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Byline: Ayesha. Juhi, Himel. Mondal, Shaikat. Mondal Sir, Doctors and physicians in India are engaged in research work along with their primary role in hospitals or academics. The research publication [...]

Background: Occupational and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and street vending, may pose risks to pulmonary health. Previous studies explored the effect of both smoking and exposure to street pollutants on health. However, a study comparing the pulmonary functions of street vendors (who do not smoke) and smokers has not been conducted before. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the pulmonary function parameters among three groups consisting of smokers, street vendors and controls in order to discern potential differences in respiratory health between the three groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Deoghar district of the Jharkhand state, in India, over a period of five months (between January 2023 and May 2023). A total of 90 male participants, including 30 smokers, 30 street vendors and 30 age-matched control research participants, underwent pulmonary function testing (forced spirometry) using standardized methods. The comparison among the three groups was conducted by one-way analysis of variance with the post-hoc test. Results: A total of 30 controls with a mean age of 33.77±6.01 years, street vendors with a mean age of 32.93±6.29 years and smokers with a mean age of 32.27±7.86 years participated in the present study. There was an average exposure to road pollutants for 13.47±9.48 years and smoking for 13.23±8.29 years (P=0.92). Lung function parameters, except for the forced expiratory volume in one second divided by the forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), were lower in street vendors and smokers than controls. Conclusion: Street vendors in Deoghar, Jharkhand, have lung function parameters comparable to smokers. Hence, although they are not smoking tobacco, their lung health is at risk. Hence, early interventions are required to protect them from pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large language models (LLMs)-based chatbots use natural language processing and are a type of generative artificial intelligence (AI) that are capable of comprehending user input and generating output in various formats. They offer potential benefits in medical education. This study explored the student's feedback on the utilization of LLMs in medical education. We conducted an in-depth interview with open-ended questions with Indian medical students via telephone conversation. The recording (average time 55.28±18.04 min) was transcribed and thematically analyzed to find major themes and sub-themes. We used QDA Miner Lite v.2.0.8 (Provalis Research: Montreal, Canada) for the thematic analysis of the text. A total of 25 students from eight Indian states studying from the first to final year of studies participated in this study. Three major themes were identified about usage scenario, augmented learning, and limitation of LLMs. Students use LLMs for clarifying complex topics, searching for customized answers, solving MCQs, making simplified notes, and streamlining assignments. While they appreciated the ease of access, ready reference for getting clarity on doubts, lucid explanation of questions, and time-saving aspects of LLMs, concerns were raised regarding erroneous results, limited usage due to reliability and privacy issues, and the overreliance on chatbots for educational needs. Hence, they emphasized the need for training for the integration of LLM in medical education. In conclusion, according to students' perception, LLMs have the potential to enhance medical education. However, addressing challenges and leveraging the strengths of LLMs are crucial for optimizing their integration into medical education.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major worldwide health problem, particularly in India, where it accounts for a quarter of infections. Adherence to the directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS), which is necessary for TB treatment, is difficult in resource-limited circumstances. This study addressed the knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers related to TB and DOTS adherence among patients and caregivers. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken at the selected TB clinics between November 2023 and March 2024. Purposive sample yielded 180 patients and 217 caregivers. Data were obtained using validated, self-structured questionnaires that assessed knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers to TB and DOTS adherence. Statistical analysis was carried out with IBM SPSS version 23.0. The study found that caregivers had considerably greater TB knowledge than patients (p<0.05). Many patients misunderstood the cause of TB (50.6%) and embraced various misconceptions about the disease, such as TB spreading by shaking hands or sharing food, swimming in a holy river to cure diseases, and TB being the result of sin or karmic retribution. Distance to treatment facilities (95.6%), the necessity to take time off from work (91.7%), and social stigma (65.0%) were identified as the top three barriers to DOTS adherence. The study highlighted considerable gaps in knowledge, distant healthcare facilities, busy work schedules, and social stigma as barriers to TB treatment adherence in Deoghar, Jharkhand. Addressing these challenges via focused education and support activities is essential for enhancing DOTS adherence and TB treatment outcomes.