BBMs play a crucial role in combating Alzheimer’s disease and should be prioritized. To embed them in routine primary care, it is essential for governments and health organizations to finance evaluations in varied demographics, establish coverage policies, and integrate BBMs into existing workflows. Their accuracy, comparable to traditional invasive methods, enables early detection of AD, allowing for lifestyle adjustments and therapies that may hinder or delay disease progression. For patients, this means gaining a sense of control, meeting their needs, and moving forward without the burden of an uncertain diagnosis. This is not merely a transient trend; embracing BBMs could fundamentally alter the perception of aging in a future where Alzheimer’s disease diminishes in prominence.
Background: The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and academic predictive factors of burnout among medical undergraduate students attending Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Medical College (SSRMC), Mauritius. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students studying at SSRMC between December 2025 and February 2026. Results: A total of 232 students participated in the quantitative study with majority being females (147, 63.4%). The Burnout Assessment Tool-Student Version reported an average level of burnout (49.57%) with the exhaustion component being the most significant (mean = 3.45 ± 0.883). Descriptive analysis of the predictive factors showed that academic self-perception had the highest mean (3.266 ± 0.710) and perceptions of workload was identified as the only statistically significant predictor (β = -0.315, t = -3.968, p <0.001). A notable gender disparity was seen with female students demonstrating higher total burnout levels (mean difference 0.29). Qualitative analysis of twenty interviewees focused on identifying the understanding, causes, impact, coping strategies and recommendations for burnout, which revealed tedious academic and examination schedules among the important contributing factors for this phenomenon. Conclusion: Burnout was highly prevalent among medical students, especially females, with academic workload being the most significant predictor.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, claiming the lives of roughly 18 million individuals annually. MicroRNAs have been found to have a highly active role in the pathogenesis and progression of Cardiovascular disease. The top 10 studied MicroRNAs in cardiovascular disease are namely miR-1, miR-208, miR-21, miR-29, miR-126, miR-145, miR-133, miR-155, miR-30 and miR-499.The potential and the development of the use of MicroRNAs will open up a new frontier in molecular cardiology and will further expand the frontier of precision medicine. MicroRNAs are almost limitless in their capabilities therapeutically, as they can be mimicked or inhibited, depending on their specific mechanism. It is evident that microRNAs will be a vital tool that both saves a countless number of lives as well as aids in reducing the mortality and morbidity in patients suffering from chronic diseases, most specifically in cardiovascular diseases. Their clinical and therapeutic potential are almost limitless and will someday be a mainstay in patient management and treatment.
Background:Obesity and type 2 diabetes are significant global health problems. Tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, and semaglutide, a selective GLP-1 receptor agonist, are the top incretin therapy options, but their relative effectiveness and safety based on direct head- to -head studies have not been pooled. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide versus semaglutide. Methods:PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect were searched up to February 2026 to find the articles. Mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) were pooled using a random-effects model and heterogeneity was measured using I2. Results:Three studies were included. Tirzepatide caused significantly greater reduction in weight than semaglutide (pooled MD = -5.19 kg, 95% CI: -7.96 to -2.42; p = 0.0002; I2 = 88.5%) and increased the possibility of ≥10% weight loss (pooled RR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15-1.96; p = 0.0069; I2 = 86.3%). No significant difference was observed in any adverse events, or gastrointestinal events; however, there was a greater number of serious adverse events with tirzepatide (RR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.18-2.85; p = 0.007). Conclusion:Tirzepatide can provide better weight loss than semaglutide with relatively similar safety, except that serious adverse events were more frequent. Studies with long follow-up are required to confirm the cardiovascular safety.
Background:Gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer is not responsive to surgery and perioperative chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been effective in advanced disease. This meta-analysis assesses the benefits of the addition of ICIs to perioperative chemotherapy in case of resectable gastric/GEJ cancer. Methods:PubMed, Embase, and ScienceDirect were identified until February 2026. Randomized controlled trials with comparison of perioperative ICI with chemotherapy against chemotherapy were included. A random-effects model was used to. Risk ratios was calculated for all the dichotomous outcomes. I2 was used to assess the heterogeneity. Results:Four trials (2,125 patients) were included. ICI plus chemotherapy, however, had significant positive effects on pathological complete response (RR = 2.87; 95% CI: 1.66-4.99; p = 0.018) and complete tumour regression (RR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.24-6.04; p = 0.006). No significant different was found for R0 resection rates and surgery completion between the two groups. Similarly, no significant different was found for adverse events, surgical morbidity, or deaths. However, immune-related adverse events (RR = 3.18; 95% CI: 2.48-4.08) and treatment discontinuation (RR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.11-1.54) were significantly higher in ICI plus chemotherapy group. Conclusion:The inclusion of ICIs in perioperative chemotherapy enhances pathological response and does not pose more surgical risk. Although adverse events were high in the ICI plus chemotherapy group so large scale studies are needed to validate these findings.
Background:Among Indian adolescent girl's anemia remains a major public health concern due to rapid growth, menstrual blood loss, and nutritional deficiencies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the prevalence and severity of anemia among Indian adolescent girls. Methods:This review (2004-2024) integrated data from 32 studies (14,053 persons) from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)/ Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. Observational studies with the prevalence of anemia in Indian adolescent girls based on WHO criteria were included. The data was pooled using a random-effects model, and subgroup analyses were conducted by Indian region. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Results:The pooled anemia prevalence was 65% (95% CI: 54%-74%), showed notable regional variations. The burden was highest in East India (81%; 39%-97%), then North India (65%), West India (61%), and South India (52%). The mean hemoglobin levels varied by region, ranging from 10.24 g/dL in the East to 11.20 g/dL in the South. Mild anemia (29%) and moderate anemia (25%) were more common than severe anemia (1%). The substantial heterogeneity (I2=98.7%) indicated differences in socioeconomic status, diet, and healthcare access. Conclusion:Anemia affects disproportionate number of Indian adolescents' girls, particularly in the country's east, which highlights the need for context-specific interventions. The initiatives must be linked to national programs like Anemia Mukt Bharat to ensure equitable progress towards India's public health objectives and to avoid long-term health and developmental consequences.
As there is an increased prevalence of cancer, healthcare systems must accommodate the growing number of patients without placing extra pressure on resources. If the NHS adheres to evidence-based, patient-led, and cost-effective modifications, the five-minute injection can represent the initiation, not only of a new era in cancer care, but also of an era of flexibility, humanity, and sustainability in the public health sector.
The landscape of healthcare research in Nepal has changed significantly over the last three decades, bringing in many challenges. A roundtable discussions during the Britain-Nepal Academic Council (BNAC) Nepal Study Days in 2023 examined the following three current issues in health research in Nepal: i) the process and practice of ethical issues; ii) lack of validated and standardised research tools for data collection; and iii) researcher integrity and quality of research publications. This commentary explores these challenges in detail. It also suggests way forward in which the Nepal Health Research Council could play a leading role in addressing these issues through capacity building and resource development.
Background:Air pollution and particularly the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major environmental risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Millions of untimely deaths every year have been reported because of it. The epidemiological literature has linked long-term exposure to PM2.5 and mortality rates of CVDs. This meta-analysis aims to synthesize the estimates of long-term PM2.5 exposure and CVDs. Methods:Based on the PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched up to October 2025. Random-effects model was used to pool HRs, and the heterogeneity was measured with the help of I2. Results:Four studies were included in this meta-analysis. There was an increased risk of CVD with higher exposure to PM2.5 on a long-term basis (pooled HR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.06-1.41; p=0.006; I2=96%). Cardiovascular mortality did not show any significant association with PM2.5 exposure (pooled HR=1.00, 95% CI: 0.71-1.41; p=0.98; I2=29%). No significant difference was found between the PM2.5 exposure and ischemic heart disease (IHD) (pooled HR=1.65, 95% CI: 0.90-3.00; p=0.10; I2=95%). The same pattern was noted between the PM2.5 exposure and stroke (pooled HR=1.61, 95% CI: 0.96-2.68; p=0.07; I2=74%). Conclusion:The PM2.5 exposure is associated with high CVD in the long term. Results reveal the significance of establishing strict air-drome quality standards and targeted interventions to mitigate the risks in the areas of issues. More integrated studies are required to support our findings and fill the knowledge gap.
In summary, the current floods reveal the deeply seated public health vulnerabilities in this disaster-ridden region, and they are a grim reminder of the catastrophic impacts of climate change on our environment. Massively reducing the immediate risk of disease outbreaks requires immediate interventions. At the same time, longer-term strategies need to address the psychological and infrastructural wreckage. Through strengthening health systems, increasing community understanding and improving preparedness for disasters, Nepal can reduce the public health impact of future disasters and protect the well-being of its people.
Background:Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide; however, its mismanagement remains a growing global challenge, resulting in reduced quality of life (QoL) and disability. Digital health (DH), including smartphones, could be the key to solving this problem. Specific evidence-based reviews on the use of DH in this context are lacking. This systematic review aimed to explore the effect of DH on medication adherence (MA) among arthritis patients, thus improving their QoL. Methods:A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, TRIP, and Google Scholar using the keywords digital health, medication adherence, and arthritis. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) published between 2006 and 2024 were assessed for eligibility. Result:The literature search yielded 12,671 results with 882 duplicates. The review included 8 RCTs that addressed rheumatoid arthritis (n=5), gout (n=2), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n=1), with a total sample size of 2449 patients, among whom 66% were males. Digital interventions used include calls, texts, videos, and online counselling. Study outcomes were classified as positive (DH increased MA), no significant difference, and negative (DH failed to show an effect on MA) in 62.5%, 25%, and 12.5% of the studies, respectively. Conclusion:It is concluded that 62.5% of the RCTs showed significant contributions of digital health tools in arthritis management, mainly by enhancing medication adherence and thus improving patients' QoL. Owing to their availability, simplicity, and immediacy, digital health tools demonstrate their potential as reliable interventions for supporting arthritis patients.
The editorial message is unequivocal: Long COVID cannot be sidelined. Governments must enhance access to multidisciplinary care clinics, fund long-term research, and embed mental health services within recovery programs. Vaccination reduces risk by 10-12%, reinforcing that prevention remains essential. For survivors, recognition is critical acknowledging their struggles and investing in their futures. As research shows, organ damage may be persistent, with long-term effects still emerging. Ignoring this shadow will only deepen the pandemic’s legacy; confronting it directly could reshape resilience in the post-COVID world.
Orthopedic surgery is a surgical discipline which is diverse in nature and requires a high level of skill. Orthopaedic surgery most commonly requires highly specialized surgical teams as well as costly and sophisticated equipment, this is even more true when it comes to the surgical correction of complicated cases such as malunions, bone infections with bone loss etc. The Ilizarov technique is a marvel of orthopaedics which is multifunctional in purpose and can be used to treat a plethora of conditions. One such pioneer of employing the Ilizarov technique in rural and smaller centers was Dr S.M Banerjee in Kalyani, West Bengal, India over 40 years ago. The Ilizarov technique is a highly diverse and multipurpose surgery which allows for the rectification of complex and challenging cases. The ability for a single surgeon to be able to correct a plethora of conditions with the slight modification of the technique is highly valued in resource limited rural settings where the likelihood and means of such patients to reach a tertiary center is near impossible. Although the procedure may be a fraction more costly and does require a dedicated staff, the near endless applicability of the technique offsets these challenges. All rural based orthopaedic surgeons should both be trained and well versed in the Ilizarov method so as to ensure that even the rural populous have access to a better level of care without having to undergo the trauma of being removed from their locality in order to undergo a procedure at a higher institute. With further aid and support from both local and international authorities, the disparities between the rich and poor as well as health inequality can be minimized via the employment of such a technique in the rural setting.
Genomic medicine has undergone significant changes over the last decade. The Polygenic Risk Score (PRS), which combines the impact of hundreds to millions of genetic variations to approximate an individual's risk of developing a complex disease (such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, or Alzheimer's disease), is one of the most promising tools. In comparison to monogenic variants, which can carry high and uncommon risks, polygenic models offer predictive capabilities for the population. However, these findings have not yet been translated into clinical care.
Background:Adolescence, a period of rapid growth and development with biological and physiological changes, is influenced by socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioural factors. There is a dearth of data regarding undernutrition in 10-19 year olds in India. The study's objective was to estimate the prevalence of thinness and stunting in adolescents using World Health Organization (WHO) references and its determinants. Methods:This cross-sectional study represents the baseline of an adolescent health survey (November 2017 to March 2018) of 3,213 adolescents. Participants were selected using a multi-stage stratified random sampling technique from six districts of Madhya Pradesh. Data were collected by field investigators through a paperless real-time method and analyzed using R and the WHO anthro plus analyzer. Results:The prevalence of thinness and stunting were 17.1% and 23.3% respectively. Thinness was profound in early adolescents and stunting in late adolescents. While adolescent boys showed a higher prevalence of thinness, girls showed a higher stunting burden. Negative binomial mixed model regression revealed that early adolescents and boys were more likely to develop thinness. Similarly, the likelihood of stunting was higher among late adolescents, girls, and adolescents belonging to categories other than general. Fathers' education was protective against stunting irrespective of whether they were above or below primary education. Conclusion:Screening of all adolescents may be undertaken using WHO references in the national surveys for planning interventions targeted to malnourished adolescents to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and intergenerational consequences.
Microplastics and Nano-particles ( MNP’s) surround the world around us, and are now not only found within the natural external environment but are also found within our very own internal environment (our tissues). As the world has entered the 21st century and as technology has advanced, the use of plastics predominantly single-use plastics (which are polymeric materials) has rapidly increased to match the global demand and the lifestyle habits as well as creature comforts which are demanded by the modern human being. As time has passed and technology has progressed our understanding of these polymeric compounds and how they interact with our environment and the manner in which they affect our health has improved. It is however noted that our knowledge with regards to these MNP’s still has major gaps and further research is necessitated to understand their full effect on our bodies and natural environment. Micro-plastics and nanoparticles are also known as MNP’s, for a piece of plastic to be considered a “microplastic” it must be less than 5mm in length and a nanoparticle is deemed one if it ranges between 1 to 1000 nanometers in size. The ubiquitous nature of these MNP’s within our environment poses a threat both directly and indirectly to the human race. The majority of these plastic polymeric compounds are produced from petro-chemicals and have innate substances and toxins which contaminate organic living matter. It is clearly evident that MNP’s have a detrimental effect on cardiovascular health, the extent to which is unclear. Further larger scale studies are required and are imperative to providing an improved insight for legislation and governing action.
Background:The Global Dementia Observatory (GDO) is a monitoring and accountability tool for the Global Action Plan on Public Response to Dementia 2017-25. Evidence from dementia registries may be utilized to better address WHO efforts in member countries, as well as to improve clinical practice and public health policy. The goal of this study was to analyze one-year data from a prospective memory clinic registry. Methods:This study was a baseline analysis of prospective memory clinics registry data of Qatar from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. Results:This study investigated the demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics of 464 participants who were enrolled in memory clinics. Mild neurocognitive disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses in both sexes, affecting 61.5% of male patients and 63.7% of female patients. Dementia was slightly more common in men (19.8% vs. 18.9%), although delirium was more common in women (1.9% vs. 0%). In terms of risk factors, the analysis revealed that females were more likely to be obese (36.8% vs. 16.7% in males), while males had higher rates of diabetes (61.1% vs. 51.9% in females), hypertension (69.4% vs. 62.7% in females), and smoking (17.1% vs. 3.8% in females). Conclusion:The findings of this study highlight the differences in dementia risk factors between genders and races, highlighting the need for customized interventions. Furthermore, the registry is a great resource for policymakers and healthcare professionals, providing evidence-based suggestions to improve dementia care, increase the well-being of patients and caregivers, and maximize resource allocation.
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) published the Global Action Plan 2017-2025 seven years ago to address the dementia burden for those impacted, including persons living with dementia, their families, and health-care providers. There were seven action areas in the global action plan; the least achieved was action area seven (dementia research and innovation). The primary objective of the study was to assess the top 10 dementia research priorities among healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers, the public, and stakeholders to develop the Qatar National Dementia Research Plan. Methods: Convenience sampling was used in this cross-sectional survey. The study was conducted online with the involvement of HMC staff (physicians, nurses, and allied health staff) from all HMC facilities, patients and caregivers from Rumailah Hospital's Geriatric Department, and the public who attended the 2022 Advanced Dementia Research Conference. The survey was conducted during 22nd of October 2022 till April 31, 2024. Overall, 2000 participants provided their responses, which included health care professionals under HMC, including physicians, nurses, allied health staff, patients, caregivers, the public, and stakeholders in Qatar. Results: Dementia Risk Reduction (79%) was the top priority for the survey participants. The remaining nine priorities were the impact of early treatment (76%), health system capacity (73%), implementation of best practices for care (73), access to information and services post-diagnosis (71), caregiver support (70%), emotional well-being (67%), care provider education (65%), end-of-life care (65%), and non-drug approaches to managing symptoms (65%). Conclusion: The survey results clearly indicated that most participants ranked Dementia Risk Reduction as their top priority, indicating the essential focus on dementia prevention. These findings, together with goals such as early treatment, healthcare system capacity, and caregiver support, highlight the importance of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to dementia management.
