Current Medical Practice Research Articles

PREVALENCE OF MAJOR AND MINOR DISCORDANCE BETWEEN HIP AND SPINE T SCORES USING REMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR BONE HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND PATIENT MANAGEMENT

AbstractObjectiveThis study assesses the prevalence of major and minor discordance between hip and spine T scores using Radiofrequency Echographic Multi-spectrometry (REMS). REMS is a novel technology that uses ultrasound and radiofrequency analysis to measure bone density and bone fragility at the hip and lumbar spine. The objective was to compare the results with the existing literature on Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) the current “gold standard” for bone densitometry. REMS and DEXA have been shown to have similar diagnostic accuracy, however, REMS has less human input when carrying out the scan, therefore the rates of discordance might be expected to be lower than for DEXA. Discordance poses a risk of misclassification of patients’ bone health status, causing diagnostic ambiguity and potentially sub-optimal management decisions. Reduction of discordance rates therefore has the potential to significantly improve treatment and patient outcomes.MethodsResults from 1,855 patients who underwent REMS investigations between 2018 and 2022 were available. Minor discordance is defined as a difference of one World Health Organisation (WHO) diagnostic classification (Normal / Osteopenia or Osteopenia / Osteoporosis). Major discordance is defined as a difference of two WHO diagnostic classifications (Normal / Osteoporosis). The results were compared with reported DEXA discordance rates.Results1,732 individuals had both hip and spine T scores available for analysis. There were 267 cases of discordance. No instances of major discordance were observed. The minor discordance rate was 15.4%. 6.5% of the REMS scans with minor discordance showed > 1.0 standard deviation (SD) difference between the T scores of the hip and spine. 19.4% had differences of between 0.6 SD and 1.0 SD while 73.9% had ≤ 0.5 SD or less. In 24.5% of the cases of REMS discordance the hip T scores were greater than the spine and in 75.5% of cases the spine T score was greater than the hip.ConclusionsThe current analysis is the largest of its kind. It demonstrates that REMS has an overall lower rate of discordance than reported DEXA rates. Major discordance rates with DEXA range from 2–17%, but REMS avoids many of the positioning problems and post-processing errors inherent in DEXA scanning, which might account for the absence of major discordance. Rates of minor discordance in DEXA scans range between 38–51%. The REMS minor discordance rate being much lower than these rates suggests that it has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy considerably. Most REMS discordance results showed ≤ 0.5 SD variance between the T scores of the two sites, indicating close correlation in the bone densitometry analysis. Most studies of DEXA discordant results confirm that spinal T scores are more often higher than at the hip. The REMS results concur with this observation. Considering the comparable accuracy rates that have been shown between REMS and DEXA, with its much lower discordance rate, REMS can potentially improve current medical practice and enhance patient care.Declaration of Interest(b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Should we add antiplatelet agents to current deep venous thrombosis treatments? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an important complication in rehabilitation practice despite preventive measures. The management can be complicated because patients may have co-existing cardiovascular comorbidities. To assess the effects of antiplatelet agents in addition to current best medical practice (BMP) compared to current BMP (with or without placebo) for the treatment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A summary of the Cochrane Review by Flumignan et al. (2022), with comments from a rehabilitation perspective. The review included six studies with 1625 eligible participants, with data up to 37.2 months of follow-up. When used after standard initial treatment with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents such as aspirin in addition to BMP, may reduce recurrence of DVT or pulmonary embolism, when compared to BMP plus placebo in a chronic DVT setting and there may be a lower risk for post-thrombotic syndrome in patients with acute DVT. There is no clear difference in side effects, major bleeding, or pulmonary embolism (PE) with the use of antiplatelet agents. Adding antiplatelet agents to standard anticoagulation treatment in patients with VTE could provide benefit without increasing risks in selected patient groups. However, high quality studies with a long-term follow up are needed, including patients in rehabilitation settings.

Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology.

One of the fields of medicine in which artificial intelligence techniques have made progress is ophthalmology. Artificial intelligence (A.I.) applications for preventing vision loss in eye illnesses have developed quickly. Artificial intelligence uses computer programs to execute various activities while mimicking human thought. Machine learning techniques are frequently utilized in the field of ophthalmology. Ophthalmology holds great promise for advancing artificial intelligence, thanks to various digital methods like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field testing. Artificial intelligence has been used in ophthalmology to treat eye conditions impairing vision, including macular holes (M.H.), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts. The more common occurrence of these diseases has led to artificial intelligence development. It is important to get annual screenings to detect eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. These conditions can cause decreased visual acuity, and it is necessary to identify any changes or progression in the disease to receive appropriate treatment. Numerous studies have been conducted based on artificial intelligence using different algorithms to improve and simplify current medical practice and for early detection of eye diseases to prevent vision loss. Abbreviations: AI = artificial intelligence, AMD = age-related macular degeneration, ANN = artificial neural networks, AAO = American Academy of Ophthalmology, CNN = convolutional neural network, DL = deep learning, DVP = deep vascular plexus, FDA = Food and Drug Administration, GCL = ganglion cell layer, IDP = Iowa Detection Program, ML = Machine learning techniques, MH = macular holes, MTANN = massive training of the artificial neural network, NLP = natural language processing methods, OCT = optical coherence tomography, RBS = Radial Basis Function, RNFL = nerve fiber layer, ROP = Retinopathy of Prematurity, SAP = standard automated perimetry, SVP = Superficial vascular plexus, U.S. = United States, VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor.

Explosomes: A new modality for DEB-TACE local delivery of sorafenib: In vivo proof of sustained release

The current medical practice in treating Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using Drug Eluting Transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) technique is limited only to hydrophilic ionizable drugs, that can be attached ionically to the oppositely charged beads. This limitation has forced physicians to subscribe the more hydrophobic, first treatment option drugs, like sorafenib systemically via the oral route, thus flooding the patient system with a very powerful, non-specific, multiple-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is associated with notorious side effects. In this paper, a new modality is introduced, where highly charged, drug loaded liposomes are added to oppositely charged DEBs in a manner causing them to “explode” and the drug is eventually attached to the beads in the lipid patches covering their surfaces; therefore we call them “Explosomes”. After fully describing the preparation process and in vitro characterization, this manuscript delves into an in vivo pharmacokinetic study over 50 New Zealand rabbits, where explosomal loading is challenged vs oral as well as current practice of emulsifying sorafenib in lipiodol. Over 14 days of follow up, and compared to other groups, explosomal loading of SRF on embolic beads proved to cause a slower release pattern with longer Tmax, lower Cmax and less washout to general circulation in healthy animals. This treatment modality opens a new untapped door for local sustained delivery of hydrophobic drugs in catheterized organs.

Impact of the GINA asthma guidelines 2019 revolution on local asthma guidelines and challenges: special attention to the GCC countries

The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) provides the most comprehensive and frequently updated guidelines for the management of asthma. The primary aim of guidelines is to bridge the gap between research and current medical practice by presenting the best available evidence to aid clinical decision-making, thereby improving patient outcomes, quality of care, and cost-effectiveness. Guidelines are particularly useful in situations where scientific evidence is limited, multiple treatment options exist, or there is uncertainty about the best course of action. However, due to variations in healthcare system structures, many countries have developed their own local guidelines for the management of asthma. Adoption of GINA recommendations into local guidelines has been uneven across different countries, with some embracing the changes while others continue to follow older approaches. This review article will explore the impact of the noteworthy changes in GINA guidelines, particularly in the 2019 version, on local guidelines and some of the challenges associated with implementing them.

Physical exercise in kidney disease: A commonly undervalued treatment modality.

Physical inactivity has been identified as a risk factor for multiple disorders and a strong association exists between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a sedentary lifestyle. Even though physical activity is crucial in the development and progression of disease, the general focus of the current medical practice is the pharmacological perspective of diseases with inadequate emphasis on lifestyle intervention. In this narrative review we explain the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise on CKD in addition to discussing the clinical studies and trials centred on physical exercise in patients with CKD. Physical activity influences several pathophysiological mechanisms including inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular function, immune response and macromolecular metabolism. While exercise can initially induce stress responses like inflammation and oxidative stress, long-term physical activity leads to protective countermeasures and overall improved health. Trials in pre-dialysis CKD patients show that exercise can lead to reductions in body weight, inflammation markers and fasting plasma glucose. Furthermore, it improves patients' functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life. The effects of exercise on kidney function have been inconsistent in these trials. In haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant patients exercise interventions improve cardiorespiratory fitness, walking capacity and quality of life. Combined training shows the best performance to increase peak oxygen uptake in haemodialysis patients. In kidney transplant recipients, exercise improves walking performance, quality of life and potentially arterial stiffness. However, exercise does not affect glucose metabolism, serum cholesterol and inflammation biomarkers. Long-term, adequately powered trials are needed to determine the long-term feasibility, and effects on quality of life and major clinical outcomes, including mortality and cardiovascular risk, in all CKD stages and particularly in kidney transplant patients, a scarcely investigated population. Physical exercise plays a crucial role in ameliorating inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular function, immune response and macromolecular metabolism, and contributes significantly to the quality of life for patients with CKD, irrespective of the treatment and stage. Its direct impact on kidney function remains uncertain. Further extensive, long-term trials to conclusively determine the effect of exercise on major clinical outcomes such as mortality and cardiovascular risk remain a research priority.

Towards a Cleaner Green: A Review of Microbial Testing of Medical Cannabis and Its Implications for Patient Health

Abstract: The recent surge in medicinal cannabis uses globally, largely due to changes in supply laws, has necessitated a comprehensive examination of its safety and quality. Despite its legal use in over 40 countries, there is increasing concern about microbiological contaminants, notably fungi, in cannabis. While background (or normal levels) of microbes are considered harmless with proper growing and manufacturing practices, some can pose health risks, particularly in certain applications like smoking, tinctures, or edibles. This literature review aims to explore the occurrence, identification, and health implications of fungal pollutants in medicinal cannabis. It also examines the negative effects of specific mycotoxins and the testing standards for medical cannabis, contributing significantly to current medical practices and future policy development in this rapidly evolving field. The presence of moulds and fungi on cannabis can potentially make users sick, with Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Alternaria being common contaminants. However, the evidence linking exposure to fungus in cannabis with illness after consumption is limited, and the risks seem to depend on individual factors and level of exposure. The medicinal use of cannabis and cannabinoids has been shown to control various biological processes related to cancer and other illnesses. Cannabis is being used as a supplement for chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other neurological conditions. Nevertheless, solvents, pesticides, and fungal pathogens may contaminate therapeutic cannabis. Mycotoxins from these fungi have been detected in cannabis samples, but their health effects are unknown. In growing medicinal cannabis markets like Thailand, mycotoxins might cause considerable economic losses. To reduce supply chain risks, medical cannabis products require more research on practical microbiological safety recommendations for improved public health.

Nanotube breakthroughs: unveiling the potential of carbon nanotubes as a dual therapeutic arsenal for Alzheimer's disease and brain tumors.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and brain tumors are debilitating neurological conditions that pose significant challenges in current medical practices. Existing treatment options for AD primarily focus on symptom management, and brain tumors often require aggressive therapeutic approaches. Novel disease-modifying strategies and therapeutic agents are urgently needed to address the underlying causes of AD pathogenesis and improve brain tumor management. In recent years, nanoparticles (NPs) have shown promise as valuable tools in diagnosing and managing various brain disorders, including AD. Among these, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have garnered attention for their unique properties and biomedical potential. Their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with ease opens up new possibilities for targeted drug delivery and neuroprotection. This literature review aims to explore the versatile nature of CNTs, which can be functionalized with various biomolecules or substances due to their sp2 hybridization. This adaptability enables them to specifically target cells and deliver medications under specific environmental conditions. Moreover, CNTs possess an exceptional capacity to penetrate cell membranes, making them valuable tools in the treatment of AD and brain tumors. By delving into the role of CNTs in biomedicine, this review sheds light on their potential in managing AD, offering a glimpse of hope for effective disease-modifying options. Understanding the mechanisms of CNTs' action and their capabilities in targeting and delivering medication to affected cells will pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies that can improve the lives of those afflicted with these devastating neurological conditions. The exploration of CNTs as a dual therapeutic arsenal for both brain tumors and Alzheimer's disease holds great promise and may usher in a new era of effective treatment strategies for these challenging conditions.

The double helix model of DNA: Its impact on biology and medicine 70 years after its initial publication

The 70th anniversary of the publication of the double helix model for the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid has oppened the opportunity for reflections and to debate the specific role of each of the original protagonists. Here we review how this discovery has lead to our current medical knowledge and practice, and discuss what we think were the actual contributions of each of these scientists.

Debate: Should the loss of disability adjusted life years (DALY) define the focus of Global Hematology?: The case for prioritizing capacity building in anemia management and blood transfusion

Setting priorities in healthcare is always contentious given the array of possible services at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care, not to mention potential public health interventions. The central goals in global policy have been reducing inequity within and between countries, protecting vulnerable groups (particularly women and children) and reducing the major communicable diseases which have historically been a major burden in lower- and middle-income countries. Here limited relative and absolute spending on healthcare have spurred a series of initiatives in Global Health over the last 50 years which have led to significant gains in measures of morbidity and mortality.Against this background there remains the continuing question of how to adapt current medical practice in higher income countries for training and planning of services in lower- and middle-income countries. Here, the historical development of Global Health is outlined, and lessons drawn from the surveys of the global burden of disease and health economic analysis to understand how we can apply these principles to define Global Hematology.It remains likely that in lower-income countries effort should be concentrated on developing laboratory services and blood transfusion, to allow safe and effective support for the assessment of treatment of anemia, sickle cell disease, maternal and child health and urgent surgery and obstetric services. However, the principles of Global Health, could also be used for hematological malignancies to develop a framework for Global Hematology for all settings.

Risk Factors for Stomatal Complications: A Literature Review

This literature review article comprehensivelya addresses the risk factors that contribute to stomatal complications, a major concern in current medical practice. The creation of stomata, surgical interventions to bypass intestinal or urinary contents, is valuable but can be accompanied by problems that affect the quality of life of patients. Definition and Types of Complications: Complications in stomata range from necrosis of stomal tissue to prolapse and irritation of the surrounding skin. These complications can affect both stoma function and skin integrity, and understanding them is essential for informed clinical practice. Risk Factors for Complications: The discussion focuses on risk factors that predispose to stomatal complications. Older age, obesity, and medical comorbidities, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, increase the likelihood of complications. The choice of surgical technique and the site of creation of the stoma also influence the occurrence of problems. Preoperative Education and Preparation: Patient education and preoperative preparation are crucial elements in preventing complications. Patients should receive detailed information about stoma self-care and possible signs of complications. Proper preoperative preparation, which addresses pre-existing medical conditions, can mitigate risk factors. Discussion: The discussion highlights the importance of a comprehensive evaluation and adaptation of surgical and postoperative planning according to individual risk factors. Emphasis is placed on the need for proper surgical technique and on the experience of the surgeon in creating stomata. Conclusion: In conclusion, the creation of stomata is a valuable technique but not without challenges. Early identification and management of risk factors are critical to reducing the incidence and severity of complications. Patient education, careful planning, and preoperative preparation are essential to achieving optimal long-term results in stomatal management.

Expert consensus on the clinical treatment of burn patients complicated with Coronavirus infection (2023 version)

With China downgrading the management of Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) from Category A to Category B, a large number of COVID-19 patients have occurred in multiple waves across the country. Meanwhile, the long-term impact of Coronavirus on the body has gradually been noticed. However, the clinical treatment of burns complicated with COVID-19 is still a major challenge in Chinese burn centers. It is then essential to standardize the clinical treatment of such patients, improve the prognosis to the greatest extent, and provide valuable experiences for similar infectious diseases in future. Therefore, Chinese Burn Association, Burn Medicine Branch of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare, and Editorial Committee of Chinese Journal of Burns and Wounds jointly initiated and organized multidisciplinary experts to develop this expert consensus based on the current medical evidence, clinical practice, and authoritative guidelines of other disciplines, in order to standardize the clinical treatment of burn patients complicated with COVID-19.

Comparison of acetaminophen, ketamine, or ketorolac versus morphine in the treatment of acute renal colic: A network meta-analysis

BackgroundRenal colic is a disease in which a calculus obstructs the urinary tract, resulting in severe pain do ureteric peristaltic movements. Other symptoms, such as hematuria, nausea, and vomiting, may accompany the pain. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of different analgesic agents for the treatment of acute renal colic. MethodsMedline, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared different analgesic agents, either alone or in combination were included. For the management of acute renal colic, analgesic agents were selected based on the current standard medical practice. The medications included intravenous acetaminophen, ketamine, ketorolac, and morphine. This study sought to evaluate the pain score on the visual analog scale (VAS) at 15, 30, and 60 min; adverse events; and the utilization of rescue therapy. The efficacy of different analgesic agents was explored through a frequentist network meta-analysis using the Netmeta statistical package in R software. All treatments were ranked using the Netrank function, yielding P-scores. ResultsTwelve RCTs were deemed eligible. As per the P-scores, acetaminophen was the most effective in reducing pain score at 15 min (P-score = 0.74). Ketorolac was the most effective in reducing the pain score at 30 and 60 min (P-score = 0.84) (P-score = 0.99), whereas morphine was the least effective (P-score = 0.07). Moreover, morphine was correlated with the highest odds of adverse events after treatment (P-score = 0.89). Morphine was the most frequently required rescue therapy in cases of suboptimal pain relief (P-score = 0.96). ConclusionThis network meta-analysis demonstrated that ketorolac and acetaminophen were the most effective analgesic agents according to the pain score. Morphine showed the highest adverse event profile and the highest rate at which rescue therapy was required for the management of acute renal colic.

Developing New Diagnostic Tools Based on SERS Analysis of Filtered Salivary Samples for Oral Cancer Detection.

Cancer still represents one of the biggest challenges in current medical practice. Among different types of cancer, oral cancer has a huge impact on patients due to its great visibility, which is more likely to create social stigma and increased anxiety. New early diagnose methods are still needed to improve treatment efficiency and patients' life quality. Raman/SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) spectroscopy has a unique and powerful potential for detecting specific molecules that can become priceless biomarkers in different pathologies, such as oral cancer. In this study, a batch of saliva samples obtained from a group of 17 patients with oro-maxillofacial pathologies compared with saliva samples from 18 healthy donors using the aforementioned methods were evaluated. At the same time, opiorphin, potassium thiocyanate and uric acid were evaluated as potential specific biomarkers for oro-maxillofacial pathologies using multivariate analysis. A careful examination of SERS spectra collected on saliva samples showed that the spectra are dominated by the vibrational bands of opiorphin, potassium thiocyanate and uric acid. Given the fact that all these small molecules are found in very small amounts, we filtrated all the samples to get rid of large molecules and to improve our analysis. By using solid plasmonic substrates, we were able to gain information about molecular concentration and geometry of interaction. On the other hand, the multivariate analysis of the salivary spectra contributed to developing a new detection method for oral cancer.

Longitudinal Assessment of Postconcussion Driving: Evidence of Acute Driving Impairment.

Current medical practices and recommendations largely ignore the safety of postconcussion driving, even though commonly used measures of neurocognition, balance, and vestibulo-ocular function show impairment. To compare simulated driving between patients with concussion and controls throughout concussion recovery using a case-control design. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. A total of 26 concussed and 23 control Division I collegiate athletes completed a driving simulation assessment at 3 time points (within 72 hours, asymptomatic, and return to sport). Cumulative driving simulation outcome variables included total number of collisions, speed exceedances, stop signs missed, lane excursions, total drive time, percentage of time over the speed limit, and percentage of time out of the lane. The mean speed, standard deviation of speed (SDS), lateral lane position, and standard deviation of lateral lane position (SDLP) were examined for each of the 11 drive segments. Outcomes were compared using generalized linear mixed models with random intercepts by participant with Poisson or normal distributions. Within 72 hours of injury, the concussion group committed more lane excursions (median difference, 2; P = .003), exhibited greater SDS while avoiding a child pedestrian crossing the road (Cohen d = 0.73; P = .011), drove ~7 inches (~18 cm) closer to the centerline during a residential left curve (d = 0.90; P = .015), and had greater SDLP while navigating around a car crash compared with controls (d = 0.72; P = .016). When asymptomatic, the concussion group committed fewer speed exceedances (median difference, 2; P = .002) and had lower SDLP while navigating through a traffic light compared with controls (d = 0.60; P = .045). No differences were evident at return to sport. Groups did not differ in total collisions at any time point. The concussion group showed more impaired driving patterns within 72 hours of injury, drove more conservatively once asymptomatic, and had similar driving performance at the time they returned fully to sport. Clinicians should consider these findings when discussing driving with patients acutely after concussion. Further research is needed to determine whether on-road collision risk is elevated after concussion.

Clinical model for Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis age of onset prediction.

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv amyloidosis) is a rare neurological hereditary disease clinically characterized as severe, progressive, and life-threatening while the age of onset represents the moment in time when the first symptoms are felt. In this study, we present and discuss our results on the study, development, and evaluation of an approach that allows for time-to-event prediction of the age of onset, while focusing on genealogical feature construction. This research was triggered by the need to answer the medical problem of when will an asymptomatic ATTRv patient show symptoms of the disease. To do so, we defined and studied the impact of 77 features (ranging from demographic and genealogical to familial disease history) we studied and compared a pool of prediction algorithms, namely, linear regression (LR), elastic net (EN), lasso (LA), ridge (RI), support vector machines (SV), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and XGboost (XG), both in a classification as well as a regression setting; we assembled a baseline (BL) which corresponds to the current medical knowledge of the disease; we studied the problem of predicting the age of onset of ATTRv patients; we assessed the viability of predicting age of onset on short term horizons, with a classification framing, on localized sets of patients (currently symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers, with and without genealogical information); and we compared the results with an out-of-bag evaluation set and assembled in a different time-frame than the original data in order to account for data leakage. Currently, we observe that our approach outperforms the BL model, which follows a set of clinical heuristics and represents current medical practice. Overall, our results show the supremacy of SV and XG for both the prediction tasks although impacted by data characteristics, namely, the existence of missing values, complex data, and small-sized available inputs. With this study, we defined a predictive model approach capable to be well-understood by medical professionals, compared with the current practice, namely, the baseline approach (BL), and successfully showed the improvement achieved to the current medical knowledge.

ASSESSMENT OF VARNA AND SPARSHA-RELATED ARISTA LAKSHANA IN CRITICALLY ILL PARTICIPANTS

This study aimed to explore and assess varna (colour) and sparsha (touch) related arista lakshana (imminent signs of death) in critically ill participants and co-relate them to the prognostic outcomes in the current medical scenario. Critical illness is a condition associated with many variables and unpredicted factors. Hence assessment of prognosis is essential for making a medical decision before treatment, as well as revealing the patient’s prognosis to their family members in the earliest and most effective manner. Ayurveda explains prognosis in the context of sadhya-asadhyatha and arista lakshana. Yet there is a need to explore the relevance of arista lakshana mentioned in Ayurveda texts in current medical practice and give an evidence-based scientific rationality to it. Therefore, this study was conducted. This study was conducted on twenty-six critically ill participants admitted to the MICU of a renowned medical college hospital, presenting with arista lakshana pertaining to varna or sparsha or both, as explained in Charaka Samhita, irrespective of their disease diagnosis. The study revealed that a maximum number of arista lakshana related to varna and sparsha were found in participants of the age group 41 to 60 years. Incidence of black discolouration and abdominal distention as arista lakshana were the highest; participants had a demise which accounted for 19.20%. Hence the study concluded that assessing dosha, dushya, srotas, rogamarga, and arishta lakshana in critically ill participants holds a significant place even in the present scenario.

CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT. REQUESTS AND PROPOSALS

The measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the health crisis led to the implementation of a new service in current medical practice - telemedicine. In the post-pandemic period, telemedicine continued to be practiced around the world. This is the premise from which this article starts. The proposed goal is to carry out a comparative study between the evolution of telemedicine in Romania and the level of development in the European Union. Achieving the goal required, as a first objective, knowledge of the development of telemedicine in Romania, followed by a comparative analysis with the level of development of telemedicine in the European Union. For the first objective, the method of researching the collectives that have the necessary information for the study was used. A survey was carried out, using as methods for data collection, the method of direct survey research and online research by accessing the websites of institutions responsible for the practice of telemedicine. The comparative study was carried out through a parallel between telemedicine services in the European Union and those in Romania. Through the combined analysis of the results of the two investigations, the opportunities for development and the constraints of the telemedicine sector in Romania were identified.

Virtual Care and Virtual Medical Education: A Canadian Medical Student Perspective


 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated the adoption of virtual care as an extension of routine clinical practice. In addition, pre-clinical undergraduate medical education was affected by the transition to both synchronous and asynchronous online learning. The objective of this study was to assess the current experience and knowledge of medical students with regards to virtual care. A secondary objective was to identify opportunities for improvement in the undergraduate medical curriculum.
 Methods: An electronic survey was distributed to undergraduate medical students in Canadian medical schools. Main sections of the survey addressed experience with virtual care encounters and perceived impact of virtual learning on medical education.
 Result: Out of our 53 respondents, the majority (80%) of medical students perceived high educational importance of virtual care encounters. 91% of the students recognized the developing role of virtual care in current and future medical practices. 55% of the surveyed showed readiness to conduct virtual care in the current curriculum. 94% of the responses stated the preferred feedback method for clinical learning was immediate faculty assessment following the encounter.
 Discussion: The results from this study provided insight on the medical learner’s experience while navigating virtual care and identified areas of improvements at an institutional level. Effective medical training that integrates the advantages of virtual care is crucial.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer Identification: A Review

Diabetes is a chronic condition caused by an uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the human body. Its early diagnosis may prevent severe complications such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). A DFU is a critical condition that can lead to the amputation of a diabetic patient’s lower limb. The diagnosis of DFU is very complicated for the medical professional as it often goes through several costly and time-consuming clinical procedures. In the age of data deluge, the application of deep learning, machine learning, and computer vision techniques have provided various solutions for assisting clinicians in making more reliable and faster diagnostic decisions. Therefore, the automatic identification of DFU has recently received more attention from the research community. The wound characteristics and visual perceptions with respect to computer vision and deep learning, especially convolutional neural network (CNN) approaches, have provided potential solutions for DFU diagnosis. These approaches have the potential to be quite helpful in current medical practices. Therefore, a detailed comprehensive study of such existing approaches was required. The article aimed to provide researchers with a detailed current status of automatic DFU identification tasks. Multiple observations have been made from existing works, such as the use of traditional ML and advanced DL techniques being necessary to help clinicians make faster and more reliable diagnostic decisions. In traditional ML approaches, image features provide signification information about DFU wounds and help with accurate identification. However, advanced DL approaches have proven to be more promising than ML approaches. The CNN-based solutions proposed by various authors have dominated the problem domain. An interested researcher will successfully be able identify the overall idea in the DFU identification task, and this article will help them finalize the future research goal.