Medical research and editorial support examples — page 4

This prospective study evaluated the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy compared to conventional moist saline dressing in managing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) of Wagner grade 2 or 3. Conducted on 52 patients at Sharda Hospital, Greater Noida, participants were randomized into two groups. Group A received VAC therapy using an indigenously assembled device, while Group B received standard saline dressings. VAC significantly outperformed conventional treatment in terms of ulcer size and depth reduction, granulation tissue formation, and shorter hospital stays. It also led to fewer secondary interventions such as amputations or grafting. Notably, the indigenous VAC system was cost-effective, reducing expenses compared to repeated saline dressings. Healing was slower in patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1C >10) and more advanced ulcers (Wagner grade 3). Overall, VAC therapy proved to be a safe, efficient, and economically viable option for DFU management, especially in resource-limited settings.

This prospective observational study evaluated the functional outcomes of proximal tibial fractures treated using a column-specific fixation strategy based on the three-column model (medial, lateral, and posterolateral). Conducted at a tertiary care center, 23 patients aged 18–70 years with closed fractures underwent CT-guided classification and surgical fixation tailored to the involved columns. Functional progress was monitored using the Modified Rasmussen Score and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. At six months, nearly 96% of patients achieved “Good” or “Excellent” outcomes, with significant reductions in pain. Complication rates were low, including minor occurrences of knee stiffness, DVT, infection, and foot drop. The tailored fixation method resulted in satisfactory union and functional recovery, particularly in complex, multi-column injuries. The study supports the utility of the three-column framework in achieving biomechanically stable repairs and effective rehabilitation, emphasizing the value of individualized surgical planning based on detailed imaging.

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and predictors of hypocalcemia in 100 under-five children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) admitted to a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh. Hypocalcemia, defined as serum calcium <2.12 mmol/L, was found in 49% of participants. While anthropometric measures such as mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), weight-for-age (WAZ), and length-for-age (LAZ) did not significantly differ between hypocalcemic and non-hypocalcemic groups, weight-for-height Z-scores (WHZ) were notably lower in the hypocalcemic group. Significant biochemical associations included lower serum phosphate on day 5, reduced vitamin D levels, higher chloride levels, and lower alkaline phosphatase levels in hypocalcemic children. Vitamin D deficiency emerged as a strong predictor of hypocalcemia. The study highlights the importance of routine calcium and vitamin D screening in SAM management, as anthropometric measures alone may not detect biochemical abnormalities.

This randomized controlled study compared the efficacy and safety of a 200 mg transdermal diclofenac patch with intravenous paracetamol (1000 mg) for postoperative pain management in 112 patients undergoing laparoscopic appendicectomy. Both groups were demographically similar, and no significant differences were observed in operative duration or complication rates. Pain scores (VAS) were comparable at 6 and 24 hours, but the control group had better analgesia at 12 hours, while the transdermal group showed superior relief at 18 hours. The need for rescue analgesia mirrored these trends. Overall, transdermal diclofenac provided sustained pain control with a favorable safety profile, positioning it as a viable alternative or adjunct to conventional analgesia in enhancing postoperative recovery and minimizing systemic side effects.

This study compares the diagnostic performance of Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in evaluating acute stroke among 30 patients in a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. The research highlights MRI’s superior sensitivity (100%) in detecting acute and lacunar infarcts, compared to CT’s sensitivity of 88.8% and specificity of 79.5%. While CT remains the preferred first-line modality for rapid exclusion of hemorrhage due to its speed and accessibility, MRI offers greater accuracy in detecting early ischemic changes and smaller lesions. The study also explores correlations between imaging findings, clinical variables (age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, atrial fibrillation), stroke severity (NIHSS scores), and outcomes. Thrombolysis was administered in 70% of cases and was associated with improved clinical outcomes, though all deteriorations and deaths occurred in this subgroup, emphasizing the need for precise imaging-based selection.

This study introduces two novel stimuli-responsive hydrogels—HG1 (thermoresponsive) and HG2 (pH-responsive)—engineered to enhance modern wound care by adapting to local physiological changes. Developed through strategic polymerization and crosslinking, these hydrogels demonstrated desirable physicochemical properties validated by FTIR, SEM, and XRD analyses. HG1 exhibited superior swelling capacity (~1700%) and elasticity, making it ideal for wounds with high exudate and localized inflammation, while HG2 showed greater mechanical strength, moderate swelling (~1100%), and controlled drug release in response to pH changes—characteristic of infected or chronic wounds. Both hydrogels displayed significant antimicrobial efficacy against key pathogens and maintained high cytocompatibility, with cell viability exceeding 89%, indicating their safety for prolonged clinical use. Their drug release profiles differed appropriately: HG1 favored rapid release under elevated temperatures, whereas HG2 allowed for sustained.

This comparative study assessed the effectiveness of a two-step Betadine scrub (the day before surgery) followed by paint on the operative day versus the conventional paint-and-drape method in preoperative skin preparation for elective open hernia and cholecystectomy surgeries. Among 90 patients, key outcomes such as surgical site infection (SSI) rates, hospital stay duration, wound complications, and patient satisfaction were analyzed. The Betadine scrub plus paint group showed significantly lower SSI rates (2.5% vs. 16%), reduced pus discharge, and shorter hospital stays, highlighting its superior infection control. Although the conventional method was initially perceived as more cost-effective, the Betadine group ultimately offered greater value through improved clinical outcomes. Patient satisfaction was also significantly higher in the Betadine group, with no notable increase in skin irritation.

This comparative observational study evaluated the association of vitamin D and serum calcium levels with uterine fibroids in reproductive-age women at SNMC, Agra. A total of 160 women (80 with fibroids, 80 controls) were assessed using clinical, ultrasonographic, and biochemical parameters. Results showed significantly lower mean vitamin D (18.02 ng/mL) and serum calcium levels (9.03 mg/dL) in the fibroid group compared to controls (22.19 ng/mL and 9.60 mg/dL respectively). Irregular menstrual cycles, dysmenorrhea, and fewer live births were more prevalent among fibroid patients. No significant differences were observed in BMI, smoking, or alcohol intake. Despite frequent intake of vitamin D-rich foods and sunlight exposure, deficiencies persisted in the fibroid group. The findings suggest that hypovitaminosis D and lower calcium levels may contribute to fibroid development. Screening and supplementation

This prospective case-control study compares reticulocyte parameters between neonates of gestational diabetic mothers (GDM) and those born to healthy mothers. Conducted at KIMS, Bhubaneswar, from 2023–2025, the research evaluates hematologic changes due to fetal exposure to maternal hyperglycemia. Results show neonates of GDM mothers exhibit significantly elevated hemoglobin, RBC count, PCV, RDW, absolute reticulocyte count, and immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), indicating heightened erythropoiesis, likely due to chronic intrauterine hypoxia. Despite this, reticulocyte hemoglobin (RET-He) levels remain stable, suggesting preserved hemoglobinization. Platelet and WBC indices also reveal variations, including increased neutrophils and altered platelet metrics, hinting at stress or inflammation. These hematologic shifts underline the potential for neonatal polycythemia, subclinical inflammation, and risk of iron deficiency.