Government Medical College Thrissur, established in 1982 centre of medical education in Kerala, India. Kerala University of Health Sciences began functioning in the campus in 2009. Spread over an area of more than 250 acres (100 ha), it is located in the serene surroundings of Mulagunnathukavu (M.G. Kavu) 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) away from Thrissur. College was selected as the best medical college in Swasthya conference 2021, Ministry of Health, Govt.
Background: The BRAF V600E mutation is the most frequent genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and has been implicated in aggressive tumor behaviour. Its prevalence, however, varies across populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BRAF V600E mutation in a South Indian PTC cohort and to evaluate its association with clinicopathological features. Methods: Tumor specimens from 69 patients with histologically confirmed PTC were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for BRAF V600E expression. Staining intensity was graded from 0 to 3, with scores > 0 defined as positive. Age distribution across score categories was assessed using one-way ANOVA. Associations between BRAF status and clinicopathological variables—including gender, multifocality, tumor stage, nodal status, metastasis, lymphovascular/perineural invasion (LVI/PNI), and capsular invasion—were analyzed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: BRAF V600E positivity was detected in 66.7% (46/69) of cases, with 43.5% of positive tumors demonstrating strong expression (score 3). Among the evaluated parameters, only LVI/PNI showed a significant association with BRAF positivity (p = 0.047; OR 3.34; 95% CI 0.98–11.41). No significant associations were observed between BRAF status and age, gender, T stage, N stage, or distant metastasis. Conclusion: This cohort demonstrated a high prevalence of BRAF V600E mutation in PTC. Its significant association with LVI/PNI suggests a potential link with invasive tumor behaviour. Although limited by sample size and retrospective design, these findings support further prospective research to clarify the prognostic utility of BRAF V600E and its relevance in risk stratification and targeted therapy in PTC.
The increasing administrative workload across industries significantly impacts efficiency, productivity, and resource allocation. This study explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in automating administrative processes, with a particular focus on healthcare, education, and finance. By leveraging technologies such as natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA), AI can streamline workflows, enhance data accuracy, and reduce human error. Key applications discussed include intelligent document processing, automated form filling, and task scheduling, which collectively minimize repetitive tasks and enable professionals to prioritize strategic decision-making and client interactions. By synthesizing cross-industry AI applications, identifying key governance challenges, and proposing a comprehensive policy roadmap, this study advances AI and policy discourses with actionable strategies for ethically scaling AI-driven automation in administrative workflows.
Cell death plays a significant role in the physiology of all living organisms, and its disruption is the underlying cause of various diseases. Previously, it was assumed that apoptosis and necrosis were the only means of cell death. Recent discoveries of alternative cell death pathways highlighted a complicated interplay between cell death regulation and its role in numerous human pathologies. DNA methylation is a universal epigenetic mechanism characterized by the covalent addition of a methyl group to cytosine in CpG dinucleotides. Alterations in DNA methylation patterns lead to the dysregulation of multiple cell death pathways. DNA methylome studies on cell death pathways have improved our understanding of the mechanism of various types of cell death, such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, anoikis, autophagy, and cuproptosis. The irregular DNA methylation patterns of genes encoding proteins linked to multiple cell death pathways could underlie resistance to cell death. Dysregulation of cell death is linked to ailments in humans, such as cancer. However, unlike genetic alterations, DNA methylation is reversible, making it extremely interesting for therapeutics considering the potential use of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. Furthermore, tumor microenvironment and genetic heterogeneity of cancers may influence the methylation-dependent regulation of cell death, contributing to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Understanding how DNA methylation influences cell death pathways may illuminate the underlying causes of cancer. This review explores the significance of the DNA methylation patterns of key genes involved in cell death pathways, emphasizing their connections and identifying potential gaps that could be exploited for developing epigenetic therapies targeting cancer.
ROTASIIL®, an indigenous oral pentavalent rotavirus vaccine, was included in the Universal Immunization Program of Kerala in September 2019. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology and clinical profile of rotavirus diarrhea among children aged under 5 y in Kerala in the postvaccination period. This prospective observational study was conducted at three tertiary-care hospitals in Kerala from November 2020 to December 2023. Children aged under 5 y who were hospitalized with acute diarrhea were enrolled. Stool samples were collected from participants and tested for rotavirus using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Rotavirus-positive samples were genotyped. Of the 666 children enrolled, 643 had a stool sample tested for rotavirus, of which 17.9
Carcinoembryonic antigen is a large glycoprotein that plays a significant role in regulating intercellular adhesion and is widely recognized as a molecular biomarker for the diagnosis and evaluation of colorectal cancer globally. However, no study to date has evaluated serum Carcinoembryonic antigen levels in the Indian population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess serum Carcinoembryonic antigen level patterns in colorectal cancer patients from the South Indian population. A total of 130 individuals, including 65 colorectal cancer patients and 65 healthy controls, were evaluated to analyze the combined and individual effects of the Carcinoembryonic antigen using standard protocols. The results showed that Carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly higher in patients (9.30 ± 3.20 ng/ml) compared to controls (2.83 ± 0.57 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption were found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of disease, with odds ratios of 5.83 (95
