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The anatomy of a research paper (explained)
The anatomy of a research paper (eazch section and its content explained)
1. Title Page
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Title of the paper
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Author(s) name(s)
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Affiliation(s)
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Contact information
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Date of submission
2. Abstract
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A concise summary of the research, including background, objectives, methods, results, and conclusion (usually 150-250 words).
3. Keywords
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A list of relevant terms to help in indexing and searching the paper.
4. Introduction
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Background information
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Research problem and significance
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Objectives and research questions
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Hypothesis (if applicable)
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Overview of the paper
5. Literature Review
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Summary of existing research
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Identification of gaps in knowledge
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Justification for the current study
6. Methodology (Materials and Methods)
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Study design
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Population/sample selection
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Data collection methods
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Tools, instruments, or techniques used
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Statistical analysis methods
7. Results
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Presentation of findings using text, tables, graphs, and figures
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Statistical analysis and interpretation
8. Discussion
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Interpretation of results
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Comparison with previous studies
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Implications of the findings
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Limitations of the study
9. Conclusion
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Summary of key findings
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Practical applications or recommendations
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Future research directions
10. References
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List of all cited sources following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Vancouver).
11. Appendices (if needed)
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Supplementary materials such as questionnaires, raw data, additional tables, or figures.
Kawasaki disease Mnemonics
Clinical features of Kawasaki disease: CREAM:
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C-Conjunctivitis (non-exudative); non purulent
conjuncivits - R-Rash (Polymorphous non-vesicular)
- E-Edema (or erythema of hands or feet)
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A-Adenopathy (cervical, often unilateral and non
suppurative) - M-Mucosal involvement (strawberry tongue
Important facts about Kawasaki disease
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80% cases occur prior to age of 5 years with peak incidence < 2
years. - Kawasaki diseaseis an Acute febrile multisystem disease of children.
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Prolonged fever over 5 days that isunresponsive to antibiotics is
seen. -
Although the disease is generally benign & self limiting it is
associated coronary artery aneurysm in 25% of cases. - Non suppurative cervical lymphadenopathy is characteristic.
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| Source: cleaveland clinic |
All are features of Kawasaki disease, except
a) Peak incidence at age > 5 years
b) Aneurysm of coronary
artery
c) Enlarged lymph nodes
d) Fever
Correct answer
a) Peak incidence at age > 5 years
Important Names in Epidemilogy & Epidemilogical study and their types ( and Bonus MCQ)
Important People’s Names in Epidemilogy
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Hippocrates ← Father of modern medication introduced the concept of human
health being closely related to environment.
- Germ theory of disease proponed by → Louis Pasteur
- Pioneering concept of immunization → Early Chinese physician
- Concept of social medicine introduced by →Jules Guerin
- Father of Indian medicine → Dhanvantari
- Father of modern surgery → Joseph Lister
- Father of epidemiology/modern epidemiology → John snow
- Father of biology → Greggor A Mandal
- Father of Modern anatomy → Vasalius
- Father of physiology → cloud Bernard
- Father of psychoanalysis → diamond Freud
- Father of Homeopathy: Semeul Hahneman
- Father of Anti -Sepsis → Joseph Lister.
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Edward gjenner discovered small pox vaccine which was the 1st ever vaccine
to be discovered.
MCQ: Epidemiological determinants are all except:
Types of Epidemiological studies
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| Study | Unit of Study |
|---|---|
| Observation Studies | Descriptive Studies (Formation of Hypothesis) |
| – Case Reports | |
| – Case Series | |
| Analytic Studies (Testing of Hypothesis) | |
|
– Case-Control or Case Reference (Individual) – Cohort or Follow-up (Individual) – Cross-Sectional or Prevalence Study (Population, Individual) |
|
| Experimental/Intervention Studies (Testing of Hypothesis) | – Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials (Patient) |
| – Field Trials or Community Intervention Studies (Healthy Population) | |
| – Community Trials (Communities) | |
| – Animal Studies |
Bleeding Disorders Notes
Table of Contents(toc)
Prolonged PT (extrinsic pathway factors):
- Inherited: Factor VII deficiency
- Acquired: mild vitamin K deficiency, Liver disease, warfarin
Prolonged aPTT (intrinsic pathway factors):
- Inherited:
- factors VIII, IX, XI deficiency;
- factor XII,
- Prekallikrein or HMW kininogen deficiency
- Von Willebrand disease
- Acquired:
- Heparin,
- lupus anticoagulant,
- acquired Von Willebrand disease
Prolonged PT and Prolonged aPTT (common pathway factors):
- Inherited:
- Prothrombin (II),
- Fibrinogen (I),
- factor V and factor X deficiencies
- Acquired:
- DIC,
- severe liver disease,
- severe vitamin K deficiency,
- Direct thrombin inhibitor – agratroban,
- dabigatran,
- Direct factor Xa inhibitor – rivaroxaban, apixaban, edoxaban, fondaparinaux Continue reading Bleeding Disorders Notes
Important Points in Epidemiology
Question
| a germ |
Important Points in Epidemiology
Impoortant Definitions
- Primary case 1st case of a communicable d/s introduced into population unit which is studied (in an epidemic), which may or may not come to observer’s attention.
- Screening time – interval between 1st clinical detection & final critical point.
- Lead time time lag between 1st possible detection & usual time of diagnosis.
- Serial interval – Gap in time b/t primary & secondary case (measures incubation period)
- Generation time time interval between receipt of infection & maximum infectivity of host.
- Latent infection during which infectious agent is not shaded or not demonstrable in blood/ tissue.
Chlorine & its compounds in sanitation (this is how hospitals kill bacteria roaming in the floor)
What are the Chlorine compounds used for disinfecting and sanitation purpose?
Chlorine tab
Chlorine gas
Perchloran
How do chlorine tablets work?
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Oxidizing Agent: Chlorine acts as a strong oxidizer, breaking down cell membranes and disrupting essential cellular processes in microorganisms.
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Hypochlorous Acid Formation: When added to water, chlorine forms hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is more effective at penetrating microbial cell walls than hypochlorite ions (OCl⁻).
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Protein Denaturation: Chlorine reacts with microbial proteins, leading to their denaturation and loss of function, which ultimately kills the microorganism.
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Disruption of DNA & Enzymes: Chlorine damages microbial DNA and inhibits enzymatic activity, preventing replication and metabolism.
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Broad-Spectrum Activity: Effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, including pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae.
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Residue Effect: Leaves a residual disinfectant effect in treated water, preventing recontamination over time.
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Chlorination Byproducts: Can produce disinfection byproducts (DBPs) like trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which require monitoring for safety.
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Effective in Various Forms: Available as chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite (liquid bleach), calcium hypochlorite (solid), and chloramine for different disinfection needs.
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Water pH Dependency: The effectiveness depends on water pH, with optimal disinfection occurring at pH 6-7 where hypochlorous acid predominates.
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Fast-Acting: Works quickly to kill pathogens, typically within minutes, depending on concentration and exposure time.
When pool chlorine (commonly sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite) is added to water, it undergoes hydrolysis to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which then dissociates to release nascent chlorine (Cl•), a highly reactive disinfectant.
Chemical Reactions for Pool Chlorine in Water
-
For Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl):
NaOCl+H2O→HOCl+NaOHNaOCl + H_2O rightarrow HOCl + NaOH
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For Calcium Hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)₂):
Ca(OCl)2+2H2O→2HOCl+Ca(OH)2Ca(OCl)_2 + 2H_2O rightarrow 2HOCl + Ca(OH)_2
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Dissociation of Hypochlorous Acid (pH-dependent reaction):
HOCl⇌H++OCl−HOCl rightleftharpoons H^+ + OCl^-
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Formation of Nascent Chlorine (Reactive Form of Chlorine):
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In acidic to neutral conditions, hypochlorous acid undergoes further dissociation to release nascent chlorine:
HOCl→HCl+[O]HOCl rightarrow HCl + [O]
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The nascent oxygen ([O]) is a powerful oxidizer that destroys microbes by attacking their cell structures.
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In water, HOCl can also directly release Cl• (chlorine radicals), contributing to its strong disinfecting power.
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Possible MCQ
Solution
Is ST change always an MI? Top 18 Differentials of ST elevation you must know
18 Differential diagnoses of ST elevation
What is ECG?
What is ST segment in an ECG?
What are causes of ST Segment elevation?
Should I get an ECG done to check ST segment elevation?
What is an 12 lead ECG?
What is position of leads in 12 lead ECG?
How does the knee jerk work?
What is knee jerk?
- Definition: A monosynaptic reflex that tests the integrity of the L2-L4 spinal segments and the femoral nerve.
- Stimulus: Tapping the patellar tendon with a reflex hammer
- Response: Contraction of the quadriceps muscle, causing leg extension at the knee.
How does knee jerk work?
Pathway:
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Sensory input via muscle spindle (intrafusal fibers) of quadriceps.
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Afferent impulse travels via the femoral nerve to the L2-L4 spinal cord.
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Synapses directly with an alpha motor neuron (monosynaptic).
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Efferent impulse sent back through the femoral nerve to the quadriceps.
| physioogical pathway of knee jerk |
What is Use of Knee Jerk in daily life?
- Function: Maintains posture and balance, prevents knee buckling.
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Clinical Significance:
- Hyperreflexia → Suggests upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion.
- Hyporeflexia/Absent reflex → Suggests lower motor neuron (LMN) lesion or peripheral nerve dysfunction.
- Westphal’s Sign → Absence of knee jerk, seen in LMN lesions, neuropathies, or spinal cord damage.
What are Associated Conditions with abnormal Knee Jerk reflex:
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Upper Motor Neuron (UMN) Lesions (Hyperreflexia)
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Stroke (CVA)
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Spinal cord injury (above L2-L4 level)
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (UMN phase)
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
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Cerebral palsy
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Brain tumors affecting corticospinal tract
Lower Motor Neuron (LMN) Lesions (Hyporeflexia or Absent Reflex)
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Peripheral neuropathy (e.g., diabetic neuropathy)
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Guillain-Barré syndrome
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Poliomyelitis
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Radiculopathy (L2-L4 nerve root compression, herniated disc)
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (LMN phase)
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Cauda equina syndrome
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Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
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Lumbar plexopathy (e.g., trauma, diabetes, neoplastic infiltration)
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Question for practice
Delayed relaxation of ankle jerk is seen in:
Explanation
MCQ 2:
A 60-year-old male presents with weakness in both lower limbs and increased knee jerk reflexes. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A) Guillain-Barré syndrome
B) Diabetic neuropathy
C) Spinal cord injury (above L2)
D) Cauda equina syndrome
Answer: ✅ C) Spinal cord injury (above L2)
Explanation:
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The knee jerk reflex (L2-L4) is exaggerated (hyperreflexia) in UMN lesions.
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Spinal cord injury above L2 disrupts the descending inhibitory control from the brain, leading to increased reflexes (hyperreflexia).
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Guillain-Barré syndrome (A) and diabetic neuropathy (B) cause LMN lesions, leading to absent or reduced reflexes (hyporeflexia).
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Cauda equina syndrome (D) affects the lumbar and sacral nerve roots, causing flaccid paralysis and absent knee jerk reflex.
Thus, the most likely diagnosis is spinal cord injury above L2, causing bilateral weakness with hyperreflexia.
I was so scared I would GO BLIND but my doctor said THIS!
What is red eye?
usually a harmless condition resulting from a broken blood vessel in the white
of the eye (sclera) and typically resolves on its own within a few weeks.
Here’s a more detailed explanation on why eye becomes suddenly red:
There are various causes of red eyes. Out of which some are emergency
conditions while others may not be that serious.
| Category | Painful Causes | Painless Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Causes |
|
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| Non-Emergency Causes |
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What is a subconjunctival hemorrhage?
Subconjunctival Hemorrhage
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Common in elderly (>80 years), often linked to hypertension.
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In young (<40 years), usually due to ocular trauma or contact lens use.
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Risk factors: coagulopathy (anticoagulation), diabetes, Valsalva (coughing, vomiting), amyloidosis, Kaposi sarcoma.
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Can occur spontaneously during sleep.
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Circumferential hemorrhage after blunt trauma may indicate globe rupture
Cause:
A subconjunctival hemorrhage occurs when a small blood vessel beneath the
conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white of the eye) ruptures.
Appearance:
|
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| large subcinjunctival hemorrhage |
This causes a bright red patch on the white of the eye, which can look
alarming but is usually not serious.
Common causes:
Sneezing, coughing, straining, or even rubbing the eye too hard can cause a
blood vessel to rupture.
Other causes:
High blood pressure, certain medications (like blood thinners), and eye
injuries can also contribute.
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| notes in conjunctivitis |
Symptoms:
The most obvious symptom is a bright red patch on the white of the eye. You
might experience a scratchy feeling on the surface of the eye, but vision,
pain, or discharge are usually not affected.
When to seek medical attention:
Recurrent hemorrhages:
If you experience repeated subconjunctival hemorrhages, it’s a good idea to
consult with a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
Other symptoms:
If you experience sudden vision changes, eye pain, or other concerning
symptoms along with the red eye, seek immediate medical attention.
Suspected eye injury:
If you suspect an eye injury or a foreign object in the eye, seek medical
attention.
Bleeding elsewhere:
If you notice bleeding in other parts of your body, consult with a doctor.
Treatment and Prognosis:
Most cases resolve on their own:
Subconjunctival hemorrhages typically
resolve within a few weeks without any specific treatment.
No need for treatment:
Unless there’s an underlying medical condition or eye injury, no treatment
is usually needed.
Symptom relief:
You may use artificial tears to soothe any scratchy feeling.
|
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| notes in conjunctivitis |
Follow-up:
Make sure to follow up with your doctor as needed, and be sure to make and
go to all appointments.
Other causes of red eyes
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Uncommon but may signal serious ocular injury (e.g., open globe, hyphema).
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4% of ocular trauma cases in a large study.
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Often work-related; linked to airbag deployment, projectiles, compressed air, paintball injuries.
Conjunctival Foreign Bodies
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Common: sand, dirt, eyelashes, plant material, metal (welding, grinding).
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Rarely, retained foreign bodies cause prolonged symptoms.
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| notes in conjunctivitis |
