Natl Med J India
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Numerous studies have investigated the causes of falls in the elderly. However, there is little information about metabolic syndrome (MS) as a risk factor for falls in older adults. No evaluations have given a qualitative overview of studies examining the relationship between MS and falls in the elderly. ⋯ These included 2774 people with an average age of 72 years. Even after controlling for other risk factors, two studies found that MS was significantly associated with an older adult's 1.3-2.5-fold increased risk of falling. We found that MS and its independent components were strongly linked with falls among the elderly, even after correcting for numerous variables.
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Anterior ischaemic optic neuropathies (AIONs) are a common cause of permanent visual loss in the elderly population. The non-arteritic subtype has been intensively studied. While systemic associations such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus are commonly recognized and treated, others such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are largely overlooked in daily practice. ⋯ OSA is a definitive risk factor for the development of NAION, though it remains underdiagnosed and untreated. Cataract surgery has been shown to worsen underlying NAION. Systemic stabilization averts potentially blinding sequel in the unaffected eye of these patients.
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Development of a structured validated module to inculcate research skills in medical undergraduates.
Background Evidence-based research aids in decision-making in the health sector for developing health policies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Medical research is not taught in the undergraduate curriculum. Studies show that attributes of research knowledge, awareness and practical involvement in research are low among undergraduate students. ⋯ All students scored satisfactory grades for research skills. Conclusions Teaching research using a structured validated module improved the knowledge and skills related to research among students. Both students and faculty were satisfied with the use of the structured module.
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With the decline in HIV mortality, a concomitant increase in morbidity and death not directly related to HIV has been witnessed. Consequently, many countries especially low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are now facing the dual burden of HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). 2.3 million people living with HIV in India are at a higher risk of developing NCDs due to ageing, which can be attributed to the additional impact of long-standing HIV infection and the side-effects of antiretroviral therapy. ⋯ The health and wellness centres (HWCs) envisioned to provide an expanded range of preventive and curative services including that for chronic conditions may act as a window of opportunity for providing egalitarian and accessible primary care services to these individuals. The reasons for integrating HIV and NCD care are epidemiological overlap between these conditions and the similar strategies required for provision of healthcare services.
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Desmoid tumours of the brachial plexus are rare locally infiltrative aggressive, monoclonal, fibroblastic proliferations characterized by a variable and often unpredictable clinical course. Only 21 patients have been reported in the literature. We add another one, and report function-preserving surgery in a 34-year-old man with a desmoid tumour of the brachial plexus. ⋯ Histopathological examination showed findings consistent with desmoid tumour. A tailored multidisciplinary surgical approach, with the aim to preserve function over radiological clearance, is an acceptable treatment strategy in preserving patient's quality of life for such infiltrating desmoid tumours encasing the brachial plexus. Following surgery, observation and close radiological surveillance offer an optimal strategy without jeopardizing the quality of life.