Bangalore Diabetes Centre

Introduction: Digitalization has rapidly transformed healthcare education, influencing how nursing students access information, learn clinical skills, and prepare for professional practice. The integration of digital tools such as online learning platforms, mobile applications, electronic health records, and simulation technologies has enhanced learning opportunities in nursing education. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge of nursing students regarding digital technologies used in education and healthcare. To identify the digital practices adopted by nursing students for academic learning and clinical training. To evaluate the influence of digitalization on the academic performance of nursing students. To determine the association between students’ knowledge and digital practices with their academic performance. Methods:A descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. The study included a total sample of 100 nursing students studying at Father Mathew College of Nursing, Bangalore. The non-experimental method was used in this study. Result: Pearson correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship between knowledge and academic performance (r = 0.60, p<0.01) and between digital practices and academic performance (r = 0.62, p<0.01). These results indicate that students with higher theoretical knowledge and greater use of digital tools tend to perform better academically. The findings highlight the significant role of digitalization in enhancing nursing education outcomes. Conclusion:The study concludes that students’ knowledge and digital practices are significantly associated with academic performance. Greater engagement with digital tools enhances learning outcomes and clinical preparedness, highlighting the vital role of digitalization in nursing education. Integrating technology effectively can improve both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

Background: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) is increasingly explored beyond cosmetic applications, with interest in its regenerative potential for hand conditions such as cutaneous systemic sclerosis, thumb base osteoarthritis, Dupuytren contracture, burn scars, trauma and congenital hand deformities. This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic efficacy, techniques and outcomes associated with AFG across pathological hand conditions. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in July 2023 using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science. Studies were included if they involved autologous fat or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) grafting for therapeutic purposes in hand conditions. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB 2.0 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the MINORS tool for non-RCTs. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed throughout. Results: Twenty-five studies were included (8 RCTs, 17 non-RCTs), involving a total of 909 patients. Conditions studied included systemic sclerosis (n=7 studies), thumb base osteoarthritis (n=7), Dupuytren contracture (n=6), burn-related scars (n=2), hand trauma (n=2) and congenital deformities (n=2). AFG was most consistently associated with improvements in pain (visual analogue scale [VAS]), joint mobility (range of motion) and functional scores such as the Cochin Hand Function Scale (CHFS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), particularly in systemic sclerosis and thumb base osteoarthritis. Findings in Dupuytren's contracture were mixed, with observational studies reporting early improvements but RCTs showing higher recurrence rates. Outcomes for burn scars, trauma and congenital deformities were less consistent. Techniques for fat harvesting, processing and injection varied widely. Conclusions: AFG shows therapeutic potential across several hand conditions, with the strongest current evidence supporting its use in systemic sclerosis and thumb base osteoarthritis. However, significant methodological heterogeneity and limited high-level evidence remain. Further robust, standardised RCTs are needed to clarify indications, optimise techniques and assess long-term outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology has revolutionized cancer therapy, yet its full potential remains untapped within the innate immune system. Beyond CAR-T cells, a growing cadre of MHC-independent effectors, including NK cells, macrophages, γδ T cells and the emerging innate-like T cells such as invariant NKT (iNKT) and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, offer complementary mechanisms for tumor recognition and elimination. These platforms combine facile, off-the-shelf manufacture from healthy donors with low graft-versus-host disease risk and a reduced propensity for severe cytokine release syndromes. Mechanistically, they span missing-self and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (NK), phagocytosis and cross-presentation (macrophages), stress-ligand recognition (γδ T cells), and rapid, tissue-tropic, TCR-mediated responses to conserved lipid and metabolite antigens (iNKT via CD1d; MAIT via MR1). CAR engineering of these cells leverages their innate rapidity, innate/adaptive cross-talk, and distinctive homing to confront heterogeneous and immune-evasive tumors. Here, we synthesize recent advances in cell design, dual/split CARs, switchable control systems, armored payloads and synthetic-biology circuits, and evaluate translational progress, manufacturing bottlenecks, and regulatory considerations. We argue that integrating innate and innate-like programs with precision CAR architectures will yield a new generation of universal, resilient cellular therapeutics with broadened antigen reach, improved safety profiles, and enhanced capacity to overcome the suppressive tumor microenvironment.

Introduction:Primary teeth serve as the best space maintainer for permanent dentition. However, in cases with premature loss of primary teeth, the best way to prevent future malocclusion would be to place an effective space maintainer.Aim:This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of intraorally scanned and direct metal laser sintered (DMLS) band and loop space maintainers in terms of survival rate, gingival health, and patient satisfaction.Materials and Methodology:In this pilot study, 10 children aged between 4 and 9 years who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Intraoral scanning was performed, and a 3D cast was printed, on which a band and loop space maintainer was fabricated. The printed band and loop were cemented and evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months. Patient satisfaction was assessed at baseline. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Friedman test.Result:The survival rate showed a statistically significant improvement over time, with mean scores increasing from 1.20 at baseline to 2.0 at 6 months (P = 0.001). Gingival inflammation progressively increased from a score of 1.0-2.0 over time, showing a statistically significant difference (P = 0.049). Patient satisfaction at baseline was generally high.Conclusion:The findings highlight 3D printing as a promising advancement in pediatric dentistry, combining superior performance with enhanced patient satisfaction.

The OECD countries are committed to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13, which focuses on mitigating climate change. It is crucial to underscore the interplay of several factors such as information and communication technology (ICT) adoption, per capita income, renewable energy, manufacturing activity, governance quality, and uncertainty to attain this goal. This study contributes to the literature by examining the potential role of these factors in mitigating climate change and achieving environmental sustainability in the OECD countries from 2000 to 2023, utilizing Panel Fixed Effects and Panel Quantile Regression models. The findings indicate that ICT adoption, renewable energy usage, and WUI contribute to reducing CO2 emissions among OECD countries. In contrast, higher per capita income, increased manufacturing activity, and enhanced governance are associated with rising CO2 emissions. Policy suggestions focus on the role of advanced ICTs in reducing CO2 emissions, moving towards a low-carbon economy coupled with transforming the fossil fuel economy to a renewable energy one, and utilizing the role of multilateralism in achieving environmental sustainability.

Purpose Gender disparities in financial inclusion hinder women’s economic empowerment and constrain global economic growth. This study examines the evolution of financial inclusion gaps between men and women across G20 countries from 2017 to 2021, investigating gender disparities in seven key segments: financial institution account ownership, saving and borrowing behavior, debit/credit card ownership, digital payments and online financial activities. By leveraging data from the Global Findex Database 2021 and employing descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, this study aims to determine whether significant gender gaps exist in financial access and usage. Design/methodology/approach This study analyzes gender disparities in financial inclusion across G20 countries. Utilizing data from the Global Findex Database 2021 and employing descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, the study found no statistically significant gender differences across the examined variables in the G20 sample, contrasting with global trends indicating persistent gender gaps. However, country-level analysis revealed notable disparities, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Brazil. Findings The findings highlight the necessity of targeted measures to close the gender gap, such as financial literacy initiatives, broader digital access, trust-building efforts and the development of gender-responsive financial products. The study supports the policy approaches of the World Economic Forum and the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, stressing the critical role of regulatory reforms, digital financial services and collaborative partnerships in advancing women’s financial inclusion. Practical implications The study underscores the urgent need for policy-driven actions to close gender gaps in financial inclusion. Governments and financial institutions should expand digital access, improve financial literacy and develop gender-sensitive products to empower women. Strengthening regulations, fostering public–private partnerships and using gender-disaggregated data—especially in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Brazil—can create inclusive financial ecosystems. Trust-building initiatives and fintech innovations are also key to ensuring women’s equitable access to digital payments, credit and other services. By addressing these areas, G20 countries can advance gender equality in digital finance, economically empower women and support sustainable development aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5. Originality/value This study offers a unique contribution by analyzing gender disparities in financial inclusion exclusively within G20 countries from 2017 to 2021, using Global Findex Database 2021. Unlike prior research that highlights persistent global gender gaps, this study finds no significant disparities at the G20 level, while uncovering country-specific differences in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Brazil. The study employs a Wilcoxon rank-sum test, providing a robust statistical approach. Furthermore, it aligns with the World Economic Forum and the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion frameworks, offering policy-relevant insights and practical recommendations. These findings contribute to the evolving discourse on digital financial inclusion and gender equity in high-impact economies.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder with heterogeneous phenotypes. The symptoms range from mild to life-threatening features. Azathioprine (AZA) is a routinely used immunosuppressive agent in mild to moderate SLE. Although bone marrow suppression is reported in AZA usage, severe alopecia is not very common with AZA. We report a 45-year-old female with stable clinical and serological lupus maintained on mycophenolate mofetil 500 mg twice per day and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg once per day. She was lost to follow-up with us for >1 year. Since her disease was stable, we switched to AZA 25 mg twice per day to start with and escalated to 50 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night after 2 weeks, with an advice for 4-week follow-up after starting AZA. Hydroxychloroquine was continued at 200 mg once per day. No corticosteroids were used at this time as it was not deemed necessary. Monitoring blood tests for AZA were planned at 4 weeks. She presented at 6 weeks with severe leukopenia as summarized in the table of investigations below and the graph summarizing the trend in leukocyte counts after AZA usage. She was managed in the hospital with intravenous dexamethasone, antibiotic prophylaxis, and hematology consultation, who opined as AZA-induced severe bone marrow suppression and severe alopecia due to AZA. Bone marrow examination was not deemed necessary by the hematologist. AZA was stopped in the hospital and mycophenolate mofetil was prescribed in the immediate follow-up after discharge, as she had previously responded to this drug. Hydroxychloroquine continued throughout her hospital stay. Although her blood counts responded very well after AZA withdrawal, it took nearly 3 months for her to have her normal scalp hair. One of the major differentials that was considered was SLE flare-up, but her clinical features and serology did not support a lupus flare. Bone marrow suppression is a severe complication of AZA in SLE. Leukopenia and hair loss are the major adverse effects reported during the therapy of AZA. It is sensible to recognize this relationship as prompt diagnosis and treatment is crucial.