Comparative evaluation of artificial intelligence systems'accuracy in providing medical drug dosages:A methodological study

BACKGROUND Medication errors,especially in dosage calculation,pose risks in healthcare.Artificial intelligence(AI)systems like ChatGPT and Google Bard may help reduce errors,but their accuracy in providing medication information remains to be evaluated.AIM To evaluate the accuracy of AI systems(ChatGPT 3.5,ChatGPT 4,Google Bard)in providing drug dosage information per Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.METHODS A set of natural language queries mimicking real-world medical dosage inquiries was presented to the AI systems.Responses were analyzed using a 3-point Likert scale.The analysis,conducted with Python and its libraries,focused on basic statistics,overall system accuracy,and disease-specific and organ system accuracies.RESULTS ChatGPT 4 outperformed the other systems,showing the highest rate of correct responses(83.77%)and the best overall weighted accuracy(0.6775).Disease-specific accuracy varied notably across systems,with some diseases being accurately recognized,while others demonstrated significant discrepancies.Organ system accuracy also showed variable results,underscoring system-specific strengths and weaknesses.CONCLUSION ChatGPT 4 demonstrates superior reliability in medical dosage information,yet variations across diseases emphasize the need for ongoing improvements.These results highlight AI's potential in aiding healthcare professionals,urging continuous development for dependable accuracy in critical medical situations.

Importance of etiologies of secondary diabetes:How often do we think off in clinical practice?

The article"Secondary diabetes due to different etiologies:Four case reports"by Song et al,published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases,delves into the identi-fication of rare causes of secondary diabetes and emphasizes the necessity for healthcare professionals to recognize these conditions.Failure to do so can result in treatment delays and compromised patient outcomes.The article discusses spe-cific types of diabetes,including maturity onset of diabetes in young,pancreas-related diseases,endocrinopathies,drug-induced diabetes,infections,and con-genital genetic syndromes associated with diabetes mellitus.Case summaries highlight how patients with secondary diabetes,stemming from conditions such as Williams-Beuren syndrome and pituitary adenoma,often exhibit distinct characteristics overlooked in clinical practice.The authors stress the importance of a holistic diagnostic approach and advocate for proactive management through early intervention,including genetic tests and antibody detection.Increased awa-reness and education are crucial for timely identification and proper management,ultimately improving patient well-being.These findings prompt a call to action for healthcare professionals to consider rare causes of secondary diabetes,facili-tating better glycemic control and overall patient care.

Internal hernia as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction:An insight from 13 years of experience

BACKGROUND Internal hernia(IH)is a rare culprit of small bowel obstruction(SBO)with an incidence of<1%.It poses a considerable diagnostic challenge requiring a high index of suspicion to prevent misdiagnosis,improper treatment,and subsequent morbidity and mortality.AIM To determine the clinico-demographic profile,radiological and operative findings,and postoperative course of patients with IH and its association with SBO.METHODS Medical records of 586 patients with features of SBO presenting at a tertiary care centre at Lucknow,India between September 2010 and August 2023 were reviewed.RESULTS Out of 586 patients,7(1.2%)were diagnosed with IH.Among these,4 had congenital IH and 3 had acquired IH.The male-to-female ratio was 4:3.The median age at presentation was 32 years.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)was the most reliable investigation for preoperative identification,demonstrating mesenteric whirling and clumped-up bowel loops.Left paraduodenal hernia and transmesenteric hernia occurred with an equal frequency(approximately 43%each).Intraoperatively,one patient was found to have bowel ischemia and one had associated malrotation of gut.During follow-up,no recurrences were reported.CONCLUSION IH,being a rare cause,must be considered as a differential diagnosis for SBO,especially in young patients in their 30s or with unexplained abdominal pain or discomfort post-surgery.A rapid imaging evaluation,preferably with CECT,is necessary to aid in an early diagnosis and prompt intervention,thereby reducing financial burden related to unnecessary investigations and preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with closed-loop obstruction and strangulation of the bowel.

Virtual reality based apps are the future of patient:Counseling

The use of virtual reality to educate preoperative patients has a positive impact on nurses as well as patients undergoing treatment.It can help improve patient satisfaction and improve favorable outcomes by reducing patient anxiety and proving adequate knowledge about the procedure and possible outcomes to the patient.It also reduces burden on nursing staff and counsellors.Larger and more diverse cohort studies will help us understand the wider application of this tool on the patient population.It may be difficult to apply this tool on elderly patients with failing eyesight,multiple physical comorbidities.Also,there may be reduced acceptance of this modality by older nursing staff and practitioners who may prefer the traditional verbal version for counselling.We will benefit from a combined approach of using virtual reality apps with tradition one-on-one counselling to help alleviate patient concerns and improve patient and healthcare professional satisfaction.

Study of tree shrew biology and models: A booming and prosperous field for biomedical research

The tree shrew(Tupaia belangeri)has long been proposed as a suitable alternative to non-human primates(NHPs)in biomedical and laboratory research due to its close evolutionary relationship with primates.In recent years,significant advances have facilitated tree shrew studies,including the determination of the tree shrew genome,genetic manipulation using spermatogonial stem cells,viral vector-mediated gene delivery,and mapping of the tree shrew brain atlas.However,the limited availability of tree shrews globally remains a substantial challenge in the field.Additionally,determining the key questions best answered using tree shrews constitutes another difficulty.Tree shrew models have historically been used to study hepatitis B virus(HBV)and hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection,myopia,and psychosocial stress-induced depression,with more recent studies focusing on developing animal models for infectious and neurodegenerative diseases.Despite these efforts,the impact of tree shrew models has not yet matched that of rodent or NHP models in biomedical research.This review summarizes the prominent advancements in tree shrew research and reflects on the key biological questions addressed using this model.We emphasize that intensive dedication and robust international collaboration are essential for achieving breakthroughs in tree shrew studies.The use of tree shrews as a unique resource is expected to gain considerable attention with the application of advanced techniques and the development of viable animal models,meeting the increasing demands of life science and biomedical research.

Biologics in the management of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease:When and what to choose

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease(PIBD)is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract,with rising global incidence and prevalence.Over the past two decades,biologics have added to the therapeutic armamentarium and revolutionized the approach to treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.The available biologics include monoclonal antibodies which target inflammatory cytokines(anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha,anti-interleukin 12/23)or recruitment of leucocytes to the gastrointestinal tract(anti-alpha4beta7 integrin)and small molecules(Janus kinase inhibitors,sphingosine 1-phosphate-inhibitors)which modify the proinflammatory signaling.Considering their potential disease-modifying ability,recent pediatric guidelines from the West have advocated upfront use of biologics in appropriate clinical scenarios as a top-down approach rather than the conventional step-up approach.Although real-world studies are available regarding the clinical efficacy of biologics in PIBD,there is paucity of long-term outcome and safety data in children.Also,little information is available about the best approach in the newly industrialized-developing countries where PIBD is rising but at the same time,infections are prevalent and resources are limited.In this review,we summarize the efficacy and safety profile of biologics and small molecule drugs and discuss the challenges in the management of PIBD,especially in the developing world,and future directions.

Convergence of COVID-19 and recurrent stroke:In-hospital mortality risks explored

This editorial comments on the article by Desai et al,which investigates the impact of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)on in-hospital mortality among patients with recurrent stroke using data from the 2020 National Inpatient Sample.The findings reveal significantly higher mortality rates in COVID-19-positive patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients,particularly among middle-aged individuals,males,and ethnic minorities.This editorial explores the underlying mechanisms contributing to these outcomes and discusses the clinical implications for targeted management strategies in high-risk groups.The results emphasize the need for comprehensive approaches to mitigate the heightened risks faced by recurrent stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strategic planning and designing of a hospital disaster manual in a tertiary care, teaching, research and referral institute in India

BACKGROUND: As per the "Disaster Management Act, 2005" of India, it is mandatory for government hospitals in India to prepare a disaster plan. This study aimed to prepare a disaster manual of a 1 900 bed tertiary care hospital, in consultation and involvement of all concerned stakeholders.METHODS: A committee of members from hospital administration, clinical, diagnostic and supportive departments worked on an initial document prepared according to the Act and gave their inputs to frame a final disaster manual.RESULTS: The prepared departmental standard operating procedures involved 116 people(doctors and paramedical staff), and were then synchronized, in 12 committee meetings, to produce the final hospital disaster manual.CONCLUSIONS: The present disaster manual is one of the few comprehensive plans prepared by the stakeholders of a government hospital in India, who themselves form a part of the disaster response team. It also helped in co-ordinated conduction of mock drills.

Awareness of mobile phone hazards among university students in a Malaysian medical school

This paper seeks to examine the awareness of potential health hazards by using mobile phone among AIMST (Asian Institute of Medical science and technology) University students. This is a cross-sectional survey conducted by distributing ‘perception questionnaire’. Perception of health hazards and outcomes were compared by gender, age, course of study, preferred ear, number of calls and SMS daily, the brand of mobile phone and use of mobile phone accessory (Bluetooth and hands free). The overall perception of mobile phone hazard in AIMST university student was 62%.Most subjects agreed that mobile phone usage can cause headache, loss of mental attention and sleeping disturbances and most disagree that mobile phone usage can cause constipation and diarrhea. Out of the 124 subjects who were aware of the side effects, 5% of the males and 10% of the females felt that there was no need to minimize the unwanted effects. The paper is useful to the general population particularly to the students as the perceived health risk did not significantly deter students from using mobile phone. The reasons given by students for the continued usage of mobile phone in spite of their awareness of the associated hazards have been discussed. This study offers new insight into level of awareness and perception of mobile phone hazard among University students.

Resident immune responses to spinal cord injury:role of astrocytes and microglia

Spinal cord injury can be traumatic or non-traumatic in origin,with the latter rising in incidence and prevalence with the aging demographics of our society.Moreove r,as the global population ages,individuals with co-existent degenerative spinal pathology comprise a growing number of traumatic spinal cord injury cases,especially involving the cervical spinal cord.This makes recovery and treatment approaches particula rly challenging as age and comorbidities may limit regenerative capacity.For these reasons,it is critical to better understand the complex milieu of spinal cord injury lesion pathobiology and the ensuing inflammatory response.This review discusses microglia-specific purinergic and cytokine signaling pathways,as well as microglial modulation of synaptic stability and plasticity after injury.Further,we evaluate the role of astrocytes in neurotransmission and calcium signaling,as well as their border-forming response to neural lesions.Both the inflammatory and reparative roles of these cells have eluded our complete understanding and remain key therapeutic targets due to their extensive structural and functional roles in the nervous system.Recent advances have shed light on the roles of glia in neurotransmission and reparative injury responses that will change how interventions are directed.Understanding key processes and existing knowledge gaps will allow future research to effectively target these cells and harness their regenerative potential.

Microglial response to aging and neuroinflammation in the development of neurodegenerative diseases

Cellular senescence and chronic inflammation in response to aging are considered to be indicators of brain aging;they have a great impact on the aging process and are the main risk factors for neurodegeneration.Reviewing the microglial response to aging and neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases will help understand the importance of microglia in neurodegenerative diseases.This review describes the origin and function of microglia and focuses on the role of different states of the microglial response to aging and chronic inflammation on the occurrence and development of neurodegenerative diseases,including Alzheimer's disease,Huntington's chorea,and Parkinson's disease.This review also describes the potential benefits of treating neurodegenerative diseases by modulating changes in microglial states.Therefore,inducing a shift from the neurotoxic to neuroprotective microglial state in neurodegenerative diseases induced by aging and chronic inflammation holds promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.

Sustained release of vascular endothelial growth factor A and basic fibroblast growth factor from nanofiber membranes reduces oxygen/glucose deprivation-induced injury to neurovascular units

Upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A/basic fibroblast growth factor(VEGFA/b FGF)expression in the penumbra of cerebral ischemia can increase vascular volume,reduce lesion volume,and enhance neural cell proliferation and differentiation,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.However,the beneficial effects of endogenous VEGFA/b FGF are limited as their expression is only transiently increased.In this study,we generated multilayered nanofiber membranes loaded with VEGFA/b FGF using layer-by-layer self-assembly and electrospinning techniques.We found that a membrane containing 10 layers had an ideal ultrastructure and could efficiently and stably release growth factors for more than 1 month.This 10-layered nanofiber membrane promoted brain microvascular endothelial cell tube formation and proliferation,inhibited neuronal apoptosis,upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins,and improved the viability of various cellular components of neurovascular units under conditions of oxygen/glucose deprivation.Furthermore,this nanofiber membrane decreased the expression of Janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3(JAK2/STAT3),Bax/Bcl-2,and cleaved caspase-3.Therefore,this nanofiber membrane exhibits a neuroprotective effect on oxygen/glucose-deprived neurovascular units by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Nutrition interventions and clinical outcomes of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: More than meets the eye

In the retrospective study by Luo et al regarding clinical outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM),the results are statistically significant in favour of the benefits of individualized nutrition interventions enumerated therein.The study has provided important evidence to improve maternal and child health in the Asian population.The methods,however,appear to have considerable limi-tations,wherein the time point of diagnosis of GDM,severity of GDM,selection bias,compliance to therapy,important maternal covariates,observable microvascular abnormalities and the confounding effect of added insulin have not been considered.We have provided suggestions to improve the external validity of the study,including the use of Equator Network reporting guidelines and inclusion of overweight and obese patients in future studies.

Navigating the intersection of psychiatry and ophthalmology:A comprehensive review of depression and anxiety management in glaucoma patients

Glaucoma,a prevalent and debilitating eye disease,has long been associated with vision impairment and blindness.However,recent research has shed light on the often-underestimated psychological dimensions of this condition.Anxiety and depression,two pervasive psychiatric comorbidities,have been increasingly recognized among glaucoma patients.This comprehensive review aims to explore the intricate relationship between psychiatry and ophthalmology,in the context of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients.By meticulously examining peer-reviewed literature,we synthesize current knowledge on the prevalence,risk factors,and underlying mechanisms of anxiety and depression in glaucoma.The evidence reveals that glaucoma patients face an elevated risk of experiencing these mood disorders.Factors such as progressive vision loss,complex medication regimens,and the fear of further visual deterioration contribute to their vulnerability.Moreover,we delve into the bidirectional relationship between glaucoma and mood disorders,shedding light on the complex interplay between ocular and emotional health.Our review investigates the implications of anxiety and depression on glaucoma management,including their potential impact on treatment adherence,disease progression,and overall quality of life.We also explore the neurobiological pathways linking glaucoma and mood disorders,providing a foundation for future research and potential therapeutic interventions.In conclusion,recognizing the psychological burden carried by glaucoma patients is essential for holistic and patient-centered care.This review underscores the pressing need for integrated approaches that bring together ophthalmological and psychiatric expertise to optimize the well-being of individuals facing the challenges of glaucoma.By addressing anxiety and depression in glaucoma care,healthcare providers can enhance the overall quality of life for these patients,ultimately leading to improved outcomes and a brighter future for those affected by this condition.This review offers valuable insight for healthcare practitioners and researchers,providing a concise overview of key topics and research in the field of managing depression and anxiety in glaucoma patients.

National guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

A consensus meeting of national experts from all major national hepatobiliary centres in the country was held on May 26,2023,at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute&Research Centre(PKLI&RC)after initial consultations with the experts.The Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases(PSSLD)and PKLI&RC jointly organised this meeting.This effort was based on a comprehensive literature review to establish national practice guidelines for hilar cholangiocarcinoma(hCCA).The consensus was that hCCA is a complex disease and requires a multidisciplinary team approach to best manage these patients.This coordinated effort can minimise delays and give patients a chance for curative treatment and effective palliation.The diagnostic and staging workup includes high-quality computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreato-graphy.Brush cytology or biopsy utilizing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a mainstay for diagnosis.However,histopathologic confirmation is not always required before resection.Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle aspiration of regional lymph nodes and positron emission tomography scan are valuable adjuncts for staging.The only curative treatment is the surgical resection of the biliary tree based on the Bismuth-Corlette classification.Selected patients with unresectable hCCA can be considered for liver transplantation.Adjuvant chemotherapy should be offered to patients with a high risk of recurrence.The use of preoperative biliary drainage and the need for portal vein embolisation should be based on local multidisciplinary discussions.Patients with acute cholangitis can be drained with endoscopic or percutaneous biliary drainage.Palliative chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine has shown improved survival in patients with irresectable and recurrent hCCA.

Rationale for integration of palliative care in the medical intensive care:A narrative literature review

Despite the remarkable technological advancement in the arena of critical care expertise,the mortality of critically ill patients remains high.When the organ functions de-teriorate,goals of care are not fulfilled and life-sustaining treatment becomes a burden on the patient and caregivers,then it is the responsibility of the physician to provide a dignified end to life,control the symptoms of the patient and provide psychological support to the family members.Palliative care is the best way forward for these patients.It is a multidimensional specialty which emphasizes patient and family-based care and aims to improve the quality of life of patients and their caregivers.Although intensive care and palliative care may seem to be at two opposite ends of the spectrum,it is necessary to amalgamate the postulates of palliative care in intensive care units to provide holistic care and best benefit patients admitted to intensive care units.This review aims to highlight the need for an alliance of palliative care with intensive care in the present era,the barriers to it,and models proposed for their integration and various ethical issues.

Role of second look endoscopy in endoscopic submucosal dissection and peptic ulcer bleeding:Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND Second-look endoscopy(SLE)to prevent recurrent bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer disease(PUD)and those undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is routinely being performed.Conflicting evidence exists regarding efficacy,risk,benefit,and cost-effectiveness.AIM To identify the role and effectiveness of SLE in ESD and PUD,associated rebleeding and PUD-related outcomes like mortality,hospital length of stay,need for endoscopic or surgical intervention and blood transfusions.METHODS A systematic review of literature databases PubMed,Cochrane,and Embase was conducted from inception to January 5,2023.Randomized controlled trials that compared patients with SLE to those who did not have SLE or evaluated the role of prophylactic hemostasis during SLE compared to other conservative interventions were included.The study was conducted per PRISMA guidelines,and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO(ID CRD42023427555:).RevMan was used to perform meta-analysis,and Mantel-Haenszel Odds ratio(OR)were generated using random effect models.RESULTS A total of twelve studies with 2687 patients were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis,of which 1074 patients underwent SLE after ESD and 1613 patients underwent SLE after PUD-related bleeding.In ESD,the rates of rebleeding were 7%in the SLE group compared to 4.4%in the non-SLE group with OR 1.65,95%confidence intervals(CI)of 0.96 to 2.85;P=0.07,whereas it was 11%in the SLE group compared to 13%in the non-SLE group with OR 0.895%CI:0.50 to 1.29;P=0.36.The mean difference in the blood transfusion rates in the SLE and no SLE group in PUD was OR 0.01,95%CI:-0.22 to 0.25;P=0.91.In SLE vs non-SLE groups with PUD,the OR for Endoscopic intervention was 0.29,95%CI:0.08 to 1.00;P=0.05 while it was OR 2.03,95%CI:0.95 to 4.33;P=0.07,for surgical intervention.The mean difference in the hospital length of stay was-3.57 d between the SLE and no SLE groups in PUD with 95%CI:-7.84 to 0.69;P=0.10,denoting an average of approximately 3 fewer days of hospital stay among patients with PUD who underwent SLE.For mortality between SLE and non-SLE groups in PUD,the OR was 0.88,95%CI:0.45 to 1.72;P=0.70.CONCLUSION SLE does not confer any benefit in preventing ESD and PUD-associated rebleeding.SLE also does not provide any significant improvement in mortality,need for interventions,or blood transfusions in PUD patients.SLE decreases the hospital length of stay on average by 3.5 d in PUD patients.

Non-medicalization of medical science:Rationalization for future

As we delve into the intricacies of human disease,millions of people continue to be diagnosed as having what are labelled as pre-conditions or sub-clinical entities and may receive treatments designed to prevent further progression to clinical disease,but with debatable impact and consequences.Endocrinology is no different,with almost every organ system and associated diseases having subclinical entities.Although the expansion of these“grey”pre-conditions and their treatments come with a better understanding of pathophysiologic processes,they also entail financial costs and drug adverse-effects,and lack true prevention,thus refuting the very foundation of Medicine laid by Hippocrates“Primum non nocere”(Latin),i.e.,do no harm.Subclinical hypothyroidism,prediabetes,osteopenia,and minimal autonomous cortisol excess are some of the endocrine preclinical conditions which do not require active pharmacological management in the vast majority.In fact,progression to clinical disease is seen in only a small minority with reversal to normality in most.Giving drugs also does not lead to true prevention by changing the course of future disease.The goal of the medical fraternity thus as a whole should be to bring this large chunk of humanity out of the hospitals towards leading a healthy lifestyle and away from the label of a medical disease condition.

Clinic Pathological Profile of Neuroblastoma, Our Experience at Tertiary Care Hospital;Government Medical College Hospital Srinagar J &K

Introduction: Pediatric tumors account for a small proportion of all cancers;amongst them neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor as well as malignant tumor. They have varied clinical presentation. Recent advances in diagnostic methods and multidisciplinary treatment approach have resulted in early diagnosis, treatment, better prognosis and survival. Aims and Objectives: To study the clinical profile, histopathology, grading and correlate that with clinical diagnosis, efficacy of various investigations for early diagnosis, and management of neuroblastoma in our hospital. Material and Methods: A total of nine patients of neuroblastoma were studied from May 2013 to January 2015. All the nine patients were operated. Neuroblastoma was staged according to the International Neuroblastoma Staging system. Follow-up was carried in all the patients. Results: Two patients in our study were Stage 1, two were Stage 2A and 5 patients were Stage 4S. In Stage 1, pre-operative chemotherapy was not given. Tumor was excised in toto. Post-operatively, no adjuvant therapy was given. Patients are alive till date. In Stage 2A, patients were operated and received post-operative chemotherapy. One patient is alive and disease-free. Other patient died in post-op. period while on chemotherapy. Patients in Stage 4S were operated after receiving pre-op radiotherapy of 500 - 1000 radians and adjuvant chemotherapy. One patient expired in follow-up while four patients are still alive. We have achieved 100% survival rate in Stage 1, 50% in Stage 2 and 80% in Stage 4S.

Mpox and related poxviruses:A literature review of evolution,pathophysiology,and clinical manifestations

The recently re-emerged mpox(monkeypox)virus that causes mpox disease is a member of genus Orthopoxvirus and has unprecedentedly spread worldwide.Numerous studies have contributed to our understanding of its evolution,pathophysiology,and clinical manifestations.The current outbreak of the mpox virus depicts its novel route of transmission as a new variant.However,the exact reason for its transition from an epidemic to a pandemic remains unclear.Furthermore,other poxviruses such as vaccinia virus,variola virus,and cowpox virus,also belong to the same genus,Orthopoxvirus.In the present review,our objective was to summarize the evidence on evolution,pathophysiology,and clinical manifestations of mpox virus and its related poxviruses.The present review would aid in a better understanding of the current circulating mpox virus and its differences from other poxviruses.In addition,the shared genetic factors contributing to virulence in these Orthopoxvirus highlight their evolutionary connections and genetic similarities.While they exhibit differences in virulence,studying these genetic relationships is crucial for understanding their biology,pathogenicity,and the development of effective vaccines and antiviral therapeutics to curb mpox disease.