PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to have an overview of how Indian institutions offering undergraduate architecture programs have responded to the pandemic situation. It seeks to appraise the alternative approaches adopted for teaching-learning, communication, assignment and evaluation and assess their effectiveness for progressive improvisations or integration with pedagogy. The paper articulates a view on the suitability of online teaching for architecture education in India, on basis of educators' experiences of teaching during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted for obtaining primary data from the educators given the paucity of information. The questions elicited structured information on aspects of the transition process, IT/online platform and tools, the efficacy of online teaching-learning and trajectory of blended learning.FindingsAll institutions managed the transition to online teaching without much difficulty. However, the paper raises the need for professional training and feedback from students. One-third of the respondents express satisfaction with online teaching, despite low satisfaction about the effectiveness of online teaching of a design studio. The results convey the need for more engagement with digital tools and representational software on integrated platforms. The study finds consensus on the future potential of blended learning and advocates developing an integrated framework and curriculum for architecture education in India.Originality/valueThe paper synthesizes viewpoints on online teaching-learning of architecture program in wake of the pandemic from an educators' perspective. The emergent perspectives are viewed dialogically in context of global voices to articulate a future trajectory of blended learning in the domain of architecture education.

Introduction:The prevalence of major depressive disorders is higher among persons with diabetes compared to the general population. These associations may be related to the increased risk of depressive symptoms in individuals with diabetes, increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in individuals with depressive symptoms, or both.Objectives:To study the association of depression with diabetes and its complications in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in eastern UP.Material and Methods:Sixty cases and an equal number of age- and sex-matched controls were assessed for depression, diabetes complications, and a demography profile.Results:Depression was found in 26 (43.34%) cases, while it was present in only eight (13.33%) controls (P = 0.002). Depression correlated with the level of hyperglycemia at presentation, as measured by fasting and postprandial blood glucose (FBG and PPBG) values. The presence of diabetic nephropathy was significantly associated with depression, while the prevalence of other complications of diabetes (retinopathy and dyslipidemia), although higher among those with depression, was not statistically significant. The level of HbA1c was 8.56 ± 1.66 in the depressed versus 8.04 ± 1.88 in the non-depressed diabetics (P = 0.26).Conclusions:The association of depression with diabetes and its complications in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics was highlighted in our subpopulation and emphasized the need for integrated health services. The prevalence of depression was higher among them compared to controls. The chances of becoming depressed increased as the diabetes complications worsened.

Aim:To study the association of cognitive function with subclinical hypothyroidism in elderly.Materials and Methods:It's a cross-sectional, case-control study of 103 patients (≥65 years) who met the criteria for subclinical hypothyroidism. Similarly 103 age, sex and education-matched healthy controls were taken. Serum TSH, free T3 and free T4 were measured. Cognitive functions were assessed by using Folstein Mini Mental Examination (MMSE) and clock drawing test.Results:Out of the 103 diagnosed subclinical hypothyroidism cases, cognitive impairment (by MMSE) was found in 33 (30.9%) while it was present in only 15 (14.54%) out of 103 controls (P = 0.003), cognitive impairment (by CDT) was present in 32 patients (31.06%) out of 103 cases while it was present in 26 patients (25.24%) out of 103 controls (P > 0.05, insignificant). Mean TSH of subclinical hypothyroidism with cognitive impairment was 7.67 ± 1.22 mIU/liter and without cognitive impairment was 6.47 ± 0.98 mIU/liter (P value = 0.0001, significant)Conclusions:Prevalence of cognitive impairment was significantly higher in subclinical hypothyroidism as compared to controls. Presence of cognitive impairment correlated with the level of TSH; as TSH increased cognitive function declined.

Background:Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with mental illnesses. It is a major predictor of mortality and morbidity in patients of such mental illnesses. This study was undertaken to study the association of MetS and schizophrenia.Objectives:To study the association of MetS in patients of schizophrenia.Materials and Methods:Adult schizophrenic patients diagnosed as per Diagnostic and Statistical Manual -IV Third R evisioncriteria visiting the psychiatric Out Patient Day during the study period were evaluated for prevalence of MetS as per the criteria of the international diabetes federation. Fifty patients of schizophrenia with age-and sex-matched 50 controls were enrolled for the study.Results:MetS was found to be 28% in patient group and 12% in control group (P < 0.05). Fourteen patients were found to have MetS out of 38 patients who were on antipsychotics for >6 months. All the 14 patients having MetS were taking second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) (P < 0.05).Conclusion:The study showed a higher prevalence of MetS in schizophrenia than in general population. MetS was present only in patients taking SGAs and prevalence of MetS had a positive correlation with duration of treatment. The study points toward urgent need for consultation – liaisoning between Diabetologist and Psychiatrists.

From various research reports, it can be concluded that ethosomes are the competent and efficient vesicles to provide better drug transport via transdermal route.

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Spirituality is a globally acknowledged concept. It involves belief and obedience to an all powerful force or “God,” who controls the universe and the destiny of man. It involves the ways in which people fulfill what they hold to be the purpose of their lives, a search for the meaning of life and a sense of connectivity to the universe. Can this be better utilized for appreciation of and better management of chronic illnesses? Mahakumbh is a holy Hindu festival, which brings together up to 50 million devotees, every 12 years. The 2-month-long ritual of prayer and fasting occurs at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, at Allahabad in Northern India. This mammoth festival exposes vulnerability to the diabetic devotees who visit it, while providing opportunity to manage the condition as well. This article discusses both vulnerability and opportunity related to diabetes at the Kumbh Mela.