8 research outputs found
Innovating Against Odds: A Medical Student\u27s Research Journey in a Resource-Constrained Environment
"You need not know the R in Research to embark on the journey; a strong motivation is enough to set things in motion and let the journey unfold naturally." In this article, I share my journey as a medical student starting research in a Resource-Constrained Environment. I talk about the learning curve, milestones, setbacks, and presenting my research work. I\u27ve created a simple guide for fellow students in similar situations to do impactful research. Beyond studies, the shared journey with my research partner formed a lasting bond, showing how teamwork fosters understanding and innovation. I also discuss institutional barriers, especially the toxic research culture not talked about much. I stress the importance of raising awareness about these challenges for medical students and the need for a supportive and ethical research environment. It\u27s crucial to create a space where aspiring researchers can thrive without unethical practices, emphasizing the value of knowledge pursuit over personal ambitions
Global Artificial Intelligence Arms Race: The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Innovating Against Odds: A Medical Student's Research Journey in a Resource-Constrained Environment
"You need not know the R in Research to embark on the journey; a strong motivation is enough to set things in motion and let the journey unfold naturally." In this article, I share my journey as a medical student starting research in a Resource-Constrained Environment. I talk about the learning curve, milestones, setbacks, and presenting my research work. I've created a simple guide for fellow students in similar situations to do impactful research. Beyond studies, the shared journey with my research partner formed a lasting bond, showing how teamwork fosters understanding and innovation. I also discuss institutional barriers, especially the toxic research culture not talked about much. I stress the importance of raising awareness about these challenges for medical students and the need for a supportive and ethical research environment. It's crucial to create a space where aspiring researchers can thrive without unethical practices, emphasizing the value of knowledge pursuit over personal ambitions
Is Artificial Intelligence-Based Quantitative Coronary Angiography Ready for Clinical Adoption?
The predictive role of Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI), Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) in the prognosis of acute coronary syndrome in a tertiary care hospital
Background: & Objective: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a major cause of mortality globally, with significant morbidity and economic impact. This study aimed to correlate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) values in ACS patients with their prognosis via the GRACE scoring criteria and to propose the SIRI as a superior inflammatory marker for predicting ACS prognosis. Methods: Ethical approval was obtained for a retrospective cross-sectional study, which included patients from the outpatient department and Tamilnadu Accident Emergency Initiative Ward at Government Medical College, Omandurar Government Estate, who were diagnosed with ACS according to American College of Cardiology guidelines from January 2022 to December 2023. We excluded patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, platelet disorders, infections, inflammatory conditions, or incomplete health records. Data on demographics, clinical findings, blood counts, ECGs, cardiac enzymes, echocardiography, serum creatinine, and vital signs were collected and analyzed to calculate the NLR, PLR, SIRI, and GRACE scores. Statistical analyses included Kolmogorov‒Smirnov and Anderson‒Darling tests, Spearman correlation, Kruskal‒Wallis one-way ANOVA, GLM modeling, k-fold cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: After applying the exclusion criteria, 247 ACS patients were included in the analysis. Significant associations were found between the NLR and the PLR, SIRI, and GRACE scores. The SIRI demonstrated the strongest association, whereas the PLR had the weakest association. All three variables significantly influenced prognostic risk, as determined by the GRACE score. GLM models highlighted the predictive significance of the NLR, PLR, and SIRI in estimating GRACE scores, with the SIRI showing potential superiority. K-fold cross-validation confirmed the superior predictive accuracy and ability of the SIRI to explain a larger proportion of variance in GRACE scores than the NLR and PLR. Conclusions: The SIRI emerges as a promising prognostic marker for ACS, outperforming the NLR and PLR. Its ease of calculation from routine hemogram tests underscores its potential clinical utility for risk stratification in ACS management. Further validation and integration into existing risk assessment models could enhance prognosis assessment in ACS patients
Spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: a case report and literature review
Abstract Background Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is a rare condition characterized by the abnormal leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the intracranial space into the sinonasal cavity. It includes various etiologies, including traumatic, iatrogenic, and spontaneous causes, each with distinct epidemiological and clinical characteristics. Case presentation A 40-year-old Asian female presented with a three-month history of watery discharge from her left nostril and dull headaches localized to the left side of her head. Despite the initial diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, symptoms persisted, leading to further evaluation and eventual diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. Detailed history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests including fluid analysis and imaging confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent a successful surgical repair after failed conservative management, highlighting the importance of timely intervention. Conclusion Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea poses significant risks if left untreated, including meningitis. Prompt recognition, accurate diagnosis, and individualized treatment strategies are crucial in mitigating complications and improving patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating both conservative and surgical interventions tailored to the underlying cause, is essential for the successful management of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
Development and validation of betel-year: a clinical tool for quantifying exposure to betel quid chewing, utilizing nuclear morphometric analysis and validated by cytomorphological analysis
Abstract Background Betel quid chewing, prevalent in Southeast Asia and South Asia, involves components such as betel leaf, areca nut, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco. This study aims to assess buccal mucosa changes in betel quid chewers, develop a clinical tool for assessing exposure, and investigate its usability in predicting dysplasia. Methods After obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, patients were recruited from the Out-Patient Department of Government Medical College, Omandurar, Government Estate, India. A target sample size of 200 was calculated. The data included the history of betel quid chewing, buccal mucosa cells obtained by oral cytology, and the severity of dysplasia of the slides assessed by pathologists. We utilized principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate a new outcome variable reflecting nuclear morphometric parameters (NMPs). Multiplicative regression models were developed for betel years based on betel exposure and additives. Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test was used to check the association between betel years and dysplasia. Results Significant differences in NMPs were observed among different betel chewing groups. We derived multiplicative regression models for betel years. In the logarithmic transformation approach, betel year = 0.05×betel-exposure×0.09×slaked-lime use×0.11×tobacco-use. In the original variable approach, betel year = 5.05×betel-exposure^0.00048×slaked-lime-use^0.18133×tobacco-use^1.47513. Spearman correlation and Kruskal–Wallis tests confirmed associations with dysplasia. Conclusion Betel year is a pioneering tool for assessing lifetime betel quid exposure, similar to pack years for smoking. It could aid in risk stratification, targeted interventions and shaping public health policies. Despite limitations, betel year holds promise for revolutionizing oral health risk assessment, and future research can expand its scope globally, considering diverse betel quid compositions
Transforming Toxic Research Cultures: Protecting the Future of Medical Students and Early Career Researchers – Part I
Have you ever felt your passion for research slowly erode under the weight of unfair practices and relentless pressure to publish? Or been denied authorship credit for work you tirelessly contributed to? If so, you are not alone. This is the harsh reality for many medical students and early career researchers trapped in a “toxic research culture.” This hidden crisis undermines the integrity of medical research and jeopardizes the well-being and career prospects of those eager to advance science. Despite its prevalence, this issue remains shrouded in silence, propagating cycles of harm and hampering scientific progress.
This editorial explores the evolution of medical research culture, defines the harmful practices that constitute a toxic environment, and highlights the vulnerability of junior researchers to such practices. Manifestations of toxicity, including bullying, harassment, and unethical authorship practices, are analyzed along with their detrimental impacts on mental health. Current policies and strategies for promoting a healthier research environment are discussed. We highlight the urgent need for reforms, including the promotion of whistleblowing without fear, diversifying leadership, revising evaluation criteria, and implementing educational interventions on research ethics as a preventive measure. Additionally, we explore the impact of fake mentors within academia, advising vigilance against individuals who exploit their roles for personal agendas rather than genuine mentorship.
Through a call to action, we urge stakeholders and institutions to safeguard junior researchers and uphold the integrity of scientific research. IJMS plays a crucial role in this transformation by promoting mentorship, ethical practices, and accessible research
