Advancements in methanol poisoning management: Integrating traditional treatments, modern innovations, and artificial intelligence for optimal patient outcomes

Background. Methanol poisoning presents a serious medical emergency characterized by a high potential for morbidity and mortality. Effective management is crucial and traditionally involves the administration of antidotes like ethanol or fomepizole and supportive measures such as hemodialysis. Recent advances in treatment strategies and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into clinical decision-making have further evolved the management landscape. Objective. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of current treatment modalities for methanol poisoning, compare traditional methods with newer advancements, and explore the role of AI in optimizing patient outcomes. Methods. A detailed review of literature and treatment guidelines was conducted, focusing on the use of ethanol, fomepizole, and hemodialysis. Advances in treatment strategies and the implementation of AI models in clinical settings were also examined. The review includes a flow chart depicting the treatment protocol and a comparison table highlighting the efficacy of various interventions. Results. Ethanol and fomepizole remain the primary antidotes for methanol poisoning, each with distinct advantages. Ethanol, a competitive inhibitor of alcohol dehydrogenase, is effective but requires careful dosing. Fomepizole, a more specific inhibitor, offers benefits in terms of safety and dosing ease. Hemodialysis is critical in severe cases to accelerate the removal of methanol and its toxic metabolites. Recent developments in AI have shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and personalizing treatment strategies. Conclusion. While traditional methods of treating methanol poisoning remain foundational, recent advancements and AI integration offer significant improvements. AI models can enhance early diagnosis, predict treatment outcomes, and support clinical decision-making. Continued research and development in these areas are essential for optimizing treatment protocols and improving patient outcomes

Prevalence of Tobacco Use and Its Associated Factors among School Going Adolescents in Birgunj Sub-Metropolitan, Nepal

Tobacco use means consumption of any form of tobacco products either smoked or smokeless. Common used tobacco products are cigarette, cigars, pipe tobacco and favored Sisha tobacco, Surti/khaini, Panmasala, and Gutkha. It is one of the major causes of preventable mortality and morbidity worldwide. Objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of tobacco use and its associated factors among higher secondary school going adolescents of Birgunj Sub-metropolitan, Nepal. A schools based cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out using self-administrative questionnaire and it was prepared based on Global Youth Tobacco Survey. It was developed and validated for assessing the tobacco use among adolescents. Amongst 16 higher secondary schools, three public and three private schools were selected randomly. Similarly required sample (307) were recruited as proportionately from each school considering number of students studying in each selected school from August to December 2016. Prevalence of ever use of tobacco was 15.6 %. Cigarette was the most (70.8%) commonly used as tobacco product. The average age of initiation of tobacco use was 13.96++2.62 year. More than half (52.1%) of the tobacco users purchased tobacco from shops. Peer pressure (45.8%) was one of the major influencing factors of ever use of tobacco. Age, gender, friends pressure and parent's education were found significantly associated with ever use of tobacco among students. Nearly one-fifth adolescents used some type of tobacco products in last six month. Tobacco used by parents, peers and others family members at home and public places, and easy access of tobacco products were the major influencing factors of tobacco use among students. School and community based awareness programs and tobacco control legislations should be implemented consistently to control and discourage the consumption of tobacco products.&#x0D; Keywords: Adolescents, students, associated factors, tobacco use</jats:p

Prevalence of thyroid nodules in patients undergoing thyroid ultrasonography at a tertiary care centre

Background: Thyroid nodules are common diseases, and have been detected up to 50% of the general population. Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and characterisation of thyroid diseases, and the information provided by imaging studies is essential for management planning. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of thyroid nodules in patients undergoing Thyroid ultrasonography in a tertiary care centre. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done among 86 patients. Data were collected from October 2021 to March 2022 after ethical clearance. Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System were used to access the thyroid nodules. Descriptive statistics were applied using SPSS v.20. Results: The prevalence of thyroid nodules was seen in 98 (88%) individuals in total distributed in 15 (15.3%) males, and 83 (84.7%) females. Among total 98 patients, 66 (67.3%) patients had right thyroid nodules: benign 50 (51%), malignant 16 (16.3%) and 52 (53.7%) had left thyroid nodules: benign 36 (36.7%), malignant 16 (16.3%). The composition of thyroid nodules among majority participants was cystic type, anechoic type of echogenicity. Significant relationship was seen among female gender and malignancy, solid composition of thyroid nodules, and ill-defined margin. Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid nodules was higher in comparison to other studies. Sonographic features like consistency, margin, and echotexture could differentiate benign and malignant thyroid nodules by using Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System.</jats:p