Micro-Raman spectroscopy study of optically trapped erythrocytes in malaria, dengue and leptospirosis infections.

Malaria, dengue and leptospirosis are three tropical infectious diseases that present with severe hematological derangement causing significant morbidity and mortality, especially during the seasonal monsoons. During the course of these infectious diseases, circulating red blood cells are imperiled to the direct ill-effects of the infectious pathogen in the body as well as to the pro-inflammatory cytokines generated as a consequence of the infection. RBCs when exposed to such inflammatory and/or pathogenic milieu are susceptible to injuries such as RBC programmed or RBC programmed .

Micro-Raman Spectroscopy Analysis of Optically Trapped Erythrocytes in Jaundice.

Derangements in bilirubin metabolism and/or dysfunctions in the hepato-biliary system lead to the unhealthy buildup of bilirubin in blood, resulting in jaundice. During the course of this disorder, circulating red cells are invariably subjected to toxic effects of serum bilirubin and an array of inflammatory compounds. This study aimed to investigate the vibrational spectroscopy of live red cells in jaundice using micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with optical-trap.

Dynamic Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in Straight Back Syndrome.

Straight back syndrome is a congenital skeletal abnormality of the upper dorsal spine. This clinical case describes a 29-year-old woman with atypical chest pain and a changing murmur that was attributed to dynamic right ventricular outflow tract obstruction on echocardiography. ().

Use of steroids for abdominal tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: The role of adjunctive steroids in abdominal tuberculosis is unclear.

Objective: To evaluate effect of adjunctive use of steroids for abdominal tuberculosis in reducing/preventing complications.

Methods: We searched electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL) from inception to 25th June 2018 using the terms "abdominal tuberculosis" OR "intestinal tuberculosis" OR "peritoneal tuberculosis" OR "tuberculous peritonitis" AND steroids OR methylprednisolone OR prednisolone.

Team-based learning as a teaching strategy for first-year medical students.

Background: Teaching programmes in medical education are now routinely employing active learning strategies to enhance the learning process and engage students in higher levels of learning. Team-based learning (TBL) is one active learning strategy that builds on individuals' strengths by allowing them to collaborate and work as a team to achieve a common learning objective.

Aims: The present study aims to evaluate the impact of TBL on student performance.