Perceptual filters: Exploring disability and ableism's cognitive framework.

Ableism, akin to other forms of discrimination such as sexism and racism, is increasingly recognized as a pervasive societal concern directed towards individuals with disabilities. This scholarly inquiry delineates the operational definition, manifestations, and ramifications of ableism, with a specific focus on its manifestations within healthcare settings. It underscores the critical need for targeted interventions aimed at mitigating biases among healthcare professionals and promoting inclusivity within healthcare delivery systems.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Online Assessments and Their Parameters as Predictors of Academic Performance in Undergraduate Medical Education.

Background and objectives Considering the increasing utilization of online educational tools in medical education, it is essential to evaluate the reliability and validity of online assessments to accurately assess student proficiency and predict academic success. This study investigated the predictive efficacy of different online assessment methods in comparison to standard offline methods within the medical educational setting. Methods This study utilized a mixed-methods crossover design, involving 125 first-year medical students who were randomly assigned to either online or traditional examinations.

Evaluating the Diagnostic Potential of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Adiponectin in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) presents a formidable health challenge in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. This study in eastern Uttar Pradesh aims to assess the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and adiponectin in DPN, recognizing the crucial need for understanding its molecular underpinnings for enhanced diagnosis and management.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study analyzing clinical and biochemical data, 86 individuals aged 35 to 65 years were examined, including 43 with neuropathy and 43 without.

The Prognostic Value of De Ritis Ratio on the Survival Rate of ICU-Admitted COVID-19 Patients During the Second Wave: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in India.

Background Prognostic markers are essential for optimizing COVID-19 patient care. This retrospective study examines the prognostic value of the De Ritis ratio (DRR) in intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients during the second wave of the pandemic. Methods A retrospective study of four-month duration (March to June 2021) was conducted on 161 ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients in a tertiary care hospital in India.

Unraveling the Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent and debilitating complication of diabetes mellitus, leading to sensory abnormalities, decreased balance, and increased risk of foot problems. Although tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has emerged as a potential factor in the pathogenesis of DPN, its role remains contested. This study intends to thoroughly analyze the association between TNF-α and DPN by combining data from various global studies.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Cannabis Use Disorders - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The prevalence of cannabis use disorders has become a noteworthy global public health issue. Understanding the neurobiological factors associated with cannabis use disorder (CUD) is crucial for creating effective interventions. One such factor, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), has been linked to the onset and persistence of addictive behaviors.

Role of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in the Treatment of Hypochondriasis: A Systematic Review.

Hypochondriasis is a condition characterized by an unrealistic fear of having a serious medical illness resulting in health anxiety. Currently, no evidence-based pharmacological treatment options are available for the treatment of hypochondriasis. Since selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line treatment option for anxiety disorders, they may be useful for relieving hypochondriasis symptoms.

Evaluating Interference of Lipemia on Routine Clinical Biochemical Tests.

 Lipemia is an important cause of preanalytical errors in laboratory results. They affect the specimen integrity and trustworthiness of laboratory results. The present study was to assess the impact of lipemia on routine clinical chemistry analytes.

Role of Melatonin in the Management of Substance Addiction: A Systematic Review.

Recent evidence links melatonin hormone and its receptor to the etiology and behavioral manifestation of addiction. The role of exogenous melatonin in addiction treatment is still inconsistent and unclear. The present study aimed to review the literature on randomized clinical trials that evaluated the role of melatonin supplementation, compared to placebo, in the treatment of various substance addictions.

Evaluation of cytokine gene expression in psoriasis.

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin with an unclear etiological significance.

Aim: In this study, we determined the mRNA expression and circulating levels of T helper (Th)/T regulatory (Treg) cytokines in psoriasis and analyzed their association with disease severity and treatment response.

Material And Methods: 189 psoriasis patients and 189 controls were recruited.

Assessment of Patients with Periorbital Melanosis for Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance.

Background: Periorbital melanosis (PM) is one of the most common dermatological condition seen in routine practice. Several cutaneous markers such as acanthosis nigricans have been associated with insulin resistance (IR). However, the association of PM with IR needs to be substantiated.

Burden of diabetic kidney disease among persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus registered in a tertiary care center, Puducherry.

Background & Aims: To determine burden of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and estimate yield and number needed to screen (NNS) in a tertiary diabetes care center.

Methods: DKD was diagnosed if estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m or Urinary Albumin Creatinine Ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g in two urine samples.

Effect of imbalance in folate and vitamin B12 in maternal/parental diet on global methylation and regulatory miRNAs.

DNA methylation, a central component of the epigenetic network is altered in response to nutritional influences. In one-carbon cycle, folate acts as a one-carbon carrier and vitamin B12 acts as co-factor for the enzyme methionine synthase. Both folate and vitamin B12 are the important regulators of DNA methylation which play an important role in development in early life.

Temporal expression of genes involved in folate metabolism and transport during placental development, preeclampsia and neural tube defects.

Folate is an essential micronutrient during pregnancy. The differential expression of genes related to folate transport and metabolism during the advancing gestation and pregnancy complications is not well established. Hence, we studied the gene expression of folate metabolism and transport proteins in the placenta with advancing gestation, preeclampsia and neural tube defects (NTD).

Circulating matrix modulators (MMP-9 and TIMP-1) and their association with severity of diabetic retinopathy.

Aims: Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of vision loss in the working age population. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), are molecules involved in extracellular tissue matrix remodelling. They are implicated in the loss of retinal tissue integrity, a major cause of DR, that leads to retinal tissue degradation and apoptosis.

Association Between Adiponectin and Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Urolithiasis.

Objectives: The prevalence of urolithiasis is increasing worldwide. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by insulin resistance, which increases the risk of kidney stone formation. Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory cytokine, which is known to improve glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in humans.