Kalam Institute of Health Technology

BACKGROUND: The consumption of medicine without consulting a doctor is called self-medication. In the recent decade, the prevalence of self-medication was increased mainly in the developing countries. The reason varies from the nonavailability of doctors to economical reason. But people are not aware of the side effects and interactions of drugs. This is risky behavior and may lead to death. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and various reasons, sources, and common drugs used for self-medication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Among 166 subjects, the majority (58.4%) of participants were in the age group between 18-30 and most of them were female 142 (85.5%). The prevalence of self-medication was 68.1%. The main source of self-medication was directly from the pharmacy, that is, pharmacists (72.6%). Analgesics were commonly (85%) self-medicated drug. The main indication for self-medication was headache (78.8%) and fever (66.4%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-medication was high and which is hazardous to health. This needs prompt legislative action.

Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; EC 3.1.1.8), an enzyme structurally related to acetylcholinesterase, is widely distributed in the human body. It plays a role in the detoxification of chemicals such as succinylcholine, a muscle relaxant used in anesthetic practice. BChE is well-known due to variant forms of the enzyme with little or no hydrolytic activity which exist in some endogamous communities and result in prolonged apnea following the administration of succinylcholine. Its other functions include the ability to hydrolyze acetylcholine, the cholinergic neurotransmitter in the brain, when its primary hydrolytic enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, is absent. To assess its potential roles, BChE was studied in relation to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cognition, hepatic disorders, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Individuals who lack the enzyme activity of BChE are otherwise healthy, until they are given drugs hydrolyzed by this enzyme. Therefore, BChE is a candidate for the study of loss-of-function mutations in humans. Studying individuals with variant forms of BChE can provide insights into whether they are protected against metabolic diseases. The potential utility of the enzyme as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease and the response to its drug treatment can also be assessed.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and correlate retinal microvascular changes in prediabetic and diabetic patients with functional and systemic parameters. METHODS: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed on all subjects after medical evaluation and laboratory investigations for blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, and others. Automated quantification of vascular indices of the superficial plexus were analyzed. RESULTS: Hundred and eleven persons (222 eyes) were grouped into prediabetic (PDM) (60 eyes), diabetic without retinopathy (NDR) (56 eyes), diabetic with retinopathy (DR) (66 eyes), and healthy controls (CTR) (40 eyes). The superficial retinal capillary plexus showed no significant changes in the prediabetic and NDR groups; however, central foveal thickness (CFT) was significantly reduced in PDM (P = 0.04). The circularity of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) (P = 0.03) and the vessel density (VD) (P = 0.01) showed significant reduction from PDM to NDR. All vascular parameters were significantly reduced in DR and correlated with disease severity. The CFT correlated significantly with FAZ area. The VD and perfusion density were seen to correlate significantly with HbA1c and contrast sensitivity. The visual acuity was significantly correlated with the FAZ. Logistic regression revealed VD [OR 20.42 (7.9-53)] and FAZ perimeter [OR 9.8 (4.2-23.2)] as the strongest predictors of DR. CONCLUSION: The changes in OCTA can help predict onset of DR. FAZ changes are seen in early stages and are correlated well with systemic parameters, making it an easy target to monitor and screen for severity of DR. Significant reduction in the CFT in PDM suggests that neuronal damage precedes vascular changes.

Fracture nonunion remains a great challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Some bone fractures don't heal promptly, resulting in delayed unions and nonunions, and there is a need for an additional surgical procedure. Previous research has shown that teriparatide, a type of synthetic parathyroid hormone, can promote the formation of callus and lead to healing in individuals with delayed or non-healing bone fractures. Limited systematic reviews exist that examine the use of teriparatide in cases of delayed healing or non-healing bone fractures, which have their limitations. In this review, we overcome those limitations by including prospective studies, retrospective studies, case reports, and case series together. A systematic search of the literature was conducted in both PubMed and Google Scholar up to September of the year 2022. The studies included in our research included adult patients (over the age of 16) diagnosed with delayed union or nonunion of any bone in the body (flat bone, long bone, short bone, or irregular bone). The studies were limited to those written in English. The outcomes that were tracked and recorded include the healing of the fracture and any negative side effects or adverse events. The initial search yielded 504 abstracts and titles. After reviewing these, 32 articles were selected for further analysis, which included 19 case reports, five case series, two retrospective studies, and six prospective studies. Studies included daily (20 micrograms) or weekly (56.5 micrograms) subcutaneous administration of teriparatide. The duration of follow-up for these studies varied from three to 24 months. Based on the available research, it appears that administering teriparatide subcutaneously is a safe treatment option for delayed healing and non-healing bone fractures, with very few to no reported negative side effects. Using teriparatide for induction of callus formation and treating delayed and nonunions is highly safe and effective.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The association between bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnant women is at a greater risk comparatively than patients with bacterial vaginosis or UTI. Bacterial vaginosis and asymptomatic UTI both pose risk for mother and fetus. Early diagnosis and treatment can save the life of both. The present investigation was aimed to find out the magnitude of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women with noticeable bacterial vaginitis attending antenatal outpatient and inpatient of a tertiary care hospital and to identify the organisms causing it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 117 antenatal women from different age and parity groups with different gestational ages were included in the study. The samples were subjected to standard microbiological techniques for identification of microorganisms. While performing Per speculum examination, vaginal secretions were collected from the posterior fornix. Swabs from the posterior fornix were tested for pH using litmus paper. A wet mount and Gram smear was made and examined for the presence of bacteria, polymorphs and clue cells indicating bacterial vaginosis. Amsel's criteria and Nugent scoring system were applied for diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotic susceptibility of the isolated bacteria was performed using Kirby-Bauer method. RESULTS: Bacterial vaginosis infection rate (62.3%) was common in the present study followed by asymptomatic UTI (n=60, 51%). It was also observed that asymptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) with Bacterial vaginosis prevalent rate was 49 (41.8%) in the current study. CONCLUSION: Bacterial vaginosis was more common than asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women. It is recommended that antenatal health care facilities should incorporate screening of vaginitis among pregnant women to prevent the complications of pregnancy. And those women with Bacterial vaginosis should be screened for UTI. Proper use of antibiotics should be encouraged, abuse of antibiotics should be in check.

A paradigm shift in human evolution, from our predecessors, the 'hunter-gatherers' to the 'era of digital revolution', has made certain human skills more and more machine driven. This digital revolution has made possible a constant connectivity, wearable technologies, customized platforms, enormous data storage and cloud computing at high speeds, smart phones and apps, internet of things, artificial intelligence, telemedicine, etc. These have made real-time monitoring and interventions possible in healthcare. Most advanced countries have made electronic health records (EHR) mandatory. The Government of India has an agenda of Digital India and digital healthcare and might insist on EHRs. EHR is a real-time, patient-centered digital version of a patient's paper record/chart, available instantly and securely to authorized users. EHR contains a patient's medical history, diagnosis, medications, treatment plans, immunization dates, allergies, radiological images, and laboratory results. It can access evidence-based tools that help to make safer decisions about a patient's care with enhanced decision support, clinical alerts, reminders and medical information. The procedure is also more reliable for dispensing medications and introduces the convenience of e-prescriptions. While the advanced technology and digital devices are well received by the healthcare providers, universal acceptance of the EHRs is far from achieving its full potential. The author, in this paper, discusses the current scenario and issues concerned with EHRs in the digital healthcare.

Introduction: Good quality and adequate sleep is important for good cognitive, psychological and physical health. Nurses who work closely with patients need to have sound mental and physical health for proper health care delivery. Aim: To evaluate the incidence of insomnia, day time sleepiness and sleep quality among South Indian nurses. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at NRI Medical College, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India and Vijaya Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka, India during the period of August to December 2016. One hundred and ninety nurses were included in the study. Among 190 nurses, 42 were males and 148 were females. Three questionnaires namely, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were included in the study. These questionnaires were distributed among the nurses and the questions were explained to them in their local language. Measures of central tendency, dispersion and chisquare tests were used for analysis of the data. Results: Significant higher values of sleep disorders were found. On analysis the PSQI and RIS scoring were significant whereas ESS scoring was found to be insignificant. In the present study 77 (40.5%) out of 190 nurses were found to be suffering from insomnia. 88 (46.31%) nurses had poor sleep quality and 48 (25.26%) nurses were suffering from daytime sleepiness whereas 30 (15.78%) of nurses had borderline daytime sleepiness. The highest number of cases was seen in nurses having one to three years of experience. Conclusion: The present study suggests that a large fraction of South Indian nurses were found to be suffering from insomnia and poor sleep quality. Adequate number of nursing staff, shorter shift durations and meticulously planned night shifts are needed to improve the sleep health and well being of nurses which in turn will result in better and more efficient patient care.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, posing major health, social, and economic challenges worldwide. This study analyzed global breast cancer incidence and mortality in 2022 using Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 data and projected the disease burden to 2050. METHODS: Breast cancer incidence and mortality were categorized by region and age. Correlations between age-standardized rates (ASRs) and the Human Development Index (HDI) were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (ρ). Future burden estimates for 2050 were projected based on current trends. RESULTS: In 2022, approximately 2.30 million new breast cancer cases and 666,103 deaths were reported globally. Age-specific patterns of breast cancer incidence and mortality differed across development HDI levels with incidence peaking at ages 45-69 years and mortality at ages 50-≥85 years across HDI levels. The proportion of cases and deaths among women aged ≥50 years relative to those aged ≤49 years increased with HDI, ranging from 79% vs . 21% for incidence and 90% vs . 10% for deaths in very high HDI countries to 51% vs . 49% and 59% vs . 41% in low HDI countries. HDI showed strong positive correlations with age-standardized incidence rates (ρ = 0.773), period incidence rates (ρ = 0.958), and period mortality rates (ρ = 0.907), and a negative correlation with mortality-to-incidence ratios (ρ = -0.817). Projections indicate that by 2050, breast cancer cases may rise to 3.55 million and deaths to 1.14 million if current patterns continue. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer remains a major global health concern. Strengthening prevention, early detection, and therapeutic strategies is essential to reduce incidence, improve survival, and alleviate its global burden.

Obesity is increasingly prevalent worldwide, with genetic factors contributing to its development. The hypothalamic leptin-melanocortin pathway is central to the regulation of appetite and weight; leptin activates the proopiomelanocortin neurons, leading to the production of melanocortin peptides; these in turn act on melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) which suppress appetite and increase energy expenditure. MC4R mutations are responsible for syndromic and non-syndromic obesity. These mutations are classified based on their impact on the receptor's life cycle: i.e. null mutations, intracellular retention, binding defects, signaling defects, and variants of unknown function. Clinical manifestations of MC4R mutations include early-onset obesity, hyperphagia, and metabolic abnormalities such as hyperinsulinemia and dyslipidemia. Management strategies for obesity due to MC4R mutations have evolved with the development of targeted therapies such as Setmelanotide, an MC4R agonist which can reduce weight and manage symptoms without adverse cardiovascular effects. Future research directions must include expansion of population studies to better understand the epidemiology of MC4R mutations, exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying MC4R signaling, and development of new therapeutic agents. Understanding the interaction between MC4R and other genetic and environmental factors will be key to advancing both the prevention and treatment of obesity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy, streamlining treatment protocols, and augmenting patient care, especially in the management of multimorbidity. This review assesses the applications of AI in forecasting and controlling problems in multimorbid patients, emphasizing predictive analytics, real-time data integration, and enhancements in diagnostics. Utilizing extensive datasets from electronic health records and medical imaging, AI models facilitate early complication prediction and prompt therapies in diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and diabetes. Notable developments encompass AI systems for the diagnosis of lung and breast cancer, markedly decreasing false positives and minimizing superfluous follow-ups. A comprehensive literature search was performed via PubMed and Google Scholar, applying Boolean logic with keywords such as "artificial intelligence", "multimorbidity", "predictive analytics", "machine learning", and "diagnosis". Articles published in English from January 2010 to December 2024, encompassing original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses regarding the use of AI in managing multimorbidity and healthcare decision-making, were included. Studies not pertinent to therapeutic applications, devoid of outcome measurements, or restricted to editorials were discarded. This review emphasizes AI's capacity to augment diagnostic precision and boost clinical results while also identifying substantial hurdles, including data bias, ethical issues, and the necessity for rigorous validation and longitudinal research to guarantee sustainable integration in clinical environments. This review's limitations encompass the possible exclusion of pertinent studies due to language and publication year constraints, as well as the disregard for grey literature, potentially constraining the comprehensiveness of the findings.

mosquitoes, has become a significant global health concern. Its incidence has surged dramatically over the past decades, with severe cases potentially leading to life-threatening conditions such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Despite its prevalence in tropical regions, including India, the clinical manifestations of dengue can vary widely, sometimes presenting atypically. Recent outbreaks, particularly in Northern India, underscore the urgency of understanding and managing this disease. This study focuses on the clinical and laboratory findings of hospitalized dengue fever patients from January 2022 to January 2023, aiming to provide insights for effective patient care and mortality reduction. Methods This was a prospective study at JSS (Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara) Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, Karnataka, India (January 2022-January 2023). Blood samples from suspected dengue patients presenting acute febrile symptoms were collected. NS1 antigen and IgM antibody were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients positive for dengue NS1 antigen and IgM antibodies were included in the study, excluding those with co-infections or comorbidities. Results A nine-month study at JSS Hospital (January 2022-January 2023) screened 1019 samples, identifying 316 dengue cases. Among these, 84.8% were dengue fever and 15.1% were DHF/DSS. Male predominance (60.1%) was noted, with peak incidence in the age groups of 11-20 years (29.11%) and 0-10 years (27.53%). Common symptoms included fever (98.1%), headache (32.91%), myalgia (40.87%), and vomiting (42.7%). Thrombocytopenia was found in 60.6% of cases. NS1 was detected in 56% of patients and IgM was positive in 20.8% of the patients. Comorbidities like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (7.59%) and hypertension (7.27%) were observed. Among severe cases, 43.6% had platelet counts <1 lakh/cumm, and 27.5% required intravenous fluids. Seven deaths occurred, primarily in patients with comorbidities and severe dengue. Discussion and conclusion High dengue seropositivity among males (60.12%) compared to females (39.87%) was noted, possibly due to varied exposures. Patients aged 11-20 years had the highest dengue infection, with a peak in admissions during the rainy season. Thrombocytopenia (60.6%) and comorbidities like T2DM and HTN were common, with seven fatalities linked to severe dengue and comorbidities, emphasizing the need for early recognition and management to reduce mortality.

BACKGROUND: Most guidelines for hypertension overlook the underlying pathophysiologic basis in deciding antihypertensives. Based on renin levels, hypertension may be classified as high-renin hypertension (HRH), low-renin hypertension (LRH), and normal-renin hypertension (NRH). The study examined the renin levels in a hypertensive population and assessed the effect of renin-guided antihypertensive management on blood pressure (BP) control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center prospective cohort study. Subjects with primary hypertension (aged 20-60 years) on antihypertensives were included in the study. Initial BP was recorded and subsequently, all antihypertensives were discontinued. After 2 weeks, second BP was recorded and plasma renin assay (PRA) sample was collected. All patients were restarted on the previous antihypertensives and further modification of medication was performed based on their PRA. Anti V drugs, such as diuretics and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were used in LRH while beta-blockers and antirenin drugs (Anti R drugs) were used in HRH. RESULTS: The study included 918 patients with hypertension and 896 cases were finally analyzed. Of these patients, 287 (32.03%) had LRH (&lt;0.51 ng/mL/hr), 412 (45.98%) had HRH (&gt;2.64 ng/mL/hr), while 197 (21.99%) had NRH (0.51-2.64 ng/mL/hr). Renin-guided management caused significant BP reduction. In controlled BP group, the systolic BP (SBP)/diastolic BP (DBP) before and after modification were 133.83 ± 3.36/84.77 ± 3.12 and 123.87 ± 10.59/84.05 ± 1.84, respectively (p-value &lt; 0.05). In uncontrolled BP group, the corresponding SBP/DBP were 152.17 ± 2.95/90.36 ± 5.02 and 138 ± 1.23/87.78 ± 0.84, respectively (p-value &lt; 0.05). The number of hypertensives used in patients also reduced with reduction in patients on two, three, or four drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Renin-guided therapy is useful for improving BP control in both controlled and uncontrolled hypertensive patients and in reducing the number of antihypertensive drugs.

The COVID-19 vaccine has been available in India since January 2021, although many individuals have refused to take the vaccine for various reasons. Vaccination plays a crucial role in disease control by preventing a substantial number of cases and associated disabilities. However, vaccine hesitancy poses a barrier that hinders these efforts. Our article presents a novel approach by proposing a mathematical model for COVID-19 that incorporates vaccine hesitancy, vaccine efficacy and behaviour compensation post-vaccination. The model is calibrated with COVID-19 incidence data for India from 13 February 2021 to 12 January 2022, using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. The analysis examines the effects of hesitancy and social interventions through a series of practical simulations. The simulation results show that while COVID-19-infected individuals may have natural immunity, vaccination post-recovery is crucial to reduce cases by up to 64.1%. Social interventions, such as face masks and distancing, remain essential to prevent a rise in cases and ensure effective disease control. The model demonstrates that vaccination, combined with continued social interventions, is crucial for effectively reducing COVID-19 cases and preventing future outbreaks. Addressing vaccine hesitancy and maintaining preventive measures are key to successfully controlling the pandemic.

Childhood obesity, an escalating global health challenge, is intricately linked to the built environment in which children live, learn, and play. This review and perspective examined the multifaceted relationship between the built environment and childhood obesity, offering insights into potential interventions for prevention. Factors such as urbanization, access to unhealthy food options, sedentary behaviors, and socioeconomic disparities are critical contributors to this complex epidemic. Built environment encompasses the human-modified spaces such as homes, schools, workplaces, and urban areas. These settings can influence children's physical activity levels, dietary habits, and overall health. The built environment can be modified to prevent childhood obesity by enhancing active transportation through the development of safe walking and cycling routes, creating accessible and inviting green spaces and play areas, and promoting healthy food environments by regulating fast-food outlet density. School design is another area for intervention, with a focus on integrating outdoor spaces and facilities that promote physical activity and healthy eating. Community engagement and education in reinforcing healthy behaviors is necessary, alongside the potential of technology and innovation in encouraging physical activity among children. Policy and legislative support are crucial for sustaining these efforts. In conclusion, addressing the built environment in the fight against childhood obesity requires the need for a comprehensive, multipronged approach that leverages the built environment as a tool for promoting healthier lifestyles among children, ultimately paving the way for a healthier, more active future generation.

The pioneering German physician and microbiologist Heinrich Hermann Robert Koch (1843-1910) made pivotal contributions to the field of bacteriology, significantly advancing the germ theory of disease. His groundbreaking research in identifying the causative agents of anthrax, tuberculosis, and cholera revolutionized medical science and public health. Koch's development of essential microbiological techniques, such as using agar for bacterial cultures and introducing the Petri dish, transformed laboratory practices. Additionally, his formulation of Koch's postulates established a systematic method for linking specific pathogens to diseases, a framework that remains influential today. Koch's remarkable achievements were recognized with numerous prestigious honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905. His legacy lives on through institutions like the Robert Koch Institute and World Tuberculosis Day, commemorating his profound impact on global health and infectious disease research. Koch's work continues to serve as a cornerstone in studying and controlling infectious diseases.

Abstract The review mainly focuses on the goals to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of neonatal CPAP in a decrease of Mortality, Length of Stay, Respiratory support, Extubation and Intubation. Introduction: Inclusion criteria: This review is conducted in neonates with respiratory failure, Pneumonia sepsis, necrotizing infections, Pneumothorax, Broncho pulmonary distress, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), COVID-19, and other comorbidities also included. Methods: The databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane were used in this review. Depending on inclusion criteria the full-text articles were assessed and chosen studies were recovered by methodological quality. Results: one twenty-six studies are retrieved which met the inclusion criteria and the extracted studies were pooled statistically and their outcomes were measured. All the studies explain the efficacy of CPAP by reducing Mortality, Length of Stay, Respiratory support, Extubation and Intubation. Conclusion: Currently the evidence states that CPAP reduces Mortality, Length of Stay, Respiratory support, Extubation and Intubation

The trials and trepidations of an emerging department, uncertainties of its survival midway through its course, the innovative ideas that initiated its development, a regimental discipline, addition of newer technological advances with changing times, and its blossoming as the one of the best departments in the region, mark the origin and development of the Department of Neurosurgery at Andhra Medical College (AMC) and King George Hospital (KGH) Visakhapatnam. AMC and KGH are getting ready to celebrate their centenary in 2023. This history of the department is derived from the knowledge of the immense effort and academic discipline that was required to bring it to its current stature. Dr. Sunkara Balaparameswara Rao (SBP Rao) established the Neurosurgical Unit at the AMC and the KGH, Visakhapatnam on 2nd April 1956. He has had the unique privilege of witnessing the entire history of the department, from the inception till today, which represents 60 years of continuous progress of the department after its establishment. He also took a very active role in organizing its Diamond Jubilee function held on 23rd September 2016. The first author of this article has also had the privilege of witnessing and being a part of the history of the department during the past half a century. This is a narration of what may be better termed 'the (hi) story of 60 years of Neurosurgery at AMC and KGH', Visakhapatnam, India.

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of several clinical and laboratory cardiovascular risk factors that have been linked with numerous medical and dermatologic conditions. Recent evidence suggests a strong association between skin tags and insulin resistance and obesity, yet there is a paucity of data on relation of skin tags with metabolic syndrome as a whole. Aim of the study was to evaluate the strength of association between skin tags and metabolic syndrome.Methods: 70 patients with skin tags and an equal number of age and gender matched controls were enrolled in a hospital-based case control study. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, fasting glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were measured. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by the presence of 3 or more of the south Asian modified national cholesterol education program’s adult panel III criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using chi square test, and odds ratio was calculated. P≤0.05 were considered significant.Results: Metabolic syndrome was significantly more common in patients with skin tags than in controls (70% vs. 26%, p&lt;0.001). Triglycerides and waist circumference values were significantly increased in cases as compared to controls (p&lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the high-density lipoprotein levels, fasting blood glucose levels and presence of hypertension among cases and controls.Conclusion: Skin tags when present in multiple could be an early warning sign for Metabolic syndrome. They serve a cutaneous marker to initiate early detection and intervention of at-risk patients for cardiovascular disorders.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by enhancing diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient management. However, the successful integration of AI depends on healthcare professionals' (HCPs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). The study aimed to evaluate the KAP of HCPs regarding the role of AI in healthcare. Additionally, the study aimed to identify key barriers, such as ethical concerns and technical limitations, that hinder AI adoption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Google Forms, measured participants' demographics, KAPs regarding AI. Purposive and snowball sampling methods were employed to recruit a total of 350 participants. RESULTS: A total of 350 participants completed the survey, with the majority being medical students (52%) and younger professionals aged 18-27 years (73.1%). AI's primary use was in diagnostics (71.1%), followed by treatment protocol development (45.4%) and drug development (33.1%). Most respondents rated their technical skills as low or very low, with medical students showing slightly higher proficiency compared to nurses and faculty members. Ethical concerns were prominent, with 46% of participants highlighting data privacy and security issues, followed by concerns about high costs (23.7%) and over-reliance on manual processes (16.6%). Significant differences were observed between professions: medical students and faculty were more open to AI's role in making critical decisions (60.98% and 61.94%, respectively) than nurses (29.41%). Additionally, 97% of nurses expressed willingness to undergo AI training compared to 86% of faculty and 82% of medical students. However, confidence in AI's ability to improve clinical outcomes was mixed, with 35.71% agreeing, 29.71% neutral, and 40% regularly using AI tools in practice. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight a positive attitude toward AI in healthcare, with substantial recognition of its benefits, especially in diagnostics. However, significant gaps in knowledge, technical skills, and awareness of ethical issues remain, particularly among nurses. Tailored education and training programs are needed to bridge these gaps and enhance AI readiness in healthcare practice.

Introduction: Several human and experimental studies have revealed that chronic inflammation may play a vital role in neurodegenerative processes including epilepsy. There is accumulating evidence that inflammatory processes affect the pathophysiology of different epilepsy types. Aim: To assess the concentrations of Homocysteine (Hcy) and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) in Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy (IGE) patients and their association with IGE and duration of the Anti Epileptic Drugs (AEDs). Materials and Methods: This case-control study consisted of 100 IGE patients (50 tonic–clonic, 15 absence and 35 myoclonic seizures) and equal number of healthy controls. Hcy levels were assayed by Centaur XP using ADVIA centaur Hcy; whereas hsCRP levels by ELISA method using commercially available kits. Results: The Hcy and hs-CRP levels were significantly increased in both the patient groups (<18 years and >18 years). Significant difference in the levels of Hcy was observed between different epilepsy types of <18 years patients (p=0.01), whereas hs-CRP in >18 years patients (<0.05). Significantly elevated levels of hs-CRP were noticed in non-responders group compared to responders (<0.05). There was a positive correlation between hs-CRP and Hcy (R2=0.44 and p<0.001) and significant difference in the levels of Hcy and hs-CRP was observed in the patient subgroups who were on AEDs for different time periods (≤1 year, 1- ≤5 years and >5 years) (p=0.002 and p<0.05 respectively) since, AEDs can induce oxidative stress. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinaemia (Hyper-Hcy) can induce as well as promote oxidative stress and hence, it can be implicated in neurodegeneration in epilepsy. Elevated levels of hs-CRP in non-responders may be resulted by the contribution of inflammatory pathways in ictogenesis in epileptic tissue, causing intractable epilepsy.