Challenges and Concerns in the Utilization of Meta-Analysis Software: Navigating the Landscape of Scientific Synthesis.

Meta-analysis has emerged as a pivotal tool for synthesizing evidence in scientific research, facilitated by the advent of meta-analysis software. While these tools have significantly streamlined the synthesis process, challenges and concerns persist, impacting the reliability and validity of meta-analytic findings. This editorial addresses key issues in the use of meta-analysis software, including heterogeneity, publication bias, data quality, model dependence, and user competence. As the scientific community increasingly relies on meta-analytic approaches, collaborative efforts are needed to establish standardized reporting guidelines, enhance data quality, and improve transparency. This study highlights the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the continued evolution of meta-analysis as a robust and informative method for evidence synthesis in scientific research.

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Presenting As Stage V Bilateral Cervical Lymphadenitis With Cortical Cerebral Watershed Infarct Along With Maxillary and Sphenoid Sinusitis.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is an infrequently reported condition. However, in endemic settings, it contributes to a significant number of cases. The most common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is the lymph nodes. Herein, an exceedingly rare case of extrapulmonary tuberculosis presenting as bilateral cervical lymphadenitis with external cerebral watershed infarct along with sphenoid and maxillary sinusitis in an Indian male is presented. A detailed literature search revealed that a case with all these clinical conditions together has never been reported to date. A diagnostic workup supported by radiometric investigations helped in the diagnosis, and timely management was initiated.

Musculoskeletal Tuberculosis of the Pectoralis With Bilateral Pleural Base Nodular Lesions: A Rare Report of Its Type in an Immunocompetent Female.

Musculoskeletal tuberculosis is a rare infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This type of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is mainly attributed to hematogenous infection or direct inoculation and is usually seen in immunocompromised individuals. Here, a case of musculoskeletal tuberculosis of the right pectoralis with bilateral pleural base nodular lesions in an immunocompetent female is presented. A challenging diagnosis was achieved through a detailed clinical examination, aspiration of the pus, and radiometric investigations. Management was done through antituberculous chemotherapy per the national guidelines. Further, a detailed literature review revealed that tuberculosis of the pectoralis with bilateral pleural base nodular lesions is never reported in an immunocompetent female.

Lupus Vulgaris Plaque Type on the Face Without Pulmonary Involvement: A Rare Case.

Cutaneous tuberculosis is a rare finding with a difficult diagnosis. This is mainly due to the low sensitivity and specificity of almost all diagnostic tests, accompanied by ambiguity in clinical presentations and non-specific clinical features. A 25-year-old Indian male is presented who reported having a thick, scaly lesion on the left side of his face. A definite diagnosis was achieved after a detailed clinical examination and a detailed diagnostic workup that involved a biopsy. He was put on antituberculous chemotherapy for six months.

Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis of the Spine With Bilateral Psoas and Pre- and Paravertebral Abscesses in an Immunocompetent Indian Female With Multiple Adverse Drug Reactions: The World's First Report.

Tuberculosis is prevalent in high-burden countries. Extrapulmonary drug-resistant tuberculosis is exceedingly rare. Simultaneous involvement of the spine with psoas muscles in the absence of pulmonary seeding with a drug-resistant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an adult female is never reported. A 33-year-old Indian female presented with complaints of chronic back pain for eight months. She was on antituberculous treatment for Pott's spine for six months. The diagnosis was challenging due to the paucibacillary nature of the disease, and it required a high index of suspicion backed by radiometric investigations, liquid culture, a line probe assay, and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification of the pus. Further, her treatment was associated with multiple adverse drug reactions like a rise of QTcF (QT corrected for heart rate by Fridericia's cube root formula) on the electrocardiogram, peripheral neuropathy, and abnormal behavior (decreased awareness and anger outbursts with restlessness), which were addressed by a team of experts including a cardiologist, a psychiatrist, a neurologist, and an infectious disease expert. She was managed conservatively, with an 18-month-long antituberculous treatment, which was stopped after consultation with an orthopedist at a nodal drug-resistant tuberculosis center with the advice to consult the orthopedic outpatient department; however, she was lost to follow-up.

Decoding Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking: A Comprehensive Narrative Review Exploring Mechanics, Health Risks, Regulatory Challenges, and Public Health Imperatives.

Waterpipe tobacco smoking, commonly known as hookah or shisha, has witnessed a surge in popularity globally, particularly among young adults. However, this activity is associated with several issues related to health. This comprehensive narrative review aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of waterpipe tobacco smoking and implement evidence-based strategies to address its challenges. The present article focuses on an in-depth analysis of the health risks associated with waterpipe tobacco smoking. Based on evidence from the current scientific literature, the review explores the impact of waterpipe smoking on respiratory health, cardiovascular outcomes, and the potential links to infectious diseases. Additionally, the review discusses the emerging evidence on the long-term health consequences, highlighting the need for continued research in this area. Also, it touches on the regulatory challenges surrounding waterpipe tobacco smoking, which were critically examined, emphasizing the gaps and inconsistencies in existing policies. Finally, the review underscores the public health imperatives necessitated by the rise of waterpipe tobacco smoking. The narrative concludes by proposing a holistic approach that integrates scientific evidence, regulatory frameworks, and public health initiatives to mitigate the growing impact of waterpipe tobacco smoking on population health.

Tuberculosis of the Iliac Bone and Acetabulum With Iliopsoas, Obturator Internus, and Obturator Externus Abscesses in an Immunocompetent Indian Female: An Extremely Rare Case.

Skeletal tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Due to non-specific clinical features, these cases are often diagnosed very late, ultimately affecting treatment outcomes. The present case is a very rare case of tuberculosis of the iliac bone and acetabulum with iliopsoas, obturator internus, and obturator externus abscesses in an Indian female. She reported pain in her right hip and a limp. It was a difficult diagnosis, especially due to the rare involvement of bones and muscles in the absence of any lesions in the lungs. Nevertheless, the diagnosis was achieved by a detailed radiometric and laboratory workup. She was initiated on antituberculous treatment per her weight for 12 months.

Pre-extensively Drug-Resistant Pulmonary Tuberculosis With a Giant Primary Splenic Hydatid Cyst With Multiple Adverse Drug Reactions.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a noteworthy threat to public health, especially in high-burden countries. Management of these types of tuberculosis is lengthy and associated with a number of adverse drug reactions. Pre-extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis is a serious type of disease that is caused by the strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis that are resistant to either rifampicin or both, i.e., rifampicin and isoniazid, and resistant to any fluoroquinolones. A splenic hydatid cyst is relatively rare and has never been reported in a case of pre-extensively drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. The present case is a rare case of a young Indian male who was diagnosed with pre-extensively drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis through a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test and second-line drug susceptibility testing. Further, a diagnostic radiometric investigation showed a giant hydatid cyst in the spleen. He was started on an all-oral longer treatment regimen per the existing protocols. However, his treatment was associated with multiple adverse drug reactions.

Enhancing Research Integrity and Publication Ethics: An Analysis of the Latest International Committee of Medical Journal Editors Recommendations.

In the ever-evolving landscape of biomedical research and publishing, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommendations serve as a critical framework for maintaining ethical standards. By providing a framework that adapts to technological advancements, the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommendations actively shape responsible and transparent practices, ensuring the integrity of scientific inquiry and fostering global collaboration in the ever-evolving landscape of medical publishing. This editorial delves into key aspects of the latest changes in the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommendations, focusing on authorship, conflict of interest disclosure, data sharing and reproducibility, medical publishing and carbon emissions, the use of artificial intelligence, and the challenges posed by predatory journals within the realm of open access. It emphasizes the importance of new recommendations, which represent a beacon of ethical guidance in the ever-evolving domain of biomedical research and publishing.

Transformative Frontiers: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Technologies in Modern Healthcare.

The rapid evolution of emerging technologies in healthcare is reshaping the field of medical practices and patient outcomes, ushering in an era of unprecedented innovation. This narrative review touches upon the transformative impacts of various technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), the internet of medical things (IoMT), remote patient monitoring (RPM), financial technology (fintech) integration, cloud migration, and the pivotal role of machine learning (ML). It emphasizes the collaborative impact of these technologies, which is reshaping the healthcare landscape. Virtual reality and AR revolutionize medical training, IoMT extends healthcare boundaries, RPM facilitates proactive care, and fintech integration enhances financial processes. Cloud migration ensures scalable and efficient data management, while ML harnesses algorithms for diagnostic precision and personalized treatment.

Post-tuberculosis Destroyed Lung Syndrome in an Indian Male: A Case Report.

The term "destroyed lung" signifies the complete degradation of lung tissues, typically due to chronic or recurring lung infections, with tuberculosis often identified as a primary culprit. This condition, when occurs after tuberculosis and is known as post-tubercular destroyed lung syndrome, poses considerable difficulties, especially in areas where tuberculosis is prevalent. This paper outlines a case study involving a 50-year-old Indian man afflicted with destroyed lung syndrome. Despite having undergone tuberculosis treatment three years earlier, the patient exhibited symptoms such as a dry cough, coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing. A comprehensive clinical evaluation and radiological assessments confirmed the diagnosis of destroyed lung syndrome, leading to the commencement of appropriate treatment.

Clinical Drug-Resistant Cutaneous Tuberculosis Presenting as Lupus Vulgaris Ulcerative Type in an Indian Female With Poncet's Disease: A First-of-Its-Type Report.

Tuberculosis of the skin is rare and a difficult diagnosis. Moreover, recurrent episodes of mycobacterial infection in the skin with Poncet's disease are rarely reported in females. Herein, the first of its type case of clinical drug-resistant tuberculosis of the skin in an Indian female is presented. She had a history of cutaneous tuberculosis five times in the past. At the sixth time, she came with complaints of an ulcerative lesion over her right forearm and cubital fossa with left knee swelling. The paucibacillary nature of the infection made the diagnosis exceedingly challenging. However, a detailed clinical examination with a suspicion of drug resistance resulted in management with significant clinical improvement.

Stigma in Tuberculosis: Time to Act on an Important and Largely Unaddressed Issue.

Tuberculosis has afflicted mankind for centuries, serving as a prevalent cause of morbidity and mortality in high-burden countries. Despite ongoing efforts in tuberculosis control, critical issues, such as the psychological impact of the disease, often go unaddressed. This editorial sheds light on a crucial aspect of tuberculosis: the stigma associated with the infection and its profound impact. Additionally, it offers suggestions to overcome the shortcomings in the psychological management of patients.

Tuberculosis of the Cervical Vertebrae With Retropharyngeal and Parapharyngeal Abscesses Due to Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an Adult: A Report of a Rare Case.

Tuberculosis is a disease with presentations both in the lungs and at other extrapulmonary sites. While pulmonary tuberculosis constitutes a significant proportion of total tuberculosis cases, extrapulmonary cases with infections at rare sites are also documented. Herein, an exceedingly rare case of tuberculosis of the cervical vertebrae with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses due to Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a young Indian male is presented. The rarity of the locations of the lesions with coinfections with two bacteria made the diagnosis challenging. Besides, the potential for a retropharyngeal abscess to compress the airway is an emergency situation. However, the ultimate diagnosis was achieved with the help of a radiograph of the neck, contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck, fine-needle aspiration cytology, and a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test. He was initiated on appropriate antibiotics and antituberculous chemotherapy per his weight.

Non-traumatic Diaphragmatic Eventration With Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Presenting As Pleural Effusion in an Indian Male: The First Report of Its Type.

Tuberculosis is rampant in endemic countries. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis, like pleural effusion, is infrequently reported in outpatient departments. However, diaphragmatic eventration is rare and is not reported in active tuberculosis. Herein, the first-of-its-type case of a diaphragmatic eventration with tuberculous right pleural effusion in an Indian male is presented. The diagnosis was challenging and achieved through radiometric investigations and diagnostic pleural tapping. He was put on an anti-tuberculous treatment based on his weight.

Tuberculosis of the Elbow Joint in an Indian Boy: A Rare Entity With a Diagnostic Challenge.

Tuberculosis of the bones and joints is an infrequently reported entity. Isolated involvement of the elbow joint is exceedingly rare, even in endemic countries. The diagnosis is an arduous task, especially if it presents in younger age groups. Herein, a case of tuberculosis of the right elbow joint in a seven-year-old Indian child is presented. The diagnosis was challenging due to the vague clinical features and rarity of the disease, but he was diagnosed after a detailed clinical examination along with a radiometric assessment. He was initiated on the appropriate chemotherapy.

Primary Rifampicin Mono-Resistant Tuberculosis of the Cervical, Mediastinal, and Axillary Lymphadenopathy in an Indian Male: A First-of-Its-Type Case.

Tuberculosis is common in endemic countries. However, extrapulmonary tuberculosis is relatively rare, and primary extrapulmonary rifampicin mono-resistant tuberculosis of the cervical, mediastinal, and axillary lymph nodes simultaneously without pulmonary focus in an immunocompetent male has never been reported. Herein is a case of a 27-year-old Indian male with no previous history of tuberculosis who was diagnosed after an extensive clinical assessment with a radiometric and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification assay of the swollen lymph nodes. He was put on antituberculous treatment per the all-oral longer regimen of the national program.

Spina Ventosa of the Left Second Metacarpal in an Adult Indian Male With No Pulmonary Involvement: A First-of-Its-Type Case.

Tuberculosis inflicting small bones is infrequently reported, even in endemic countries. A case of isolated involvement of the left second metacarpal in an adult Indian male with no pulmonary involvement is rare and has never been documented before in the medical literature. It's a diagnostic challenge due to non-specific clinical features, absence of constitutional signs of tuberculosis, ambiguity on radiograph films at early stages, and often results in delayed diagnosis. Moreover, it's a paucibacillary disease, and hence, diagnosis can be an arduous task. Herein, a case of a 20-year-old Indian male is presented who came with complaints of pain and swelling with a discharging sinus from the dorsum of his left hand. A detailed evaluation with the isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on a cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test helped in the diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antituberculous chemotherapy per his weight.

Discussing the Debate: Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma.

This editorial touches on the persistent debate related to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. It focuses on the different approaches involving leukocyte-rich and leukocyte-poor PRP formulations of the PRP. It looks into the reasons behind these approaches, their potential effects on clinical practice, i.e., pros and cons, and the evidence supporting each method within the field of regenerative medicine. Examining these different views highlights the complexity of PRP therapy. It's important to proceed carefully, relying on evidence to enhance patient outcomes. Understanding the ongoing debates can help healthcare professionals make informed decisions. We need to consider various factors before implementing PRP therapy, ensuring it's done responsibly.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis With Left Pleural Effusion and Lichen Scrofulosorum: A First-of-Its-Type Report.

Tuberculosis is prevalent in high-burden countries, but its cutaneous form, tuberculid, is rare and often misdiagnosed. Lichen scrofulosorum, a type of tuberculid, is uncommon and typically affects children and young adults, sometimes alongside other tuberculosis symptoms. Herein, a very rare case of lichen scrofulosorum in a 20-year-old Indian male with an underlying focus of tuberculosis in the lungs and pleura is presented. Prompt treatment after detailed lab work backed by clinical assessment helped in establishing the diagnosis. He was put on antitubercular therapy, which led to a marked improvement in skin and pulmonary lesions. However, he was lost to follow-up.