Journal of Global Medical Education and Research

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentation and laboratory profile of malaria in a cohort from a single peripheral hospital located in the Thar Desert, with a focus on distinguishing features between uncomplicated and complicated/relapsed cases of Plasmodium vivax malaria. Methods: A retrospective review of 123 confirmed malaria cases was conducted using hospital medical records. Clinical variables including age, sex, malaria type, G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase) deficiency, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were recorded. Laboratory parameters such as hemoglobin, platelet count, bilirubin and liver enzymes were analyzed. Statistical analysis involved independent t-tests to compare uncomplicated and complicated malaria cases. Results: Complicated/relapsed malaria patients exhibited significantly lower platelet counts (p<0.001) and elevated total bilirubin levels (p=0.016). No statistically significant differences were observed in hemoglobin, AST (aspartate amino-transferase) or ALT (alanine transaminase) levels. Conclusion: Platelet count and bilirubin levels may serve as early indicators of malaria severity. Findings highlight the need for enhanced diagnostic vigilance and monitoring strategies in populations residing in the malaria-endemic Thar Desert.

Gynecomastia is the benign proliferation of male breast glandular tissue due to hormonal imbalance. Though often physiological, it may occur due to systemic, neoplastic, or pharmacological causes. This review discusses the current understanding of gynecomastia's pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic approach, and updated treatment strategies

Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) has long served as the gold standard topical agent for burn wound infection control. Despite its broad-spectrum antimicrobial action, conventional SSD therapy has limitations such as poor solubility, delayed healing, and cytotoxicity. This review article discusses the evolution of SSD from traditional creams to sophisticated nanostructured formulations, including nanolotions, nanogels, and nanofibers, offering enhanced therapeutic efficacy, reduced toxicity, and improved healing outcomes. Recent advances, including ethosomal systems, lipid nanoparticles, and hybrid bioactive dressings, are also discussed in addition to nano-SSD’s pharmacological and clinical performance.

Wound healing is a multi-phase biological process often disrupted in chronic wounds. Scaffold-based therapies have advanced significantly, with newer techniques mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) to support tissue regeneration. Biological scaffolds provide natural bioactivity, while synthetic scaffolds offer tailored strength and controlled degradation. Emerging innovations include hybrid scaffolds that blend natural and synthetic polymers for optimal performance, nanotechnology-enhanced scaffolds for targeted drug delivery, and smart scaffolds that respond to wound stimuli like pH and infection. Clinically, these advancements have shown promise in managing diabetic foot ulcers, burns, and surgical wounds. This review summarises current scaffold technologies, their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and emerging trends to improve wound healing outcomes.