Advances in Clinical Medical Research

THE ROLE OF RADIOGRAPHERS IN THE ERA OF AI-ASSISTED MAMMOGRAPHY: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND EVOLVING RESPONSIBILITIES

2026-02-20T10:10:26+00:00

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in mammography is a powerful trend that has the potential to completely change the field of breast imaging, offering the possibilities of increasing the accuracy of diagnosis, making the workflow more efficient, and extending the role of radiographers. The entire process of handling medical imaging begins when machine learning and deep learning algorithms enable image acquisition and quality assessment combined with lesion detection and case prioritization which results in decreased recall rates and reduced radiographer workloads. The author of this review looks at the changing roles of radiographers who are working with AI in the field of mammography and stresses the demand for professionals to change and collaborate with other areas of the medical industry. Improved image quality and consistency are the main benefits along with receiving the support of the decision-making process with real-time performance feedback, and having a larger career role in AI workflow management, quality assurance, and research participation. Through responsible and collaborative use of AI, radiographers can not only elevate clinical practice but also participate in improving breast cancer detection and providing evidence-based, patient-centred imaging services. The paper presents multiple opportunities and challenges together with new responsibilities which radiologists must assume to implement AI technology in mammography work while providing essential guidance for clinical practice and educational development and policy creation.

EFFICACY OF MODIFIED THORACOABDOMINAL NERVE BLOCK THROUGH PERICHONDRIAL APPROACH (M-TAPA) FOR POSTOPERATIVE PAIN RELIEF IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY- A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

2026-02-20T10:01:11+00:00

ABSTRACT

Background: Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through the perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) is a novel block. In this block, the local anesthetic (LA) spread is not inhibited by the linea semilunaris, as seen in the case of the transversus abdominis plane block. Limited literature is available about the extent and duration of analgesia to date. Hence, we planned the present study to evaluate the efficacy of M-TAPA in providing postoperative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Materials & Methods:In this prospective randomized controlled trial, thirty adult patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated to Group M (M-TAPA block) and Group N (no block). The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of the M-TAPA block in reducing the analgesic consumption in the initial 24 postoperative hours. Secondary objectives were to assess the effect of the block on pain scores in the first postoperative 24 hours, the time to make the first rescue analgesic request, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, and the number of dermatomes anesthetized.

Results:Thirty patients were analyzed.In Group M, significantly lower pain scores during the initial four postoperative hours, along with a prolongation of the time for first rescue analgesia (308.33 ± 64.69 vs 13.93 ± 4.11 min, p<0.0001),and lower analgesic requirements were recorded. The T8-T10 dermatomes were uniformly blocked in all patients bilaterally for the first 24 hours. A considerable number of patients exhibited both cranial (T6-T7) and caudal (T11-T12) sensory blockade in both anterior and lateral cutaneous branches. Regression of the caudal spread and complete disappearance of the cranial spread were noted at 24 hours.

Conclusion:M-TAPA block provides uniform sensory blockade of both anterior and lateral cutaneous branches in T8-T10 dermatomes. This approach was found to be effective in reducing postoperative analgesic consumption in patients undergoing LC.

ASSOCIATION OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS WITH SERUM VITAMIN D3 LEVELS IN UNDERWEIGHT FEMALE ADOLESCENTS AGED 10–20 YEARS

2026-02-20T10:06:30+00:00

Background: COVID-19 lockdowns and prolonged online schooling markedly reduced outdoor activity and sunlight exposure among adolescents, potentially increasing the risk of vitamin D deficiency. While low vitamin D levels are well documented in individuals with high body mass index (BMI), limited evidence exists regarding its association with low BMI during the pandemic. Aim: To evaluate the association of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions with serum vitamin D3 levels in female students aged 10–20 years with low body mass index (BMI)

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 144 female students and patients aged 10–20 years, recruited from a tertiary care hospital and an associated university. BMI was calculated using standard methods, and a low BMI was defined as <18.5 kg/m². Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were estimated using a Bio-Rad D10 Analyzer. Vitamin D status was classified as severely deficient (<10 ng/mL), mildly to moderately deficient (10–24 ng/mL), or optimal (25–80 ng/mL). Comparisons between the BMI groups were performed using an unpaired t-test.

Results: Fifty percent of the participants were underweight. Severe vitamin D deficiency was observed in 52.7% of the subjects, while 30.5% had mild-to-moderate deficiency. The mean serum vitamin D level was 16.93 ng/mL. Underweight participants had significantly lower vitamin D levels (13.12 ± 1.65 ng/mL) than those with a normal BMI (20.81 ± 2.80 ng/mL), with a mean difference of 7.692 ± 3.252 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Female adolescents with low BMI demonstrated significantly reduced vitamin D3 levels following COVID-19 restrictions, highlighting the need for early screening and preventive strategies in this vulnerable population group.