Medical publishing is critical for advancing science and improving global health, but systemic challenges hinder progress. High costs, restricted access, and profit-driven practices exclude underfunded researchers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Bias toward positive results, slow peer review, and the pressures of the “publish or perish” culture compromise research integrity and delay discoveries. Combined with the reproducibility crisis and predatory journals, these issues exacerbate inequities and erode trust in research. Reform is essential to ensure accessibility, transparency, and equity. By treating knowledge as a public good, we can create a fairer publishing system that advances science and benefits all.

This article explores the transformative role of machine learning (ML) in medicine, highlighting its applications, benefits, challenges, and future prospects. ML enhances diagnostic accuracy, optimizes personalized treatments, and improves operational efficiency within healthcare systems. Key applications include image analysis, predictive analytics, and robotic surgery. Despite its potential, ML faces challenges such as data privacy, biases, integration difficulties, and regulatory hurdles. Future advancements promise even greater impacts on global healthcare accessibility and disease management. The successful integration of ML in medicine will depend on addressing ethical and technical challenges through collaborative efforts between technologists, clinicians, and policymakers.

This blog post explores the multifaceted world of artificial intelligence (AI), covering its core concepts, major applications, and ethical considerations. It begins with an introduction to AI, detailing its evolution and significance in today's technology-driven world. The post then delves into AI's foundational technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and robotics, and discusses their profound impact across healthcare, business, and daily life. It also addresses the social and ethical challenges posed by AI, including privacy concerns, job displacement, and bias. Looking ahead, the post highlights the future potential of AI to address global challenges, emphasizing the need for responsible development and governance to harness AI's benefits while mitigating its risks.

Preprints are revolutionizing the dissemination of medical research by allowing rapid sharing of findings before peer review. Originating from practices in physics, preprints have gained traction in medicine, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are posted on servers like medRxiv, facilitating open access and encouraging global collaboration. While they offer benefits such as increased visibility, faster dissemination, and enhanced collaboration, they also pose risks including misinformation and lack of peer review. The future of preprints looks promising, with potential for better integration with traditional publishing and innovative peer review models, but requires careful navigation to maintain scientific integrity.

In this travel blog, we recount our spontaneous journey from the unexpected detours in Tumling to the familiar streets of Darjeeling. Facing roadblocks, enjoying local hospitality, and revisiting cherished sites, we navigated the challenges and delights of traveling without a set itinerary, embracing the unexpected at every turn.

In this travel blog, we explore the coastal town of Bakkhali, experiencing its serene beaches, local wildlife, and vibrant fishing culture. From touching the sea for the first time to savoring freshly cooked sea fish and witnessing a stunning sunset, this weekend getaway is filled with unforgettable moments.

On April 30, 2023, I led a hepatitis B vaccination outreach for female sex workers in Kolkata, in collaboration with the National Viral Hepatitis Control Program and the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee. The program focused on a high-risk group often overlooked in healthcare, providing vaccinations and vital education about hepatitis B. Preparations ensured efficient execution, with a focus on empathy and clear communication to address concerns about side effects. The initiative not only improved individual health and knowledge but also contributed to broader public health goals by reducing disease transmission, demonstrating the powerful impact of targeted healthcare interventions.

An EMR system was adopted in the COVID-19 ICU of School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata during the COVID-19 crisis to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. The EMR’s intuitive design facilitated a smooth transition from paper records, reducing virus transmission risk and streamlining data management. The initiative paved the way for ongoing digital transformations within the hospital. This experience highlights the importance of user-centric digital tools in healthcare, demonstrating how technology can effectively meet the evolving challenges in the sector and improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.

In this philosophical exploration of privacy, we argue that privacy is a fundamental human right, integral to individual dignity and democratic society. We challenge the "nothing to hide" argument and other justifications for surveillance, emphasizing that privacy is about more than hiding information—it's about maintaining autonomy and protecting against power imbalances. The blog discusses the vulnerabilities associated with data collection by corporations and governments, highlighting the risks of data leaks and the potential for abuse. We advocate for collective action and technological solutions like encrypted messaging apps to safeguard privacy. Ultimately, preserving privacy is portrayed as an essential act to maintain freedom in a digital age.

The blog post discusses "Happy Hypoxia" in COVID-19 patients, a condition where individuals experience severe hypoxia without typical symptoms like shortness of breath. It explains the physiological mechanisms, including the failure of the body’s response to low oxygen levels and the altered oxygen-hemoglobin dissociation curve. It highlights the importance of using arterial blood gas analysis over pulse oximetry for accurate monitoring. The post also covers the transition from initial asymptomatic stages to severe respiratory distress and the different lung phenotypes observed in COVID-19 pneumonia.

In this blog post, I delve into my atheistic perspective, exploring the philosophical debates surrounding the existence of God. I critique several arguments for theism, including the complexity of consciousness, the intricacies of intelligent design, and the classical First Cause argument. I address the subjective nature of beauty and personal revelations, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence. The problem of suffering leads me to question the compatibility of omnipotence with benevolence. I invite an open dialogue, encouraging readers to engage with these profound questions, regardless of their beliefs, in a journey of philosophical inquiry and mutual understanding.

The blog post discusses various methods to use Microsoft Office on Linux, given the lack of a native version. These methods include dual booting with Windows, using a virtual machine, employing Wine, and using Office Online. Each approach has its pros and cons, from compatibility issues to performance concerns. The author favors Office Online despite its limitations, due to its compatibility and accessibility, while expressing a desire for a native Linux package for Office.

The blog post discusses types of statistical errors in medical research, focusing on Type 1 (false positives) and Type 2 (false negatives) errors. It explains the importance of the null hypothesis and the need to minimize these errors by carefully designing studies and determining appropriate sample sizes. The post also covers acceptable risk levels (α = 0.05 for Type 1, β = 0.2 for Type 2), the significance of study results, and the power of a study.

The blog post explains the concepts of p-value and confidence interval in clinical research. It discusses hypothesis testing (p-value) and quantification of effect (confidence interval) as methods to determine statistical significance. P-value assesses the probability that observed effects are due to chance, while confidence intervals estimate the range within which the true population parameter lies. Confidence intervals provide more informative results, but both methods have their place depending on the context of the research.

The blog post offers a detailed guide on conducting systematic reviews, emphasizing their structured and comprehensive nature. It outlines key steps: formulating a clear research question, systematic and exhaustive literature search, and unbiased study selection involving multiple reviewers. The post differentiates between qualitative and quantitative synthesis and highlights the utility of systematic reviews in providing high-level evidence. Essential stages include evaluating the risk of bias, data extraction, and synthesis, followed by manuscript writing and revision. The post also discusses challenges and the importance of meticulous planning and teamwork.

The blog post discusses the necessity and guidelines for platelet transfusion in dengue fever management, highlighting that unnecessary transfusions are common despite clear guidelines against them. WHO and Indian National Guidelines recommend transfusions only for severe cases with massive bleeding or platelet counts below 10,000/mm³. Studies show no significant benefit from prophylactic platelet transfusions and note increased risks of adverse reactions. Overuse can deplete blood bank reserves and cause longer recovery times. The gap between guidelines and practice is driven by clinician caution and patient demands. Mass education and government intervention are needed for proper adherence.

Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) involves treating patients based on the best available evidence rather than solely on clinical experience. This blog discusses the evolution of EBM, its hierarchy of evidence (with systematic reviews and meta-analyses at the top), quality assessment tools, and the GRADE system for evaluating study importance. EBM ensures uniform clinical practices and reduces biases but is slow and affected by publication bias. Guidelines streamline clinical decision-making, though they must be adapted to specific cases. The blog also provides a quick-start guide for navigating medical literature.

This blog post on droplet infection explains that respiratory droplets are expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking, potentially carrying pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Droplets larger than 5 μm settle quickly, while smaller ones, called aerosols, travel further. Infections such as COVID-19, influenza, tuberculosis, and measles spread through these droplets. Preventive measures include respiratory hygiene, hand washing, isolation, and using personal protective equipment to limit transmission.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a serious central nervous system infection mainly affecting immunocompromised individuals, presenting with headaches, fever, and visual deficits. Diagnosis involves CSF studies and antigen tests, while treatment includes a three-phase antifungal regimen and supportive lumbar punctures to manage CSF pressure. Despite treatment, prognosis remains poor, especially in cases with high CSF pressure or low glucose levels. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome can occur with ART initiation.

The blog post on Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) discusses its occurrence in immunocompromised individuals, especially those with HIV after starting antiretroviral therapy. It details two types: paradoxical IRIS (worsening of treated infections) and unmasking IRIS (new opportunistic infections). The post elaborates on infective, autoimmune, and malignant causes, with a focus on TB IRIS, outlining its symptoms, diagnosis criteria, and management, emphasizing the importance of continuing antiretroviral and anti-tubercular treatments, along with symptomatic management using NSAIDs and corticosteroids.

The blog post explains the mechanisms and disorders related to acid-base balance in the human body. It details the roles of the respiratory and renal systems, the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, and the significance of buffers. The post also covers the calculation of the anion gap and base excess, normal blood values, types of acid-base disorders (metabolic and respiratory), their compensatory mechanisms, and the interpretation of arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. The post also emphasizes diagnosis and treatment approaches for various acid-base imbalances.

The blog post details fifteen essential knots, categorized into five knots, five hitches, three bends, and two surgical knots. It explains the purpose and steps to tie each type, emphasizing practical applications such as securing objects, joining ropes, and medical suturing. Key knots include the overhand, reef, and bowline, while important hitches include the clove and rolling hitch. Bends like the sheet bend and fisherman's knot are highlighted for joining ropes. The post underscores the value of mastering basic knots for everyday use and complex applications.

The blog post explains the forensic analysis of gunshot injuries. It covers the types and mechanisms of firearms, the ballistic behavior of bullets, and the detailed examination of gunshot wounds. It describes the characteristics of entry and exit wounds, the types of tissue damage caused, and how the examination of these wounds can help determine the type of firearm used, the range of shooting, and the circumstances of the incident. The post also addresses the procedures for examining gunshot victims, both living and deceased.

The blog post provides a concise guide to interpreting ECG strips, aimed at beginners. It explains the basics of ECG, including the different types of leads, views of the heart, and how to read the ECG strip. Key sections cover heart rate calculation, cardiac axis determination, interval measurement, identifying hypertrophy, assessing cardiac rhythm, detecting conduction blocks, and recognizing pre-excitation syndromes and coronary artery diseases. The guide emphasizes practical steps for initial ECG interpretation before more detailed study.

The blog post explains the Linux filesystem hierarchy, emphasizing that everything in Linux is treated as a file, including devices and processes. It describes the single root directory structure, the concept of mounting devices, and the use of absolute and relative paths. The post also covers file permissions, detailing the roles of user, group, and others, and the types of file access (read, write, execute). Additionally, it explains symbolic and hard links and provides basic commands for interacting with the filesystem.

The blog post describes the straightforward process of creating a website by detailing the basic requirements and steps involved. It starts by explaining how websites function through client-server interactions and the importance of domain names, which are likened to property that must be registered and maintained. It then outlines the necessity of hosting services to store website files and provides options for building the website, ranging from self-coding to using site builders and content management systems. The post emphasizes the importance of careful management and maintenance to ensure the website remains accessible online.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) are advanced tools designed to assist healthcare providers by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, ensuring treatment efficacy, and improving overall patient care. These systems, which can be rule-based or powered by artificial intelligence, help in various clinical tasks like monitoring drug interactions, analyzing patient history, and adhering to treatment protocols. Despite challenges in deployment, data management, and potential over-reliance, the integration of CDSS into clinical workflows is crucial. Addressing these challenges through seamless integration, rigorous testing, and modular design can harness the full potential of CDSS, making healthcare more efficient and patient-centered.

The blog post explores the use of GNU Privacy Guard (GPG), a method for maintaining secure, private communication through asymmetric encryption. GPG employs a key pair system, consisting of a public and a private key, which allows users to encrypt messages that only the intended recipient's private key can decrypt. The post outlines the benefits of GPG for securing email communications and digital signatures, and provides detailed instructions on generating keys, managing key pairs, and performing encryption/decryption tasks. It also emphasizes the importance of never sharing private keys and routinely backing them up for security.

The blog post discusses the advantages of GNU/Linux, emphasizing its free and open-source nature, resistance to viruses, extensive software options, and customization capabilities. In this post I share a personal journey to adopting GNU/Linux, highlighting its community support and how it conforms to UNIX standards, unlike Windows. Challenges such as compatibility with Microsoft Office and gaming are noted, alongside solutions like Wine and dual-boot setups. The post also provides guidance on choosing a distro and desktop environment, installation tips, and encourages trying GNU/Linux for its distinct benefits.

This was my first ever blog post. Hence it has been preserved without any modification for historic reason. Chakravyuha is a troop formation mentioned in the Indian epic of Mahabharata. This article describes the formation and speculates about some potential counter-measures against it.