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This article explores the benefits of early clinical exposure (ECE) in medical education. The study found that ECE improved students' understanding of basic science, provided a connection between pre-clinical and clinical learning, and highlighted the importance of basic sciences in patient care. ECE also enhanced students' communication skills and their understanding of the sociocultural aspects of diseases. The study suggests that incorporating ECE into medical education can improve students' clinical and communication skills, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The article acknowledges the need for additional research to examine potential gender differences in the perception of ECE. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Anemia, characterized by diminished red blood cells or hemoglobin levels, is a global health challenge with significant implications for health outcomes. Ischemic stroke, a major type of stroke caused by cerebral blood supply disruptions, presents a substantial public health concern. The intricate relationship between anemia, iron status, and ischemic stroke risk remains complex and controversial, with varying observational studies reporting conflicting associations. This review aims to navigate this complex interplay and shed light on the relationship between anemia, iron status, and stroke severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to a tertiary care setup. Patients meeting specific inclusion criteria were selected, and a subset of 65 patients with anemia was analyzed. Hemoglobin levels, anemia severity, peripheral smear classification, and NIHSS scores were assessed. Statistical analysis using SPSS 27 software included descriptive statistics and chisquare tests to determine associations. Results: Among stroke patients with anemia, 55.4% were males, and 44.6% were females. Anemia severity was categorized as mild (18.5%), moderate (66.1%), and severe (18.5%). Peripheral smear analysis revealed microcytic hypochromic (55.4%), macrocytic (21.5%), and dimorphic (23.1%) anemia. NIHSS scoring classified patients into minor (5%), moderate (46.2%), moderate to severe (30.8%), and severe (15.4%) stroke categories. Analysis indicated no significant association between NIHSS scores and anemia severity or peripheral smear classification. Conclusion: This study contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between anemia and ischemic stroke. The complex interplay between anemia severity, peripheral smear classification, and stroke severity underscores the need for further investigation. While proposed mechanisms connecting anemia and stroke risk exist, additional research is essential to unravel the intricacies and establish a comprehensive comprehension of their interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a significant global health problem with substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. The prevalence of CKD varies across different regions, with a higher burden observed in low- and middle-income countries.CKD is often associated with a range of comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and anemia, which further contribute to adverse outcomes. Understanding the etiology of CKD is crucial for implementing targeted prevention and management strategies. Objective: To assess the clinical profile of CKD Patients. Methods: This cross sectional study was done on 100 CKD patients after IHEC approval with Informed consent. The various etiology of CKD, stage of disease, coexisting medical conditions, laboratory findings, and ECG/ECHO were measured. Result: Anaemia and hypocalcemia was common among the study participants. All had Cardiac changes. Majority of patients had comorbidities such as alcoholism, cardiac disease, anemia, clubbing, pedal edema, and abnormal lipid profiles. Conclusion: Managing anemia, mineral and bone disorders, fluid and electrolyte balance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and inflammation becomes crucial in the comprehensive care of CKD patients to mitigate cardiovascular risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Organ donation rates in India are among the lowest globally. The complex interplay of social, religious, and media influences behind organ donation in today's social milieu is not fully understood. Health-care professionals are in a unique position to influence popular perception on organ donation through their practices. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore organ donation-related perceptions and practices among health science students from southern India. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based, online descriptive study was carried out among undergraduate health science students from the medical, nursing, and allied health science streams in Coimbatore, western Tamil Nadu. A total of 618 respondents participated in the online survey conducted during the summer 2021. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 27 statistical package. Results: The general awareness levels and perceptions regarding organ donation were fairly high, and 83.1% were interested in becoming an organ donor. Even though a sizable proportion (37.4%) were ready to pledge right away, many did not know how to take the next step - the actual pledging for organ donation. Apprehensions relating to organ donation fell under few major themes - concerns of misuse of organ donation platforms for monetary gains; cumbersome legal procedures; family, social, and religious beliefs; and influences of popular media. Conclusions: Despite a fair degree of knowledge, the practice of organ donation seems to be relatively low among the participants, owing to a multitude of reasons. If enabled appropriately, health science graduates would be the perfect ambassadors for promoting organ donation in the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Viral hepatitis is increasingly being recognized as a public health problem, requiring special attention. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that in 2019, 296 million people globally (3.8%) had chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and 58 million people (0.8%) were living with hepatitis C virus (HCV). To add to this, every year, about 1.5 million people are newly infected with either hepatitis B or C viruses. The Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) has aimed to eliminate viral hepatitis as a major public health problem by 2030. Methods: We conducted a desk review to identify strategies for preventing viral hepatitis and develop a roadmap to attain the sustainable development goals (SDG) target by 2030 (particularly in low- and middle-income countries). A search was done in PubMed via Medline on 1 December 2022. Results: The focus has to be on key interventions, including hepatitis B vaccination (part of the routine child immunization along with rescheduling the birth dose to up to 7 days post-term, adult vaccination, for targeted groups like health care providers, rag pickers, waste handlers, and sanitation workers), ensuring safe injection practices and blood transfusion, harm reduction interventions for people who inject drugs (PWID), adequate testing for early diagnosis, and ensuring appropriate treatment. Conclusion: It is the need of the hour to prioritize key interventions identified in the review for preventing viral hepatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]