Extent of knowledge and attitudes on plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in South India - a multicentre, cross-sectional study to determine the need for incorporating research ethics in medical undergraduate curriculum.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate medical students in India participate in various research activities However, plagiarism is rampant, and we hypothesize that it is the lack of knowledge on how to avoid plagiarism. This study's objective was to measure the extent of knowledge and attitudes towards plagiarism among undergraduate medical students in India. METHODS: It was a multicentre, cross-sectional study conducted over a two-year period (January 2018 - December 2019). Undergraduate medical students were given a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire which contained: (a) Demographic details; (b) A quiz developed by Indiana University, USA to assess knowledge; and (c) Attitudes towards Plagiarism (ATP) questionnaire. RESULTS: Eleven medical colleges (n = 4 government medical colleges [GMCs] and n = 7 private medical colleges [PMCs]) participated. A total of N = 4183 students consented. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 4.54 (1.78) out of 10. The factors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 95% Confidence interval [CI]; p value) that emerged as significant predictors of poor knowledge score were early years of medical education (0.110; 0.063, 0.156; < 0.001) and being enrolled in a GMC (0.348; 0.233, 0.463; < 0.001).The overall mean (SD) scores of the three attitude components namely permissive, critical and submissive norms were 37.56 (5.25), 20.35 (4.20) and 31.20 (4.28) respectively, corresponding to the moderate category. CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge score was poor. A vast majority of study participants fell in the moderate category of attitude score. These findings warrant the need for incorporating formal training in the medical education curriculum.

Synergistic Effect of Mercury and Chromium on the Histology and Physiology of Fish, Tilapia Mossambica (Peters, 1852) and Lates calcarifer Calcarifer (Bloch, 1790).

Fingerlings of estuarine fishes, Tilapia mossambica and Lates calcarifer were exposed to sub-lethal concentration of mercury and chromium (2.8 ppm) for a period of 28 days. When these fish were exposed to metals concentration, severe gills alterations were observed. But the alteration was less in fish T. mossambica when compared to that of L. calcarife. The fish L. calcarifer exposed to mercury plus chromium, showed lifting up of the epithelium, swelling, hyperplasia, hypertrophy, proliferation of chloride cells, but in mercury treatment, lamellar fusions, fused secondary lamella and necrosis were observed, whereas in T. mossambica the gills disintegration of epithelial cells, desquamated epithelium, hemorrhaged and exhibited complete damage of epithelial cells of lamellae. The Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity of both gills and plasma showed significant reduction throughout the experiment period in both fishes. The enzyme activity was more drastic in the case of plasma. The results are discussed in relation to the significance of the above enzyme as non-specific biomarkers against environmental stress.

A Rare Case of Bilateral Popliteal Artery Occlusion.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition of the upper and lower extremities caused by atherosclerosis. It is often accompanied by symptomatic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and is a major risk factor for amputation of an extremity. Timely diagnosis and intervention can prevent morbidity in these patients. We describe a case of a 48-year-old man with multiple co-morbidities who presented to our emergency department (ED) complaining of acute onset of bilateral leg pain. He was found to have bilateral acute popliteal artery occlusion confirmed by angiography of the lower limbs. Treatment was started early, right after reaching the provisional diagnosis. Popliteal artery occlusion is quite common, but it becomes a rare diagnosis when it happens bilaterally. Detailed evaluation of the peripheral arterial circulation and an early diagnosis seem to be important in the ED management of these patients.

Functional outcome of Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated with dual plates.

BACKGROUND: Dual plate fixation in comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures remains controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation, specifically through compromised soft tissues, has historically been associated with major wound complications. Alternate methods of treatment have been described, each with its own merits and demerits. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the functional outcome of lateral and medial plate fixation of Schatzker type V and VI fractures through an anterolateral approach, and a medial minimally invasive approach or a posteromedial approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We treated 46 tibial plateau fractures Schatzker type V and VI with lateral and medial plates through an anterolateral approach and a medial minimal invasive approach over an 8 years period. Six patients were lost to followup. Radiographs in two planes were taken in all cases. Immediate postoperative radiographs were assessed for quality of reduction and fixation. The functional outcome was evaluated according to the Oxford Knee Score criteria on followup. RESULTS: Forty patients (33 men and 7 women) who completed the followup were included in the study. There were 20 Schatzker type V fractures and 20 Schatzker type VI fractures. The mean duration of followup was 4 years (range 1-8 years). All patients had a satisfactory articular reduction defined as ≤2 mm step-off or gap as assessed on followup. All patients had a good coronal and sagittal plane alignment, and articular width as assessed on supine X-rays of the knee in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. The functional outcome, as assessed by the Oxford Knee Score, was excellent in 30 patients and good in 10 patients. All patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity and employment. There were no instances of deep infection. CONCLUSIONS: Dual plate fixation of severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures is an excellent treatment option as it provides rigid fixation and allows early knee mobilization. Careful soft tissue handling and employing minimal invasive techniques minimizes soft tissue complications.