College Of Medicine Research Articles

Emerging trends and hotspots in peptic ulcer from 2008 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis.

Peptic ulcer (PU) is a common digestive disorder in the gastroduodenal. Although bibliometrics has become very popular in the medical field, a bibliometric analysis of research related to PU has yet to be reported. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the trends and hotspots of PU in the last 15 years. Literature data related to PU retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2008 to 2023 were visualized and analyzed using CiteSpace 6.1.6.msi, VOSviewer 1.6.19, and SCImago Graphica Beta 1.0.35. Six thousand four hundred ninety-one papers were collected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The country with the highest number of publications was China. The institution with the highest number of publications was Baylor College of Medicine. The most prolific author was Yamaoka Yoshio. Malfertheiner Peter had the highest number of citations. The journal with the most publications is World Journal of Gastroenterology. The most cited Journal is Gastroenterology. The most cited reference was published by Marshall B. J. et al in 1984. The article with the highest burst strength was published in 2012 by Malfertheiner Peter. The keyword with the highest burst strength was "oxidative stress." Our research provides a bibliometric analysis of PU research to reveal the trends and hotspots of PU for 2008 to 2023. Our findings will help researchers to quickly understand the current state of research and provide a reference for in-depth studies in this area to foster the development of PU research.

Relationship Between Academic Stress and Eating Habits Among University of Sharjah Medical Students

Background: The most prevalent mental health condition among medical students is academic stress. Eating is a frequent way for many people to cope with stress or bad emotions; this behavior may be regarded as maladaptive coping. Furthermore, there appears to be some contradicting evidence about the link between eating habits and academic stress. This study sought to determine how academic stress affected University of Sharjah (UOS) medical students' eating habits and what role it played. Methods: A convenience sample cross-sectional study was utilized to choose UOS undergraduate English-speaking medical students. In order to keep the margin of error at 5%, a minimum sample size of 350 students was required. Eating and psychiatric issues precluded enrollment. For this investigation, a self-administered questionnaire was created. The data was analyzed using SPSS v28. Results: A total of 388 students were included. 52.1% of students were aged 20-22, 67% were females. Females experience higher stress tending to eat more compared to males. Higher stress was seen among College of Medicine and foundation year students wh ereas year 4 reported the least. 60.8% of stressed students reported decreased dietary intake, 33% had increased intake and 6.2% had no change in comparison to the scope of the research. Conclusion: The study concluded that stress levels vary among students based on academic factors. Stress is linked to dietary habits, with stressed students more likely to report decreased food intake. The findings emphasize the necessity of implementing awareness campaigns and stress management initiatives in educational institutions.

Integrating nutrition and culinary medicine into preclinical medical training

BackgroundPoor nutrition is a leading cause of preventable death, but is inconsistently taught in medical education and inadequately discussed in medical care. To overcome this problem, we developed a hybrid nutrition team-based learning/culinary medicine approach to integrate practical nutrition knowledge and basic cooking skills into the training of future health professionals.MethodsNutrition was integrated into the systems-based courses at a college of osteopathic medicine, complemented by culinary medicine sessions based on the Health meets Food curriculum (HmF; culinarymedicine.org). Students participated in the program for one year and two cohorts of students were included in this analysis. Outcomes were measured via online food frequency questionnaire (FFQ, Vioscreen, Viocare, Inc) and surveys administered via Qualtrics online survey software. Diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4.ResultsOne hundred and ninety-five first year students completed a baseline FFQ (97.5% response rate). Mean age of students was 26 years, 47% were female (n = 92/195). The average BMI of participants was 24.8 kg/m2 (range 17-45.4) and the majority of participants reported being active. Seventy-five students (38%) completed an end of year FFQ. Diet quality was poor among students at baseline (n = 195; 67.59 (SD 10.54)) and improved slightly but significantly at the end of year 1 (n = 75, 69.63 (SD: 12.42), p = 0.04). The survey was administered to the second cohort only; 63 students responded (53% response rate). Talking to patients about nutrition was seen as more relevant to future practice among respondents than talking to patients about safe sex, weight, tobacco, alcohol, other substance abuse and domestic violence.ConclusionsThis study evaluated the nutrition and culinary medicine curriculum at a new college of osteopathic medicine. Students rated the program highly and attendance was excellent, even though not required. Student diet quality did not decline over the first year of medical school. Students rated talking to patients about nutrition as highly relevant, providing encouragement that they will do so in future practice. We believe our work shows that nutrition can be integrated into the training of future physicians and that it may pay dividends, particularly with the increasing awareness of the importance of preventive care.

Relationship between triglyceride-glucose index and carotid artery plaques in ischemic stroke patients: Based on blood pressure status, sex, and age

BackgroundNumerous studies have shown that the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable substitute marker for insulin resistance. Nevertheless, its correlation with carotid artery plaques (CAPs) among patients with ischemic stroke (IS) remains to be elucidated. Methods9248 IS patients hospitalized at the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were grouped according to the quartiles of TyG index. Patients were further stratified by blood pressure status, sex, age and hypertension control status. Employing logistic regression to examine the connection between the TyG index and CAPs.Additionally, analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the predictive value of the TyG index for CAPs. ResultsParticipants with an elevated TyG index had an increased prevalence of CAPs. The TyG index was positively correlated with CAPs (OR: 1.26, CI: 1.14-1.40, P<0.001). Compared with normal blood pressure and prehypertensive patients, the TyG index was markedly correlated with CAPs among hypertensive patients (OR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.15-1.44, P<0.001). Females had a higher OR value than males(OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.11-1.54, P=0.001 versus OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.09-1.41, P=0.001). Older patients (>60 years) had a higher OR value than their middle-aged counterparts (≤60 years) (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.16-1.58, P<0.001 versus OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05-1.37, P=0.007). Patients with poorly-controlled hypertension had a higher OR value than patients with well-controlled hypertension(OR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.14-1.63, P=0.001 versus OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.07-1.44, P=0.003). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) value in the overall population, sex-stratified group, hypertensive patients and hypertension control status-stratified group were all above 0.7 (P<0.01), demonstrating good forecasting capability. ConclusionsIn IS patients, the TyG index was significantly associated with CAPs. Additionally, this correlation was more pronounced in hypertensive patients, females, older individuals and patients with poorly-controlled hypertension.

Uncovering the scientific landscape: A bibliometric and visualized analysis of artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has presented new challenges and opportunities for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), aiming to provide objective assessments and improve clinical effectiveness. However, there is a lack of comprehensive analyses on the research trajectory, key directions, current trends, and future perspectives in this field. This research aims to comprehensively update the progress of AI in TCM over the past 24 years, based on data from the Web of Science database covering January 1, 2000, to March 1, 2024. Using advanced analytical tools, we conducted detailed bibliometric and visual analyses. The results highlight China's predominant influence, contributing 54.35 % of the total publications and playing a key role in shaping research in this field. Significant productivity was observed at institutions such as the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, with Wang Yu being the most prolific contributor. The journal Molecules contributed the most publications in this field. This study identified hepatocellular carcinoma, chemical and drug-induced liver injury, Papillon-Lefèvre disease, Parkinson's disease, and anorexia as the most significant disorders researched. This comprehensive bibliometric assessment benefits both seasoned researchers and newcomers, offering quick access to essential information and fostering the generation of innovative ideas in this field.

Effect of Air Pollutants Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) on Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO).

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Environmental Pollutants Particulate Matter PM2.5, PM10, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Ozone (O3) on lung airway inflammation by assessing the Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) in students studying in schools located in or away from air-polluted areas. This matched case-control cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from August 2022 to July 2023. In this study, two schools were selected, one was located near a traffic-polluted area (School #1), and the second was located away from the traffic-polluted area (School #2). A total of 300 students were recruited, 150 (75 male and 75 female) students from the school located in a traffic-polluted area, and 150 students (75 male and 75 female) from the school located away from a traffic-polluted area. Environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2, were recorded. The Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) was measured using a Niox Mino. The mean concentration of PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2 were 35.00±0.65 significantly higher in a school located in motor vehicle polluted area compared to a school located away from a motor vehicle-polluted area (29.95±0.32) (p=0.001). The mean values for FeNO were significantly higher (18.75±0.90) among students studying in a school located in the motor vehicle-polluted area compared to students studying in a school located away from the motor vehicle-polluted area (11.26±0.56) (p=0.001). Environmental pollution can cause lung inflammation among students in schools located in traffic-polluted areas.

Determination of the Normative Value of Fetal Left Brachiocephalic Vein Diameter Using Ultrasound in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India.

Fetal ultrasound plays a vital role in prenatal care by offering key insights into fetal growth and facilitating the early identification of congenital abnormalities. Among various anatomical structures, the fetal left brachiocephalic vein (FLBCV) plays a significant role in fetal circulation, yet normative data for FLBCV dimensions are limited, particularly in diverse populations. This study aims to establish normative values for FLBCV diameter in fetuses between 18 and 23 weeks of gestation in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Such data are essential for accurate clinical assessment and early diagnosis of potential congenital anomalies. This descriptive study was conducted at the College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital, Kolkata, India, from January to December 2022. The study included 287 singleton pregnancies between 18 and 23 weeks of gestation, excluding cases with maternal or fetal conditions that could affect the measurements. LBCV diameter was measured using transabdominal ultrasound, and the normative values were established using percentile charts. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between FLBCV diameter and various fetal and maternal parameters. Linear regression analysis was done to identify significant predictors of FLBCV diameter. FLBCV diameter showed a consistent increase with gestational age, ranging from a median of 1.87 mm at 18 completed weeks to 2.27 mm at 22 completed weeks. The 95th percentile values exhibited more pronounced growth, particularly between 18 and 20 weeks. Significant positive correlations were observed between FLBCV diameter and fetal biometric parameters such as biparietal diameter, head circumference, abdominal circumference, and femur length. Head circumference emerged as the most significant predictor (p=0.007) of FLBCV diameter in the linear regression model. This study provides essential normative data on FLBCV diameter for the Indian population, offering a valuable reference for clinicians in prenatal diagnostics. The incorporation of FLBCV measurement in basic fetal echocardiography, which is a part of the second-trimester fetal anomaly scan, could enhance the detection of congenital anomalies, contributing to improved prenatal care.

Students' Perception of Peer- Students Mentoring Program "Big Sibling Mentoring Program" to Complement Faculty Mentoring of First-Year Medical Students in Saudi Arabia.

The Big Sibling Program is an innovative peer student mentoring method that was designed and implemented by the students' council in 2021 to complement the faculty mentoring program of first-year medical students in the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the medical students' perception of the peer students "Big Sibling" mentoring program and to assess the effectiveness of the program in terms of changes in the behavior and academic performance of the students. This is a retrospective study that was conducted in 2021. A registration form that includes demographic data, personal information, and academic performance (GPA and extracurricular achievements) was sent to all second- and third-year medical students to select the Big Siblings. A total of 49 mentors "Big Siblings" were accepted (30 males, 19 females) and matched randomly with the little siblings from first-year medical students. A written consent was obtained from the participants. The survey was structured on a 5-point Likert scale, and composed of four sections of closed-ended questions, that includes: the demographic data, the students' (little sibling) evaluation of the mentorship sessions, the little sibling perception of the Big Sibling Program and its effectiveness of the Big Sibling Program in terms of behavioral or quality effects. Out of 297 first-year medical students, 284 (95.62%) responded. The majority significantly agreed that the Big Sibling was readily available and they personally benefitted from the relationship (94.36%, p<0.001; 90.14%, p<0.001). They significantly disagreed that the relationship requires too much time (72.54%, p<0.001) or that they do not need a mentor (78.87%, p<0.001). Most significantly agreed that mentoring is a good idea (94.37%, p<0.001), the program helped reduce their stress (84.51%, p<0.001), helped them adjust to college (89.44%, p<0.001), and advance academically (78.52%, p<0.001). The program also encouraged their involvement in extracurricular activities (58.10%, p<0.0001), research (43.31%, p<0.001), and social engagement with peers (71.48%, p<0.001). Moreover, the majority thought the program significantly improved their self-confidence (73.94%, p<0.001), self-awareness (84.51%), accountability (54.51%), leadership (54.93%), resilience (71.13%), punctuality (69.01%, p<0.001), time management (75.70%), stress coping (77.82%), problem-solving (76.76%), and teamwork (75.35%). Peer students' big Siblings program has succeeded in reducing first-year medical students stress levels, improving their self-confidence, self-awareness, accountability and responsibility, leadership, resilience, punctuality and engaging them in research and extracurricular activities.

The association between smartphone addiction and thumb/wrist pain among medical students of Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, A cross-sectional study.

The past decade has witnessed a revolution in smartphones owing to their growing importance and various applications. However, excessive usage can lead to addiction and joint pain in the wrist/thumb area. Despite these negative effects, smartphones offer medical students access to the resources they need. To determine the association between smartphone addiction and thumb/wrist pain among undergraduate students of Jazan University. A cross-sectional self-administrated, online survey and online convenience sample technique was used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Software. This survey included 337 participants, of which two-thirds were female (66.8%) and the rest male (33.2%); 32.6% of the respondents were studying in the College of Medicine. Of the 337 participants, 32% reported experiencing pain in their wrists or at the back of their neck while using a smartphone. The study found an average Smartphone Addition Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV) score of 32.5 ± 8.0 out of 50 and a total Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score of 48.8 ± 14.7, with a pain score of 13.3 ± 11.0 and a function score of 35.5 ± 11.7. The study also revealed a significant association between smartphone addiction and thumb/wrist pain (P value = 0.029), with females and students of the College of Applied Medical Science associated with higher SAS-SV scores, thereby indicating higher smartphone addiction. Significant correlation exists between smartphone addiction and thumb/wirst pain among medical students of Jazan University.

Factors associated with early-career GPs' retention as independent specialists in former training practices.

Retention of general practice registrars in their training practices is important for addressing the GP workforce deficit and maldistribution of GPs. Given that rural and remote general practices are disproportionately affected by low retention, identifying the factors that promote retention may be as important as developing recruitment strategies in these areas. Quantifying the impact of relevant factors on registrar retention will enable a better understanding of how to incentivise retention and attenuate the loss of the rural workforce to other areas. We sought to establish the prevalence and associations of retention of general practice registrars in their training practices. This analysis was a component of the New alumni Experience of Training and independent Unsupervised Practice (NEXT-UP) study: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of early-career GPs in conjunction with evaluation of data contemporaneously recorded as part of vocational training. Participants were former registrars of three regional training organisations delivering general practice training in New South Wales, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Eastern Victoria, who had attained Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners or the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine between January 2016 and July 2018. The outcome measured was whether the registrar had previously worked at their current practice during vocational training. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between relevant explanatory variables and the outcome. A total of 354 alumni responded (response rate 28%), of whom 322 provided data regarding previous training practice retention, with 190 (59%) having previously worked at their current practice as registrars. Among respondents who reported currently working in a regional-rural practice location (n=100), 69% reported having previously worked at their current practice during training. GPs were more likely to be retained by a practice they had trained at if it was of lower socioeconomic status (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.91), p<0.001 for each decile of socioeconomic status) and if the practice provided two or more of home visits, nursing home visits or after-hours services (aOR 4.29 (95%CI 2.10-8.75), p<0.001). They were less likely to be retained by the practice if training was completed in a regional-rural area (aOR 0.35 (95%CI 0.17-0.72), p=0.004). Regional-rural training location is associated with reduced odds of subsequent retention of general practice registrars. This is occurring despite significant government investment in expansion of general practice training in regional and rural areas. The practice factor most strongly associated with GP retention was the provision of out-of-practice and after-hours care. There may be altruistic, rather than monetary, reasons that explain this finding. Such training opportunities, if provided to all trainees, especially in regional and rural areas, would be a learning opportunity, a way of promoting holistic community-based care and an incentive for subsequent retention within the practice and community as an established GP.

“Scapular heat penetration” technique of acupuncture in treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis: An exploratory research: “穿胛热”针法治疗肩周炎:探索性研究

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of “scapular heat penetration” technique of acupuncture in treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis. DesignIt was a single-central randomized controlled trial, the participants, outcome assessors and statisticians were blinded. SettingThe trial was undertaken in Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, from June 2021 to January 2022. ParticipantsSixty-seven patients with scalpulohumeral periarthritis were participated. InterventionsIn the control group, the routine acupuncture was given, while in the trial group, the “scapular heat penetration” technique of acupuncture was adopted. The intervention was delivered once every two days, 3 treatments a week; and one course included 9 treatments. Before the 1st treatment and after the 9th treatment, the symptoms and physical signs were observed and recorded in each group. OutcomesPrimary outcome: the score of visual analogy scale (VAS) before treatment and after treatment completion. Secondary outcomes: the range of movement (ROM) of shoulder joint, the score of Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) of shoulder joint and the infrared thermal imaging temperature around the shoulder. ResultsA total of 102 cases were collected, 72 cases of them were eligible and 5 cases were withdrawn. Sixty-seven cases were included in analysis. In the within-group comparison, VAS score, ROM and JOA score as well as the shoulder temperature were all ameliorated after 9 treatments in either the trial group or the control group, compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05). In the comparison between two groups, after 9 treatments, VAS score in the trial group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05); and the improvements in ROM and shoulder temperature in the trial group were better than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions were found in the two groups. ConclusionBoth the “scapular heat penetration” technique of acupuncture and the conventional acupuncture are effective on scapulohumeral periarthritis. But, regarding the improvements in pain, ROM of shoulder joint, the activity of daily life and shoulder temperature, the “scapular heat penetration” technique of acupuncture is superior to the conventional acupuncture. Registration numberChiCTR1900025505

A Study of Sperm DNA Damage Mechanism Based on miRNA Sequencing.

To analyze the differential expression profiles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in spermatozoa of patients with sperm DNA damage and to investigate the role of miRNAs in sperm DNA damage. Male infertility patients with sperm DNA damage who attended the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine from October 2023 to December 2023 were selected and included in this study as a case group. Fertile healthy men who were seen at the health check-up center during the same period and diagnosed by examination were also included as a control group. Sperm miRNA expression was detected in patients with sperm DNA damage (case group, n = 5) and healthy medical check-ups (control group, n = 5) using high-throughput sequencing technology. The differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups were bioinformatically analyzed to explore the main biological functions of the target genes. We found that 63 miRNAs were significantly changed in the spermatozoa of patients with sperm DNA damage,|log2 (foldchange)| ≥ 1, p < .05. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that these differential miRNAs might be involved in developmental process, anatomical structure development, cellular macromolecule metabolic process, multicellular organism development, system development, and so on. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that that they mainly affect the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. The present study suggests that the altered expression of miR-1255a, miR-921, and miR-3156-5p may play an important role in the sperm DNA damage process, and the mechanism may involve the phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase-AKT (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway.

Frailty Predicts in-Hospital Death in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe public health problem in elderly patients, and frailty is associated with higher mortality rates in older patients. This study aims to assess the prognostic value of frailty in patients with TBI. Clinical data from 348 TBI patients treated at Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University and Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between December 2018 and December 2020 were retrospectively collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine risk factors affecting in-hospital mortality, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the discriminatory power of the frailty index. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale, where FRAIL stands for Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of weight, with each item scored as 0 or 1. Using the FRIAL questionnaire, 122 patients had low frailty and 226 had high frailty. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high frailty was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality in TBI patients (P<0.001, OR=2.012 [1.788-2.412]). The proportion of infections occurring in the two groups was statistically different (P=0.015), with severely infected TBI patients being more likely to develop complications. The ROC curve showed an area under the curve for the FRAIL score of 0.845 [0.752-0.938]. Frailty is an important risk factor for in-hospital mortality in elderly TBI patients, and more attention should be paid to patients with high levels of frailty. Clinicians should consider the degree of frailty when assessing TBI and making treatment decisions.

Evaluation of the Rehabilitation Effect of Nanometric Ion Medicine Steam Combined with Facial Muscle Training in the Treatment of Post-Stroke Peripheral Facial Nerve Palsy

This work aimed to investigate the rehabilitation effect of nanometer ion medicine steaming combined with facial muscle training in the treatment of post-stroke peripheral facial nerve palsy (PFNP), and to analyze the therapeutic effect of artificial skin continuous negative pressure drainage on stroke pressure ulcers. 120 patients with post-stroke PFNP who were admitted to Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine were recruited and rolled into the medicine steaming group (MS group, nanometer ion medicine steam) and the joint group (J group, nanometer ion medicine steam plus facial muscle training). The treatment effects, facial functional recovery, and pressure ulcer treatment outcomes were compared between patients in different groups. Results: After treatment, the facial disability index scores and facial nerve function scores of both groups of patients greatly increased, with a more drastic increase in J group (P &lt; 0.05), so did the scores of various traditional Chinese medicine symptoms (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the proportion of patients in J group with facial function classified as level I or level II was obviously higher (P &lt; 0.05). The treatment effectiveness and satisfaction rate in J group were dramatically superior to in MS group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: the joint treatment of nanometer ion medicine steam and facial muscle training has a significant effect in the rehabilitation of post-stroke PFNP, with faster facial functional recovery and higher patient acceptance.

Dr. Manuel Martinez-Maldonado: A Pioneer in Renal Therapeutics and Mentor to a Generation of Minority Physician-Scientists.

Dr. Manuel Martinez-Maldonado is a distinguished Puerto Rican internist, nephrologist, physician-scientist, mentor, and prolific writer whose leadership in academic and clinical settings has significantly advanced the fields of nephrology, renal physiology and pharmacology, fluids and electrolyte metabolism, calcium metabolism, hypertension research, and medical education. His research on electrolyte imbalances has led to innovative hypercalcemia treatments, notably furosemide withIV fluid therapy. This is an approach that, combined with pharmacotherapy using calcitonin and bisphosphonates, became the standard practice for managing hypercalcemia until specific therapies became available. His nephrology research team and laboratory in the San Juan VA (Veterans Affairs) Medical Center and the Medical School of the University of Puerto Rico were internationally renowned. Throughout his career, he fostered a culture of mentorship while spearheading superb clinical teaching and research initiatives. His transformative tenures at several institutions, including Baylor College of Medicine; the University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus; the VA medical centers in Atlanta, Houston, and San Juan; Emory University; Oregon Health Sciences University; Ponce School of Medicine; and the University of Louisville School of Medicine demonstrate his lasting contributions to medical science and education. His interdisciplinary approach, advocacy for kidney and clinical research, and contributions to understanding the renin-angiotensin system and the role of sodium-potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase in renal concentration mechanisms illustrate his enduring impact on renal physiology and human health.

Declining empathy trends throughout medical curriculum and association factors of low empathy among medical students and residents: a single center study

BackgroundA physician’s empathy level substantially impacts clinical competence, patient relationships, and treatment outcomes. Yet, understanding empathy trends from medical students to resident doctors within a single institution is limited. This study delves into empathy trends within a single-center academic setting and identifies factors associated with low empathy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled the second—to sixth-year medical students of Phramongkutklao College of Medicine and the first—to second-year residents at Phramongkutklao Hospital. It utilized a standardized questionnaire covering demographics, family relationships, the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI), and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). The relationship between variables and JSE scores was analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses examined associated factors and trends across educational levels. A quadratic term was incorporated to evaluate the presence of a nonlinear trend.ResultsA total of 520 participants, comprising 189 (36.4%) preclinical students, 153 (29.4%) clinical students, and 178 (34.2%) residents, completed the survey. The JSE showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. The average empathy score was 103.8 ± 15.0, with 27.1% of low empathy levels. Specialty preference and sex-adjusted average empathy scores decreased from 114.5 (95%CI: 112.0–117.0) among second-year medical students to 95.2 (95%CI: 92.2–98.2) among second-year residents (Pnon−linear<0.001). The adjusted proportion of low empathy is highest among sixth-year medical students (54.4%, 95%CI: 34.4–73.2%). Factors associated with low empathy included those preferring procedure-oriented specialties (AOR: 4.16, 95%CI: 1.54–11.18) and a higher parental income (AOR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.09 to 8.10). Subgroup analysis revealed that residents with a GPAX above 3.5 and those in technology-oriented specialties were also associated with lower empathy (AOR: 3.46, 95%CI: 1.40–8.59 and AOR: 2.93, 95%CI: 1.05–8.12, respectively).ConclusionA declining empathy trend was observed among medical students, which then plateaued among residents. Additionally, residents in technology-oriented specialties may require empathy enhancements due to their ongoing patient consultations. Addressing these issues requires collaborative planning between students and teachers to foster empathy throughout the medical curriculum.

Fei Jin Sheng formula and its effectiveness in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer: An observational study

ObjectiveThis study involved evaluating the efficacy of the Feijinsheng formula in the therapeutic management of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsWe extracted the medical records of patients with advanced NSCLC undergoing treatment in the oncology department at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University from the medical record system. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, clinical data of 150 patients were collected. The patients were stratified into two groups based on their usage of the Feijinsheng formula, comprising 69 cases in the Exposed group and 81 cases in the Control group. A comparative analysis of the survival time difference between the two groups was conducted. ResultsThe data between the two groups exhibited similarity (p > 0.05). Following treatment, the Exposed group demonstrated a notably prolonged overall survival time compared to the Control group (p < 0.05). While the Exposed group displayed a higher objective remission rate than the Control group, this disparity did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe Feijinsheng formula extended the duration of survival of patients with advanced NSCLC.

Assessment of Students and Graduates ‘perceptions on Effectiveness of Nursing Curriculum and their Preparedness in a Selected School of Nursing and Midwifery in Rwanda

The study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of students and graduates regarding the effectiveness of the nursing curriculum at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, in preparing them for professional practice. Two key research questions were addressed: the extent to which the curriculum prepares students and graduates as nurse professionals, and specific areas where they feel more or less prepared. Guided by constructivist theory and utilizing a cross-sectional design, the study sampled 153 respondents (61.7%) from a population of 248, including 90 students and 47 graduates. Findings revealed that a robust theoretical foundation in essential areas is crucial for nursing practice readiness. Most nursing-specific modules were deemed highly relevant, and all functional modules were considered significant for developing generic skills. The curriculum delivery was characterized by student-centered strategies, with students expressing moderate satisfaction with the assessment process. The mean preparedness score for students was (3.56), indicating that (85.8%) felt moderately prepared for their future careers, while the mean score for graduates was (3.85), showing that (63.8%) felt well-prepared.

Toxicity studies of compound spermatogenic pill:Acute toxicity and subacute toxicity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSpermatogenic Pill (SP) is a commonly used clinical preparation in the Third Clinical Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Has accumulated a good reputation for more than a decade. However, because SP is a hospital clinical agent, it has received little extensive attention from researchers, which has led to a systematic lack of basic research on it. Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether there are safety hazards that may limit its widespread clinical application, and an in-depth toxicological evaluation of SP is essential and urgent. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to assess the safety of SP by conducting acute and subacute toxicity examinations. Materials and methodsIdentify active compounds contained in SP by LC-MS, and determination of inorganic elements in SP using ICP-MS. The in vivo acute toxicity of SP was assessed over a duration of 14 days following administration at doses of 7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg. To evaluate subacute toxicity, mice were administered daily doses of SP (7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg) for a period of 28 days. After the treatment period, the animals were euthanized, and standard blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, as well as tests related to glycolipid metabolism, were performed. The principal organs of the mice were collected to calculate organ coefficients and undergo hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsLC-MS analysis showed that the active components of SP include Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Diosbulbin B, Schizandrin, Naringenin, 2,3-hydroxycinnamic acid, L-proline, Histidine and Pluviatolide. The total amount of detected inorganic elements accounted for 3.0919% of SP. During the SP acute toxicity experiment, the groups that received the drug exhibited no signs of adverse reactions or poisoning symptoms. In subacute toxicity experiments, drug-treated mice showed overall favorable status, but the effects of continuous administration of the 30 g/kg group on body weight and food intake were reduced. An increase in the white marrow of spleen tissue after long-term administration of the drug treatment was also observed, suggesting that the drug can increase the maturation process and the number of mature lymphocytes in the spleen, and improve the lymphocyte immunity and humoral immunity function of the organism. Suggests that possibly this should be taken into account in clinical application. The routine blood examinations, as well as the assessments of liver and kidney functions, and the tests for glucose and lipid metabolism, did not reveal any notable toxic effects. ConclusionSP contains more flavonoids, and terpenoid active ingredients, and is non-toxic in the body. This discovery not only strengthens the safety foundation of its clinical application, provides a solid scientific basis for the establishment of reasonable clinical dosage and the implementation of effective clinical toxicity monitoring, but also further lays a solid theoretical cornerstone for the subsequent clinical drug trials.

Dr. Alma Littles Named Dean of Florida State University College of Medicine

Dr. Alma Littles Named Dean of Florida State University College of Medicine