Saliva as a Potential Specimen to Monitor IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 in COVID-19 Patients.

The SARS-CoV-2 instigated "cytokine storm" elicited upon infection is known to majorly cause lung injury and even mortality in severe cases. Early clinical prognosis to alleviate the exaggerated release of inflammatory cytokines is thus looked upon. Considering the recent attention and advantages of saliva as a clinical specimen, i.

Anti-inflammatory response of cardamom extract and prediction of therapeutic window in COVID-19 patients by assessing inflammatory markers using RT-PCR.

Introduction: Molecular diagnostics using RT-PCR has now emerged as the new diagnostic method for clinicians with the dawn of SARS-CoV-2. In India, the popularity and awareness of RT-PCR and particularly the increased availability of testing machines across hospitals has now opened up possibilities of diagnostic tests with RT-PCR. In view of the cytokine storm which is the significant reason for morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients, we proposed to test the usefulness of a multiplex RT-PCR test kit that simultaneously measured inflammatory markers namely, IL-6, TNF- α and IL-10 (IFM) all in one tube.

Human Saliva as a Diagnostic Specimen for Early Detection of Inflammatory Biomarkers by Real-Time RT-PCR.

Nowadays human saliva is more frequently studied as a non-invasive, stress-free, and preferable diagnostic material than blood. Supporting evidences acknowledge saliva as a mirror that reflects the body's physical state. Numerous studies have also demonstrated the presence and use of RNA derived from saliva in the early diagnosis of disease by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Incorporation of grape seed extract towards wound care product development.

Naturally derived ingredients are becoming more prevalent in therapeutic drug formulations due to consumers' concerns about chemical side effects. In the context of wound care, despite the impressive progress in therapeutic product development, drugs dispensed to treat impaired healing challenged by biofilms; excessive inflammation and oxidation are not yet really effective. Thus, the hunts for improved drug formulations preferably using natural ingredients that are cost-effective in accelerating the wound-healing process are of constant demand.

Counting CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in the spleen: a novel in vivo method for assessing biomaterial immunotoxicity.

As immunotoxicity assessments of newly developed biomaterials are often restricted to use in assessment of local tissue response at the implantation site, they do not always show an immune response acceptable to qualify them for clinical use. We tested a new method to assess systemic toxicity: counting the CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells in the spleen. Three different biomaterials were subcutaneously implanted in three groups of rats for the same time period.

Multidisciplinary treatment of head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity worldwide. Multimodality treatment is often the only way to achieve improved function, quality of life, and survival, calling for a multidisciplinary team approach, particularly in view of the rapid advances being made in various fields. The roles of the head and neck surgeon and reconstructive surgeon are discussed, together with the input afforded by specialists in areas such as diagnostic imaging, radiation therapy, medical oncology, and gene therapy.

Nutrition in head and neck cancer patients.

Anorexia and cachexia frequently complicate the late stages of malignancy and can be a prominent feature of early disease. The resulting weight loss significantly affects the morbidity and mortality of the cancer patient. A fundamental understanding of nutrition and the pathophysiology of cancer cachexia will aid in diligent treatment decisions to achieve optimal results.

The venous flap - a safe alternative to the simple vein graft in a special situation.

The use of free tissue transfer has evolved to become the mainstay of treatment of tissue defects. The reconstructive surgeon can choose from a wide variety of flaps. Flaps are chosen based on the tissue defect and also on the characteristics of the pedicle in terms of calibre and vessel length.

A picture speaks a thousand words: the use of digital photography and the Internet as a cost-effective tool in monitoring free flaps.

Microsurgical free tissue transfer is progressing rapidly and is being used more frequently the world over. Monitoring these cases is crucial for a satisfactory outcome. More sophisticated methods are available for monitoring, though they are often expensive.

Surgical treatment of persistent dysphagia in stroke patients using a newly reconstructed conduit from the anterior mouth.

Dysphagia is common after stroke and may result in malnutrition and aspiration. To prevent the risk of aspiration and to improve the nutritional status, patients with dysphagic stroke have to give up oral intake and become dependent on tube feeding. Restoration of the patients' ability to resume aspiration free oral feeding is important.

Extraperitoneal approach for closure of epithelized enterocutaneous fistulas following late removal of jejunostomy tube.

Epithelized enterocutaneous fistulas will form if feeding jejunostomy tubes are kept for a lengthy period. Such fistulas may not close spontaneously, and thus surgical closure will be necessary. An intraperitoneal surgical approach is most commonly used but is often difficult and a major undertaking.

Corrosive injury of oral cavity--a rare presentation.

Corrosive injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract has been frequently reported in medical literature. The ingestion of acid or alkali may be accidental or intentional. The spectrum of injury varies from involving the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum either individually or together.