International Journal of Scientific Reports

Spinal anaesthesia-linked fungal meningitis: a health crisis unfolds in the United States and Mexico

Aliza Ahmed — 2025-12-22

An outbreak of uncommon cases of central nervous system infection (CNSI) linked to spinal anesthesia was reported in May 2023 by the United States and Mexico. The cases were identified in five female patients undergoing certain surgical procedures with spinal anesthesia in Mexico, in two private hospitals. These cases were tested positive for Fungal meningitis caused by a pathogenic fungus under laboratory investigations. Following the outbreak, as of 26 May 2023, the USA and Mexico have reported 20 more cases with signs and symptoms of CNSI which also includes 2 deaths reported by the United States of America centers for disease control and prevention (US CDC).

Umbrella use as a public health adaptation strategy to reduce urban heat stress exposure

Uwe Reischl — 2025-12-22

Background: Urban heat stress is a growing public health concern due to global warming. Tree planting is being promoted in urban areas as a public health heat-stress mitigation strategy. Use of personal umbrellas is considered as a low-cost, and highly adaptable alternative to trees. Several cities around the world have established programs providing umbrellas to residents. The goal of this study was to assess how the use of umbrellas compares to the effectiveness of tree shade and how such an approach can serve as a public health adaptation strategy.

Methods: The effectiveness offered by tree shade and personal umbrella shade was investigated. A field study was conducted employing wet bulb globe temperatures (WBGT) monitors, a ultraviolet (UV) radiation sensor, and a light intensity meter. Heat stress, UV radiation and visible light attenuation were measured for ten tree shades and six umbrella shades. Simultaneous measurements of both shade and direct sunlight exposure were performed to achieve controlled measurement conditions.

Results: The study showed that umbrella shade provided a reduction of visible light similar to tree shade (91% vs. 93%)/, a reduction in UV radiation (94% vs. 90%), and a reduction in WBGT heat stress (24% vs. 18%).

Conclusions: The study showed that personal umbrellas can provide protection against solar radiation in urban settings equivalent to trees and, therefore, can be used as a viable public health adaptation strategy to reduce excessive heat stress exposure in urban environments.

Atypical manifestation of hyperuricemia in the Indian population: a clinical and biochemical assessment and treatment guidelines

Amit K. Srivastava — 2025-12-22

Background: Podgora, the clinical presentation of gout presents no problem in diagnosis but hyperuricemia leading to some unusual presentation with musculoskeletal disorders and is often missed. This study had been conducted to analyze the disturbances of uric acid metabolism and subsequent role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of various disorder including cardiovascular, renal and various musculoskeletal disorders and to determine the disease related upper level of SUA in Indian population in both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

Methods: Serum uric acid (by nephelometric method) was assessed in 1084 individuals during January 2018- December 2022 at a single center at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Patparganj, New Delhi with complaint of pain and swelling in joints and various other musculoskeletal problems. Out of these 48.80% were vegetarians and 51.20 were nonvegetarians.

Results: Looking at the symptomatology, only 18.50% presented with podagra as their chief complaint followed by 15.40% with generalized myalgia, 14.39% cases of plantar fasciitis and rest including tennis elbow, knee and ankle synovitis, interscapular fibrofascitis, bursitis anserine and various other musculoskeletal problems. In 76% cases with uric acid level more than 7mg/dl were having hypertriglyceridemia. Mild to moderate hypertension had been noted in 53% cases of those having SUA level more than 7 mg/dl.

Conclusions: In present study, it concluded that musculoskeletal symptoms related uric acid level should be lower around 5.5 mg/dl. SUA levels in vegetarians and non-vegetarians did not differ significantly. The high haemoglobin percent in most of the individuals gives an idea that hyperuricemia is related to good nutritional status.

Effectiveness of lifestyle modification in managing thyroid dysfunction and hypertension risks during pregnancy: evidence from a pre-post interventional study

Manisha Choudhary — 2025-12-22

Background: Thyroid dysfunction and hypertension are prevalent comorbidities during pregnancy, contributing to higher risks of pre-eclampsia, preterm birth and adverse fetal outcomes. Traditional management relies on pharmacological intervention, but there is growing interest in the role of lifestyle modifications in reducing these risk factors and improving pregnancy outcomes.

Methods: A pre-post interventional study was conducted from 19 June 2024 to 31 December 2024 involving pregnant women (gestational age 12–20 weeks) with mild to moderate thyroid dysfunction (TSH>2.5mIU/l) and at risk for hypertension. Participants underwent a 12-week structured lifestyle program consisting of counseling, improved diet, increased physical activity and stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness and yoga. Clinical and biochemical parameters including thyroid profile (TSH, T3, T4), blood pressure and pregnancy outcomes were measured before and after the intervention. Self-reported adherence and participant feedback were also collected.

Results: After the intervention, mean TSH levels significantly decreased (pre: 3.8±0.6, post: 2.4±0.4) and the incidence of gestational hypertension dropped (from 18% to 7%). Over 75% of participants reported strong adherence to the intervention and described improvements in energy, stress levels and overall pregnancy experience.

Conclusions: Targeted lifestyle modifications comprising diet, exercise and stress management are effective in managing thyroid dysfunction and reducing hypertension risk in pregnant women. These interventions not only improve clinical and biochemical outcomes, but also enhance patient satisfaction and quality of life. Integration of structured lifestyle guidance in routine prenatal care is highly recommended.

Prevalence of pressure injury and associative factors among adult ICU patients admitted to selected governmental hospitals in South Nation Nationalities and Peoples Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023

Workneh Elias — 2025-12-22

Background: Localized damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue is known as pressure injury. It still affects about 3 million persons worldwide and is a serious health issue for intensive care unit patients.

Methods: Using an institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study design, 336 adults were admitted to intensive care units in three chosen hospitals in South Nation Nationalities between March 10 and April 10, 2023, to evaluate the prevalence of pressure injuries and related factors. A multistage sampling strategy was used to contact each study participant individually. SPSS version 26 statistical software was used to examine the data after it was entered into EPI-data version 4.6. To evaluate statistical relationship utilizing the odds ratio, descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were calculated. Statistical significance was evaluated using a p-value of less than 0.05 and a 95% confidence range.

Results: 53 (16.9%) 95% CI (12.98–20.82) participants in a sample of 336 patients hospitalized to intensive care units suffered pressure injury. 16.9% of people had pressure injuries overall. Pressure damage development was observed to be substantially correlated with the following factors: age above 50 years, co-morbidity condition, mechanical ventilation requirement and bathing and messaging after intensive care unit admission.

Conclusions: The occurrence of pressure injuries was significant among patients admitted to adult Intensive Care Units. It is recommended to carry out a prospective study to explore the incidence and related factors of pressure injuries in patients admitted to adult Intensive Care Units.

Effect of moderate-intensity training on cardiovascular risk factors in secondary school-age adolescent males in Khartoum

Kamal M. Awad — 2025-12-22

Background: The health benefits of regular physical activity are irrefutable; and everybody can benefit from being active. The evidence is overwhelming with risk reductions of at least 20% to 30% for more than 25 chronic medical conditions and premature mortality. Even higher risk reductions (i.e., ≥ 50%) are observed when objective measures of physical fitness are taken. International physical activity guidelines generally recommend 150 minutes per week of moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity for physical fitness and reduction of risk of chronic diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of moderate intensity exercise on cardiovascular risk factors in secondary school-age adolescent males.

Methods: In this interventional study 47 secondary school age adolescent males with age range from 16 to 19 years were recruited. All subjects underwent moderate intensity exercise program for two months. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and lipid profiles were assessed before and after going through the course of moderate intensity exercise training. Risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) was determined by Framingham, ASSIGN and British national formulary scoring systems.

Results: this study showed a significant reduction in heart rate (p≤0.001), blood pressure, lipid accumulation product (p=0.01) and visceral adiposity index (p=0.012) after moderate intensity exercise also moderate intensity exercise training reducing the risk of MI (p=0.042). On the other hand, showed there is no significant effect on weight, BMI, waist circumference and lipid profile,

Conclusions: The moderate intensity exercise training reducing the incidence of hypertension and reducing the risk of MI.

Analysis of prescription pattern of anti-diabetic medications in geriatric population at a tertiary care center: a retrospective observational study

Srivani Reddy Anireddy — 2025-12-22

Background: Diabetes and hypertension are common among the elderly and significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications. Managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in geriatric patients is challenging due to age-related changes, polypharmacy, and susceptibility to adverse drug reactions. This study aimed to assess prescribing patterns of antidiabetic medications in elderly patients with T2DM and coexisting hypertension at a tertiary care center in India.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Government General Hospital, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, from February 2024 to February 2025. Prescriptions of patients aged ≥60 years with both diabetes and hypertension were analyzed. Data on drug classes, dosages, and regimens were collected. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft excel, with categorical variables expressed as percentages.

Results: A total of 586 prescriptions were reviewed. Metformin was the most prescribed antidiabetic (49.10%), followed by sulfonylureas (30.04%), DPP-4 inhibitors (6.98%), SGLT2 inhibitors (3.93%), and α-glucosidase inhibitors (3.06%). Insulin was used in 3.06% of cases. Combination therapy was common, with 69.65% on dual-drug regimens, 12.02% on triple therapy, and 0.92% on more than three drugs. Most prescriptions (99.22%) used generics, with 84.15% from the NLEM 2022 and 89.80% from the WHO-EML 2023.

Conclusions: Metformin remains the mainstay of T2DM treatment in elderly patients. A high prevalence of combination and generic prescribing was noted. Ongoing evaluation of prescribing practices is essential to optimize care, minimize polypharmacy, and enhance outcomes in this population.

The dark side of artificial intelligence in medical education and the healthcare system: challenges and strategies for a balanced approach: a systematic meta-analysis

Mohan Bilikallahalli Sannathimmappa — 2025-12-22

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a paradigm shift in medical education and healthcare systems. It promises improved diagnostic accuracy, customized therapies, and better learning outcomes. Rapidly increasing incorporation of AI technologies has revealed substantial obstacles and potential negative implications that necessitate further investigation. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic meta-analysis of the challenges, hazards and negative consequences concerning the implementation of AI in medical education and healthcare systems, based on recent literature from 2020-2025. We performed a systematic search of scientific literature across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for peer-reviewed publications that had been published in Q1-Q4 journals between 2020 and 2025. Studies were selected in line with specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, alongside data extraction and quality evaluation conducted independently by multiple reviewers. Initially, 247 articles were found, however only 89 of them met the criteria for final analysis. Among most substantial issues that have been found are algorithmic bias (reported in 76% of studies), data privacy concerns (68%), over-reliance on technology (54%), less human connection (49%), ethical dilemmas (72%), and implementation challenges (83%). Meta-analysis revealed that the reported outcomes were very diverse in different healthcare and educational contexts. AI offers substantial benefits, however, its integration into medical education and healthcare systems presents multifaceted challenges requiring careful consideration. Balanced approach incorporating robust ethical frameworks, bias mitigation strategies, and continuous monitoring is essential for responsible AI implementation.