Of 8,704 specimens processed, 3,450 (39.6%) were culture-positive and 750 (34.2%) were multidrug-resistant. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales accounted for (n=490,65.3%) of multidrug-resistant organisms, followed by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (n=85,11.3%), carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=85,11.3%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n=40,5.3%), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (n=34,4.5%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant S. maltophilia (n=16,2.1%). Klebsiella pneumoniae predominated among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales isolates. Multidrug-resistant organisms were significantly more common in intensive care units (539/750,71.9%) and among patients aged >60 y (399/750,53.2%) (P<0.05). Enterobacterales showed high resistance to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones, while A. baumannii demonstrated limited meropenem susceptibility (18/110,16.3%). Overall mortality among patients with multidrug-resistant infections was (191/750,25.5%), with 94% (180/191) of deaths clinically attributed to infection. Interpretation and conclusions Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii are the predominant multidrug-resistant organisms, especially in intensive care units. These highlights the urgent need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, infection-control practices and ongoing antimicrobial resistance surveillance.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"445-452"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541204/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887202","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Dementia prevention strategies for India: From risk reduction to brain health across the life-course.","authors":"Mathew Varghese, C T Sudhir Kumar","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_3053_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_3053_2026","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"337-340"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148887298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Adverse events following self-administered abortion pills: A retrospective observational study.","authors":"Anuja Sachapara, Shruti A Naria, Isha Minjarola, Sweta Shrivastava, Tithi Patel","doi":"10.25259/IJMR_685_2026","DOIUrl":"10.25259/IJMR_685_2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background and objectives In India, limited awareness regarding the potential adverse effects of medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) pills, coupled with their non-prescribed over-the-counter availability, has led to their widespread unsupervised use. Such practices may result in serious maternal complications. This study aimed to describe the clinical profile and outcomes among women presenting to a tertiary care hospital following unsupervised self-administration of MTP pills. Methods A record-based retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary academic medical centre. Case files of women who attended between January and June 2025 with a documented history of self-administered MTP pills were retrieved and evaluated for clinical outcomes and complications. Results Seventy-six women fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Women aged 25-30 y constituted the largest group (30/76; 39.5%). The predominant diagnosis was incomplete abortion (54/76; 71.1%), with shock complicating 10/76 (13.2%) and sepsis complicating 8/76 (10.5%) cases. Dilatation and evacuation was performed in 42/76 (55.3%) patients. Serious adverse outcomes comprised 2 maternal deaths, 5 intensive care unit admissions, and 18 women with prolonged hospitalisation beyond three days. Interpretation and conclusions Among women presenting to a tertiary care hospital after unsupervised use of MTP pills, incomplete abortion was the most frequent complication, often accompanied by shock and sepsis. These findings underscore the need for strengthening public awareness, enforcing existing regulations, and promoting supervised medical abortion services to reduce preventable maternal morbidity.</p>","PeriodicalId":13349,"journal":{"name":"Indian Journal of Medical Research","volume":"164 3","pages":"469-473"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13541203/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148886906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}