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Assessment is an integral component in the delivery of medical education. The scope of online assessment in the field of medical education is extensive and varied, encompassing a wide range of types of assessments and purposes. The purpose of the review article is to explore the need and merits of online assessment in the cognitive domain in the field of medical education. As we all know, each one of these methods has its pros and cons, nevertheless, the choice of which type should be involved will eventually depend on the goal of the assessment, intended learning objectives, type of questions, domain to be assessed, number of students appearing for examination, and free or paid online application. There is an immense need for online assessment and we must look for ways to integrate them in the process of medical education delivery. In conclusion, online assessment has a wide range of applications and benefits in medical education, owing to the flexibility, ability to incorporate multimedia, and provision of immediate feedback. The need of the hour is to systematically explore the possibility of introduction of online assessments, and based on the results of the need assessment and availability of resources, introduce the same for the benefit of medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of precision medicine in medical education represents a paradigm shift, as it is expected to transform the way in which health care will be delivered to patients in future. This shift is predominantly reported as precision medicine strongly advocates for the delivery of personalized care to patients after giving due consideration to the genetic makeup, biomarker level, etc., of the individual patient. Medical professionals are expected to discharge a wide range of roles since the introduction of precision medicine in the health-care industry. Training of medical students and health professionals in the domain of precision medicine is expected to significantly influence patient outcomes and enhance the efficiency of the health-care sector. In conclusion, precision medicine is expected to have a huge impact on medical professionals and the health sector, it is the need of the hour to strengthen its implementation process across medical colleges and health-care facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each of the global pandemics to date has left a permanent mark on the general population and significantly impacted the public health standards and human civilization. The purpose of the current review is to explore the significance of pandemic preparedness, identify the role of medical education in improving the same, enlist the potential challenges in the implementation of pandemic preparedness, and enlist the potential solutions to overcome the same. A search of all materials related to the topic was carried out on the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines, and a total of 27 articles were selected based on their suitability with the current review objectives and analyzed. Keywords used in the search include pandemic preparedness in the title alone only (namely, pandemic preparedness [ti] AND medical education [ti]; pandemic preparedness [ti] AND curricula [ti] OR curriculum [ti]; pandemic preparedness [ti] AND COVID‑19 [ti]; pandemic preparedness [ti] AND health [ti]; and pandemic preparedness [ti]). Medical education plays an instrumental role in creating a team of skilled and competent health‑care workforce, which becomes crucial to minimize the impact of pandemics on individuals, communities, and the health‑care delivery system. As medical educators plan to deliver pandemic preparedness education in medical schools, we are expected to encounter different challenges. In conclusion, the training imparted to medical students on pandemic preparedness is crucial in the making of a resilient and adaptable health workforce. To reduce the magnitude of future pandemics, it is the need of the hour to identify the prevailing gaps/barriers and address them proactively to safeguard public health during pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A health-care professional is expected to hone multiple skills that are not limited to possessing medical knowledge and clinical skills. Game-based assessments are an innovative type of assessment method that combines the features of gamification and simulation to revolutionize the delivery of medical education. These assessments have the potential to promote active engagement of students by ensuring sustained interest, which is not possible to accomplish with conventional assessments. Even though game-based assessments have immense scope in medical education delivery and have been linked with multiple merits, there are potential concerns with regard to their implementation in medical institutions. In conclusion, game-based assessments offer an immersive approach to assessing the performance of medical students, especially in the domain of critical thinking and decision-making. However, the process of planning and implementation of game-based assessment has its own share of challenges, and we must adopt a systematic approach to overcome the challenges and benefit students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a perennial plant used to treat menopause. This plant is known to have a serotonergic rather than estrogenic impact. It has been recommended to treat vasomotor symptoms associated with breast cancer patients. It also relieves symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes, commonly called vasorelaxation. The variability in the study's results, doses, and assessment methods requires more rigorous research to establish its efficacy and safety. Standardized trials are needed to provide more precise information on the benefits and limitations of menopause treatment, informing women seeking alternatives to hormone therapy. Black cohosh has shown the potential to reduce the frequency and intensity of vasomotor symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing tamoxifen treatment. In addition to its effectiveness in alleviating night sweats and hot flashes, the vasorelaxation properties contribute to its overall positive impact on menopausal symptoms. Due to discrepancies, varying dosages, and assessment techniques, further comprehensive studies are essential to determine the optimal dosage, long-term safety, and overall efficacy. Only through standardized trials can women make informed decisions about black cohosh as a viable alternative to hormone therapy during menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the potential benefits of the herbal remedy "Cimicifuga racemosa" in managing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. It highlights that this herbal remedy may offer a safer alternative to hormone therapy, particularly for women who are unwilling to undergo hormone treatment. However, the research on "Cimicifuga racemosa" is characterized by variability in study design and outcome measurement, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about its efficacy and safety. The article emphasizes the need for more rigorous research, including standardized clinical trials, to establish the true effectiveness and safety of "Cimicifuga racemosa" as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

Sialolithiasis is among the most common pathological conditions of the salivary glands. It is characterized by blockage of the salivary gland excretory duct or by the formation of calcareous concretions, resulting in salivary stasis and causing salivary gland swelling. Most sialoliths generally arise in the submandibular gland and duct. The size of sialoliths ranges from around 1 mm to 10 mm, with some exceeding 15 mm in dimension. Numerous conservative treatments, including milking and palliative therapy, are effective for accessible small stones. Surgical intervention is necessary when the sialoliths are large, inaccessible, or when conservative therapies fail. The present study reports a patient with large multiple submandibular gland sialoliths, with the largest measuring approximately 16 mm by 10 mm. This case highlights the importance of considering sialolithiasis in patients with submandibular swelling and the necessity of surgical intervention for large stones when conservative treatments fail. The patient's symptoms resolved postoperatively, demonstrating the effectiveness of the treatment approach., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Moon et al.)

Introduction: Among hemodialysis patients, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity. Infection with these hepatotropic viruses in hemodialysis patients is due to their increased contact with blood and its derivatives. Additionally, not following the proper protocol for infection control, contaminated devices, and untrained personnel contribute to the nosocomial transmission of these infections. This cross-sectional study was planned to estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in patients to know the seroconversion rate for hepatitis B and hepatitis C and to evaluate the risk factors that contribute to seroconversion in patients undergoing hemodialysis at our center., Materials and Methods: This study included 185 patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis in our center. After giving informed consent, a blood sample from each patient was collected for testing for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies initially and then every month., Results: Of the total 185 patients, five participants tested positive for HBV (2.7%), and 29 individuals tested positive for HCV (15.67%). During the study period, seroconversion for hepatitis C was observed in three patients (1.62%), and seroconversion for hepatitis B was observed in one patient (0.54%). An evaluation of the potential risk factors revealed that dialysis conducted outside the facility contributed significantly to HCV infection., Conclusion: Our study shows lower HBV rates but higher HCV rates. The demographic data of the patients and the duration of dialysis are related to the risk of infection. Dialysis within the same healthcare facilities reduces the transmission risk., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee of NKPSIMS&RC issued approval LMH/IEC/6/2023. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Tayal et al.)

Background: A defective synthesis of vitamin D contributes to alterations in calcium homeostasis due to chronic endocrinopathies, leading to metabolic bone diseases. This study aimed to ascertain the levels of calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in children with β-thalassemia., Methods: In this case-control study, 36 children with major β-thalassemia receiving iron chelation therapy were included. For the control group, 36 cases matched for age and sex were selected. The packed cell volume (PCV) requirements varied among the thalassemic children, with an average PCV requirement of 78.57±49.07. The study was conducted for six months in the Department of Pediatrics at the Government Medical College, Nagpur, India. Serum PTH levels were determined by immunoassay, and serum vitamin D levels were assessed using electrochemiluminescence technique. Additional tests looked at liver function, serum ferritin, calcium, phosphorus, and complete blood count. The student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis., Result: In comparison to the control group (10.4±1.21 g/dL), the case group's mean hemoglobin level was considerably lower (5.62±1.9 g/dL) (p<0.001). The mean serum ferritin level in the cases was notably higher (3073±1262.24 ng/mL) compared to the control group's level (58.37±29.67 ng/mL) (p<0.001). A total of 80.6% of cases compared to 5.6% of controls had vitamin D deficiency, and 72.2% of cases compared to 2.8% of controls had PTH deficit, both of which showed statistically significant differences (p<0.001). Significant differences were observed between the case and control groups for the mean levels of total serum calcium (8.51±0.84 mg/dL), vitamin D (15.23±10.07 ng/mL), and PTH (14.66±19.86 pg/mL) (9.13±0.6 mg/dL, p=0.05; 34.94±9.57 ng/mL, p<0.001; 32.08±12.42 pg/mL, p<0.001; respectively)., Conclusion: Growth failure may result from the markedly reduced serum calcium, vitamin D, and PTH levels in children with β-thalassemia. The relevance of treatment approaches is highlighted by the possibility that these anomalies are caused by excessive iron and inadequate nutritional support., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee, Government Medical College, Nagpur, issued approval 2529/EC/Pharmac/GMC/NGP. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Meshram et al.)

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global outbreak of coronavirus and has significantly changed the dynamics and framework of healthcare delivery system. Acknowledging the fact that the clinical manifestations of both influenza and COVID-19 are quite similar and both are respiratory pathogens, it will be ideal to use the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) for monitoring the community-level transmission in any nation. During the initial stages of pandemic itself, with the intention to strengthen the surveillance activities, it was recommended that all the nations should use the existing surveillance networks in the nation and employ them for the surveillance of COVID-19 cases. In conclusion, the GISRS continues to play an important role in the COVID-19 pandemic response since its onset. As a matter of fact, this system is an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable platform for nations to continue their battle against the pandemic., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

Noncommunicable diseases are universal and are being reported across the world, with many diseases being gradually reported in early age groups. Physical activity has been encouraged and advocated by all medical practitioners to prevent, arrest, and delay the onset and development of complications associated with noncommunicable diseases. The concept of "Ten Thousand Steps" in a day is predominantly a goal that people aim to attain either by walking or indulging themselves in some form of moderate physical activity. Since the inception of this concept, many health and fitness experts and public health agencies have recommended the same to achieve and maintain good health. Though there are numerous health-related benefits, people might encounter a wide range of challenges preventing them from attaining the goals consistently. In conclusion, the target of meeting ten thousand steps a day is much more than mere four-digit numbers, as a wide range of benefits have been attributed to the same. Although there are some challenges, the presence of technology and devices can help people continue with their active lifestyle, with fun and active engagement., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

Giant mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary is rarely described. Huge ovarian masses are mostly benign, but malignancy should be ruled out by investigations and clinical assessment. Here, we present a case of a large mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary in a 48-year-old postmenopausal woman. Imaging examinations revealed a large cystic tumor that filled the whole abdominal cavity. Despite the difficulties presented by the size of the tumor and its malignant potential, laparotomy was carried out, which included bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, exploration of other intra-abdominal organs, and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Histopathology indicated the presence of mucinous cystadenocarcinomas. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given post-operatively, and the patient maintained remission during follow-up. This case emphasizes the need for early detection by simple imaging modalities such as ultrasonography in cases of ovarian masses. Most adnexal masses, if detected early, are amenable to surgical management with a good prognosis. Large masses underline the need for a multidisciplinary approach to improve patient outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Sengupta et al.)

The 29-year-old participant in the case study has been grappling with infertility for the last six years. Following an assessment of her symptoms, hormone profile, and ultrasound results, she received a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a multifaceted endocrine and metabolic disorder characterized by symptoms such as obesity, insulin resistance, anovulation, and polycystic ovaries. Various factors, including heredity, intestinal dysbiosis, obesity, environmental pollutants, lifestyle choices, and neuroendocrine abnormalities, contribute to the susceptibility of women to PCOS. In planning polycystic ovarian stimulation, it is crucial to consider parameters such as antral follicle count (AFC), luteinizing hormone (LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH). Careful planning of the gonadotrophin dose is essential to achieve an optimal response during a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) cycle. In our case, the brief antagonist protocol was used, resulting in a favorable outcome with minimal risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Despite multiple unsuccessful attempts at natural conception, the patient successfully conceived with the help of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), leading to a positive pregnancy outcome. In addition to incorporating mechanical hatching to promote implantation, we diligently selected the most beneficial medications for the patient., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Nair et al.)

Clinical laboratories are essential in healthcare to better diagnose, treat, and track medical diseases. However, handling infectious organisms and possibly infectious materials in these laboratories puts the safety of laboratory workers and the general public at risk. By controlling the distribution of infectious substances and stopping the spread of diseases, biosafety cabinets (BSCs) have become crucial tools in guaranteeing laboratory safety. The prevention of infections is most important in medical and laboratory settings. In clinical laboratories, biological and infectious agents are handled, posing threats to healthcare workers and the general public. To avoid infections, proper training of the BSC is essential. Laboratory employees are instructed in aseptic procedures, proper hand posture, and efficient personal protection when working in the cabinet. These instructions decrease the chance of contaminating the surrounding area. Additionally, user ergonomics are taken into account while designing BSC, reducing operator fatigue, and guaranteeing that staff can execute tasks precisely for extended periods. This review highlights the importance of biosafety cabinets in maintaining a secure laboratory environment and explains their crucial function in infection control., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Jagtap et al.)

In this report, we present the clinical management of a male patient diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), a condition characterized by the absence of sperm in the ejaculate due to impaired spermatogenesis. A 37-year-old patient underwent two surgical procedures: testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) and percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). Surprisingly, the beta-human chorionic gonadotropins (β-HCG) testing that followed produced promising findings suggesting NOA syndrome may be reversible. Theophylline and pentoxifylline, phosphodiesterase inhibitors with immunomodulatory effects, were creatively used in this case study to increase sperm viability and activation after PESA. Hyaluronic acid was also used as an additional therapy because it is well known for aiding in sperm development and binding to oocytes. The patient underwent hyaluronic acid, which can potentially increase the fertilization rate and improve the selection of sperm. This in-depth case study offers insightful information on the effective management of NOA by combining theophylline, pentoxifylline, and hyaluronic acid. The results highlight the ability of these therapies to revive spermatogenesis, offering a cutting-edge method of treating male infertility. More research is required to clarify the underlying processes and confirm the effectiveness of this strategy in more successful reproductive medicine therapies., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Pareek et al.)