Medical research and editorial support examples — page 5

This prospective case-control study, conducted at KIMS, Bhubaneswar from 2023 to 2025, compared hematological and reticulocyte parameters between neonates born to gestational diabetic mothers (n = 100) and those from uncomplicated pregnancies (n = 200). The research aimed to assess erythropoietic stress and potential early indicators of iron deficiency using advanced reticulocyte indices such as absolute reticulocyte count (ARC), immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF), and reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RET-He), all analyzed via automated hematology analyzers. Findings revealed that neonates of GDM mothers had significantly higher hemoglobin levels, RBC counts, hematocrit (PCV), and elevated ARC and IRF values, suggesting enhanced erythropoiesis likely triggered by intrauterine hypoxia and fetal hyperinsulinemia. Despite these increases, RET-He values were similar between groups, indicating that the quality of hemoglobin synthesis in newly formed red cells remained intact, suggesting adequate iron availability.

This one-year, hospital-based comparative study investigated the effectiveness of intra-articular autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) versus corticosteroid (CS) injections in managing knee osteoarthritis (OA). Fifty patients with mild to moderate OA were evenly divided into two treatment groups and monitored using validated pain and function measures (VAS, WOMAC, KOOS) at 0, 3, and 6 months. The demographic distribution (age, sex, KL grade, and knee side) showed no significant association with the type of treatment administered, ensuring unbiased allocation. Results revealed that corticosteroids offered quicker symptom relief at the 3-month follow-up but waned significantly by 6 months, as indicated by rising VAS scores. In contrast, PRP showed a slower onset of action but demonstrated more sustained pain relief and functional improvement, especially evident at 6 months, with statistically significant changes in KOOS scores and trends favoring PRP in WOMAC.

This double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of prophylactic tranexamic acid (TXA) in reducing perioperative blood loss during elective cesarean sections. A total of 76 ASA II parturients were divided into two groups: one receiving 1 g of intravenous TXA 10 minutes before skin incision, and the other receiving placebo. The primary outcome, mean hemoglobin-estimated blood loss (mHbEBL), was significantly lower in the TXA group (137.08 ± 216.56 mL) compared to the placebo group (517.79 ± 300.06 mL), with a p-value < 0.001. Hemoglobin drop at 48 hours postoperatively was also significantly less in the TXA group (mean 11.54 g/dL) than in controls (10.86 g/dL). No significant differences were noted between the groups in terms of vital signs, liver and renal function markers, or adverse effects, indicating that TXA did not compromise hemodynamic stability or organ function. These results demonstrate that pre-incision prophylactic TXA effectively minimizes blood loss without increasing perioperative risk.

This prospective observational study conducted at MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery, assessed the quality of life (QoL) in 83 children aged 4–12 years with clinically diagnosed epilepsy. Using the QOLCE-55 questionnaire, the study explored cognitive, emotional, social, and physical domains of well-being in relation to demographic factors, seizure type, treatment regimen, and clinical variables. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were the most prevalent (66.3%), and a significant majority were on monotherapy (85.5%). Results revealed that monotherapy was associated with better cognitive, emotional, and social QoL, whereas polytherapy correlated with slightly better physical QoL. Females outperformed males in most domains, and older children showed better physical QoL. Family history and antenatal risk factors were present in a minority but highlighted potential genetic or prenatal influences. EEG abnormalities were universal among participants. Social QoL scored highest, while physical QoL was the lowest, indicating that while peer interactions were preserved, physical limitations persisted.

This cross-sectional study evaluated PD-L1 expression in 50 cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) diagnosed at a tertiary care center between January 2023 and December 2024, aiming to explore its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. PD-L1 was assessed using immunohistochemistry and the Combined Positive Score (CPS), with 58% of cases testing PD-L1 positive (CPS ≥1). PD-L1 expression showed a significant association with higher tumor grade (Grade III), advanced tumor stage (T3/T4), perineural invasion, infiltrative tumor margins, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and elevated mitotic index—indicating that PD-L1 positivity aligns with more aggressive tumor biology. Interestingly, tumors with lower lymphocytic response were more likely to express PD-L1, suggesting immune evasion despite limited immune infiltration. No significant association was observed between PD-L1 expression and tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, or Ki-67 index. The findings reinforce the potential of PD-L1 as a biomarker for immunotherapy eligibility in TNBC

This cross-sectional study evaluated PD-L1 expression in 50 cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) diagnosed at a tertiary care center between January 2023 and December 2024, aiming to explore its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. PD-L1 was assessed using immunohistochemistry and the Combined Positive Score (CPS), with 58% of cases testing PD-L1 positive (CPS ≥1). PD-L1 expression showed a significant association with higher tumor grade (Grade III), advanced tumor stage (T3/T4), perineural invasion, infiltrative tumor margins, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and elevated mitotic index—indicating that PD-L1 positivity aligns with more aggressive tumor biology. Interestingly, tumors with lower lymphocytic response were more likely to express PD-L1, suggesting immune evasion despite limited immune infiltration. No significant association was observed between PD-L1 expression and tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, or Ki-67 index. The findings reinforce the potential of PD-L1 as a biomarker for immunotherapy eligibility in TNBC

This cross-sectional study evaluated PD-L1 expression in 50 cases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) diagnosed at a tertiary care center between January 2023 and December 2024, aiming to explore its correlation with clinicopathological parameters. PD-L1 was assessed using immunohistochemistry and the Combined Positive Score (CPS), with 58% of cases testing PD-L1 positive (CPS ≥1). PD-L1 expression showed a significant association with higher tumor grade (Grade III), advanced tumor stage (T3/T4), perineural invasion, infiltrative tumor margins, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, and elevated mitotic index—indicating that PD-L1 positivity aligns with more aggressive tumor biology. Interestingly, tumors with lower lymphocytic response were more likely to express PD-L1, suggesting immune evasion despite limited immune infiltration. No significant association was observed between PD-L1 expression and tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, or Ki-67 index. The findings reinforce the potential

This meta-analysis synthesizes findings from 62 studies involving 4,857 individuals with schizophrenia and 3,211 controls to evaluate the roles of dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and serotonin in the disorder’s pathophysiology. Dopaminergic dysregulation, particularly elevated D2/3 receptor activity, showed the strongest effect size (0.91), reinforcing dopamine’s central role in positive symptoms like hallucinations. However, significant glutamatergic disruptions—especially reduced NMDA receptor function (effect size ~0.67)—support a broader model implicating excitatory neurotransmission in cognitive and negative symptoms. GABAergic abnormalities, including decreased GAD67 expression, revealed a moderate effect (0.59), suggesting impaired inhibition contributes to executive dysfunction. Serotonergic changes, particularly elevated 5-HT2A receptor binding, showed smaller but meaningful effects (~0.48), potentially influencing hallucinations and mood symptoms. The findings highlight schizophrenia as a multi-transmitter disorder rather than purely dopaminergic.

This meta-analysis examined the role of key neurotransmitters—dopamine, glutamate, GABA, and serotonin—in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, synthesizing data from 62 studies involving 4,857 patients and 3,211 controls. Findings confirmed dopamine’s central role, with significantly increased D2 receptor availability and dopamine release (effect size ~0.91). Glutamatergic dysfunction, especially reduced NMDA receptor activity, also showed strong associations (effect size ~0.67), suggesting a contribution to cognitive and negative symptoms. GABAergic deficits, marked by reduced GAD67 expression and GABA levels, had a moderate effect (~0.59), correlating with impaired inhibitory control. Serotonergic alterations, particularly elevated 5-HT2A receptor binding, demonstrated a modest but significant effect (~0.48), influencing psychotic and affective symptoms. While dopamine remains pivotal, the involvement of other neurotransmitter systems supports a multidimensional model of schizophrenia.