Search

The authors offer observation on utilizing tables, figures, charts and graphs to help understand the research presented in a simple manner but also engage and sustain the reader's interest. Topics discussed include benefits provided by the use of tables/figures/charts/graphs, general methodology of design and submission, and copyright issues of using material from government publications/public domain.

The author offers observation on research contribution of India on telemedicine. Topics discussed include findings of the study by P. K. Behera and colleagues, titled "Mapping and visualizing the research contribution of India on telemedicine: A scientometric study," role played by the Covid-19 pandemic in the popularity and acceptance of telemedicine, and applications for the use of telemedicine.

The article offers tips on how prospective research authors can get published in appropriate peer-reviewed journals. It discusses the need to select the right journal in the internet before drafting a manuscript, to informally have the same read for grammar and content before submission, and to ensure that the journal selected is regularly published with its own website and electronic versions. Also noted is the need to have the work independently reviewed by peers.

The author offers tips on preparing a model research paper for successful publication in eminent peer-reviewed biomedical journals. Topics covered include the components of the basic Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussions (IMRaD) structure of a manuscript, how to create the different sections, like methods section, results section and discussion section, of the research paper, and the importance of adhering to the instructions to authors.

"We report a 48-day-old female infant, who developed cardiac conduction abnormalities and seizures secondary to supratherapeutic doses of oral flecainide. Flecainide was started in this infant for treatment of supraventricular tachycardia. The drug was withdrawn with successful normalization of the QRS complex and no further recurrence of seizures. The Naranjo probability score for adverse drug reaction was 8, making the causality ""probable."" The case restates an important message that physicians should be aware of the side effects of the drugs that they prescribe, especially of those drugs which have a narrow therapeutic window." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editor stresses the need for quality research in Indian medical colleges and teaching institutions. He cites reasons for this need including the current Indian population and the mixed and varied population in India that can influence the profile and manifestations of a disease and its response to therapy. He challenges medical teachers to develop independent, creative and critical thinking to do quality research and to undergo training in research methodology.

The treatment of the emerging multidrug resistant (MDR) gram-negative organisms is a challenge. The development of newer antibiotics has recently slowed down. This has led to the re-emergence of the 'old forgotten' antibiotic "Colistin", whose use had almost stopped (after 1970's) due to the high incidence of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Colistin (polymyxin E) is a polypeptide antibiotic belonging to polymyxin group of antibiotics with activity mainly against the gram-negative organisms. Use of colistin has been increasing in the recent past and newer studies have shown lesser toxicity and good efficacy. Colistin acts on the bacterial cell membrane resulting in increased cell permeability and cell lysis. Colistin can be administered orally, topically, by inhalational route, intramuscularly, intrathecally, and also intravenously. Parenteral Colistin (in the form of colistimethate sodium) has been used to treat ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bacteremia caused by MDR bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Inhaled Colistin is used for treating pneumonia/VAP due to MDR gram-negative organisms and also used prophylactically in patients with cystic fibrosis. This manuscript is a brief review of Colistin and its clinical applications in the pediatric population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are rare vascular anomalies which rarely present in childhood. We discuss a nine-year-old male child who presented with the classical triad of exertional dyspnea, cyanosis and clubbing since six years of age. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was suspected on chest radiography and was later confirmed on computed tomography scan. A bubble contrast echocardiography showed the presence of an extracardiac shunt. Pulmonary angiography was done to delineate the anatomy of the pulmonary vasculature and to plan embolization. The child has undergone two sittings of transcatheter coil embolization with improvement in oxygenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a two-and-a-half-year-old child who was admitted at the hospital due to a six-day fever and a dry spasmodic cough for 4 days. It notes that the patient started her respiratory problems at the age of 6 months when she was admitted for bronchiolitis. The article discusses hepatoxicity related to antitubercular drug therapy.

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disorder (triad of iron-deficiency anemia, hemoptysis, and alveolar infiltrates). A 3-year-old male presented with mild fever, breathlessness, dry cough, and bluish nail discoloration for 8 days. He had required five blood transfusions in the past 1 year (last transfusion was given 4 months ago). He had a respiratory rate of 58/min with respiratory distress, cyanosis, and grade III clubbing. Respiratory system examination was normal. Several previous reports of hemoglobin were as low as 3.6 g/dl with hypochromic and microcytic anemia. There were transient increases in the hemoglobin and normalization of red cell morphology with blood transfusions. Serum iron, G6PD enzyme assay, hemoglobin electrophoresis, the sickling test, Coomb's test, stool and urine analysis, and a Meckel's scan were normal. HIV antibody and dsDNA were negative. The chest radiograph revealed symmetrical patchy infiltrates sparing lung apices (confirmed on high-resolution computed tomography). Lung biopsy diagnosed pulmonary hemosiderosis (interstitial lung disease with hemosiderin-laden macrophages scattered in the alveoli and areas of fibrosis in the alveolar septa). The patient showed marked clinical improvement in 10 days of therapy with prednisolone. IPH should be listed in the differential diagnosis of a child presenting with unexplained hypochromic, microcytic anemia and respiratory symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Circular of the Medical Council of India in 2015 requiring publication of original research articles by medical teachers to be promoted as Associate Professor or Professor in medical colleges. It discusses arguments against the Circular for not including other scholarly responsibilities such as mentoring students for research, reviewing of manuscripts for journals and editorial work. It also questions MCI's qualification of original research articles.

Oseltamivir, a selective neuraminidase enzyme inhibitor, has gained worldwide attention in view of Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic. It is one of the most important drugs effective against the novel influenza virus. Oseltamivir is used for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection. Early initiation of treatment with the drug provides greater clinical benefits. The drug can also be effectively used for prophylaxis. Oseltamivir is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is converted to the active metabolite- oseltamivir carboxylate, which has a wider distribution in the body. Oseltamivir carboxylate is eliminated in the urine with a half-life of 6-10 h. The drug is generally well-tolerated and does not have many clinically significant drug interactions. Nausea and vomiting are the commonest adverse effects associated with its use. The standard adult dose for treatment is 75 mg twice a day for five days and the dose for prophylaxis is 75 mg once daily for at least seven days following contact with an infected individual. The dose needs to be adjusted in patients with renal failure but no adjustments are required in patients with hepatic impairment. Although most of the influenza virus strains are sensitive to oseltamivir, development of drug resistance may limit the clinical utility of the drug in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in April 2016 which discusses the need to provide training and better research infrastructure to medical teachers to enable them to produce good quality research as required by the Medical Council of India's (MCI) circular before being considered for promotion.

Our patient presented with congenital heart disease (CHD: Tetralogy of Fallot), hypocalcemia, hypoparathyroidism, and facial dysmorphisms. Suspecting DiGeorge syndrome (DGS), a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for 22q11.2 deletion was made. The child had a hemizygous deletion in the 22q11.2 region, diagnostic of DGS. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to the heart disease. DGS is the most common microdeletion syndrome, and probably underrecognized due to the varied manifestations. This case stresses the importance of a detailed physical examination and a high index of suspicion for diagnosing this genetic condition. Timely diagnosis can help manage and monitor these patients better and also offer prenatal diagnosis in the next pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 18-month-old female child presented to us with clinical features suggestive of nephrotic syndrome. Her physical examination and detailed family history highlighted the familial occurrence of abnormal nails, suggesting a diagnosis of the Nail-Patella syndrome. Nail-Patella syndrome is a rare cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. This case highlights the importance of a detailed history, including pedigree and a thorough examination of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]