Postgraduate medical journal
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We hypothesised that the gender/ethnic disparities and reductions in the UK academic-clinician workforce stem from research experience in medical school. This study investigated the factors influencing research engagement and academic-career interests among UK medical students. ⋯ There were no ethnic differences in research engagement or academic-career intent. Although there were no gender differences in research engagement, female students were less likely to be interested in an academic career. This could be tackled by providing targeted opportunities to increase research productivity and self-efficacy in medical schools. Key messages: What is already known on this topic: There has been a decline in the number of academic clinicians, with a disproportionate gender and ethnic representation in the academic workforce. Engaging medical students in research activities during their medical training could mitigate the declining number of academic clinicians. Differential attainment occurs in medical school and persists after graduation. What this study adds: Although there were no gender/ethnic differences in research engagement amongst UK medical students, our study suggests that female students were less likely to be interested in pursuing an academic career. Time constraints, a lack of awareness of opportunities, and difficulty in finding research supervisors/mentors were the most common barriers to research engagement, whereas PubMed-indexed authorship was the strongest positive predictor of interest in an academic career. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy: Medical schools should facilitate the selection of good-quality research mentors that would provide adequate support to ensure that their students' works are published in peer-reviewed journals. Medical schools should employ local research officers to increase students' awareness of research opportunities.
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Critical or Intensive Care Units (CCU/ICUs) play a crucial role in treating critically ill patients, but they contribute significantly to healthcare costs. In India and many other resource-limited countries, private ICU treatment is largely unaffordable for the poor and even a section of the middle class, who are not substantially insured. It is essential for all stakeholders involved in critical care to prioritize quality and cost-effectiveness. ⋯ Standardizing prices of essential necessities and promoting rational practices are crucial. System-wide efforts and novel approaches like decentralization of critical care services are necessary to ensure holistic quality and cost-effectiveness, particularly in densely populated countries with resource limitations. These innovations will not only improve care but also enhance preparedness for future pandemics.
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Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic bone and joint disease caused by inflammation, erosion, and pathological bone formation. The pathological features of chronic inflammation, bone destruction, and pathological ossification occur due to the disruption of the body's immune regulation and altered bone remodeling balance. ⋯ The immune regulation and osteogenic capacity of MSCs in AS are altered by factors such as genetic background, internal environment, infection, and mechanical forces that drive disease development. This review further evaluates the role of MSCs dysfunction in inflammation and pathological bone formation by analyzing the effects of the above-mentioned factors on MSCs function and also looks forward to the prospects of MSCs in treating AS, providing some ideas for an in-depth study of inflammation and ectopic ossification.