The 100 most-cited articles in Cureus, 2022

As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, the world is facing a major public health concern. Obesity is a complex disease associated with an increase in several inflammatory markers, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation. Of multifactorial etiology, it is often used as a measurement of morbidity and mortality. There remains much unknown regarding the association between obesity and inflammation. This review seeks to compile scientific literature on obesity and its associated inflammatory markers in chronic disease and further discusses the role of adipose tissue, macrophages, B-cells, T-cells, fatty acids, amino acids, adipokines, and hormones in obesity. Data were obtained using PubMed and Google Scholar. Obesity, inflammation, immune cells, hormones, fatty acids, and others were search words used to acquire relevant articles. Studies suggest brown adipose tissue is negatively associated with body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. Researchers also found the adipose tissue of lean individuals predominantly secretes anti-inflammatory markers, while in obese…

As the fear of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic subsides, countries around the globe are now dealing with a fear of the epidemic surrounding the prevalence of monkeypox cases in various regions. Previously endemic to regions of Africa, the majority of monkeypox cases associated with the 2022 outbreak are being noted in countries around Europe and in the western hemisphere. While contact-tracing projects are being conducted by various organizations, it is unknown how this outbreak began. Monkeypox virus is one of the many zoonotic viruses that belong to the Orthopoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family. Monkeypox cases received global attention during the 1970s, after the global eradication of smallpox. The smallpox vaccine provided cross-immunity to the monkeypox virus. Upon the cessation of smallpox vaccine administration, monkeypox cases became more prevalent. It was not until the 2003 US outbreak that monkeypox truly gained global attention. Despite the virus being named monkeypox, monkeys are not the origin of the virus. Several rodents and small mammals have been…

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with multisystem involvement. It is multifactorial and involves epigenetic, genetic, ecological, and environmental factors. Primarily it leads to activation of both innate and adaptive immunity, which consequently leads to autoreactive B cell activation by T cells and leads to immune complexes deposition in tissues leading to an autoimmune cascade that may be limited to the single organ or can cause a widespread systemic involvement. SLE is heterogeneous in presentation, with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from clinically mild self-resolving symptoms to severe life-threatening organ involvement. Clinical and serological heterogeneity are critical features in SLE, posing a significant challenge in its diagnosis. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are the telltale serological marker in more than 95% of SLE patients. The improved set of European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) classification enabled accurate diagnosis of SLE. The treatment focuses on remission, preventing organ damage,…

Body mass index (BMI), a measurement based on a person's height and weight, allows the classification of individuals into categories such as obese or overweight. With these classifications, we can assess risk for hypertension, diabetes, cancer, hypercholesterolemia, and other chronic diseases. Furthermore, childhood BMI serves as a prediction method for health and disease later in life. Along with BMI, researchers also study waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in correlation with the above-mentioned chronic illnesses. This brief review explores the associations between body mass index, waist circumference, and the waist-hip ratio as measurements and their capability as predictors for persistent conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has remarkably increased its presence and significance in a wide range of sectors, including dentistry. It can mimic the intelligence of humans to undertake complex predictions and decision-making in the healthcare sector, particularly in endodontics. The models of AI, such as convolutional neural networks and/or artificial neural networks, have shown a variety of applications in endodontics, including studying the anatomy of the root canal system, forecasting the viability of stem cells of the dental pulp, measuring working lengths, pinpointing root fractures and periapical lesions and forecasting the success of retreatment procedures. Future applications of this technology were considered in relation to scheduling, patient care, drug-drug interactions, prognostic diagnosis, and robotic endodontic surgery. In endodontics, in terms of disease detection, evaluation, and prediction, AI has demonstrated accuracy and precision. AI can aid in the advancement of endodontic diagnosis and therapy, which can enhance endodontic treatment results. However, before…

Methotrexate (MTX) is significantly more effective than and has a considerable advantage over placebo in patients with severe and persistent rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The drug is used to treat a variety of malignant disorders (leukemia and cancer of the lung, breast, and uterus) and ectopic pregnancy. As its side effects are outweighed by its effectiveness, MTX is a first-line antirheumatic drug in many countries. MTX is found in extracellular compartments, such as the synovium, as well as other organs, such as the kidney and liver. To improve treatment, increase adherence, and decrease mortality in MTX therapy, it is essential to reduce its toxicity and understand its side effects. Therefore, this comprehensive review was conducted to assist physicians and researchers in better understanding the toxicity of MTX and how to deal with this toxicity. MTX is eliminated via the kidneys, which are capable of excretion and reabsorption within the renal tubules. Although higher doses of MTX (known as high-dose MTX (HD-MTX), defined as doses of 500 mg/m2 or greater) are often more…

Dependency on digital devices resulting in an ever-increasing daily screen time has subsequently also been the cause of several adverse effects on physical and mental or psychological health. Constant exposure to devices like smartphones, personal computers, and television can severely affect mental health- increase stress and anxiety, for example, and cause various sleep issues in both children as well as adults. Risk factors for obesity and cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension, poor regulation of stress, low HDL cholesterol, and insulin resistance are among the physical health repercussions we see. The psychological health effects comprise suicidal tendencies and symptoms of depression which are associated with digital device dependency, screen-time-induced poor sleep quality, and content-influenced negativity. Oftentimes it can cause the induction of a state of hyper-arousal, increase stress hormones, desynchronize the body clock or the circadian cycle, alter brain chemistry and create a drag on mental energy and development. With a focus on brain development in…

Omega is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) that has an essential impact on cognitive performance at all stages of life. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are essential for brain functions. DHA, the dominant omega-3 in the brain, impacts neurotransmitters and functions of the brain. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of omega-3 on brain functions. We searched for articles from 2010 to 2022 in PubMed, electronic databases: discover, academic search complete (EBSCO), and Cochrane. To increase search efficiency, search terms include database-specific indexed phrases and keywords. Search terms included "omega three," "DHA," "fish oil," "eicosapentaenoic acid," "EPA," "docosahexaenoic acid," "omega-3," "cognition," "brain," "mental health," and "PUFAs". We conducted a review of only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that were published in English. We evaluated the quality of the studies using the Cochrane Collaboration bias assessment tool. Our search strategy yielded 174 articles, out of which 33 full-text articles…

Patients are generally keen to understand and obtain more information about their medical conditions. There exists a need to develop updated and thorough yet concise patient education handouts and to encourage healthcare providers (HCPs) to use uniform patient education methods. A thorough review of literature on patient education material was performed prior to starting the study. A comparison with different resources regarding the appropriateness of patient education was done. Educating HCPs to effectively use patient educational materials incorporated into the electronic health record system, including electronic methods, such as the use of a patient portal, to help educate patients. Strategies were formulated to reduce the amount of processing and attending time required for fetching appropriate materials and lead to fast, efficient, and effective patient education. To improve the physical and psychosocial wellbeing of a patient, personalized patient education handouts, in addition to verbal education by the HCPs, augment the betterment of patient care via shared decision making…

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder resulting in hyperglycemia and microvascular and macrovascular complications in individuals globally. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly prevalent and accounts for 90% of patients. Maintaining blood glucose concentration is essential to avoid severe complications. Glycemic control is the optimal serum glucose concentration in diabetic patients. It is necessary to identify factors affecting the glycemic control of patients to prevent control and complications. We conducted this systematic review to assess the factors affecting glycemic control among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Published literature between the years 2020 to 2022 was retrieved from PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar using different combinations of keywords: T2DM, Glycemic control, Poor, Good, Adequate, Inadequate, Factors, Association, and Determinants. All original articles written in the English language with full-text available and the value of glycemic control defined were included. A total of 1866 studies were retrieved. After the title,…

Hyperglycemia during stress is a common occurrence seen in patients admitted to the hospital. It is defined as a blood glucose level above 180mg/dl in patients without pre-existing diabetes. Stress-induced hyperglycemia (SIH) occurs due to an illness that leads to insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion. Such a mechanism causes elevated blood glucose and produces a complex state to manage with external insulin. This article compiles various studies to explain the development and consequences of SIH in the critically ill that ultimately lead to an increase in mortality while also discussing the dire impact of SIH on certain acute illnesses like myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. It also evaluates multiple studies to understand the management of SIH with insulin and proper nutritional therapy in the hospitalized patients admitted to the Intensive care unit (ICU) alongside the non-critical care unit. While emphasizing the diverse effects of improper control of SIH in the hospital, this article elucidates and discusses the importance of formulating a discharge plan…

Infertility is a problem of great significance among millions of couples. In our society, to have a child means living a fulfilled life. Thus, couples who cannot do so feel barren and incomplete. Therefore, infertility is more than just a medical problem. It affects all aspects of life, the most important being mental health. For many years, a person's mental health has been overlooked, but in the past few years, it has gained importance that mental health is as significant as physical health, which has also been stated in the WHO definition of health. This article discusses the mental toll that infertility takes on a person's life. A person may experience a myriad of psychological problems, of which stress for extended periods is one. Furthermore, it may cause feelings of guilt, emptiness, anxiety, and depression. The article mainly focuses on the need for counseling for couples dealing with infertility and under treatment because of the long waiting periods accompanying it. Although both men and women can contribute to infertility in India, women are exclusively held responsible,…

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a widespread mental health problem and one of the prime causes of maternal suffering and ill health. On a global level, the prevalence of the disorder is about 10 to 15%. Symptoms generally appear within the first four to six weeks, which is the high-risk period. However, it may develop up to one year post-delivery. PPD presents with symptoms of classical depression, including mood fluctuations, bouts of crying, lack of interest in the child, and even thoughts of suicide. PPD not only has adverse effects on the mother's health but also hampers the growth and development of the child. It hampers the formation of a healthy mother-child bond, which in turn may impact feeding practices. The social environment of the infant during the first few months is primarily provided by the mother, and PPD may thus impact the child's development. It also increases the child's susceptibility to malnutrition. Research on postpartum depression has garnered momentum within the last few years. However, the masses are still largely unaware of the disorder and its…

Various studies have been done on subjects such as parenting, parent-child relationships, parenting style, effortful parenting, the concept of parenting, the cognitive development of children, and the cognition of parents. This research is mainly based on parenting practice, child development, and maturation. Children's cognitive development starts in the first year of life and then progresses gradually. Children require positive parenting in painful and different situations. Parenting gives a child the confidence to face crucial, challenging problems. Sensitive parenting and caregiving are required for the child's maturity and cognitive development. Media has been observed to be essential in improving parenting practices. Children exhibit internalizing and externalizing symptoms as a result of harsh, aggressive, and intrusive parenting. According to the data, it is seen that the risk of depression increases in adolescence. The main reason for the rise in depression in children is the non-cooperation and support of mothers and fathers. The risk of depression decreases in children…

Schizophrenia is a debilitating disease that presents with both positive and negative symptoms affecting cognition and emotions. Extensive studies have analyzed the different factors that contribute to the disorder. There is evidence of significant genetic etiology involving multiple genes such as dystrobrevin binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) and neuregulin 1 (NRG1). There is no clear link between neurotransmitter changes and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia; however, studies have shown that subcortical dopamine dysfunction is the key mechanism. Specific regions of gray and white matter changes are observed in patients with schizophrenia; gray matter changes being more significant after the onset of psychosis. These pathological changes may be implicated in the impairment of executive functioning, attention, and working memory. The disease can be managed with pharmacological treatments based on individual patient profile, patient compliance, and disease severity. The challenge of disease management sometimes persists due to the side effects. A better understanding of the pathological…

The greatest global root of irremediable amaurosis in the venerable is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a complex eye condition. Clinically, AMD is characterized as being in an early stage to late stage and initially affects the macula, which is the center of the retina (advanced AMD). Age-related cellular and metabolic imbalance are made worse by the creation of excessive amounts of free radical species, which causes mitochondrial malfunction. As a result, in AMD-affected eyes, the deprivation of melanocytes, confection, and eventually atrophy within the retinal tissue are caused by the continued proliferation of oxidative stress caused by systemic antioxidant capacity depletion. In the urbanized, industrialized world, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the major causes of central vision loss in the older age group. Although several causes and mechanisms for the dysfunction and degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) have previously been identified, the condition's symptoms are still not fully understood. Etiopathogenesis is still not entirely…

Cardiovascular disease has become a growing global and public health concern among non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The purpose of the study was to focus on the increasing prevalence of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), irrespective of age and gender, and its effect on public health worldwide. A literature search was done in the electronic database: Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the World Health Organization (WHO) website, based on recent research and the prevalence of the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, a manual search for published work has also been done. The coronary heart disease studies were not restricted during the search by sample size because of the limited number of studies in selected countries. The study reviews the potential risk factors responsible for coronary heart disease globally. Smoking was highly prevalent among the United States and Pakistani populations, but hypertension and diabetes were more common in Tanzania and the United Kingdom. However, dyslipidaemia and obesity were common in almost all the…

Art therapy is used most commonly to treat mental illnesses and can aid in controlling manifestations correlated with psychosocially challenging behaviours, slowing cognitive decline, and enhancing the quality of life. Art therapy can help people express themselves more freely, improve their mental health, and improve interpersonal relationships. The basis of art therapy is established on the idea that people can recover and feel better via artistic expression. This review examines the current research on how active participation in the arts might improve mental health. A detailed literature search was carried out utilizing essential databases such as PubMed, the WHO's mental health database, and Google and Google Scholar. This review study looks into research done on art therapy and its potential advantages for adult mental health rehabilitation. It focuses on visual art therapy since it's a key to reducing variation within the "creative arts" and defines the peculiar elements and effectiveness of art therapy used by mental health services. It was found that the use of art therapy…

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) has grown significantly in the past decade. Health information databases contain sensitive patient information, including their names and addresses, tests, diagnoses, treatment, and medical history. This information should be secured and protected from manipulation and fraudulent use by third parties. EHRs are expected to increase efficiency in healthcare delivery, improve healthcare quality, and relieve increased financial pressure. Despite these expected benefits, EHRs are potentially vulnerable to security concerns that may affect the confidentiality and privacy of patients' personal information. This paper presents a literature review of EHRs, factors that support the security and safety of health records, potential security breaches, and solutions to inherent security concerns. The study collects data through a systematic review of past studies that have addressed the topic of EHRs and security issues, and other relevant publications on EHR systems, and procedures that help safeguard health records databases. A total of 30 sources are…

Maternal nutrition needs to be addressed during pregnancy for the child's first 1,000 days of life, or roughly between conception and a child's second birthday. The infant requires just breast milk for the first six months of life. The production of breastmilk and its nutritional value is essentially unaffected by maternal privation. The child's health suffers when the mother's diet and health are impaired. This review aims to discuss the importance of pregnant women's nutrition and how it impacts the development and expansion of a child during this critical period of development, which is supported by the most recent literature. Throughout the child's growth in the mother's womb and outside, four distinct stages have been identified: (1) nine months to zero months: pregnancy; (2) zero to six months: breastfeeding; (3) six to 12 months: introduction of solid food; and (4) >12 months: transition to family diet, appreciation of nutritious food offered within each period for the child's development. Moreover, there is a strong link between nutrition, well-being, and learning. The…

Certain bacteria, known as probiotics, have had a vastly beneficial effect on people's health; considering their benefits they have been mixed with a wide variety of foods for several decades now. The ability of probiotics to modify the immunological response of the host, antagonize pathogenic microbes, or compete for adhesion sites with pathogenic microorganisms is related to the action of probiotics against microorganisms. Infections of the digestive tract, irritable bowel, lactose intolerance, allergies, infections of the urogenital tract, cystic fibrosis, and various cancers can all be prevented and treated with the use of probiotics. They can reduce the side effects of various antibodies. In the field of oral health, dental caries, periodontal disease, and bad breath can be prevented and treated with the use of probiotics. The findings of several of these clinical studies indicate that probiotics may be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of various diseases and health issues. Validation of a significant number of these clinical investigations is necessary before the…

It has long been established that stress has a significant impact on metabolic function. Type 2 diabetes may be initiated by psychological and physical stress. The central and peripheral nervous systems are both involved in the neuroendocrine framework that underlies the underlying processes. The release of catecholamines and a rise in serum glucocorticoid concentrations caused by psychological stress enhance the requirement for insulin and insulin resistance. Experiencing persistent hyperglycemia in people with diabetes may be influenced by stress. Blood sugar levels may rise due to hormones being released in response to stress. Although this has adaptive significance in a healthy patient, in the long run, it can cause insulin resistance and lead to diabetes. Additionally, diabetes may cause abnormalities in the regulation of these stress hormones.

Meniscus tears are a common orthopedic pathology and planning a single, effective treatment is challenging. The diagnosis of meniscal tears requires detailed history-taking, physical examinations, special diagnostic tests, and most likely magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the lesion. A good understanding of the meniscal structure including vascularity, zones, function, and affected movements with associated symptoms plays a crucial role in establishing an optimal management plan. A careful assessment of the patient's characteristics, comorbidities, post-repair rehabilitation, and patient's overall function and satisfaction are also important for ideal management. While conservative management is commonly implemented and the only option for certain patients, partial meniscectomy remains to be the most performed treatment procedure. However, partial meniscectomy is no longer the first-line therapy due to the limitation of certain patient characteristics and side effects in the long run. Instead, meniscal repair has been shown to have better long-term outcomes and is…

In human beings, the development of a child involves biological, emotional, and psychological changes that happen between birth and the conclusion of adolescence. Childhood is divided into three stages: early childhood, middle childhood, and late childhood (preadolescence). Early childhood is typically from infancy to six years of age. The methods for maintaining health and dealing with already-existing sicknesses and the social and economic settings in which children are born, grow up, live, and eventually work are referred to as the social determinants of health. Despite advances in health, child malnutrition remains a problem salutariness (severe) issue with massive human and economic resource implications. There is currently a growing corpus of research on how early development influences a child's success later in life. From conception to two years of age, the first 1,000 days of life are becoming more well-recognized as important for the development of brain circuits that lead to linguistic, cognitive, and socio-emotional abilities, all of which are predictors of later-life…

genus. It is known to affect the neurological, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. The past few decades have seen endemic outbreaks of this viral infection due to the eradication of smallpox and subsequent laxity in vaccination efforts. Since it was initially diagnosed in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has spread to many countries worldwide, including the United States of America, becoming a disease of significant epidemiological importance. The most recent outbreak occurred in 2022. Although this viral disease is considered self-limiting, it poses serious public health concerns due to its complications and pandemic potential. This review will introduce a general overview of MPXV and describe the epidemiology, clinical features, evaluation, and treatment of monkeypox patients. It will also provide a means to raise awareness among primary and secondary healthcare providers. Furthermore, our review focuses on the most up-to-date clinical information for the effective management, prevention, and counselling of monkeypox patients worldwide.

Non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancer are very common causes of death worldwide. Therefore, the need to search for novel, affordable, and easily accessible biomarkers and risk factors for non-communicable diseases continues, which can predict the future risk of having these diseases with greater accuracy and precision. In this context, among available biomarkers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) is considered to be the best-suited marker. Various drug intervention trials demonstrated positive results in reducing Hs-CRP in individuals with raised levels. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacologic interventions in the form of lifestyle modifications, exercise, and cessation of smoking are being investigated to study their effect on reducing serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. This review article discusses the role of Hs-CRP and its isoforms in the pathogenesis of various disease conditions, factors affecting its serum concentration, its prognostic value, and its comparison with other risk…

Adolescent pregnancy is the pregnancy of girls aged 10-19 years, leading to many maternal and neonatal adverse effects. These pregnancies have been a global concern for many decades and yet are still prevailing. This article has reviewed the significant determinants of adolescent pregnancy and various maternal adverse effects, including preeclampsia, preterm premature rupture of the membrane (PPROM), maternal anemia, sexually transmitted diseases, postpartum depression, and maternal deaths, and adverse neonatal outcomes, including low birth weight (LBW), prematurity, stillbirths, early neonatal demise, and low Apgar score. Various pathophysiologic events that lead to such adverse consequences have been briefly discussed in the article and how such occurrences can be overcome. This article has also emphasized the need to implement various modalities such as sex education, availability of contraceptives, and bringing community-level awareness to lower the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that causes persistent joint pain and stiffness of mainly the large peripheral weight-bearing joints. It is a leading cause of functional disability and poor quality of life. Various modalities of therapy are recommended by different research organizations at different stages of OA including non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and surgical interventions. Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely used for over three decades in the treatment of OA. However controversies exist regarding its safety and efficacy, the number of injections and courses, type of preparation, duration of its effects, and combining it with other drugs or molecules. This study aimed to review the most recent data available in the published literature to address these. Electronic databases like Medline, Embase, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched for articles using keywords, intraarticular injections, hyaluronic acid, and osteoarthritis knee. The review was carried out as per PRISMA guidelines. Thirty-eight randomized control trials…

Stein-Leventhal syndrome, often known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a syndrome that affects women's reproductive health. PCOS is one of the most common endocrine and metabolic disorders in women of reproductive age. The etiology of PCOS remains unknown mainly, and the estimation of PCOS burden in a specific geographical location will impact disease control strategies. Hence, this study estimated the pooled prevalence of PCOS in Indian women. Databases such as PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched. Only those published Indian studies that reported the prevalence of PCOS from 2010 to 2021 and had at least one of the following diagnostic PCOS criteria were included in the systematic review: the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rotterdam's criteria, or/and Androgen Excess Society (AES). MetaXL version 5.3 software was used for data analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using modified Joanna Briggs Institute criteria for cross-sectional studies. Out of 17132 articles, 11 articles were selected for systematic review and meta-analysis. The…

Many females have psychological well-being issues during pregnancy or after giving birth. It can happen to anybody. Depression and anxiety are the most widely recognized psychological well-being issues during pregnancy. These affect a significant number of pregnant females. Especially helpless are those females with histories of mental ailment who stop psychotropic drugs during pregnancy. Mental health issues can also be associated with abortions, broken homes, problems between the couple, unhealthy work-life balance, undue stress, physiological disorders, and other associated comorbidities. Pregnancy is traditionally considered a good time with good feelings, but it is not so. Until a few years ago, the only importance given to mental health was after childbirth (preference was given to disorders such as postpartum depression {PPD}). Nowadays, mental health is given its due attention right from conception, to antenatal care, to labor, to the postpartum period. Patients are educated on the importance of mental health and its short-term and long-term effects on the mother and the…

Bladder cancer is any tumor that originates in the urinary bladder. It is the most prevalent tumor of the urinary system, with urothelial carcinoma being the most prevalent histologic subtype. It impacts both men and women. The development of bladder cancer was influenced by several risk factors, including advanced age, male sex, cigarette smoking, and occupational and environmental toxin exposure. Bladder tumors may manifest as gross or microscopic hematuria, which is assessed using cystoscopy, urine analysis, and other specialized tests. Due to the large number of cases related to environmental causes, bladder cancer is an appropriate target for public health preventative interventions. Cessation of smoking, adequate occupational safety procedures, diet, weight loss, and schistosomiasis prevention may mitigate the rising global incidence.

Background and objective Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that usually arises after 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is considered a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. High blood pressure and high proteinuria are the two main characteristics of preeclamptic patients. Preeclampsia leads to either severe or mild conditions, but in both cases, it affects the organs of the mother and fetus. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of preeclampsia and associated risk factors (family history, age, hypertension, and diabetes) and to investigate its fetal and maternal outcomes. Methodology This prospective study was conducted at three healthcare units in the Multan district and involved patients with gestational hypertension. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of blood pressure values, urine tests, and through Doppler ultrasound. Further investigations were conducted, including a complete hemogram and a 24-hour test for proteinuria. Results for preeclampsia-related maternal and perinatal outcomes were documented and statistical analysis was performed to…

Self-medication refers to the consumption of drugs such as antibiotics by individuals based on their own experience and knowledge, without consulting a doctor either for diagnosis or prescription. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is the primary source of antibiotic resistance (AR) development in microorganisms. As a result, some specific types of microorganisms that are naturally resistant to antibiotics have become considerably more common. Self-medication poses a danger to the advantages of antibiotics since it results in financial burdens on low and middle-income countries (LMICs), management failures, the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacterial serotypes, and a higher risk of contamination of the general population by such tensions. Antibiotic misuse puts patients at risk for adverse drug reactions, false symptom relief, and the rise of drug-resistant microorganisms. It carries many health risks, chiefly in LMICs. These risks are linked to various factors, including a shortage of medical experts, low-level healthcare facilities, unregulated medication delivery, and…

As the world is embracing technology, dental technology is merging with artificial intelligence. Dentists are striving to perfect the art of placing dental implants. Implants for the rehabilitation and retention of dental and facial prostheses have graduated from a phase of wishful thinking to one of the most gratifying experiences for patients and treating fraternity alike. Implants and restorations supported by implants have a good long-term survival percentage. Complications and implant failure, which can still happen, are seen by many clinicians as significant barriers to implant treatment. Implant therapy still involves a biological healing and integration process despite recent advancements. These biological processes are complex and may be hampered by local or systemic factors, which could result in problems and implant failure. For the implant surgeon and dental professional, it is crucial to manage patients who have certain risk factors and be able to address potential complications and failure. The aim of this article is to discuss frequent complications of implant failure…

Objectives The study aims to scale patients with diabetic foot ulcers according to Wagner's classification, measure the various risk factors, study various outcomes and improve the treatment measures. Methodology The article presents materials on a prospective observational study of 50 diabetic foot patients with different presentations who underwent stage-specific intervention. Results Poor glycemic control, lifestyle factors, and smoking showed increased risks for foot ulcer complications. Diabetic neuropathy and vasculopathy have been significant outcome predictors. As a result, advanced Wagner's grades showed increased amputation risks and multimodal management. Conclusions Stratification of diabetic foot patients and appropriate management based on their Wagner's grade helps reduce amputation rates and mortality. In addition, multimodal management and exceptional attention to diabetes and lifestyle control improve long-term outcomes.

There is no escaping Internet's favorite buzzword for 2022: The Metaverse. Everyone is talking about it, but only a few know what it is or how it works. One can look at the Metaverse as a 3D model of the Internet where it is possible to spend your reality parallel to the virtual world. In broad terms, Metaverse can be explained as a virtual space, graphically rich, leaning towards verisimilitude where people can do all sorts of things they do in real-life such as shop, play, socialize, and party. The pandemic has accelerated innovations in the digital age. Looking beyond revolutions in telehealth, payments, remote monitoring, and secure data-sharing are other essential innovations in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain technology. The Metaverse is still in its nascent stage and evolving continuously, having a huge potential in health care to combine the technologies of AI, AR/VR, web 3.0, Internet of medical devices, and quantum computing, along with robotics to give a new direction to healthcare systems. From…

Xylazine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist typically used as a sedative and analgesic in veterinary medicine, is being illicitly supplied to persons who inject drugs (PWID), especially in Puerto Rico and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the USA. There is a high prevalence (up to 78%) of xylazine in fentanyl in these areas and also a steep increase in fatalities from its overdose. In this case report, we discuss a case of xylazine-induced skin ulcers in a PWID in the city of Philadelphia. The patient is a 37-year-old female who was injecting about eight to ten "bags" of "dope" (fentanyl, which is typically mixed with xylazine in Philadelphia) every day. She typically injected into her veins on the hands and sometimes into the legs. She presented with ulcers on her lower extremities extending from the knees to ankles, associated with copious purulent drainage and a foul smell. There was extensive necrosis of the subcutaneous tissues, abscesses, and tibial osteomyelitis. This led to multiple hospitalizations with bacteremia from Strep pyogenes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus…

Ameloblastoma is one of the most common benign odontogenic tumors of the jaw that constitutes about 10% of all tumors that arise in the mandible and maxilla. It is a slow-growing but locally invasive tumor that presents with painless swelling of the mandible or maxilla. The World Health Organization (WHO) classification of 2017 describes ameloblastomas of the following four types: ameloblastoma; unicystic ameloblastoma; extraosseous/peripheral ameloblastoma; and metastasizing ameloblastoma. The diagnosis of ameloblastoma requires computerized tomography (CT) imaging as well as a biopsy. A biopsy is helpful in differentiating ameloblastoma from ossifying fibroma, osteomyelitis, giant cell tumor, cystic fibrous dysplasia, myeloma, and sarcoma. The best treatment of ameloblastoma is aggressive en bloc resection with simultaneous reconstruction. The high recurrence rate and large tissue defects have been long-standing issues in the treatment of ameloblastoma. Recent molecular developments strongly suggest the possibility of targeted therapy with better outcomes in ameloblastomas. We…

In carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the median nerve is compressed at the level of the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This entrapment manifests as unpleasant symptoms, such as burning, tingling, or numbness in the palm that extends to the fingers. As the disease progresses, afflicted individuals also report decreased grip strength accompanied by hand weakness and restricted movement. The first half of this review elaborates on CTS pathology by providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the etiology, relevant anatomy, and disease mechanism. CTS is considered the most common entrapment neuropathy, affecting around 3-6% of the adult population. Further, CTS prevalence has seen a dramatic increase in the last few decades paralleling the growth of everyday technology usage. Despite how common it is to have CTS, it can be quite challenging for physicians to make a definite diagnosis due to differentials that present with overlapping symptoms. Even more difficult can be deciding on a course of treatment that is the most effective and considerate of patient needs. Thus arises the…

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the readily recognised endocrine gland illnesses in women, with an incidence range from 2.2% to 26% in India. Patients experiencing PCOS experience issues involving irregular menstrual periods, hirsutism, acne, being overweight, and impotence. Long-term, low-grade inflammation has emerged as a crucial factor leading to PCOS. A rise in glucose levels may stimulate oxidative stress and a troubling reaction from mononuclear cells (MNC) of females with PCOS, which normally do not rely on fat. This is required because MNC-derived macrophages are the major source of cytokine synthesis in big adipose tissue and similarly encourage adipocyte cytokine production. In summary, data reveal the substantial risks of insulin resistance in obese people who are suffering from PCOS. The findings of this specific lesson indicated that individuals with the conventional PCOS phenotype had obesity and higher insulin levels and insulin resistance, neglecting the absence of BMI differences from other phenotypes. These data show that insulin resistance is the…

Chronic pain is ongoing pain that has persisted beyond standard tissue healing time along with comorbidities such as depression. This article discusses studies that have shown the prevalence of chronic pain and chronic pain-induced depression and explained methods of prevention for these conditions. The molecular mechanisms such as monoamine neurotransmitters, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammatory factors, and glutamate that are similar in chronic pain and depression have also been discussed. This article reviews the methods of management that utilize the identification of these molecular mechanisms to treat this condition further. It also emphasizes the importance of the awareness of chronic pain-induced depression for the upcoming advances in the subject of mental health.

Herbal supplements are common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches with an ever-increasing use trend in the last two decades among the US population. Self-medication with herbal supplements which are promoted for general well-being, weight loss, immunity, and memory boost, and mental and physical health claims are very prevalent. There is a misperception that herbal supplements are harmless as they are prepared from natural sources. Unlike conventional drugs, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements for premarketing purity and potency. Hence, there is a growing concern for health risks due to misbranded toxic ingredients, contaminants, adulterants, and herb-drug interactions (HDI) with co-administered drugs. The spectrum of pharmacological and toxicological effects of herbal supplements includes deranged lab results, allergic reactions, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, organ damage, and even fatality contributing to sizable emergency visits and hospitalizations in the US. The use of herbal supplements should be…

There has been an established relationship between hypothyroidism and depression. Studies have demonstrated that somatostatin and serotonin influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, which links hypothyroidism to depression. Multiple studies concluded that undiagnosed, untreated, undertreated patients with hypothyroidism are at increased risk of developing depression. Autoimmune thyroiditis is also associated with an increased risk of depression. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), antithyroglobulin (TgAb), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) levels have all been linked to depression and an increased risk of suicide. Moreover, hypothyroidism is known to be one of the leading causes of treatment-resistant depression. Treating underlying hypothyroidism with thyroid replacement therapy could significantly improve mood disorders such as depression. Levothyroxine therapy is also used as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants in the management of depression, and it is known to improve the symptoms of depression rapidly when compared to antidepressants alone. This…

Social media allows for easy access and sharing of information in real-time. Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, social media has been used as a tool for public health officials to spread valuable information. However, many Internet users have also used it to spread misinformation, commonly referred to as "fake news." The spread of misinformation can lead to detrimental effects on the infrastructure of healthcare and society. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify the sources and impact of COVID-19 misinformation on social media and examine potential strategies for limiting the spread of misinformation. A systemized search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science electronic databases using search terms relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic, social media, misinformation, or disinformation was conducted. Identified titles and abstracts were screened to select original reports and cross-checked for duplications. Using both inclusion and exclusion criteria, results from the initial literature search were screened by independent reviewers. After…

Background Postoperative complications, which are undesirable consequences of surgery, need to be minimized to ensure the quality of surgical care. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence and identify the risk factors for postoperative complications which may help in planning appropriate preventive measures. Methodology A prospective observational study was conducted in the general surgery department of a tertiary care hospital in a metropolitan city in India. Patients undergoing elective or emergency surgery were included. Patients transferred postoperatively from other hospitals and those undergoing day-care operations or endoscopic procedures were excluded. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, surgical risk as per American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, scheduling of surgery (emergency, semi-emergency, or elective), approach (open or laparoscopic), intraoperative complications, operative blood loss, the extent of surgery (superficial or deep cavity), indication (diagnostic, therapeutic, or palliative), duration of surgery, wound class (clean,…

Adolescents now cannot imagine their lives without social media. Practitioners want to be able to assess risk, and social media may be a new factor to take into account. The impression of the link between social networks and intellectual health holds a strong emphasis on adolescent and professional perspectives, although there is little research that underlies these beliefs. Sexting, privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and negative impacts on education and mental health are dangers connected with social media use in this population. However, ethical social media use can increase opportunities for connection and communication, boosting one's self-esteem, promoting one's health, and getting access to crucial medical information. Despite rising evidence of the harmful impacts of social media on adolescent mental health, there is still a paucity of empirical research on how teenagers understand social media, notably as a body of wisdom, or how they can use the larger modern media discourses to voice an opinion. The youth use smartphones and other media in high numbers, which leads to…

In this systematic review, we compare the quality and accuracy of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques currently employed in dentistry with those of traditional materials. Published literature on the study topic was searched in the online MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane library databases and the database of Indian Council of Medical Research. For this systematic review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was applied for the assessment of studies fit for investigation. Of the total 103 papers searched, 54 underwent in-depth evaluation. Using criteria for what to include and what to leave out, we chose research that was relevant to our review and narrowed it down to 14 papers that met the review's guidelines. According to our findings and the analysis of the chosen articles, the prospects and current advances of CAD/CAM technology are fascinating and are revolutionizing the field of dentistry. Even though researchers are excited, it is important to make sure that different materials…

One of the most prevalent health-related illnesses globally is catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). CAUTIs account for almost half of all hospital-acquired diseases. Most of the healthcare-acquired urinary tract infections result from catheter tubes implantation. These tubes connect a collecting system and the urinary bladder via the urethra. These are known as indwelling urinary catheters. The length of catheterization has a key role in starting bacteriuria since biofilm eventually forms on all of these devices. Despite the low percentage of people with bacteriuria who start showing symptoms, there is nevertheless a significant burden associated with these contamination due to the repeated use of indwelling urinary devices. Minimizing indwelling device usage and stopping the catheter as soon as medically possible are the two most crucial preventative measures for bacteriuria and infection when device use is required. Efforts to avoid catheter-acquired urinary infections must be implemented and monitored by infection control guidelines in healthcare institutions.…

Many studies have been conducted to identify the causative organisms in colorectal cancer (CRC) and compare the microbiota of healthy individuals and those with CRC. The pathways by which the microbiota promotes CRC development are not yet fully understood. The hypothesized mechanisms include damage to the DNA, production of carcinogenic metabolites, and promotion of chronic inflammation. In a state of dysbiosis, the gut loses protective bacteria and is enriched with pathogenic and cancer-promoting bacteria, which promotes functions associated with cancer such as angiogenesis, loss of apoptosis, and cell proliferation. We have established a strong link between microbiota dysbiosis and certain species of bacteria and even viruses involved in tumorigenesis. In this review, we look at some of the major identified species and how they are related to CRC. Future research should include and even focus on mycobiome and virome on CRC development. Due to the diversity of the gut microbiome, there is a high possibility that the gain and loss of bacteria and their metabolic functions lead to…

Introduction Rapid advancements are being made in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support digital healthcare transformation and provide evidence-based care. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the knowledge of basic principles, limitations, and applications of AI in healthcare among medical students and doctors of a developing country. Methods Two free webinars were hosted for doctors and medical students in northern India (Punjab state) to create awareness about the role of AI in healthcare and the recent advancements made in various medical specialties. The delegates' perceptions about their knowledge and interest in AI were ascertained using the Likert scale (1 = low, 5 = high) in the post-event questionnaire. Using Chi-square and cross-tabulation analysis, associations were examined between knowledge of AI, gender, medical experience, and other variables. Results Out of the total of 621 registrants, 367 filled the post-event questionnaire and were included in the analysis. Although the majority felt that AI will play an important role in delivering…

The nasal septum is an osteocartilaginous wall that divides the nose into two nasal cavities. Asymptomatic minor deviation of the septum is considered a normal developmental variation found in the majority of the population. The reported global prevalence rates had great variation due to the extent of deviation considered in the reporting studies. Previous classification systems have been proposed to classify the nasal septal deviation according to the characteristics of the nasal septum seen horizontally and vertically. For some patients, the degree of the deviation may affect the nasal airflow causing obstruction or impairing the olfactory function. Headache, rhinosinusitis, high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, and breathing sounds are also among the clinical presentations of nasal septal deviation. Clinical assessment is sufficient to make the diagnosis while imaging techniques are required for decision-making. Radiological imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) are used to classify and assess the severity of the deviated septum. Surgical correction is the…

In general surgery, the use of robotic and laparoscopic methods has increased. Robotic surgery that requires the least incision has advanced over the years in a short period of time, benefitting both the patient and the surgeon. According to this, robotic platforms and tools are now being used and improved more commonly in general surgery. In a quickly growing and dynamic environment of research and development, the goal of this review is to explore the present and emerging surgical robotic technologies. Future progress in robotics will focus primarily on more durable haptic systems that would provide tactile and kinesthetic input, miniaturisation and micro-robotics, better visual feedback with higher fidelity detail and magnification, and autonomous robots. It is recommended to develop a structured training course with benchmarks for success and evidence-based training strategies. This usually includes a step-by-step progression starting with observation, case aid in programming and manipulation of surgical instruments, learning the basics of robotics in a dry and wet lab setting,…

Introduction Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of infertility among women throughout the world. PCOS is an endocrine abnormality that presents as hyperandrogenemia, anovulation, and/or polycystic ovaries. The exact causes of PCOS are not entirely understood. However, PCOS may be hereditary and associated with abnormalities such as high body mass index (BMI) and obesity, among others. This study is carried out to assess the prevalence and awareness among adolescents and young girls belonging to South India. Methods This was a prospective study that included 250 adolescent and young girls aged between 13 and 25 years. Demographic details including age, educational status, and family income were collected from all the participants after obtaining informed consent. BMI was measured in all the participants. A pre-test was conducted to assess the level of awareness followed by a 30-minute informative briefing on PCOS. All participants were asked to fill up a post-briefing questionnaire. The data collected were processed using statistical software SPSS 11.0, and the…

Surgeons often focus on weight loss and improvement of obesity-related conditions as a primary outcome after bariatric surgery. However, the success of bariatric surgery also relies on the improvement of mental health status. Therefore, the current meta-analysis was carried out to reveal the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their subsequent impact on bariatric surgery outcomes. This study was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and the recommendation of Cochrane Collaboration. All clinical studies reporting the prevalence and/or the outcomes of depression after bariatric surgery were included in the current meta-analysis. This meta-analysis encompassed 33 articles, including a total of 101,223 patients. The prevalence of post-bariatric surgery depression was 15.3% (95% confidence intervals {CI}: 15.0-15.5%, p<0.001) among which severe, moderate, and minimal depression accounted for 1.9% (95% CI: 1.5-2.4%, p<0.001), 5.1% (95% CI: 4.4-5.8%, p<0.001), and 64.9% (95% CI: 63.3-66.5%, p<0.001), respectively.…

The abscopal effect is a systemic immune response mediated by the effects of radiation on the immune system. This effect has been observed in a number of cancer types in addition to lung cancer, including but not limited to renal cell carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, lymphoma, and melanoma. The combination of radiation therapy and immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) acts at several stages of the antitumor response, suggesting a mechanism of synergy between the two modalities. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of the effect of radiation and immunotherapy in the context of the abscopal effect.

Resorbable collagen has been utilized to treat wounds, close graft, and tooth extraction sites, and enhance recovery. Collagen-based membranes are also used as barriers in periodontal and implant therapy to limit epithelial migration and allow cells with the regenerative capacity to fill the problem area. This systematic review was carried out to analyze the studies focusing on collagen structure, synthesis, and its applications. A detailed and extensive search was performed with the help of the keywords "collagen structure", "collagen synthesis" and "collagen applications". There was extensive literature search in reliable and authentic databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Ovidsp, and Cochrane library to obtain papers focusing on collagen structure, synthesis, and applications. During the systematic review, data were obtained concerning the following parameters. Type of study, nature of aim of the study, size of the sample in the study, gender and age of the subjects included in the study, prevalence of skin diseases where collagen was used for treatment, dose of…

Introduction The gender disparity in orthopaedic surgery is well-established. According to our analysis, only 7.4% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons in the US are female in 2022. While there are several theories attempting to explain this gender gap, our eight years of data show that limited female representation is a self-perpetuating cycle as areas without female representation almost never improve in that regard. It appears that existing female mentorship is critical to the growth of a female orthopaedic presence in an area. In the present work, we aim to describe how gender diversity in orthopaedic surgery differs across the country, how this diversity is changing over time, and how surgeon gender diversity may be affected by the sociodemographic characteristics making up the counties where orthopaedic surgery is practiced. Methods A retrospective study was conducted using publicly available National Provider Identifier (NPI) data from 2015 to 2022. Orthopaedic surgeons and their genders were identified using the Provider Type and Gender data elements associated with an…

In Egypt, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant public health concern, and the disease is considered a modern pandemic throughout the world. The incidence of diabetes is steadily climbing, which is causing grave concern. As a result, it is essential to take into consideration the risk factors that are pervasive in Egyptian society and have led to the worsening of this problem. These risk factors include sedentary lifestyles, obesity, hepatitis C infections, pesticides, smoking, and bad cultural habits. In this review, we aim to demonstrate the possible solutions to fight diabetes mellitus and overcome its serious health and socioeconomic burdens in Egypt. A multidisciplinary, team-based approach is highly recommended in diabetes management. Primary care physicians, endocrinologists, nephrologists, and preventive cardiologists all play a crucial role in providing the highest possible level of care to diabetic patients by collaborating closely with one another. The assessment of cardiovascular risk and the prevention of life-threatening cardiovascular events, common among diabetic…

Vaccinations prevented severe clinical complications of COVID-19. It was considered a vital component of living endemically with COVID-19. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the first mRNA-based vaccination that enhances immunity. Resulting in various adverse effects that may emerge after vaccination. This systematic review was undertaken to assess the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine side effects by reviewing the previous studies. A total of 107 PubMed and Google Scholar publications were screened for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine side effects. Fourteen articles met the study inclusion criteria. The included searching terms were a combination of "Pfizer vaccine and Side effects," "BioNTech vaccine and side effects," and "BNT162b2 vaccine and side effects," as well as all synonyms. The total number of participants in the 14 studies was 10,632 participants. Average of the most frequent side effects of 14 studies were injection site pain 77.34%, fatigue 43%, muscle pain 39.67%, local swelling 33.57%, headache 33.27%, joint pain 25.75%, chills 18.34%, fever 18%, itching 9.38%, lymph nodes…

Chemical and mechanical root canal debridement are the primary methods used in endodontic therapy to remove all dead tissue, bacteria, and microbial byproducts from the canal. Sodium hypochlorite, a powerful organic tissue dissolver with a broad spectrum of antibacterial properties, is an excellent choice for disinfecting surfaces. Chelating agents, on the other hand, may be used to remove the inorganic components found on the smear layer. This irrigation method is capable of removing the smear layer; however, it is less effective in the apical third. While using irrigant activation devices, irrigating solutions need to be in direct contact with the whole root canal wall surfaces, especially in the apical portions of tiny root canals. The role of irrigants is extremely important because they help not only to clean the canal but also to allow the seepage of the medicaments into the canal system. Thus, the canal needs to be healthy before the obturation procedure. Nowadays, many irrigants have been studied and hence compilation of the various available sources and their effect has to…

Older adults are vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and efforts have been made to protect them. However, one protective mechanism, isolation of older adults, has resulted in unintended physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial consequences. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to understand the effects of COVID-19 and the new COVID-19 vaccine on older adults and the factors affecting vaccine acceptance. A review of the literature was conducted to understand the unique challenges COVID-19 creates for older adults. It was found that older adults are significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting isolation. Physical health can be improved by increasing contact with healthcare providers and opportunities for physical activity. Mental and emotional health can be improved by addressing fear and uncertainty about the pandemic. Social health interventions should be targeted at ensuring older adults have contact with loved ones both in person and in the virtual format. To ameliorate financial concerns, interventions should be targeted at…

A substantial proportion of the population of females in India falls in the perimenopausal and postmenopausal age groups. One of the complications associated with older age in women is the weakening of bones and the fall in bone mineral density (BMD). This has a severe debilitating consequence in a woman's life and leads to reduced quality of life along with a greater incidence of fractures. If the fracture involves the hip or the vertebrae, it can cause immobility and be devastating. Postmenopausal osteoporosis is linked with the deficiency of estrogen that occurs with the cessation of the function of the ovaries as age progresses. The function of estrogen in the bone remodeling process is very well understood after years of research; estrogen plays a part in both the formation of bone as well as the prevention of the resorption of bone. A diagnosis can be made by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). It is the gold standard and can spot low bone density at particular sites. The treatment options are selected according to the severity and rate of progression and factors…

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread, persistent pain that lasts more than three months without an evident organic lesion. FM has been considered controversial throughout history due to its validity as a diagnosis being constantly in question. Most patients diagnosed with FM are females. FM has been associated with multiple conditions, including irritable bowel and psychiatric disorders. Among all associated conditions, depression has been frequently found in patients with FM. Studies suggest that depression negatively affects the outcome of patients with FM. Moreover, a bidirectional relation between FM and depression has been depicted: depression increases the risk of FM being diagnosed later in life, as well as FM increases the risk of developing depression. In this article, we discussed aspects that FM and depression share and that might link both diseases, such as certain elements they seem to share in their pathophysiology: predisposing and triggering factors, central sensitization and kindling, areas of the brain implicated in both pain…

Birth order has a significant impact on perinatal and long-term outcomes. Preterm birth rates, ranging from 5% to 18%, are regrettably still high in industrialized and developing countries, making them the main contributor to infant mortality and morbidity. Infection, cervical pathology, uterine overdistension, progesterone deficiency, stress on the mother and fetus, allograft reaction, allergic phenomena, and likely more unknown factors are just a few of the causes of preterm birth syndrome. These several causes may improperly stimulate the usual pathway between the decidua and the fetal membranes, resulting in cervical ripening, membrane rupture, and uterine contractility. Some of the mechanisms underpinning these actions include receptors, chemokines, and inflammatory cytokines. For early identification, treatment, and avoidance of negative consequences, it is essential to understand the cellular and metabolic mechanisms that cause preterm labor. Clinicians and researchers are crucial to improving our knowledge of the biochemistry of preterm delivery, identifying risk factors,…

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women of reproductive age, and it is distinguished by the development of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is frequently accompanied by persistent pelvic discomfort and infertility. This investigation looks into recent findings on clinical manifestation to help doctors and improve women's health. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to review on clinical diagnosis of endometriosis. The search strategy contained the terms "endometriosis" and "clinical diagnosis." All research articles published between 1960 and 2021 were included in the search. The findings were then categorized to summarize the evidence. There was a total of 29 instances of endometriosis discovered. The patients' ages varied from 20 to 45 years old, with a median of 28.8 years and a mean of 29.4±7.7 years. Dysmenorrhea is a common disorder among adolescent girls experiencing various physical and emotional symptoms which have a detrimental influence on their quality of life. In this study, scar endometriosis was shown to be the more common variety of…

International medical graduates (IMGs) have become a vital part of the US graduate medical education (GME) and health care system (HCS) workforce; they contribute to essential diversity that relieves cultural and linguistic barriers to health care. The number of IMGs looking for medical training in the United States. has constantly been increasing in the last decades. The challenges they meet begin long before residency application, continue during their transition to residency programs, through early medical training, and eventually subside in senior years. IMGs' hurdles permeate the themes of navigating the US GME and HCS, adaptation to the US culture, communication skills, racial discrimination, emotional distress, and finances. This article aims to comprehensively review available information concerning the challenges encountered by IMGs in their transition to the US GME and HCS environments.

Cancer has been one of the major illnesses faced by people over many generations. Despite the advancements made in medicine, there are still many problems faced by humankind. Every year a large number of people are diagnosed with cervical cancer. It is the most common type of cancerous condition prevalent among females, especially females over thirty years of age. Like any other cancer, cervical cancer also occurs because of the rapid uncontrolled division of the body cells. A primary reason for its development is the longstanding infection of certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). A screening test is done to confirm the presence of the virus in the cervix. Many screening tests are available today for accurate diagnosis or confirmation of the condition being suffered from. The main goal of screening is early detection and making certain lifestyle changes to deduce the potential harm of the disease and start the treatment as soon as possible. A thorough study of the already published articles by scholars, professors, and doctors is carried out to conclude the necessity of…

Obesity is a recently defined illness whose diagnosis and treatment continue to be stigmatized. Currently, due to lifestyle changes brought on by technological advancements and the wide availability and affordability of high-calorie foods, millions of people around the world suffer from obesity and/or its sequelae. Finding adequate prevention and treatment options would therefore lead to massive improvements in the duration and quality of life of affected individuals. In this review, we searched the PubMed database for studies exploring the safety and efficacy of the five medications currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity. We included only studies pertaining to adult patients that have been published between 2012 and 2022. We found evidence that all the drugs analyzed such as orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, naltrexone/bupropion, liraglutide, and semaglutide appear to be effective in inducing weight loss, with the suggestion that semaglutide may have superior efficacy. However, a massive obstacle in developing treatment guidelines remains the lack of prolonged…

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most common endocrine disorder affecting females in today's world. Although it has been primarily studied and discussed in terms of its reproductive symptoms such as infertility, amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, acne, hirsutism, and mood disorders, there is yet another unexplored and under-diagnosed category in the PCOS spectrum of diseases: its cardio-metabolic consequences. PCOS patients are prone to these abnormalities from a very young age, increasing their morbidity and mortality rates compared to their regular counterparts. The usual pathogenesis of PCOS is a culmination of several genetic and environmental factors. Regarding its cardio-metabolic aspects, insulin resistance (IR) is said to be the single most important cause of a variety of metabolic risk factors, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), metabolic syndrome (MetS), dyslipidemia, obesity, and hypertension (HTN), whereas a few other non-traditional factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), coronary artery calcification (CAC),…

One of the most common psychological effects following childbirth is postpartum depression. Postpartum depression (PPD) has a significant negative impact on the child's emotional, mental as well as intellectual development if left untreated, which can later have long-term complications. Later in life, it also results in the mother developing obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. Many psychological risk factors are linked with PPD. The pathophysiology of the development of PPD is explained by different models like biological, psychological, integrated, and evolutionary models, which relate the result of the condition with particular conditions and factors. This article also explains the role of methyldopa as a medication used during pregnancy and the postpartum phase with the development of PPD. There are different mechanisms by which methyldopa causes depression. The large-scale screening of the condition can be done by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The diagnosis can be made by clinical assessment, simple self-report instruments, and questionnaires provided to…

There are a minimum of five distinct sub-types of ovarian cancer based on histology, each of which has distinct factors of risk, types of cells, molecular makeups, clinical characteristics, and therapeutic approaches. Ovarian cancer is detected usually at later stages, and there is no reliable screening method. Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy which use platinum-containing drugs are the standard treatments used for freshly detected cancer. Chemotherapy, drugs that are anti-angiogenic, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitors, and immunological treatments are all used to treat recurrent cancer. The most frequent type of ovarian cancer to be diagnosed is high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), which often responds well to platinum-based chemotherapy when discovered. However, HGSCs commonly relapse and develop increased treatment resistance in addition to the other histologies. As a result, ovarian cancer research is actively focused on understanding the processes causing platinum resistance and developing strategies to combat it. Serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma is an HGSC…

The objective of this review is to present and evaluate the current views on sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an otolaryngology emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. The etiology of the majority of cases is unknown. The etiology can be classified into various categories such as autoimmune diseases, infections, functional, metabolic disorders, vascular disorders, traumatic causes, due to toxins, and neurological disorders. We searched the U.S. National Library of Medicine's PubMed database using the terms "sudden S.N.H.L.," "virus and ssnhl," and "sudden deafness," as well as the keywords such as "etiology," "COVID 19, and ssnhl," "epidemiology," "clinical characteristics," "management," "therapy," and "prognosis."

Anxiety and depression have deleterious effects on health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the negative impact of emotions such as stress and anxiety on heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and heart disease. These mood states have been linked to stroke, heart failure, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems, and drug abuse. Negative emotions can affect the HR and BP through the link between the nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Our study demonstrates the positive effect of classical music on HR, BP parameters, and mood states.

The purpose of this review is to analyze factors that influence individuals' decisions to participate in clinical trials focusing on racial and ethnic disparities that exist in clinical trials. These factors are then used to develop a survey that may be used in a clinical setting to further understand specific factors affecting participation. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was carried out for publications from 2010 to 2021 using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After reviewing the data, the predominant factors that were encountered in the search were then commented upon and reviewed to create an evidence-based questionnaire. ​​​​Using the comprehensive search, factors that affect clinical trial participation were identified. These factors were then used to create a comprehensive, evidence-based questionnaire to be implemented in a clinical setting to conduct and analyze the factors impacting participation in clinical trials. ​​​​​​​Understanding the factors that primarily impact an individual's decisions to…

When fabricating a restoration, patient satisfaction with the shade match is essential. The patient's level of satisfaction may not be the same as that of the dental practitioner. Esthetic expectations have dramatically increased in the last few years. Color and shade determination are generally considered difficult in dental practice. Most prostheses fail esthetically owing to improper shade selection. A good understanding of color shade guides is essential for precise shade matching, but the paucity of dental practitioners' knowledge of color science because of the numerous available shade guides creates a challenge. This comprehensive review sheds light on shade selection, different shade guides, and shade matching devices commonly used in dental practice. Studies published in PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Dentistry and Oral Science Source from the past 15 years were included.

Adolescence is a crucial time for biological, psychological, and social development. It is also a time when substance addiction and its adverse effects are more likely to occur. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to the negative long-term effects of substance use, including mental health illnesses, sub-par academic performance, substance use disorders, and higher chances of getting addicted to alcohol and marijuana. Over the past few decades, there have been substantial changes in the types of illegal narcotics people consume. The present article deals with the review of substance abuse as a public health problem, its determinants, and implications seen among adolescents. A systematic literature search using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken to search all relevant literature on teenage stimulant use. The findings have been organized into categories to cover essential aspects like epidemiology, neurobiology, prevention, and treatment. The review showed that substance addiction among adolescents between 12 to 19 years is widespread, though national…

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease which is identified by the appearance of erythematous that is clearly demarcated, scaly plaques. It is a skin disease seen regularly around the elbow, scalp, trunk, and also on the knees. Psoriasis is a commonly occurring chronic disease with no cure. In psoriasis, which is thought to be an immune system-related problem, the cells of the skin grow quicker than normal cells. The rapid turnover of cells is responsible for the dry scaly patches seen clinically, also called plaque type of psoriasis. The etiopathogenesis of psoriasis is not yet fully understood. It is considered an outcome of some alteration of the cells in the immune system, which fights infections, but here, it attacks healthy cells, which is the problem. Researchers believe both environmental and genetic factors play a role. It is commonly known that psoriasis is not contagious as it does not spread by air or water. There is a chance of increasing the risk of acquiring psoriasis, also worsening the disease severity by smoking and tobacco consumption. Anyone irrespective…

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the monkeypox virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). As the cases of the COVID-19 pandemic start to get under control, we have seen the monkeypox virus, found predominantly in Africa, spread in non-endemic countries worldwide. In the 1970s, after the smallpox virus eradication and the vaccine's discontinuation, the monkeypox virus infection started to gain attention. The first United States outbreak happened in 2003; since then, more sporadic cases of monkeypox have gained media attention. With cases spreading worldwide, without epidemiological links with outbreaks among men who have sex with men (MSM), it warrants urgent public health control measures to contain the spread of the monkeypox virus and investigate the underlying pathophysiology, including genetic modification of the virus. This review highlights the epidemiology, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, prevention, and management of the current human monkeypox virus infection.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder. This condition is characterized by chronic anovulation and ovarian dysfunction, unlike other ovulation disorders when the ovaries are non-functional or abnormal. Currently, most therapy is centred on the patient's primary complaint. Treatment focuses on reducing hyperandrogenism symptoms, restoring menstrual regularity, and achieving conception. In treating infertility caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) appears to be more successful than clomiphene citrate (an anti-estrogen and a reference infertility drug). When provided by a multidisciplinary team, it can help patients maintain appropriate lifestyle changes, such as reducing body fat, increasing metabolism, and enhancing reproductive health. Compound oral contraceptives are the most common kind of androgen inhibitor and are the preferred therapy for menstrual disruption in PCOS patients who do not want to get pregnant. Weight loss should be prioritized for women with PCOS since a healthy, balanced diet combined with regular exercise…

We reviewed the literature to investigate the relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome. Major depressive disorder is characterized by a low mood or a loss of interest for longer than two weeks. Metabolic syndrome describes multiple metabolic risk factors including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. We divided our findings into environmental, genetic, epigenetic, and biological pathway links between depression and the different aspects of metabolic syndrome. We found various sources linking obesity and metabolic syndrome genetically, environmentally, biological pathway-wise, and, while not fully explored, epigenetically. Diabetes and depression were also found to be linked environmentally with both conditions increasing the risk of the other. Depression was also shown to be linked to cardiovascular complications as it increased the risk of occurrence of such complications in healthy people. These findings have led us to believe that there is a link between depression and metabolic syndrome on various levels, especially obesity.

Propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS) is a lethal condition characterized by multiple organ system failures. It can occur due to prolonged administration of propofol (an anesthetic) in mechanically intubated patients. The main presenting features of this condition include cardiovascular dysfunction with particular emphasis on impairment of cardiovascular contractility, metabolic acidosis, lactic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalaemia, lipidaemia, hepatomegaly, acute renal failure, and eventually mortality in most cases. The significant risk factors that predispose one to PRIS are: critical illnesses, increased serum catecholamines, steroid therapy, obesity, young age (significantly below three years), depleted carbohydrate stores in the body, increased serum lipids, and most importantly, heavy or extended dosage of propofol. The primary pathophysiology behind PRIS is the disruption of the mitochondrial respiratory chain that causes inhibition of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis and cellular hypoxia. Further, excess lipolysis of adipose tissue occurs, especially in…

Corneal blindness refers to a group of eye disorders that change the corneal transparency, causing corneal scarring and blindness. The leading causes of corneal blindness include infectious causes, i.e., due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. The most common predisposing factors are trauma, contact lens usage, or the use of steroid medications. The various other diseases included are trachoma, dry eye disease, keratoconus, ophthalmia neonatorum, and non-infectious uveitis. Various clinical modalities are used for treating corneal blindness, including organ transplantation. Organ donation is cumbersome as various ethical and other factors are involved. Hence the concept of eye banking was introduced to meet the increasing demand for donors of the cornea. The eye bank's role is harvesting, processing, and keeping a record of the cornea being transplanted and donated. Furthermore, various recent advancements have been made for lamellar keratoplasty surgeries, including bioengineered corneas to fulfil the need for the unavailability of donors for the cornea. Various specific…

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to significant psychological and economical distress. Within a year after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, several vaccines against COVID-19 were approved for emergency use. The journey from vaccine discovery to global herd immunity against COVID-19 continues to present significant challenges revolving around its development, affordability, accessibility, and acceptability at both a country level and an individual level. The main challenge faced by developed countries is the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and the main challenge faced by developing countries is the affordability and accessibility of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The recent coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has immensely impacted all classes of society, but the effects on children and adolescents are much more pronounced than on others. While obesity and its comorbidities in children and adolescents have always been a concern, the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be one of the leading causes of health problems in children and adolescents worldwide, leading to various complications. Hence, understanding its long-term sequelae is of utmost importance. The role of physicians in family counseling, nutrition counseling, and diet education is vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The BMI (body mass index) measurements and retrospective cohort studies of various individuals are useful for the pertinent research. During the pandemic, social isolation, staying at home, increased screen time due to online classes, reduced outdoor activities, and more snacking are some of the contributing factors that have increased the prevalence of obesity and further morbidities associated with it. Multiple studies and guidelines are available for combating…

In donation after circulatory death (DCD) organ transplantation, normothermic regional perfusion (NRP) restores oxygenated blood flow following cardiac arrest and reverses warm ischemia. Recently, NRP has also been used to help recover DCD hearts in addition to the abdominal organs. While DCD donation has increased the number of abdominal organs and lungs pool, it has not been able to increase the number of heart transplants, despite the fact that it has the potential to increase the number of heart transplants by 15-30%. Thoracoabdominal normothermic regional perfusion makes heart transplantation feasible and permits assessing heart function before an organ procurement without affecting the preservation of abdominal organs. NRP can be used in two ways for DCD donor heart transplants: normothermic regional perfusion followed by machine perfusion (NRP-MP) and normothermic regional perfusion followed by static cold storage (NRP-SCS). Normothermic regional perfusion is an emerging technology, a cost-effective alternative in donation after circulatory death (DCD), and will increase the…

Background A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common medical condition complicating pregnancy with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess any adverse maternal and perinatal morbidity related to UTI in pregnancy, focusing on identifying common uropathogens and their antibiotic sensitivity and resistance patterns. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi. The study population consisted of 549 women in the exposed group (i.e., those with at least one episode of UTI in pregnancy in 2018) and 329 in the comparison group (i.e., those without UTI). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). The study's primary outcome measures were preterm birth, recurrent UTI, pyelonephritis, and low birth weight (LBW). Results Women who had a UTI during pregnancy had more preterm deliveries than those without a UTI (c2=7.092; p=0.007). Recurrent UTI was observed in 26.6% of women with UTI, while the incidence of pyelonephritis was relatively low in this group (1.45%). There…

As of a few years ago, platelet concentrates have been applied in a variety of medical and dental procedures. A notable aspect is that platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is the most commonly utilized platelet concentrate in the field of dentistry. The most significant modification that was used over the years but had the biggest impact was injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF), which has more special properties. Additionally, the results of this I-PRF have been useful. The solid platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which is a noticeable feature and has a low speed and duration in centrifugation, is the main advantage of I-PRF. I-PRF is primarily found in liquid form as PRF. It facilitates the quickening of increased vascularization and aids in accelerating the healing of wounds. An autologous blood concentration known as I-PRF has been known for many years. The advantage of I-PRF is that it exhibits constant release of growth factors and promotes cell migration by announcing the expression of type I collagen and transforming growth factor mRNA. The majority of the time, plastic and orthopedic…

Introduction The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) has introduced significant changes to tumor taxonomy. One of the most significant changes in the isolation of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant forms of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) into separate entities, as well as no longer allowing for entries to be classified as not otherwise specified (NOS). As a result, this entity now includes only the most aggressive adult-type tumors. As such, established prognostic factors no longer apply, as they now form the criteria of different disease entries or have been established based on a mixed cohort. Herein, we aimed to reclassify glioblastoma cases diagnosed per the 2016 WHO tumors of the CNS classification into the 2021 WHO tumors of the CNS classification and establish a patient survival pattern based on age, gender, tumor location, and size as well as tumor O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) mutation. Materials and methods A retrospective, non-clinical approach was utilized. Biopsy specimens of adults…

A significant obstacle to avoiding chronic illnesses in people worldwide is the increasing development of obesity. They are supported by economic expansion, mechanized transportation, a rise in sedentary behavior, and a switch from a wholesome, healthy diet to processed foods and high-calorie meals, including fast food and sugary drinks. Many developed or emerging countries have seen the prevalence of obesity in their populations increase twice over. Therefore, it must now be treated as a disease of concern. Since obesity is intimately linked to diabetes and hypertension and is linked to hemodynamic, structural, and histological renal alterations, it has been identified as one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type-2 DM) and hypertension are directly related to obesity. A lack of insulin sensitivity intensifies the effects of angiotensin-II, aggravates proteinuria, and triggers the production of inflammatory cytokines, which contribute to the pathophysiological mechanism underlying renal damage. These conditions include glomerular…

Background Depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms are prevalent in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and may negatively influence the disease course and quality of life. The study aimed to assess the relationship between psychological factors and patients' quality of life (QoL). Materials and methods A cross-sectional study with the use of a structured questionnaire among 38 patients with Crohn's disease and 30 with ulcerative colitis was conducted. The inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ-32) was used to evaluate the patients' quality of life, and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS21) was used to evaluate these psychological factors. Pearson descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results According to the findings of the multiple regression analysis, depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms were negatively associated with quality of life. Participants with higher scores of anxiety had inferior QoL in intestinal symptoms (p=0.013) and in systemic symptoms (p=0.013), with higher scores of depression had inferior QoL in…

INTRODUCTION: The recent multi-nation outbreaks of human monkeypox in non-endemic areas have created an emerging public health issue. Medical students who will become future healthcare providers are directly associated with community people and can easily sensitize the general population, so it is crucial to assess their degree of knowledge and attitudes regarding recently emerging infections or pathogens. However, studies on medical students' perception of the monkeypox virus are scarce in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the monkeypox virus-related knowledge and attitudes among medical students in the country. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2022 among undergraduate medical students at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward the monkeypox virus. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed.…

INTRODUCTION: The advancements in mobile phones from simple basic phones to featured phones and smartphones resulted in the penetration of technology to different groups of people irrespective of age, gender, or region. Thus, mobile phone addiction has evolved as a form of behavioral addiction found to be increasingly prevalent among adolescents too. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of mobile phone addiction among adolescents and its associated risk factors among adolescents. METHOD AND RESULTS: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 adolescents (10-19 years) of low-income urban areas of Delhi. The prevalence of mobile phone addiction in the participants was 33.0% (95% CI: 27.2-38.6). The addiction was higher among boys (33.6%) than girls (32.3%) (p=0.835). Mobile phone addiction was found to be significantly higher among those adolescents who had ≥3 siblings, those belonging to nuclear families, and among late-onset users (≥16 years). Late-onset users (adjusted odds ratio {aOR}: 3.398; 95% CI: 1.307-8.833) and ≥3 siblings (aOR: 1.980; 95% CI:…

Introduced in the 1970s to meet the academic needs of a growing number of students with relatively stagnant faculty, team-based learning (TBL) has revolutionized the modern classroom structure. Contrary to the traditional didactic model where the teacher assumes the central role and students are passive listeners, TBL participants are actively involved in the learning process. Teachers act as facilitators while the TBL participants work in groups to solve problems through engagement with their peers. The objective of the article is to conduct a systematic review on team-based learning using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. The studies were searched in databases like PubMed®, Scopus®, Embase®, and PubMed Central® using appropriate keywords. Two authors screened the papers, and a third author resolved the conflicts. This was followed by a bibliographic review based on the references of the selected study and bias assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. The team-based learning model is…

Cancer is a disease that continues to plague our modern society. Among all types of cancer, breast cancer is now the most common type of cancer occurring in women worldwide. Various factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and the environment, have contributed to the rise in the prevalence of breast cancer among women of all socioeconomic strata. Therefore, proper screening for early diagnosis and treatment becomes a major factor when fighting the disease. Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize various spheres of our lives with its numerous applications. Using AI in the existing screening process makes obtaining results even easier and more convenient. Faster, more accurate results are some of the benefits of AI methods in breast cancer screening. Nonetheless, there are many challenges in the process of the integration of AI that needs to be addressed systematically. The following is a review of the application of AI in breast cancer screening.

The late Nobel Physicist Richard P. Feynman, in a dinner talk in 1959, very rightly said that there is enough room for the betterment of technology beyond our scope of imagination, proposing utilizing mechanical tools to make those that are relatively smaller than the others, which further can be rendered fruitful in making even more compact mechanical devices, all the way down to the level of the smallest known atom, emphasizing that this is "a progress which I believe cannot be avoided". Feynman proposed that nanomachines, nanorobots, and nanodevices may eventually be utilized to construct a huge range of atomically accurate microscopic instruments and manufacturing equipment, as well as a large number of ultra-small devices and other nanoscale and microscale robotic structures. Biotechnology, molecular biology, and molecular medicine could be used to create totally self-sufficient nanorobots/nanobots. Nanorobotics includes sophisticated submicron devices constructed of nanocomponents that are viewed as a magnificent desired future of health care. It has a promising potential in…

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious problem that poses an imminent threat to patient safety. But drug-resistant bacteria can be prevented from spreading in hospital facilities by implementing effective antimicrobial stewardship practices. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are a set of measures taken by an organization to optimize antimicrobial use, improve patient outcomes, reduce AMR and healthcare-associated infections, and save healthcare costs. Healthcare facilities should have a defined antimicrobial stewardship policy in place that is available to all stakeholders. The policy should be evidence-based, regularly updated, and communicated clearly both verbally and through visual means such as posters. All staff should be trained on the proper use of antimicrobials as well as how to report misuse. Antibiotic stewardship measures include: educating and screening patients, monitoring, updating policies, limiting the use of high-risk medications, developing and improving hand hygiene practices, tracing the path of each medication, using computerized alert probes, using…

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also named metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is a progressive disease spectrum encompassing simple steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It is a clinically silent disease leading to multiple extra-hepatic complications/comorbidities. It is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), increasing susceptibility to hypertension, atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, myocardial dysfunction, cardiac valve deformation, and venous thrombosis through putative mechanisms including systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and altered lipid metabolism. Eventually, it increases the CVD prevalence, incident, and fatality, contributing to a huge health care burden. In fact, CVD is becoming the leading cause of mortality among patients with NAFLD. Other cardiometabolic risk factors coexisting with NAFLD may also accelerate the synergistic development of CVD, which warrants assessment targeting hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, and…

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem. Adherence to anti-diabetic medications improves glycaemic control, which in turn prevents complications as well as reduces out-of-pocket expenditure. The World Health Organization highlights that the impact of interventions directed to improve adherence has far greater implications than specific medical interventions. There are several factors that contribute to poor adherence. Not many studies have been conducted to explore adherence to diabetes medications in eastern India. OBJECTIVES: To measure medication adherence among patients suffering from diabetes. To determine the various risk factors influencing adherence to medication. To find out the association of health-related quality of life with adherence to medication. METHODOLOGY: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient Department of General Medicine and Endocrinology of a tertiary care hospital in eastern India from January to March 2020. Adult subjects, who were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least six months,…

Infertility is a problem that affects both developed and developing countries today. Many couples choose to have financial stability before conception, irrespective of age. Tubal blockage accounts for 30%-40% of a woman's fertility. Congenital abnormalities, acute and persistent inflammatory diseases, endometriosis, and different pathologies are associated with infertility and cause partial or complete obstruction of the fallopian tubes. Approximately 30% of women experience infertility due to fallopian tube illness, with 10%-25% of these women experiencing proximal fallopian tube obstruction. The fallopian tube is an integral part of the union of sperm, and its normal function is a prerequisite for natural conception. Tubal obstruction is a common cause of infertility. These patients are keen to unblock their blocked fallopian tubes and restore reproductive function. Accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment options are essential for treating infertility.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is explained as a complaint of cyclic or non-cyclic pelvic pain lasting for at least six months with or without dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dysuria, and dyschezia. The etiology of symptoms can be categorized according to organ system involvement. Gynecological causes typically involve endometriosis-related pain, pelvic congestion syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, adenomyosis, hydrosalpinx, etc. Endometriosis-related pain is seldom non-cyclic and may present due to recurrent bleeding in endometriotic implants. Engorgement of veins leads to inadequate venous washout and presents chronic pelvic pain in pelvic congestion syndrome. The pressure effect of benign lesions of the uterus and cervix may lead to cyclic pain, as in uterine fibroids. Often presentation of diseases like hydrosalpinx may not present until it has overdistended or may at times present as acute pelvic pain if it undergoes torsion. Long-standing untreated pelvic inflammatory diseases in sexually active females is another cause of pelvic pain. The complaint of CPP is also shared due to the…