International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
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Study of efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in chronic wounds in diabetic patients
Full text linkBackground: Diabetic patients are prone to chronic wounds that are difficult to heal due to impaired blood flow, immune dysfunction, and prolonged hyperglycemia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment for diabetic wounds. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HBOT in treating chronic wounds in diabetic patients.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra from July 2022 to March 2024. A total of 34 diabetic patients with chronic non-healing ulcers were consecutively recruited and randomized into two groups: the test group (standard wound care + HBOT) and the control group (standard wound care only). Primary parameters included wound healing rate and reduction in ulcer area, while secondary parameters involved infection rates, time to appearance of serous discharge, and hospital stay duration. Data were analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) 26.0, with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: The HBOT group showed a significantly greater reduction in ulcer area, granulation tissue formation was notably faster compared to the control group. Infection rates were lower in the HBOT group, with a higher proportion of sterile cultures on day and HBOT patients also had a shorter hospital stay compared to controls.
Conclusions: HBOT significantly improved wound healing rates, infection control, and reduced hospital stay duration in diabetic patients with chronic wounds
Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and utilization of artificial intelligence in medical education among medical students in a Nigerian university
Full text linkBackground: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into medical education and healthcare. However, there is limited data on medical students' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and utilization of AI in Nigeria. This study aims to assess these factors among medical students at a Nigerian university.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 medical students at Abia State University using a multistage sampling technique. Data was collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographics, AI knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and utilization. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with results presented in frequencies, percentages, and inferential statistics such as Chi-square and one-way ANOVA (p≤0.05 considered significant).
Results: AI awareness was high (94.4%), yet only 20.8% had received formal training. The mean knowledge score was 8.16±3.08, with 54.8% demonstrating moderate knowledge. While 92.7% believed AI could improve healthcare, 66.4% opposed the idea that AI would replace doctors. AI was most associated with radiology and surgery. The mean attitude score was 1.44±3.01, and 55.9% had a positive attitude. Gender significantly influenced AI perception (p=0.024), with males showing more positive perceptions. AI utilization was highest among clinical students (p=0.013) and correlated with knowledge levels (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Although awareness of AI is high, formal education on AI remains limited. Most students hold positive attitudes toward AI but express concerns about its impact on medical practice. Structured AI education and faculty engagement are essential for preparing future medical professionals for AI-driven healthcare
Evaluation and treatment of depression in dementia
Full text linkDepression in later life is common with depressive symptoms present in 15% of all older adults and is often associated with coexisting chronic medical conditions, cognitive dysfunction or both. Although the depressive in later life conduction frequently manifests subthreshold symptoms such as not to satisfy the diagnostic criteria of DSM V, depression in the course of dementia should not be underestimated. The clinical features of depression associated with dementia vary from dysthymia-type psychopathological conditions to major depressive forms. Scientific evidence leans towards depression, not only as a comorbidity occurring in the various forms of dementia but as a significant contributor to the dementia etiopathogenesis. Depression in later life can be a prodrome, risk factor, comorbidity or consequence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. In clinical practice in patients with dementia it is necessary to distinguish depression from apathy which is very frequent and overlaps with depression. Treatment of the psychological behavioural symptoms of dementia (BPDS), including depression, should initially be addressed non-pharmacologically with integrated management, as indicated by several guidelines as a first-line treatment approach except in emergency situations or severity
A critical review on the assurance of accuracy in automated complete blood count test reports by rectification of spuriously elevated MCHC values
Full text linkSpuriously elevated or decreased results are encountered frequently in hematology analysers in various parameters of the complete blood count (CBC). These results can be either true reflections of patient’s disease or may be spurious findings due to multiple pre- analytical factors. It is necessary to review these spurious results and perform necessary corrective actions before issuing the final report to the patient. Correction of spurious results ensures accuracy of the patient results and thereby helps the clinicians in providing optimal diagnosis and treatment to the patients. In this study, the predominant focus is on mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) elevation which is derived as a calculation from haemoglobin and haematocrit values. As a result, it can be affected by preanalytical, postanalytical or analytical factors. In literature there are only a few articles related to correction of spuriously high MCHC. This article reviews most important studies available in literature on correction of spuriously high MCHC
Probiotics and their benefits in pediatric patients
Full text linkRespiratory tract diseases are among the most common infections in childhood and adolescence. In recent years, probiotics have emerged as a promising prophylactic and curative alternative for various digestive, mental and respiratory pathologies. This is attributed to the significant influence that the intestinal microbiota exerts on the immune system. Multiple studies indicate that an impact on the microbiota due to external or internal factors leads to an alteration in the immune system. Among their current uses, they are used for the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in children. The studies analyzed show that Lactobacillus casei shows better results in preventing upper respiratory diseases than other probiotics, whether combined or alone. However, the duration of administration is unknown. New advances increasingly point to the positive effect that probiotics show in children, especially those who present repetitive viral or bacterial symptoms. Different investigations open doors and excellent results have been obtained with the use of probiotics
A case report on mycotic aneurysm by non-typhoidal Salmonella
Full text linkNon-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) causing an aortic aneurysm is a rare and serious condition referred as mycotic aneurysm or infected aneurysm. The condition arises with the penetration of Salmonella into aortic wall leading to inflammation, structural compromise and the risk of dilation or rupture of the arterial wall. Due to the considerable morbidity and mortality linked with this condition, prompt diagnosis and vigorous treatment is crucial. This report outlines the case of a 67-year-old male with several comorbidities presented with intense lower back pain and fever. Blood cultures confirmed the presence of Gram-negative bacilli, specifically non-typhoidal Salmonella. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and computed tomography (CT) depicted multilobulated saccular aneurysm originating from the anterior wall of the infrarenal abdominal aorta, accompanied by a large peripheral hypodense thrombus. The patient successfully underwent endo-vascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) along with antibiotic therapy. The combination of timely surgical intervention and extended antibiotic treatment resulted in excellent outcomes for the patient
Adolescent cocaine use, immature brain, and health consequences
Full text linkThe use of psychoactive substances is a global public health problem that affects a great number of adolescents and young adults, also causing social, legal and economic consequences. Among the various psychoactive substances used in this age group, cocaine stands out, as it has a high potential for abuse and dependence and compromises the entire organism, mainly causing cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes. Adolescence is a phase of life in which physical, emotional, neurobiological and social changes are observed. It is a period of great plasticity of the brain and development of cognitive capacity, which makes adolescents vulnerable to the use/abuse of psychoactive substances and their harm. The use of cocaine during this period can cause interference in neural circuits, synaptic plasticity and neurotransmitter systems, causing lasting behavioral and cognitive consequences. This article presents the main characteristics and clinical effects of cocaine on the human organism, highlighting its role in the general impairment of health and the serious possible acute and chronic repercussions on the immature and vulnerable nervous system of adolescents
Home-based care in post-discharge arrhythmia management: a review
Full text linkArrhythmia, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF), is a common heart rhythm abnormality with risk factors including age, high blood pressure, alcohol consumption, congenital heart disease, and lung disease. Proper management is critical to prevent complications, enhance quality of life, enable early detection, and reduce healthcare costs. Multidisciplinary patient care and routine follow-up are essential for improving adherence, reducing hospital readmissions, and boosting survival rates. Home-based care has proven to be as effective as clinical settings in reducing mortality and rehospitalization rates. However, challenges such as cost, accessibility, safety, cost, and regulatory issues persist. A comprehensive workbook, including care pathways, dietary guidelines, exercise recommendations, and follow-up procedures, is essential for supporting home care providers and enhancing patient outcomes. A thorough literature review was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, to identify studies related to arrhythmia and home-based post-discharge care. Data from these studies were analyzed and summarized in this review article and highlighted the importance of incorporating home-based care into post-discharge arrhythmia management
A rare case report of a young female patient with thymoma presenting as hemothorax and hemopericardium
Full text linkThymoma is a rare neoplasm affecting adults between the fourth and sixth decades of life. Although its mostly diagnosed incidentally, there has been rare cases presenting with hemothorax or hemopericardium. We describe the case history of a 31-year-old Asian female presenting with sudden onset breathlessness and sharp chest pain with chest X-ray and ECHO consistent of massive pericardial effusion and bilateral pleural effusion. Fluid analysis showed plenty of RBC without any evidence of malignant cells. CECT Thorax showed an anterior mediastinal mass whose histopathology confirmed a type AB Thymoma. The patient is currently undergoing neo-adjuvant Chemotherapy and is planned for surgical resection once the tumour becomes operable. This case report describes a young female with an unruptured thymoma presenting with bilateral hemothorax and hemopericardium
Comparative analysis of short-term outcomes between upper radical and total radical gastrectomy in patients with proximal gastric cancer
Full text linkBackground: Gastric cancer remains a significant global health burden, ranking as the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Surgical interventions like Upper Radical Gastrectomy (URG) and Total Radical Gastrectomy (TRG) are pivotal in the management of proximal gastric cancer. This study aims to compare the short-term outcomes between URG and TRG in patients with proximal gastric cancer. To evaluate and compare the immediate postoperative outcomes, including complications, gastrointestinal (GIT) functionality, nutritional status, hospital stay duration and recovery between URG and TRG in patients with proximal gastric cancer.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 67 patients diagnosed with operable proximal gastric cancer at the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital and National Gastro-liver Institute & Hospital, Dhaka.
Results: The study found that URG patients generally had better short-term outcomes than those undergoing TRG. URG was associated with a lower rate of immediate postoperative complications (7.14% vs. 84.62% in TRG), shorter hospital stays, superior nutritional outcome and faster recovery of gastrointestinal functionality with significantly lower mean feeding time with higher incidence of post-operative bile reflux in URG group compared to TRG group. Additionally, TRG patients exhibited higher rates of lympho-vascular invasion and node involvement, necessitating a more radical surgical approach.
Conclusions: URG may offer superior short-term outcomes compared to TRG in patients with proximal gastric cancer, particularly in terms of postoperative recovery and reduced complications