Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Medicine: A Comprehensive Toolkit for Change in Radiology.

This toolkit presents a comprehensive framework for a toolkit intended to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the medical field and recommendations. We advocate for clear, comprehensive definitions and interpretations of fundamental EDI terms, laying the groundwork necessary for initiating and maintaining EDI initiatives. Furthermore, we offer a systematic approach to establishing EDI committees within medical departments, accentuating the pivotal role these committees play as they drive and steer EDI strategies. This toolkit also explores strategies tailored for the recruitment of a diverse workforce. This includes integral aspects such as developing inclusive job advertisements, implementing balanced search methods for candidates, conducting unbiased appraisals of applications, and structuring diverse hiring committees. The emphasis on these strategies not only augments the diversity within medical institutions but also sets the stage for a more holistic approach to healthcare delivery. Therefore, by adopting the recommended strategies and guidelines outlined in this framework, medical institutions and specifically radiology departments can foster an environment that embodies inclusivity and equity, thereby enhancing the quality of patient care and overall health outcomes.

Recommendations for Improvement of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the CaRMs Selection Process.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the medical field is crucial for meeting the healthcare needs of a progressively diverse society. A diverse physician workforce enables culturally sensitive care, promotes health equity, and enhances the comprehension of the various needs and viewpoints of patients, ultimately resulting in more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes. However, despite the recognized benefits of diversity in the medical field, certain specialties, such as Radiology, have struggled to achieve adequate equity, diversity and inclusion, which results in a discrepancy in the demographics of Canadian radiologists and the patients we serve. In this review, we propose strategies from a committee within the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) EDI working group to improve EDI in the CaRMS selection process. By adopting these strategies, residency programs can foster a more diverse and inclusive environment that is better positioned to address the health needs of a progressively diverse patient population, leading to improved patient outcomes, greater patient satisfaction, and advancements in medical innovation.

Age Assessment through Root Lengths of Mandibular Second and Third Permanent Molars Using Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks.

The present study explores the efficacy of Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks in age assessment using the root length of the second and third molar teeth. A dataset of 1000 panoramic radiographs with intact second and third molars ranging from 12 to 25 years was archived. The length of the mesial and distal roots was measured using ImageJ software. The dataset was classified in three ways based on the age distribution: 2-Class, 3-Class, and 5-Class. We used Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression models to train, test, and analyze the root length measurements. The mesial root of the third molar on the right side was a good predictor of age. The SVM showed the highest accuracy of 86.4% for 2-class, 66% for 3-class, and 42.8% for 5-Class. The RF showed the highest accuracy of 47.6% for 5-Class. Overall the present study demonstrated that the Deep Learning model (fully connected model) performed better than the Machine Learning models, and the mesial root length of the right third molar was a good predictor of age. Additionally, a combination of different root lengths could be informative while building a Machine Learning model.

Brain-targeted glycyrrhizic-acid-loaded surface decorated nanoparticles for treatment of cerebral ischaemia and its toxicity assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Enhancement of CS-GA-PCL-NPs (Glycyrrhizic Acid-encapsulated-chitosan-coated-PCL-Nanoparticles) bioavailability in brain. METHODS: Double emulsification solvent evaporation method in order to develop CS-PCL-NPs (Chitosan-coated-PCL-Nanoparticles) followed by characterization of particle size and distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and drug release (in vitro). To determine drug-uptake and its pharmacokinetic profile in brain as well as plasma, UHPLC (triple quadrupole Q-trap) MS/MS method was developed and optimized for CS-GA-PCL-NPs as well as to follow-up examined effective role of optimized NPs in reduction of all brain injury parameters after MCAO through the grip strength, locomotor activity, inflammatory cytokines levels, measurement of infarction volume and histopathological changes in neurons with safety/toxicity after i.n. in animals. RESULTS: The developed NPs showed an average particle size, entrapment efficiency with PDI (polydispersity index) of 201.3 ± 4.6 nm, 77.94 ± 5.01% and 0.253 ± 0.019, respectively. Higher mucoadhesive property for CS-GA-PCL-NPs as compared to conventional and homogenized nanoformulations was observed whereas an elution time of 0.37 min and m/z of 821.49/113.41 for GA along with an elution time of 1.94 min and m/z of 363.45/121.40 was observed for hydrocortisone i.e. Internal standard (IS). Similarly, %CV i.e. inter and intra assay i.e. 0.49-4.41%, linear dynamic range (10-2000 ng/mL) and % accuracy of 90.00-99.09% was also observed. AUC0-24 with augmented Cmax was noted (**p < .01), in Wistar rat brain as compared to i.v. treated group during pharmacokinetics studies. In MCA-occluded rats, enhanced neurobehavioral activity i.e. locomotor and grip strength along with a decrease in cytokines level (TNF-α and IL-1ß) was observed, following i.n. administration. CONCLUSIONS: CS-coated-GA-loaded-PCL-NPs when administered i.n. enhanced the bioavailability of the drug in rat brain as compared to i.v. administration. The observation from toxicity study concludes; the developed NPS are safe and free of any health associated risk.

The crucible of Iraq--causes and consequences.

War can be seen as a crucible in which global geopolitical forces act on a population in a transformative manner. The psychological impact of war can be described in many ways, from the diagnostic to the narrative, from the intrapersonal to the relational. This paper explores whether the forces driving the conflict relate to the consequent psychological processes of those caught up in it. Geopolitical drivers, underlying global issues and the consequences on mental well-being are described. The models we use to define the consequences of war determine the degree to which the causes are seen as relevant to restorative, transformational or therapeutic processes; however a simple model reducing the consequences to traumatic events and symptoms, whilst having some validity, is not a sufficient description of the human experience. Understanding the causes and consequences of war is a multidisciplinary venture.