Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) is a medical college in Shimoga, Karnataka, India which was established in 2005. It is located on the Bangalore-Honnavar highway (NH-207) in Shimoga. It is an autonomous institute and located near the McGann Teaching District Hospital, located at 13°56′07″N 75°33′46″E / 13.935368°N 75.562858°E / 13.935368; 75.562858.
Background: Vulvar dermatoses encompass a spectrum of disorders affecting female genitalia, often causing significant physical discomfort and psychological distress. Social stigma and anatomical factors frequently delay presentation, impairing quality of life. The Vulvar Quality of Life Index is a validated tool to measure disease-specific impact. Objectives: To assess socio demographic and clinical features of vulvar dermatoses and evaluate impact on quality of life using Vulvar Quality of Life Index. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 women presenting with vulvar complaints at tertiary hospital from July to December 2023 underwent clinical evaluation and completed the questionnaire. Associations between Vulvar Quality of Life Index scores and socio demographic/clinical variables were done. Results: The mean score was 17.48 ± 8.3, with 80% experiencing moderate impairment (score 14–23). Mean age was 42.8 ± 9.6 years; most participants were 41–50 years (31%). Age significantly correlated (p = 0.003), with women >50 years scoring higher (mean 19.24). Higher scores were observed in women with primary education (32%; CI 16.9–19.5; p = 0.14), married participants (84%; mean 17.9, CI 17.1–18.7; p = 0.209), housewives (69%; CI 17.3–19.1; p = 0.05), and rural residents (64%; CI 17.2–19.2; p = 0.09). Participants with diabetes or hypertension had a mean score of 18.8 (CI 13.3–24.3; p = 0.031). Infections were most common (61%; mean 17.2, CI 16.4–18.0), while immunobullous disorders had the highest burden (mean 22.3, CI 19.4–25.2; p = 0.001). Women with genital, skin, and oral lesions had higher scores (mean 21.0, CI 14.1–27.9; p = 0.114). ‘Activities of Daily Living’ was the most affected domain (51%; CI 17.63–19.37; p = 0.07). Limitation of the study were single-centre design and limited sample size, limiting generalizability. Conclusion: Vulvar Quality of Life Index effectively captures the multidimensional burden of vulvar dermatoses on physical, emotional, and social domains. Routine incorporation into clinical practice can guide treatment, monitor progression and enhance patient-centered care.
Background: Autograft and allograft are widely used for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), but comparative outcomes vary with patient age, activity, graft processing, and outcome definition. Objective: To compare graft failure, knee stability, and functional outcomes after autograft versus allograft ACLR through 2025. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Europe PMC, reference chaining, and established systematic reviews were searched for comparative primary ACLR studies. Adult nonirradiated-allograft studies were analysed separately from adolescent and young-patient cohorts. Random-effects RRs were calculated for adult binary outcomes and ORs for young-patient graft failure. Risk of bias and certainty were evaluated using domain-based criteria and GRADE. Results: Fifteen comparative reports contributed to quantitative synthesis. In mature patients receiving nonirradiated allografts, no clear differences were found for clinical graft failure (6 studies; 449 participants; RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.25–2.24; I²=0%), instrumented laxity failure (8 studies; 801 participants; RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.50–1.59; I²=0%), positive Lachman testing (5 studies; 527 participants; RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.79–1.57), or positive pivot shift (6 studies; 629 participants; RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.66–1.70). In adolescents and young patients, allograft was associated with greater graft-failure odds (6 studies; 854 participants; OR 3.82, 95% CI 2.32–6.31; I²=0%). Functional scores were generally similar, but incomplete dispersion data prevented robust pooling. Conclusion: Nonirradiated allografts can provide similar stability and function in selected skeletally mature, lower-risk patients, whereas autograft remains preferable for adolescents and highly active young patients because of lower observed failure. Evidence certainty was low. Future multicentre studies should stratify by age, skeletal maturity, activity, and allograft processing, and use standardised failure definitions with complete time-to-event reporting.
BACKGROUND:Traditional uvulectomy (TU) is the removal of the uvula, either partially or totally, by the traditional healer. It is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by cultural beliefs and perceived therapeutic benefits, despite the risks of complications such as bleeding, infections, and death, and limited data exist. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and practice of traditional uvulectomy among Sudanese children and adolescents, along with maternal perceptions, and identify associated risk factors. METHOD:A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2025 across more than ten states on mothers of children and adolescents (≤18 years). Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a validated structured questionnaire to assess the socio-demographics, TU perception regarding TU, practice pattern, and reported complications. A convenience sampling technique was used. Statistical analyses were performed using R software, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS:A total of 1,135 mothers of children and adolescents (≤18 years) were interviewed face-to-face. The overall prevalence of TU was 15%, with higher rates among children <6 years (16%) and adolescents aged 12-18 years (17%). Maternal belief in TU varied significantly by child age (p < 0.001). Commonly cited reasons included breastfeeding difficulties (18%), cultural tradition (16%), and failure to thrive (13%). Mothers (45%) and grandmothers (41%) were the primary decision-makers, while traditional healers performed 55% of procedures, frequently using unsterilized instruments. Reported complications included fever (35%), feeding difficulties (21%), and bleeding (13%). TU practice was significantly associated with younger maternal age, lower educational attainment, higher parity, and strong adherence to tribal traditions (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:Traditional uvulectomy remains prevalent in Sudan due to deeply rooted cultural beliefs, intergenerational influence, and gaps in healthcare access. Targeted, culturally sensitive interventions engaging tribal leaders, grandmothers, and traditional healers, alongside improved health education and service accessibility, are essential to reduce associated child health risks.
Research plays a crucial role in the advancement of medical students and the improvement of healthcare delivery methods. A high score is a positive sign of a country’s level of scientific progress. Unfortunately, a clear gap exists in medical research in Pakistan, particularly within medical colleges in Lahore. The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived obstacles to research among medical students in Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 276 undergraduate medical students from four public medical colleges in Lahore, Pakistan. Non-random convenience sampling via online questionnaire (n = 276/300 approached, 92
