Background: Dietary habits established during medical training can influence students’ current health and future ability to promote healthy lifestyles among patients. Despite exposure to health-related education, medical students may experience a gap between nutrition awareness and actual dietary practices. This study assessed dietary habits and nutrition awareness among undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 100 undergraduate MBBS students, with 25 students recruited from each academic year. A structured questionnaire assessed breakfast consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, fast-food and sugary-drink consumption, water intake, meal skipping, physical activity, nutrition knowledge, calorie awareness, food-label reading, and attitudes towards nutrition education. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. Nutrition knowledge was compared across academic years. Results: Although 83% of students recognised the importance of a balanced diet, only 35% rated their nutrition knowledge as good. Daily breakfast consumption was reported by 56% of students, while only 15% consumed at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Fast food and sugary drinks were consumed frequently by 13% and 20% of students, respectively. Only 28% reported drinking more than 2.5 litres of water daily, and 16% exercised at least five days per week. Knowledge of daily nutrient requirements and regular food-label reading were limited. Most students expressed interest in receiving additional nutrition education. Conclusion: Medical students demonstrated a substantial gap between nutrition awareness and healthy dietary practices, highlighting the need for practical and structured nutrition education and lifestyle-focused interventions during medical training. Keywords: Dietary habits, Nutrition awareness, Medical students, Healthy lifestyle, Nutrition education, Food choices

Background: Prosocial behaviour is an important attribute for students entering patient facing professions. Empathy, social desirability and social dependence may influence self-reported prosocial behaviour, yet data from Indian medical and nursing students remain limited. The aim is to estimate prosocial behaviour, empathy, social desirability and social dependence among first year and final year MBBS and BSc Nursing students and to assess the correlation of prosocial behaviour with these determinants. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytical cross sectional study included students from a rural university in western Maharashtra. Participants completed a structured questionnaire that recorded demographic details, prosocial behaviour score, empathy score, social desirability and social dependence. Prosocial behaviour was measured using the Adult Prosocialness Behaviour Scale. Empathy was measured using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for medical students and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy for health professions students. Social desirability and social dependence were assessed using 5 point Likert scales. Group comparisons used Welch independent sample t tests. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were used for association analyses. Results: The final analysis included 240 students. The mean age was 19.53 (2.11) years; 145 students were from MBBS and 95 were from BSc Nursing. The mean prosocial behaviour score was 65.60 (10.12) and the mean empathy score was 98.93 (13.90). BSc Nursing students had higher prosocial behaviour scores than MBBS students, 69.09 (9.61) versus 63.31 (9.82), p < 0.001. MBBS students had higher empathy scores than BSc Nursing students, 101.60 (13.28) versus 94.86 (13.91), p < 0.001. Prosocial behaviour correlated positively with empathy, r = 0.144, p = 0.026 and social desirability, r = 0.339, p < 0.001. Social dependence was not significantly correlated with prosocial behaviour. In adjusted analysis, empathy, social desirability and BSc Nursing faculty were independently associated with higher prosocial behaviour. Conclusion: Prosocial behaviour was higher among nursing students and was associated with empathy and social desirability. The association with social desirability indicates that self-reported prosociality in healthcare students should be interpreted with attention to response bias. Educational strategies that strengthen empathy and promote authentic professional helping behaviour may be useful in medical and nursing training. Keywords: prosocial behaviour; empathy; social desirability; social dependence; medical students; nursing students; healthcare education.

Background: The aim is to analyse the perspectives of students and faculty regarding the implementation of Block 1 elective program and to identify challenges in a tertiary care institution. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted among 202 Phase III Part I MBBS students and 76 faculty members. Data were collected using pre-validated structured questionnaires distributed. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: Most students (over 90%) were aware of electives and their purpose, and 86.6% reported achieving intended learning outcomes. Faculty perceived electives as relevant, with 70% agreeing that learning objectives were met. However, several challenges emerged. Key issues included lack of standardized modules, short duration, faculty workload, poor student engagement, and inadequate orientation. Students reported confusion in topic selection (36%) and limited autonomy. Qualitative analysis revealed the importance of experiential learning, interactive teaching, and research exposure, but highlighted gaps in planning, assessment, and structure. Conclusion: While Block 1 electives are perceived as valuable, significant challenges hinder optimal implementation. Addressing standardization, duration, faculty training, and student orientation is essential for enhancing effectiveness in alignment with CBME goals. Keywords: Electives, CBME, Medical Education

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in young children, particularly infants. Molecular methods such as real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) provide sensitive detection and allow differentiation of RSV-A and RSV-B. However, region-specific data on RSV molecular detection and subgroup distribution among children with ALRTI remain limited. The objective is to detect Respiratory syncytial virus among children below five years of age with ALRTI using molecular methods and determine the distribution of RSV-A and RSV-B. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India from November 2023 to October 2025. A total of 189 children below five years of age with clinically diagnosed ALRTI were enrolled. Nasopharyngeal aspirates and/or nasopharyngeal swabs were collected and processed. Viral RNA was extracted and subjected to TaqMan real-time RT-PCR. The assay included separate targets for RSV-A and RSV-B, along with an endogenous RNase-P internal control. Demographic, seasonal, clinical and co-infection characteristics of RSV-positive children were analysed. Results: Among the 189 children enrolled, RSV was detected in 36, yielding an overall molecular positivity rate of 19.0%. Of the 72 viral detections recorded in the study, 36 (50.0%) were RSV. RSV-A was detected in 26 (36.1%) viral detections, RSV-B in 7 (9.7%), and simultaneous RSV-A and RSV-B detection in 3 (4.1%). Among RSV-positive children, RSV-A alone accounted for 72.2%, RSV-B alone for 19.4%, and dual RSV-A/B detection for 8.3%. RSV was detected predominantly in children aged 0–12 months. Seasonally, RSV cases were most frequent during winter (41.7%), followed by pre-winter (25.0%). Prematurity was the most frequently recorded associated risk factor (30.0%). Co-detection with another pathogen occurred in 28 of 36 RSV-positive children (77.8%), with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most frequently co-detected pathogen. Among RSV-positive children, 23 (63.9%) required oxygen therapy, 21 (58.3%) had prolonged hospital stays, 17 (47.2%) required ICU intervention, and 9 (25.0%) required mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Molecular testing showed that RSV accounted for a substantial proportion of viral ALRTI cases among children under five years of age in this tertiary-care population. RSV-A was the predominant molecular subgroup, and infections were concentrated among younger children, particularly infants, with a pronounced winter predominance. The high frequency of pathogen co-detection and the substantial need for respiratory and intensive care support underscore the clinical importance of RSV surveillance using molecular diagnostic methods. Keywords: Respiratory syncytial virus; RSV-A; RSV-B; RT-qPCR; acute lower respiratory tract infection; children; molecular diagnosis; India.

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) remain among the most common and distressing complications following laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia. Despite advances in anaesthetic techniques and minimally invasive surgical approaches, the incidence of PONV continues to be high due to factors such as pneumoperitoneum, visceral manipulation, and perioperative opioid use. Ondansetron, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonist, has been widely used as a standard antiemetic agent for prophylaxis of PONV. However, its efficacy is not universal. Amisulpride, a selective dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist, has recently emerged as a promising antiemetic with a favourable safety profile. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of amisulpride and ondansetron in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomized, double-blind comparative study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at G S Medical College and Hospital, Hapur. A total of 80 patients aged 18–70 years with ASA physical status I–II undergoing laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia were included. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received intravenous amisulpride 5 mg and Group B received intravenous ondansetron 4 mg as prophylaxis prior to induction of anaesthesia. Postoperative nausea and vomiting were assessed using a standardized PONV scoring system at 0–6 hours, 6–12 hours, and 12–24 hours postoperatively. The primary outcome was incidence of PONV, while secondary outcomes included severity of PONV, requirement of rescue antiemetic therapy, sedation scores, and adverse effects. Results: Amisulpride demonstrated significantly lower incidence of PONV compared to ondansetron across all postoperative intervals. The complete response rate over 24 hours was higher in the amisulpride group (75%) compared to the ondansetron group (50%) (p < 0.05). Requirement for rescue antiemetics was also significantly lower with amisulpride (15% vs 35%). Adverse effects were mild and less frequent in the amisulpride group, with lower incidence of headache and drowsiness. Conclusion: Intravenous amisulpride 5 mg provides superior prophylaxis against postoperative nausea and vomiting compared with ondansetron 4 mg in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Amisulpride demonstrated improved PONV control, higher complete response rates, reduced need for rescue antiemetics, and a favourable safety profile. Keywords: Postoperative nausea and vomiting, Amisulpride, Ondansetron, Laparoscopic surgery, Antiemetic prophylaxis, General anaesthesia.

Background: High speed road traffic accidents are on the rise over past few years. These are responsible for most of the fractures of tibia. Complications like non-union, delayed union, infection, and implant failure are usually brought about by open reduction and internal fixation with a conventional plate. Intramedullary interlocking nailing (IMIL) allows minimally invasive, symmetric, and dynamic fracture fixation by following the principles of biological fracture fixation and is being preferred over conventional plates these days. Materials and Methods: This prospective study consists of 20 cases of distal tibia fractures treated with intramedullary interlocking nail. Patients were routinely followed up for one year and radiological and clinical assessment was done with RUST index and AOFAS score respectively. Results: An average of 18 weeks was noted for fracture union. Of the 20 patients while being followed up there were no cases with ankle stiffness, instability, chronic infection, wound dehiscence or gross malunion. Conclusion: Following the principles of biological fracture fixation, intramedullary nailing enables minimally invasive, symmetrical, and dynamic fracture fixation. advantages of short duration of surgery, early weight-bearing, less wound complications, early fracture healing. Keywords: Distal 1/3rd tibia fractures, Intramedullary nailing.