Medical research and editorial support examples — page 3

This retrospective study assessed the safety profile of off-label nebulized or topical tranexamic acid (TXA) in 100 adults with hemoptysis of varying etiology. Most patients (70%) received TXA via nebulization, and the remainder through topical endobronchial application. Post-tubercular sequelae and active tuberculosis were the leading causes of hemoptysis. Within 72 hours of administration, 85% experienced bleeding control. Mild adverse events were recorded in 10% of patients—primarily transient palpitations (8%) and nasal heaviness (2%). No moderate or severe complications were observed, and no patients required hospitalization for TXA-related issues. The findings suggest that nebulized or topical TXA is generally safe, with a low incidence of mild, self-limiting side effects. However, the study acknowledges limitations such as its retrospective design, absence of objective bleeding metrics, and lack of a control group.

This cross-sectional study conducted in North India evaluated 96 clinically diagnosed cases of puerperal sepsis, investigating microbial causes and antibiotic resistance using both traditional microbiology and MALDI-TOF MS. The majority of infections were caused by gram-negative organisms, notably Escherichia coli (43.5%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (29%). MALDI-TOF MS improved the specificity of pathogen identification, especially for less common bacteria. High rates of antibiotic resistance were noted, including resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems, with MRSA also identified among gram-positive isolates. Significant risk factors included anemia (OR = 6.02), prolonged labor, prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), and multiple vaginal examinations. The study underscores the urgent need for rapid pathogen detection, targeted antibiotic therapy, improved antenatal care, and stringent infection control to mitigate maternal morbidity.

This retrospective–prospective study assessed the utility of intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography in evaluating pancreatic stump perfusion during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and its effect on reducing postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Among 100 patients (50 in each group), those evaluated with ICG showed a lower, though not statistically significant, incidence of clinically relevant POPF (12%) compared to controls assessed by white light alone (26%, p=0.074). Intraoperative Doppler ultrasound consistently confirmed adequate blood flow even in ICG-defined hypoperfused stumps, and no stump revisions were performed. Multivariate analysis identified small pancreatic duct diameter and elevated drain amylase on postoperative day 3 as independent POPF predictors, while ICG findings were not significant. Although ICG imaging allowed real-time perfusion assessment, it did not independently correlate with reduced fistula rates. The findings suggest that POPF risk is multifactorial

This observational study evaluated the accuracy of ultrasound-based estimated fetal weight (EFW) in term pregnancies with Small for Gestational Age (SGA) versus Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA) fetuses at SMS Medical College, Jaipur. Among 100 participants (50 in each group), ultrasound measurements taken within seven days before delivery were compared to actual birth weights. While ultrasound tended to overestimate weight in both groups, SGA fetuses were more often underestimated, and AGA fetuses overestimated. The AGA group had significantly higher mean absolute and relative errors than the SGA group, though overall deviations remained within clinically acceptable limits. These findings highlight ultrasound’s continued reliability for fetal weight assessment near term, with minor caution warranted in interpreting estimates for SGA and AGA extremes. Understanding these patterns helps optimize perinatal decision-making, particularly when managing suspected intrauterine growth restriction, and reinforces ultrasound’s role as a cornerstone.

This retrospective study evaluated the prognostic utility of Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) and Platelet-Albumin-Bilirubin (PALBI) grades, compared with the traditional Child-Pugh classification, in 74 patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) at a tertiary center in Kerala, India. ALBI Grade 3 was consistently linked to poorer overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in both cancer types and remained an independent predictor even in multivariate models. While Child-Pugh Class B and PALBI Grade A3 showed some prognostic association, their significance diminished after adjusting for ALBI. These findings suggest ALBI is a more objective and reliable marker of hepatic reserve than traditional methods. Its simplicity and strong prognostic accuracy support its routine use for preoperative risk stratification in hepatic malignancies. Incorporating ALBI grading could enhance surgical planning, guide patient counseling.

This retrospective observational study assessed the value of routine intraoperative biopsy in patients with spontaneous gastric perforation peritonitis (GPP). Among 74 patients undergoing surgery between 2021 and 2024, all intraoperative biopsies revealed benign inflammatory findings, with no malignancies detected. In 81% of patients who underwent postoperative endoscopy, benign pathology was again confirmed. Gastric mucosa was clearly identified in 89.2% of biopsy samples, while 10.8% showed ambiguous or duodenal mucosa. Despite historical concern over missing gastric cancers, this study found no malignancies and highlights the low diagnostic yield of routine biopsies. Given modern access to safe and effective endoscopic evaluation, the authors argue that routine intraoperative biopsy may no longer be necessary. Instead, selective biopsy guided by clinical suspicion and postoperative endoscopy may optimize care while avoiding unnecessary procedures.

This study explored the link between sleep quality and psychological health among 220 Phase II MBBS students at Rohilkhand Medical College, Bareilly. Using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-42), researchers found that 56.8% of students had poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥5). Among these, a significant number also reported moderate-to-severe levels of depression (49.1%), anxiety (44.7%), and stress (35.6%). Statistical analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between poor sleep and increased psychological distress. The findings highlight how academic pressures and irregular schedules common in medical training contribute to sleep disruption, which in turn is closely tied to emotional instability. The study emphasizes the need for structured interventions like sleep hygiene education, mental health counseling, and stress management programs. Promoting healthy sleep habits could help alleviate psychological strain and support better academic and clinical performance among future healthcare professionals.

This prospective observational study assessed electrolyte disturbances in 100 term neonates with perinatal asphyxia, stratified by Sarnat and Sarnat stages of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Electrolytes—including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—were measured on Days 1, 3, and 7 post-birth. Findings revealed that hyponatremia and hypocalcemia were significantly more common in moderate and severe HIE cases, affecting up to 60% and 72% respectively. Hyperkalemia was also notable, especially in Stage III HIE. These imbalances correlated with higher rates of seizures, need for mechanical ventilation, and increased early neonatal mortality. While magnesium levels fluctuated, hypomagnesemia was less prominent. Early correction of these abnormalities supported better clinical stability by the first week. The study underscores the importance of routine electrolyte monitoring and timely intervention to improve outcomes in neonates suffering from perinatal asphyxia. Larger, multicentric studies with long-term follow-up are recommended to further validate these findings and guide clinical protocols.

This study investigates how behavioral finance influences investor decisions in the context of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). Using a mixed-methods approach, it surveyed 400 investors to assess the impact of biases such as overconfidence, herd mentality, anchoring, and regret aversion on IPO investment behavior and performance. Results showed that overconfidence and herd behavior were dominant, especially among retail investors, often leading to impulsive or poorly researched investments. Anchoring on pre-IPO valuations further skewed decision-making, while regret aversion played a lesser role. Regression analysis confirmed that these biases significantly affected short-term outcomes, with high-bias investors experiencing more volatile long-term returns. Qualitative insights echoed these trends, citing social influence and media hype as key triggers. The study concludes that awareness and mitigation of these biases—through investor education and regulatory transparency—can enhance investment discipline.