Readability of informed consent documents and its impact on consent refusal rate.

Introduction: Informed consent documents (ICDs) are integral to a research project and must provide all required information to the participant. We undertook a 6-year retrospective cross-sectional analysis of ICDs to assess the same.

Methods: We accessed 300 ICDs from studies submitted to institutional ethics committee.

Evaluation of self medication practices and prescription patterns in patients of chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional, questionnaire based study.

Background: Pharmacotherapy of chronic kidney disease (CKD) consists of prescribing myriad of drugs such as antihypertensives, antidiabetics, and phosphate binders to delay disease progression and control the comorbidities, resulting in inherent variability in prescriptions. In addition, tendency to self-medicate may further aggravate the condition. Hence, the present study was planned to assess self-medication practices and variability in prescription patterns in CKD patients.

Cystic Echinococcus of the Liver.

Introduction: Cystic echinococcosis is a widely endemic helminthic disease caused by infection with metacestodes (larval stage) of the Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm, which is transmitted by dogs and found on every continent except Antarctica. We sought to review the life cycle, epidemiology, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment of Echinococcus granulosus of the liver.

Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted using Medline/PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science accessed between 1990 and 2024.

Transurethral resection of the prostate across continents: a meta-analysis evaluating quality of gold standard in the twenty-first century.

Purpose: To compare outcomes of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) across different regions worldwide over the past two decades.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials indexed to PubMed that assessed TURP. A total of 102 studies with 8,454 patients were included and grouped by continents: Europe, Asia, Africa, and Others (North America, South America, and Australia).

Can ChatGPT 4.0 Diagnose Acute Aortic Dissection? Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Medical Diagnostics.

Acute aortic dissection (AD) is a critical condition characterized by high mortality and frequent misdiagnoses, primarily due to symptom overlap with other medical pathologies. This study explores the diagnostic utility of ChatGPT 4.0, an artificial intelligence model developed by OpenAI, in identifying acute AD from patients' presentations and general physical examination findings documented in published case reports.

Effect of chronic total occlusion of coronary arteries on cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has significantly advanced the treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS), particularly in elderly patients who often have coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD). Chronic total occlusion (CTO), a severe form of CAD, may negatively impact outcomes in TAVR patients, though data are limited. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the impact of CTO on TAVR outcomes.

Mortality trends, sex, and racial disparities in older adults due to abdominal aortic aneurysm: a nationwide cross-sectional analysis.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant vascular pathology in older adults, often asymptomatic but with high mortality upon rupture. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging and surgical interventions, AAAs remain a public health concern. This research letter analyzed CDC WONDER data on AAA-related deaths (ICD-10 I71.

Trends and disparities in age, sex, ethnoracial background, and urbanization status in adult mortality due to thoracic aortic aneurysm: a retrospective nationwide study in the United States.

Introduction: Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a significant health concern, with the true prevalence likely underestimated due to undiagnosed cases. Outcomes in TAA are influenced by factors like age, sex, and comorbidities such as hypertension. This study examines mortality trends and disparities associated with TAA in US adults.

Wearable technology in inflammatory bowel disease: current state and future direction.

Introduction: Wearables are electronic devices worn on the body to collect health data. These devices, like smartwatches and patches, use sensors to gather information on various health parameters. This review highlights the current use and the potential benefit of wearable technology in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Shifting temporal trends and disparities in sarcoidosis mortality in the United States: A retrospective analysis from 1999 to 2020.

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by granulomas, the etiology of which remains unclear. This study examines sarcoidosis-related mortality trends in the United States from 1999 to 2020, with a focus on disparities pertaining to patient sex, geographical location, and urbanization status.

Methods: We analyzed death certificate data from the CDC WONDER database, using ICD-10 code D86.

A systemic evaluation of COVID-19 vaccination drives in LICs, LMICs, UMICs, and HICs: Preparedness for future pandemics.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global healthcare systems. Vaccination is an effective strategy to battle the disease. Policies and distribution frameworks have varied widely across countries.

Detection of anomalous left coronary artery origin from pulmonary artery in an adult patient presenting with monomorphic ventricular tachycardia.

A man in his early 50s presented to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset of palpitation and presyncope. The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded in ED showed monomorphic ventricular tachycardia requiring cardioversion in view of haemodynamic instability. The patient was subsequently detected to have an anomalous left coronary artery origin from the pulmonary artery.

Complications of Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis: Heterozygous Factor V Leiden Mutation Leads to Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient With Post-Bowel Resection Surgery.

It is critical to recognize pulmonary embolism as soon as possible in patients who have gastrointestinal problems pre- and post-surgery. Even in the absence of conventional risk factors, the Factor V Leiden mutation emphasizes the importance of a thorough thrombophilia assessment. To effectively manage and prevent thrombotic episodes, prompt anticoagulant medication and genetic screening for family members are essential.

Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis leading to right ventricular outflow obstruction.

Isolated native pulmonary valve endocarditis is rare. We present a rare case of isolated native pulmonary valve endocarditis resulting in severe right ventricular outflow tract obstruction in an immunocompetent patient with surgically repaired ventricular septal defect caused by Burkholderia cepacia.

Comparing outcomes of Aquablation versus holmium laser enucleation of prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A network meta-analysis.

Introduction: Water Jet Ablation Therapy (WJAT) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) represent two common surgical treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Despite their increasing use, there is no study between these two methods. We aim to evaluate their efficacy and safety through a network meta-analysis (NMA), providing critical insights for clinical decision-making in the management of moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH.

Cardioprotective effect of S-adenosyl L-methionine due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure in Wistar rats.

Objectives: The development and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF), hypertrophy, and remodeling strongly correlate with myocardial inflammation and oxidative stress. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), available as a dietary supplement, exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Previous reports show that by regulating angiogenesis and fibrosis, S-adenosyl-L-methionine improves ventricular remodeling.

Prioritization of Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma, and Anesthesia Care in South and Southeast Asian Countries' Health Planning and Policy‑making: SOTA Care Policies in South and Southeast Asia.

Lack of policy prioritization of surgical, obstetric, trauma and anesthesia (SOTA) care in South and Southeast Asian countries could be a potential contributor to limited access to care. To assess the SOTA care prioritization in National Health Policies, Strategies, and Plans (NHPSPs). We analyzed NHPSPs from twelve South and Southeast Asian countries.

White epidermoid cyst of brainstem.

White epidermoid cysts are rare intra-cranial lesions with an intrinsic brainstem location, though still rare. The location of the tumour poses radiological confusion and a therapeutic dilemma. Neuroimaging techniques like MRI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in this case proved a useful tool in ruling out other pathologies at this location with certain morphologic similarities.

Assessment of the effectiveness and perception of different teaching techniques used in pharmacology among students.

Introduction: Pharmacology is one of the most dynamic and evolving branches, not only in the concepts but also in teaching methodologies. Many attempts have been made by various colleges all over the world to make the teaching of pharmacology more interesting and relevant.

Materials And Methods: The literature from two databases (Google Scholar and PubMed) published between 2005 and 2020 were searched using terms related to "Teaching Techniques" AND "Pharmacology.

Atrial standstill in a young patient with ischemic stroke associated with inheritance of a novel HCN4 mutation.

We present a case of HCN4 gene mutation presenting with atrial standstill and stroke in the young.

Dual Mobility in Extreme Situations of Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Series of 3 Cases and Review of Literature.

Introduction: Dual mobility (DM) total hip replacement (THR) features an acetabular component with an unconstrained tripolar build which ensures a greater range of motion without provoking any dislocation.We report three cases with extremes of surgical misadventure where we carried out a revision arthroplasty with a DM cup. The causes of the failure of the primary arthroplasty were multifactorial, even individually, and ranged from instability due to component malposition, trochanteric fracture, intrapelvic prosthesis protrusion, etc.