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Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin is one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections and saving countless lives. This report chronicles Fleming's journey from his early life in rural Scotland to his pioneering work in bacteriology. It delves into his medical education and career, including his formative experiences during World War I that shaped his future research. The serendipitous discovery of penicillin in 1928, followed by the challenges of isolating and producing the antibiotic, is explored in detail. The report also highlights the crucial contributions of Howard Florey, Ernst Boris Chain, and Norman Heatley in developing penicillin into a widely usable therapeutic agent, particularly during World War II. Fleming's achievements were recognized with the Nobel Prize in 1945 and numerous other honors in Physiology/Medicine. His personal life, continued research, and lasting impact on medicine are also discussed, emphasizing the enduring legacy of his work in the ongoing development of antibiotics and the transformation of medical practices. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration in scientific discovery, inspiring future researchers., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Chhabra et al.)

Hymenoplasty is a reconstructive surgical procedure aimed at repairing the hymen, and it has gained significant attention in the Indian context due to cultural and societal factors associated with virginity. This review article aims to investigate contemporary patterns of hymenoplasty in India and assess their influence on young adults. The review employed a systematic approach to gather and analyze relevant literature from various academic databases. Selection criteria were established to ensure the inclusion of high-quality studies focusing on hymenoplasty in India. The review provides an overview of the historical context of hymenoplasty, highlighting cultural and societal factors that influence the practice. It also examines the evolution of attitudes and perceptions regarding virginity and the hymen in India. Contemporary trends in hymenoplasty are analyzed, including the prevalence and frequency of procedures, demographic factors, patient profiles, popular motivations, and variations in surgical techniques. The socio-cultural impact on young adults is explored, emphasizing the psychological and emotional implications, the influence of societal norms and family expectations, gender dynamics, and the stigma and societal judgment that individuals face. The article concludes with recommendations for future research, including evaluating long-term outcomes and psychological well-being, exploring cultural and regional variations, assessing counseling services, and further examining ethical considerations and professional guidelines. Furthermore, the importance of comprehensive sex education, open dialogue, and discussions regarding virginity and sexual health are highlighted as crucial steps toward creating a more informed and empathetic society., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Dhaketa et al.)

Congenital malformations pose significant challenges in the low socioeconomic strata of developing countries. This review critically examines the prevalence, patterns, and factors influencing congenital malformations in these settings. It explores the physical, psychological, and economic consequences for affected individuals and their families and the social stigma and discrimination they face. The review highlights the importance of equity and access to healthcare services, the role of environmental factors and nutritional deficiencies, and the ethical considerations and policy implications associated with congenital malformations. Existing interventions, challenges in implementation, and innovative approaches are discussed. Gaps in knowledge and areas for further research are identified. Addressing congenital malformations in low socioeconomic strata requires multidisciplinary collaboration, advocacy, and inclusive policies. By prioritizing preventive measures, early detection, and comprehensive care, the burden of congenital malformations can be reduced, improving the quality of life for affected individuals and their communities., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Shetty et al.)

As the adipose tissue in epineurium is related to some extent to amount of body fat, it is possible that the amount of such fat may affect the nerve conduction. In this study, we have analyzed effect of Body Mass Index (BMI) on various parameters of nerve conduction study in one hundred seventy five healthy volunteers between ages of 18 and 66 years. BMI was determined and nerve conduction studies were performed prospectively in all the subjects using standardized techniques. Prolongation of distal motor latency (DML) was observed with increasing BMI except in motor Peroneal nerve. (In Median Nerve, P<005). F-Wave minimum latency was also found to be significantly prolonged in (P<0.05) in motor Tibial nerve. Higher BMI was found to be non-significantly associated with lower amplitude (both sensory and motor) except for peroneal nerve. Motor as well as sensory conduction velocity showed non-significant slowing along increasing BMI except sural and motor-sensory ulnar nerve in younger age group. This study demonstrated that various parameters of nerve conduction study can be affected by BMI. So, this biological factor has to be taken into consideration while interpreting nerve conduction studies.

Nerve conduction study is an important tool to evaluate peripheral nerve abnormality. The primary purpose of this study was to provide normative electrophysiological data for commonly tested upper limb nerves in normal healthy adults. Nerve conduction studies were performed prospectively in upper limbs of 175 carefully screened healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 66 years using standardized techniques. There was no statistically significant difference found in conduction velocity and amplitude of motor median and ulnar nerves as well as sensory conduction velocity of median nerve. However, distal and F-minimum latencies of motor nerves, sensory amplitudes and conduction velocity of ulnar nerve was found to be significantly influenced by gender (P < 0.05). This study established normative conduction parameters of the commonly tested nerves of upper limb for our clinical neurophysiology laboratory in Central India. This can be of use to evaluate the patients with peripheral nerve abnormalities who reside in this particular geographic set-up. Gender was shown to have an influence on sensory amplitude, distal motor and F-minimum latencies of median and ulnar nerves.