Vitamin D attenuates biofilm-associated infections via immunomodulation and cathelicidin expression: a narrative review.

Introduction: Infections are becoming more difficult to treat, at least partly on account of microbes that produce biofilms. Reports suggest that decreased levels of antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, and biofilm formation are all associated with vitamin D deficiency, making vitamin D - deficient individuals more susceptible to infection. Infections attributable to biofilm-producing microbes can be managed by adjuvant therapy with vitamin D because of its immunomodulatory role, particularly because of the ability of vitamin D-pathway to induce the antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin and decrease proinflammatory cytokines.

Predictors of treatment outcomes in drug resistant tuberculosis-observational retrospective study.

Background: In this study, we evaluate the predictors of treatment outcomes in drug resistant tuberculosis.

Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted by using the medical records of patients confirmed for TB at Kasturba Medical College from January 2015 to December 2018.

Results: Four hundred and sixty-two TB patients were included in this study.

Depression and anxiety associated with COVID- 19 pandemic among healthcare professionals in India- A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: As India is fighting against the second wave of COVID-19, Healthcare professionals are the front-line warriors on that battlefield which puts them under psychological pressure, this systematic review aims to critically look into and amalgamate the evidence on impact of COVID-19 on psychological health of healthcare professionals in India and to seek the attention of policymakers.

Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using the following databases PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect. Additionally, random search in Google, Google Scholar and ResearchGate was also performed until February 2021.

EE-6S: an integrated approach for introducing early clinical exposure in the new Egyptian medical curriculum.

The electrocardiogram (ECG) is the primary diagnostic tool in cardiovascular diseases. Hence its interpretation is a core competency in medicine, where obvious deficiencies have been reported among learners. The aim of this study was to introduce the fundamentals of ECG knowledge and interpretation through early clinical exposure (ECE) based on a six-step approach for preclinical students ( = 110) and to study its influence on their knowledge and interpretation skills thereafter.

Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on serum vitamin D and magnesium levels in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy - A pilot study.

Background: Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most distressing complication of diabetic population leading to loss of sensation, pain, and amputation. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to manage nerve injuries as it holds the potential to induce a biostimulatory effect with no side effects. Hence we planned to study the biochemical effect and therapeutic outcomes of LLLT on patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy as a preliminary work.