International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences
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Obesity and the role of artificial intelligence as a prediction tool
Obesity is one of the leading public health challenges worldwide, with a growing prevalence and a strong association with chronic noncommunicable diseases. Traditional methods for risk assessment and clinical management have shown limitations in addressing the multifactorial complexity of this condition. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as an innovative tool capable of enhancing risk prediction and optimizing treatment strategies. This article reviews current AI approaches applied to obesity, ranging from predictive models based on clinical, genomic, and behavioural data to personalized digital interventions in nutrition, physical activity, and therapeutic adherence. Furthermore, the main advantages, limitations, and ethical challenges of clinical implementation are analyzed. Finally, recommendations are provided to guide the responsible integration of AI into medical practice, aiming to advance toward more predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine in obesity management
Investigation of the possible association of LRP5 gene polymorphisms with osteoporosis in an Indian subpopulation of Malda, West Bengal: a case-control study
Background: The involvement of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5) in bone-related diseases with low bone mineral density like osteoporosis is scientifically well established. This study aims to explore the relationship between two LRP5 gene polymorphisms viz. rs3736228 (A1330V) and rs41494349 (Q89R) and the risk of osteoporosis in an Indian subpopulation.
Methods: This case-control study included 61 patients with osteoporosis, and 30 healthy controls from Malda Medical College and Hospital. The SNP analysis was performed by PCR-RFLP method with DraIII and AvaII enzymes for rs3736228 (A1330V) and rs41494349 (Q89R) respectively. The data is validated with DNA sequencing. The results are statistically evaluated.
Results: The distribution of the A1330V and Q89R genotypes in this population was as follows: AA 81.97%, AV 18.03%, and VV 0.00%; QQ 100%, QR 0.00%, and RR 0.0 0%. No homozygous mutant for A1330V and heterozygous or homozygous mutant for Q89Rare detected in this population. Both the polymorphisms in this population are in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genotype distributions of rs3736228 showed difference between the osteoporotic patients and control groups [odds ratio (OR):1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.51 to 7.71, p=0.374]. DNA sequencing of exon 18 not only confirms the presence of A1330V in Indian population but also identifies a novel mutation.
Conclusions: The odds ratio (OR) suggests a positive trend toward an association between the A1330V variant and osteoporosis risk. Exon 18 of LRP5 demands special scientific attention. No variation is detected for rs41494349 in the study population
Periodontitis and malignancy: a growing concern
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the supporting structures of the tooth resulting in tooth mobility and tooth loss. Periodontitis has been consistently associated with a higher risk for head and neck cancer. Possible mechanisms include the chronic inflammatory nature of the disease, epigenetic damage to the epithelial cells by periodontal pathogens and dysbiosis. The present review focuses on various pathways of spread of head and neck cancers and the role of various periodontal pathogens in initiating this carcinogenesis
The effect of stress on cardiovascular system and its awareness among bank workers in Makurdi, Benue state
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, and stress is a key modifiable risk factor, particularly in occupational settings such as banking. This study assessed the effect of stress on the cardiovascular system and the level of awareness among bank workers in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 133 bank employees from five banks. Physical measurements including blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) were collected using standard instruments. A structured questionnaire was administered to assess lifestyle factors and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors. Chi-square tests were applied using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 26 to determine associations at a 5% significance level.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher among males (33.8%) compared to females (10.7%), and among older age groups (>40 years, 73.3%) versus younger groups (21–30 years, 28.7%). Longer job tenure (>10 years) was associated with higher prevalence of hypertension (32.1%). Significant associations were found between hypertension and lack of knowledge, overtime work, BMI and alcohol use (p<0.05). Additionally, diabetes mellitus and obesity were linked to job tenure and snacking habits. However, some variables, such as blood glucose level, smoking and exercise, showed no significant association with hypertension (p>0.05).
Conclusions: The study concludes that occupational stress contributes significantly to CVD risk factors among bank workers in Makurdi. Awareness levels of cardiovascular risk factors were generally low, underscoring the need for targeted interventions on stress management and cardiovascular health
Fatal neonatal septicemia with meningitis due to Escherichia coli in a full-term baby: an unusual presentation
Neonatal meningitis carries the risk of long-term debilitating squeal with very high mortality. With the use of antibiotics, the mortality due to neonatal meningitis has significantly reduced in developing countries, with India reporting incidence rates of 0.5 per 1000 with mortality ranging from 16-34%. Diagnosis of neonatal meningitis is based on clinical presentation, gestational age, causative agent, and geographical location. Early empiric antibiotic therapy may often obscure the diagnosis of the causative agent. We report a fatal case of neonatal meningitis in a 39-day-old baby. The child was initially treated for hyperbilirubinemia and mild fever. The child presented with a fever for 4 days and episodes of convulsion. The child was put on ampicillin and gentamicin empirically. The CSF was suggestive of pyogenic meningitis. The Gram-stained smear of the CSF sediments revealed Gram-negative bacilli suggestive of E. coli (Enteric-like gram-negative bacilli). E. coli was isolated from blood as well as CSF and was a phenotypically ESBL (CTX-M like) producer. The antibiotic was changed to meropenem and amikacin. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, the patient rapidly deteriorated and died on the third day of admission. Treatment of bacterial meningitis due to E. coli in neonates has changed over the years due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporin has evolved in E. coli due to ESBL production. Neonatal meningitis due to E. coli, particularly in full-term babies, is reported rarely. We report a case of fatal meningitis due to ESBL-producing E. coli in a full-term baby
Diagnostic significance of micronucleus evaluation in breast fine needle aspiration cytology
Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies among females in India. Micronucleus (MN) scoring, a marker of chromosomal instability, has shown potential in evaluating breast lesions cytologically. The International Human Micronucleus Project confirmed that MN assays are simple and minimally invasive indicators of genomic instability, with higher scores correlating with malignancy. To compare MN scores across benign, borderline and malignant breast lesions, correlate MN scores with Robinson’s cytological grading in malignant cases and evaluate the diagnostic utility of MN scoring in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology of Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research from December 2023 to February 2025 on 100 breast FNAC samples. Smears were alcohol-fixed, H&E-stained and classified per the Yokohama System. Robinson’s cytological grading was applied to malignant cases and MN scoring was performed on 1000 cells per case. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: Among 100 cases (age 19–62 years), there were 50 benign, 10 atypical, 10 suspicious and 30 malignant lesions. Mean MN scores were 0.53±0.45, 2.8±0.85, 6.4±2.1 and 21.9±5.9, respectively (p=0.000). Significant differences were found between most groups, except benign versus atypical (p=0.15). MN scores increased with Robinson’s grades I–III, showing significant correlation (p=0.04).
Conclusions: Micronucleus scoring, reflecting genomic instability, serves as a simple, cost-effective adjunct cytological marker enhancing diagnostic accuracy and prognostication in breast malignancy
Comparing the efficacy and renal safety of metformin and imeglimin in diabetic rats
Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents a significant cause of end-stage kidney disease and is closely linked to substantially higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. As a result, there is a need for therapies that can prevent DKD, improve patient compliance, reduce side effects, and be cost-effective.
Methods: Healthy male albino rats (150-200 g) were screened, and hyperglycemia was induced in 24 rats, and after one week, hyperglycemia was confirmed. The rats were then divided into four groups (Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4) (n=6). Group 1 was designated as diabetic control group, while nephrotoxicity was induced in the remaining rats. Group 1 and Group 2 (toxic control group) were treated with vehicle. Group 3 (metformin group) was treated with metformin, and Group 4 (imeglimin group) received imeglimin, both at a dose of 180 mg/kg/day for two weeks.
Results: On day 21, there was a significant reduction in serum urea and creatinine levels in Group 3 (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively) and Group 4 (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) when compared with Group 1. Also, both Groups 3 and 4 showed a significant reduction in serum urea (p<0.001, p<0.001) and creatinine (p<0.001, p<0.001) levels when compared with Group 2. However, the glycemic control by imeglimin did not significantly differ from that of metformin on day 21.
Conclusions: Imeglimin was more effective in improving renal function parameters, demonstrating greater renal safety compared to metformin
Clinical study of conservative and surgical management of blunt abdominal trauma: a prospective observational study
Background: Blunt abdominal trauma represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. The management approach has evolved from primarily surgical to selective non-operative management in hemodynamically stable patients.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center over 18 months, including 50 patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Data were collected on demographics, clinical presentation, management approach, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and Student's t-test.
Results: The study included 40 males (80%) and 10 females (20%), with mean age of 35.2 years. Road traffic accidents accounted for 50% of cases, followed by assault (38%) and falls (12%). Surgical management was required in 31 patients (62%), while 19 patients (38%) were managed conservatively. The overall mortality rate was 10% (5 patients), with 90% achieving complete recovery. Mesenteric tears were the most common intraoperative finding (60% of surgical cases). Significant associations were found between outcome and clinical features including abdominal distension (p=0.026), vomiting (p=0.045), and associated injuries (p=0.023).
Conclusions: Blunt abdominal trauma predominantly affects young males, with road traffic accidents being the leading cause. While surgical intervention remains necessary in the majority of cases, selective non-operative management can be safely applied in hemodynamically stable patients with appropriate monitoring. Early recognition and prompt intervention are crucial for optimal outcomes
Appetite stimulant before meal aids faster recovery from illness: a comprehensive review
Loss of appetite (LOA), or anorexia, is a significant health concern that can arise due to various factors such as age, illness, or medication, leading to nutritional deficiencies and impacting overall health and quality of life. LOA can be categorized as acute or chronic, with the latter often associated with serious underlying conditions, including cancer and chronic diseases. This review explores the multifactorial causes, prevalence, and health consequences of LOA, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. A multi-centre survey conducted in India revealed a striking prevalence of LOA, affecting 93.1% of 15,914 participants, particularly those with infectious diseases. Effective management strategies are critical, with tools like the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire (CNAQ) aiding in the assessment of appetite. Pharmacological interventions, including appetite stimulants, play a role in enhancing food intake, while the combination of multivitamins, zinc, and lysine has been found to support appetite stimulation and improve nutritional status. Understanding the complex interplay of physiological, psychological, and pharmacological factors is vital in developing standardized guidelines for managing LOA. Increasing awareness regarding early diagnosis and timely management is essential to improve nutritional status and quality of life for affected patients
A comparative study of inotropes and vasopressin in critical care unit
In critical care, inotropes and vasopressin are key agents for addressing hemodynamic instability. This article evaluates their effectiveness, safety, and clinical outcomes in conditions like septic shock, cardiogenic shock, and post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Inotropes such as dobutamine and epinephrine enhance cardiac performance but may pose risks like arrhythmias and increased myocardial oxygen consumption. Vasopressin, acting as a non-catecholamine vasopressor, promotes vasoconstriction without significantly impacting heart rate or myocardial contractility, often complementing catecholamine therapy to reduce their dosage requirements. Studies indicate vasopressin can lower the reliance on high-dose catecholamines and may decrease cardiovascular complications, though further investigation is needed in specific groups, such as patients with kidney impairment. The discussion underscores the importance of tailoring treatment to individual patient needs and stresses the necessity for more research to refine dosing strategies and identify response predictors. This review supports clinicians in improving the management of critically ill patients with circulatory challenges.