Medicine Meets Science: The Imperative of Scientific Research and Publishing for Physician-Scientists.

Physician-scientists serve as conduits between clinical practice and scientific research, leveraging their unique expertise to improve patient care and drive medical innovation. This article highlights the indispensable role of research and publishing in promoting evidence-based practices, facilitating professional growth, and shaping public health policy. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, I examine the challenges faced by physician-scientists, such as ethical dilemmas and declining engagement in research, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Access to timely cancer treatment initiation in India: extent, determinants and trends.

Background: Treatment delays are significantly associated with advanced stage, poor response to treatment, increased mortality risk, poor health outcomes, increased healthcare expenditures among cancer patients. However, factors associated with these delays have not yet been robustly evaluated. In order to bridge this gap, we determined the delayed time to treatment initiation (TTI) among cancer patients in India, ascertained its determinants, and assessed the trends of delayed TTI.

: Empowering artificial intelligence for respiratory diseases diagnosis based on electronic health records, a multicenter study.

Respiratory diseases pose a significant global health burden, with challenges in early and accurate diagnosis due to overlapping clinical symptoms, which often leads to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment. To address this issue, we developed , an artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic system that utilizes natural language processing (NLP) to extract key clinical features from electronic health records (EHRs) for the accurate classification of respiratory diseases. This study employed a large cohort of 31,267 EHRs from multiple centers for model training and internal testing.

Transformative Spinal Surgery: Lateral Position Unilateral Biportal Endoscopic Discectomy.

Introduction: Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) is a minimally invasive technique that allows for direct visualization of spinal pathologies and has become a safe and effective alternative to traditional open spine surgery. Conventionally performed in the prone position, biportal endoscopy can also be done in the lateral position to avoid prone-associated complications. To our knowledge, the use of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in the lateral position has not been previously reported.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of Femoral Head : A Rare Case Report.

Introduction: Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC) is a benign, non neoplastic, expansile lesion of bone characterized by channels of blood and spaces separated by fibrous septae. ABC of femoral head is an extremely rare condition and is difficult to treat as the surgical approach is a dilemma .

Case Report: We hereby report a case of aneurysmal bone cyst in femoral head of a 19 year old female patient.

Minimally Invasive Versus Open Spinal Fusion Surgery for Spondylolisthesis Treatment.

Background: In recent years, there has been a growing utilization of minimally invasive (MI) techniques, which provide the potential advantages of minimizing surgical stress, post-operative pain, and hospitalization duration. Nevertheless, the existing body of literature primarily comprises of studies conducted at a single medical site, which are of low quality and lack a comprehensive analysis of treatment techniques exclusively focused on spondylolisthesis. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to compare minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery (OS) spinal fusion outcomes for the treatment of spondylolisthesis.

Uncommon Presentation of Hip Pain Due to Calcific Tendonitis in the Rectus Femoris.

Introduction: Calcific tendonitis is characterized by calcium hydroxyapatite crystal deposition in tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. While predominantly observed in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder, its occurrence in the rectus femoris tendon of the hip is exceedingly rare and poses a diagnostic challenge.

Case Report: A 38-year-old female housewife presented with a 1-month history of left hip pain, which was dull, aching, and exacerbated by movements such as standing and walking.

A systematic literature review of real-world evidence (RWE) on post-market assessment of medical devices.

The increasing use of real-world evidence (RWE) and real-world data (RWD) to assess post-market medical devices (MDs) might satisfy the urgent need for data sharing and traceability. This study sought to (i) get an overview of current practice in post-market assessments of MDs reporting on RWE/RWD; (ii) draw policy recommendations for governments and health organisations and identify a research agenda for scholars.A systematic review was undertaken until February 2024 following the PRISMA guidelines.

Measuring Food and Water Security in an Aboriginal Community in Regional Australia.

Objective: To measure current levels and experiences of food and water security in Walgett to guide a community-led program and to provide a baseline measure.

Design: A community-led cross-sectional survey conducted in April 2022 by trained local researchers.

Setting: Walgett, a regional town in NSW, Australia.

Blarcamesine for the treatment of Early Alzheimer's Disease: Results from the ANAVEX2-73-AD-004 Phase IIB/III trial.

Background: There are no approved oral disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess efficacy and safety of blarcamesine (ANAVEX®2-73), an orally available small-molecule activator of the sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) in early AD through restoration of cellular homeostasis including autophagy enhancement.

Design: ANAVEX2-73-AD-004 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 48-week Phase IIb/III trial.

Characteristics, care and support needs of older Victorians requiring a government-funded Home Care Package: An observational study.

Objectives: To describe sociodemographic characteristics and comprehensive day-to-day care and support needs of older Victorians requiring government-funded home-based aged-care, and to explore associations between vulnerability factors and complexity indicators in this population.

Methods: A population-based observational study was conducted using de-identified, routinely collected aged-care assessment data for Victorians approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) between January 2019 and June 2022.

Results: The study population (n = 94,975 individuals), approved for one of four HCP levels (Levels 1 (5%), 2 (38%), 3 (34%) or 4 (24%)), was aged 82 years on average (SD 7.

Mechanisms coupling the mTOR pathway to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a poorly reversible respiratory disorder distinguished by dyspnea, cough, expectoration and exacerbations due to abnormality of airways or emphysema. In this review, we consider the therapeutic potential of targeting Mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) for treating COPD. The mTOR is a highly conserved serine-threonine protein kinase that integrates signals from growth factors and nutrients to control protein synthesis, lipid biogenesis and metabolism.

Effect of Probiotics on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Schizophrenia: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Inflammatory markers play a pivotal role in schizophrenia, as they provide insight into the neuroinflammatory processes occurring in the context of the disorder. Elevated levels of these markers, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP), can indicate an underlying immune system dysregulation, potentially influencing symptom severity and progression. Recognizing these markers has led to investigate the use of probiotics as an adjuvant to improve the treatment of schizophrenia.

DNA-binding affinity and specificity determine the phenotypic diversity in BCL11B-related disorders.

BCL11B is a Cys2-His2 zinc-finger (C2H2-ZnF) domain-containing, DNA-binding, transcription factor with established roles in the development of various organs and tissues, primarily the immune and nervous systems. BCL11B germline variants have been associated with a variety of developmental syndromes. However, genotype-phenotype correlations along with pathophysiologic mechanisms of selected variants mostly remain elusive.

Do socioeconomic factors impair uptake of neoadjuvant therapy for patients with locoregional oesophageal cancer?

Objectives: The benefits of neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgery for patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer have been well established by multiple trials. However, there may be socioeconomic barriers impacting equitable administration. We aim to identify whether disparities exist in the uptake of neoadjuvant therapy among patients with loco-regional oesophageal cancer.

Evaluating the Real-World Safety of Icosapent Ethyl Versus Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid in Nationwide US Veterans Cohort: Examining Atrial Fibrillation and Bleeding Endpoints.

Purpose: The REDUCE-IT randomized trial demonstrated a cardiovascular benefit of icosapent ethyl (IPE) but also raised potential safety signals for atrial fibrillation (AF) and serious bleeding. We aimed to evaluate the real-world safety of IPE versus mixed omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (OM-3) formulations.

Methods: This retrospective active comparator new-user cohort study compared rates of new-onset AF and major bleeding (MB) among adult new users of IPE versus OM-3 in 2020-2024 US Veterans Affairs data.

Outcomes of a Structured Olfactory and Gustatory Rehabilitation Program in Children with Post-COVID-19 Smell and Taste Disturbances.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is closely related to SARS-CoV and uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as its cellular receptor. In early 2020, reports emerged linking CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19) to olfactory and gustatory disturbances. These disturbances could be attributed to virus-induced damage to olfactory neurons or immune responses, thereby affecting sensory functions.

Prevalence of High Frequency Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Among Medical Students Using Personalized Listening Devices.

The misuse of personalized listening devices (PLDs) resulting in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has become a public health concern, especially among youths, including medical students. The occupational use of PLDs that produce high-intensity sounds amplifies the danger of cochlear deterioration and high-frequency NIHL especially when used in noisy environments. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and trends of NIHL among medical students using PLDs.

Epilepsy Prediction and Detection Using Attention-CssCDBN with Dual-Task Learning.

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures, and it affects tens of millions of people worldwide. Currently, the most effective diagnostic method employs the monitoring of brain activity through electroencephalogram (EEG). However, it is critical to predict epileptic seizures in patients prior to their onset, allowing for the administration of preventive medications before the seizure occurs.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers and Building Healthcare Trust: A Mixed Methods Study on Cervical Cancer Prevention Among Arab American Women Across Major U.S. Cities.

Background: Understanding why Arab American women have lower adherence to cervical cancer screening compared to other racial/ethnic groups is important. The study aimed to understand attitudes and knowledge of cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination among Arab American women.

Methods: A mixed-method approach was employed, including nine focus groups and an online questionnaire.

Repurposing FDA-Approved Drugs for Eumycetoma Treatment: Homology Modeling and Computational Screening of CYP51 Inhibitors.

Eumycetoma, a chronic fungal infection caused by , is a neglected tropical disease characterized by tumor-like growths that can lead to permanent disability and deformities if untreated. Predominantly affecting regions in Africa, South America, and Asia, it imposes significant physical, social, and economic burdens. Current treatments, including antifungal drugs like itraconazole, often show variable efficacy, with severe cases necessitating surgical intervention or amputation.

The Relationship Between Impulsivity Traits and In Vivo Cerebral Serotonin Transporter and Serotonin 2A Receptor Binding in Healthy Individuals: A Double-Tracer PET Study with C-11 DASB and C-11 MDL100907.

To elucidate the potential roles of presynaptic and postsynaptic serotonergic activity in impulsivity traits, we investigated the relationship between self-reported impulsiveness and serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and 5-HT2A receptors in healthy individuals. In this study, 26 participants completed 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography with [C]DASB and [C]MDL100907. To quantify 5-HTT and 5-HT2A receptor availability, the binding potential (BP) of [C]DASB and [C]MDL100907 was derived using the simplified reference tissue model with cerebellar gray matter as the reference region.