Human bocavirus infections in paediatric patients in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, India.

Human bocaviruses (HBoVs) can cause respiratory illness in young children. Although the first HBoV infection in India was reported in 2010, very little information is available about its prevalence, clinical features, or geographic distribution in this country. This study was conducted using 136 respiratory samples from paediatric patients in a tertiary care hospital in Kerala, 21 of which tested positive for HBoV1 and were further characterized through VP1/VP2 gene sequencing.

Reliability of the documented blood group in motor vehicle driving license in Kerala, India - A public health concern?

Introduction: Blood groups documented in motor vehicle driving licenses can provide quick information during emergency transfusion requirements and imbibe self-awareness about one's blood group. The tendency of applicants to mention blood groups without verification during the application may result in incorrect documentation of blood groups in their driving license. The study aims to assess the reliability of the blood groups in driving licenses and their association with sociodemographic variables.

Colours of India: Uniting Endocrinologists in Fitness and Friendship.

Colours of India is an annual cultural phenomenon that transcends the boundaries of professional conferences, uniting endocrinologists through the universal language of music and dance. Since its inception in 2016, this vibrant event has brought together teams from across India and other participating countries, showcasing diverse dance forms while fostering friendships, promoting wellness, and celebrating cultural diversity within the medical community.

Oral Health Status, Dietary Intake, and Oral Health-related Quality of Life among Institutionalized Elderly in Bangalore.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary intake and oral health status and how oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) influences the institutionalized elderly population of Bangalore.

Methods And Materials: A cross-sectional study was conducted to appraise the oral health and dietary intake of institutionalized elderly. Patients completed a validated questionnaire and a clinical evaluation.

Using word cloud as a formative assessment classroom technique in physiology.

Formative assessment is a valuable tool in medical education as it allows students to reflect on their own learning and make necessary corrections. The use of innovative techniques in formative assessment can make it more engaging and effective for students, particularly utilizing electronic tools. A word cloud is a visual representation of data that is created using text inputs from a group of individuals.

Skin diseases among the tribal population of Kerala: the challenges and way forward.

Background: Kerala has a history of achievements in health through acting on the distal social determinants, but certain communities like tribals were pushed back from the stream of social development and health achievements. Subsequently, the lifestyle and the poor living conditions of tribes make them more prone to several diseases including skin diseases. However, neither the burden nor the situation of the same in the tribal population in several parts including Kerala is seldom assessed.

Reconstruction of a Submandibular Soft Tissue Defect with a Temporoparietal Fasciocutaneous Flap - A Case Report.

Rationale: Reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the facial region have always been challenging. Appropriate selection of flaps will result in minimal morbidity and restore the tissue form without compromising function.

Patient Concerns: During reconstruction in the facial region, patients desire to have minimal visible scar and functions of the jaw bone.

A digital volume pulse device-finger photo pulse plethysmography to trace the vascular integrity amongst the low back pain subjects with lumbar disc degenerative diseases diagnosed by MRI analysis.

Finger photo pulse plethysmography is a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive method for measurement of arterial stiffness. The objective is to assess the correlation of arterial stiffness in low back pain subjects with lumbar disc degeneration. Thirty-four back pain patients of both sexes in age group of 30-65 were included.

Management of male obesity-related secondary hypogonadism: A clinical update.

The global obesity pandemic has resulted in a rise in the prevalence of male obesity-related secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) with emerging evidence on the role of testosterone therapy. We aim to provide an updated and practical approach towards its management. We did a comprehensive literature search across MEDLINE ( PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using the keywords "MOSH" OR "Obesity-related hypogonadism" OR "Testosterone replacement therapy" OR "Selective estrogen receptor modulator" OR "SERM" OR "Guidelines on male hypogonadism" as well as a manual search of references within the articles.

Regional variations in antimicrobial susceptibility of community-acquired uropathogenic in India: Findings of a multicentric study highlighting the importance of local antibiograms.

Objectives: Evidence-based prescribing is essential to optimize patient outcomes in cystitis. This requires knowledge of local antibiotic resistance rates. Diagnostic and Antimicrobial Stewardship (DASH) to Protect Antibiotics (https://dashuti.

Evaluating the Role of AI in Predicting the Success of Dental Implants Based on Preoperative CBCT Images: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Dental implant surgery has become a widely accepted method for replacing missing teeth. However, the success of dental implant procedures can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of preoperative planning and assessment. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging provides valuable insights into a patient's oral anatomy, but accurately predicting implant success remains a challenge.

Can an Enhanced Recovery Protocol Result in a Safe and Effective Outpatient Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Background: Outpatient total knee arthroplasty (OP TKA) is found to benefit patients as well as the health care system. Studies on OP TKA have been limited to unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to determine if enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols can result in performing simultaneous bilateral TKA (SBTKA) safely and effectively in the OP setting.

Analyzing Mortality Patterns and Location of Death in Patients With Malignant Esophageal Neoplasms: A Two-Decade Study in the United States.

Background Esophageal neoplasm carries significant implications for end-of-life care. Despite medical advancements, disparities in the location of death persist. Understanding the factors influencing the place of death for esophageal neoplasm patients is crucial for delivering patient-centered care.

Cutaneous and Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by the Same Zymodeme of Leishmania donovani in Kerala, India.

The tribal population in and around the Western Ghats region of India is affected by both cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) with typical clinical symptoms. In this study, we recorded and analyzed seven CL and three VL cases from this emerging belt. All the cases were found as autochthonous transmission.

Etiological Profile, Targeted Levothyroxine Dosing and Impact of Partial Newborn Screening in Congenital Hypothyroidism-A Single Centre Experience.

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common cause of preventable intellectual disability. Newborn screening (NBS) for CH has been in vogue in many parts of the world since 1970, but despite its well-known benefits, many developing countries including India have not been able to establish universal NBS for CH till date.

Objective: The aim of this study was to review the clinical aspects of congenital hypothyroidism in a tertiary care university referral teaching hospital, focusing on aetiology of CH, predictors of permanence, optimal targeted dose strategies based on aetiology and the effect of newborn screening on the time to diagnosis.

Cardiovascular Compatibility of Proton Pump Inhibitors: Practice Recommendations.

This manuscript aims to critically evaluate the current evidence regarding adverse cardiovascular effects associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It also provides guidance for the selection of the most appropriate PPI within the context of cardiovascular polypharmacy and emphasizes the importance of establishing consensus among clinicians on the need to prescribe PPIs with limited cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme inhibition to reduce the risk of drug interactions. PPIs are among the most widely used drugs for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the prevention of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.

Association of SOFA Score with Severity of Muscle Wasting in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Muscle wasting is a frequent complication in critically ill patients. This study aimed to evaluate whether muscle wasting occurs in these patients and its association with the severity of the disease.

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective, observational study including 50 patients admitted to the multidisciplinary ICU of a tertiary care hospital.

Postgraduate training in anaesthesiology - A modular curriculum.

The primary objective of postgraduate medical education is to produce specialists who provide highest quality of health care to suffering patients and return them to the community in the most functional capability. The secondary objective is to advance the cause of science through research and training. A postgraduate, after undergoing the required training in anaesthesiology, should be able to recognise the health needs of the community and apply cognitive and psychomotor skills to provide optimal anaesthetic care.

Midvastus Versus Medial Parapatellar Approach in Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative outcomes over a period of 3 years in patients who underwent bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using midvastus (MV) versus medial parapatellar (MPP) approaches.

Methods: In this retrospective study, 2 propensity-matched cohorts of patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA via MV (n = 100) and MPP (n = 100) approaches from January 2017 to December 2018 were compared. Surgical parameters compared were surgery time and the incidence of lateral retinacular release (LRR).

A cross-sectional study on the frequency and risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia in babies born in rural Kerala.

Introduction: Glucose is the main source of energy for the developing brain. Hypoglycemia is a commonly encountered and treatable problem in the neonatal period. The newborn baby should be breastfed soon after delivery and continued on demand breastfeeding.

Cancer screening behaviors and preferences among women in southern India.

Introduction: In 2020, India's cancer cases were estimated at 1.32 million (International Agency for Research on Cancer et al., 2020) and were predicted to double by 2040 (Smith and Mallath, 2019).

A Case-Control Study of the Association of Leptin Gene Polymorphisms with Plasma Leptin Levels and Obesity in the Kerala Population.

Background: Over the last few years, the importance of leptin in energy metabolism has been extensively studied in both animal models and in humans. Very few results are available on the association between human leptin gene () variants and obesity traits in India. We designed this study to analyse the polymorphisms in human leptin gene and the association of sequence variants with obesity among the population in Kerala, South India.

Teaching Histology Using Self-Directed Learning Modules (SDLMs) in a Blended Approach.

Introduction: New technologies like virtual microscopy have revolutionized histology education. However, first-year students often require additional assistance with virtual slides. Online self-directed learning modules (SDLMs) were developed to provide such support to learners by offering them short instructional videos that are uploaded to YouTube and the instructional website.