Indian Journal of Health Sciences and Biomedical Research KLEU

For years, success in Indian health research meant papers, citations, and patents. However, this rarely meant better outcomes for patients. India's Draft National Health Research Policy, 2026, proposes a fundamental shift in how research success is defined and attempts to close this gap. In this editorial, the main elements of the policy, such as proposing the ICMR Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (ICMR-IRIS), reformed research infrastructure, and a National Health Research Agenda shaped by real population needs rather than publishing convenience, are discussed. These components are placed in the context of a broader global shift towards responsible research evaluation. The policy's foundational philosophy is solid and perhaps long-awaited, but its true worth will depend on the realistic integration of multidimensional assessment into promotion, funding, and institutional decision-making processes. The policy raises an appropriate question, but it is yet to be determined whether India will respond to it in practice.

Background The use of ultrasound in supraclavicular brachial plexus block has improved the success rate of block with excellent localization and improved safety margin. Reports of toxicity with levobupivacaine are scarce, yet it has not entirely replaced bupivacaine in clinical practice. Aims/Objectives We investigated the anesthetic potency with onset of sensory block as primary objective between bupivacaine with buprenorphine and levobupivacaine with buprenorphine for supraclavicular block in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. Methods This randomized prospective double-blind study was conducted on sixty patients 18 to 60 years of age. Twenty ml of either inj bupivacaine 0.5% (Group A) or inj levobupivacaine 0.5% (Group B) with 2mcg/kg of inj buprenorphine was injected using a portable ultrasound machine with a linear ultrasound transducer (8–13 MHz). Distension of the brachial plexus sheath was considered as an indication of correct needle placement. The time of onset and duration of sensory and motor block were noted. RESULTS Mean onset of sensory block was comparable between the two groups. However, mean onset of motor block was faster in group A compared to group B which was statistically significant. Conclusion The anaesthetic efficacy of levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block was similar to bupivacaine in the onset of sensory block, however onset of motor block was faster with racemic bupivacaine

Pottery and statue-making are physically demanding crafts involving prolonged sitting postures, repetitive movements, and exposure to environmental conditions. These craftsmen tend to suffer from musculoskeletal disorders because of poor workspace ergonomics. This study aims to evaluate the ergonomic and anthropometric problems encountered by the potters' community of Pottery Town, Bengaluru. The research used qualitative and quantitative methods, focusing on observation, survey, and documentation of artisan activities. Data was collected from field visits, ergonomic examination, and interviews involving stakeholders, which included potters, statue makers, and physiotherapists. Observation of the posture recording, patterns of work, and the use of space in the pottery workshops in Pottery Town. A subjective questionnaire survey was conducted for twenty potters, fifteen statue makers, and five physiotherapists. The questions addressed discomfort areas, work duration, and workspace adequacy. Documentation was made with photographic and sketch-based mapping of existing workspaces. The study confirms that both potters and statuemakers experience significant discomfort, especially in the lower back (72%), neck and shoulders (58%), and wrists, due to awkward postures and repetitive strain. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) scores averaged between 5–9, indicating medium to high risk. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and ergonomic standards, RULA scores of 5–6 require prompt changes, while 7+ indicates urgent intervention. REBA scores of 5–7 suggest medium risk, and 8-10 denote high risk, needing immediate redesign. Inadequate lighting (65%) and poor seating (80%) further contribute to fatigue and reduced precision, highlighting the need for urgent ergonomic intervention.

Background: Despite being a relatively small state, Kerala has a high prevalence of diabetes in India, with approx. 16% of the population affected. A worrying proportion of cases remain undiagnosed, putting individuals at risk of complications without proper management. Early diagnosis, effective management, and addressing risk factors are crucial to controlling the disease and its complications. Objective: To assess the risk of diabetes and its correlates among youth of both gender belonging to age group of 20–35 years using the Indian diabetes risk score in Thiruvalla, Central Kerala.Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among youth of both gender belonging to age group of 20–35 years from June 2023 to December 2023. The data was analyzed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences version 20. The results have been presented as tables and charts showing percentages. Chi-square test and odds ratio were used for analyzing the association between demographic variables and diabetes risk among the study participants.Results: Majority of the youth in the study were under a moderate risk of getting Diabetes (74%). While physical activity was found to be protective against the risk of Diabetes, Family history of Diabetes, Stress and Abdominal Obesity were found to be risk factors for Diabetic risk among the study participants.Conclusion: The study findings underscore the need for increasing the awareness among the youth regarding the impending Diabetes epidemic.

Background: Urolithiasis, the formation of urinary stones, is a prevalent global health issue. It commonly causes severe acute back pain and can lead to serious complications such as pyelonephritis or acute renal failure. Kidney stone formation is a common urological problem with a lifetime prevalence of approximately 10% in men and 6% in women. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical effect of Ashmarihar kwatha (AK) and Pashanbhedadi kwatha (PK) in the management of Mootrashmari (∼Urolithiasis).Material and Method: The primary objective of the study was to assess the clinical efficacy of Ashmarihar kwatha and Pashanbhedadi kwatha in the management of Mootrashmari (urolithiasis) based on symptomatic and stone-related parameters, while the secondary objective was to evaluate the safety and additional therapeutic effects of the interventions through laboratory investigations and ultrasonographic findings. This was an open-labelled randomized comparative clinical trial. A total of 135 cases were screened, and 82 patients diagnosed with Mootrashmari satisfying the study criteria were enrolled. 53 cases were excluded. Participants were randomly assigned to group AK (n=32 completed) and group PK (n=39 completed). Both Kwathas (coarse powder, 10 gm) were administered orally as an internal medication twice a day before food for 60 days.Result: Both groups showed similar statistical effects across all parameters. However, a statistically highly significant result was obtained in the expulsion of the number of stones in the AK group while PK group showed non-significant improvement within groups.Conclusion: Ashmarihar kwatha and Pashanbhedadi kwatha both the show statistically similar efficacy between the group in the management of Mootrashmari (∼Urolithiasis).

Chronic refractory Mukhdushika, closely correlated to Acne Vulgaris, represents significant therapeutic hurdles due to its relapsing nature and partial responsiveness to treatment. This case report describes a 26-year-old male with a total of 8 years of recurrent papulopustular acne associated with pain, burning sensation, itching, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. According to the Ayurvedic assessment, Pitta pradhan tridoshaja involvement with agnidushti and ama leaded to strotorodha. Dosha pratyanika chikitsa was planned, including agnideepana, ama pachana, rakta prasadana, nitya virechana, followed by strict nidana parivarjana, yoga, and lifestyle modification. Relapsing tendency and inflammatory lesions gradually decreased, indicating the efficacy of this individualized Ayurvedic approach in achieving sustainable clinical healing.

Schwannomas are slow-growing tumors arising from the Schwann cells of the nerve sheath. The plexiform variant grows in a multinodular or plexiform pattern and may resemble either the conventional or cellular type. Clinically, these tumors are usually solitary, skin-colored nodules along the course of peripheral or cranial nerves, most commonly between 2 and 4 cm. They are typically found in the head and neck region or on the flexor surfaces of the extremities and may be associated with neurofibromatosis type 2, but not type 1. Most schwannomas show a histological biphasic pattern with compact Antoni A areas, sometimes with nuclear palisading and Verocay bodies, alternating with loosely arranged Antoni B areas. We present one case of plexiform schwannoma. A case of 24-year-old man with a one-year history of pain and swelling of the chest wall. Imaging showed a pleural-based mass with rib involvement which was excised and sent for histopathological evaluation. Diagnosis of plexiform schwannoma was confirmed by microscopic examination.These cases underscore the importance of recognizing plexiform schwannoma as a rare, but distinct entity, and differentiating it from other nerve sheath tumors with malignant potential. However, careful histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation is very important for appropriate diagnosis and management of the patient.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) frequently coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and early diabetic kidney disease, and the combination accelerates both hepatic and renal risk. Conventional care is centred on glycaemic and lipid control and renin–angiotensin blockade, but residual symptom burden and incomplete biomarker control are common, prompting interest in adjunctive whole-system approaches.Case presentation: An elderly woman aged 70 years with recently detected T2DM, long-standing nephrolithiasis and dyslipidaemia presented to an Ayurvedic hospital with anorexia, bilateral hypochondrial pain after meals, acidity and headache. Baseline evaluation (July 2025) showed HbA1c 7.5%, LDL-cholesterol 184 mg/dL, total cholesterol 263 mg/dL, urine albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) 47.27 mg/g (category A2), preserved eGFR (94 mL/min/1.73 m2), and ultrasonographic grade-II hepatic steatosis with bilateral medical renal disease, non-obstructive calculi and nephrocalcinosis.Intervention: Alongside continuation of metformin and an oral hypoglycaemic/lipid regimen prescribed elsewhere, the patient received individualised classical Ayurvedic formulations (including Varunadi and Vasaguluchyadi kvatha, Gokshuradi guggulu, Avipattikara churna, Arogyavardhini vati, and proprietary hepato-renal preparations M-Liv and Neeri-KFT) over approximately five months, with dietary and hydration advice.Outcome: By December 2025 the patient reported symptomatic improvement, and repeat urine ACR had fallen from 47.27 to 20.62 mg/g (re-classification from A2 to A1). Serum creatinine remained normal. No adverse event was documented. Causality cannot be inferred from a single uncontrolled case.Conclusion: In this individual patient, integrative Ayurvedic care administered as an adjunct to conventional therapy was associated with symptomatic improvement and a measured reduction in albuminuria over five months. Controlled prospective studies are required before any therapeutic claim can be made.

Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) also known as papillary syringadenoma are rare tumors that are thought to arise from the apocrine or the eccrine sweat glands or both and occur usually in the head and neck region of children and adolescents. Hereby we report a case of a 66-year-old lady who presented with a 20-year history of a lesion on the left cheek. Despite the clinical appearance similar to basal cell carcinoma, histopathological examination identified it as Syringocystadenoma papilliferum. Since the tumor can undergo malignant transformation, complete excision is necessary.