Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy vs Chemoradiotherapy for Malignancy of Esophagus: A Prospective Comparative Study.

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NACRT) followed by surgery has become the standard of care for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). This study compared the tolerability and oncological benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with those of NACRT for the treatment of ESCC.

Methods: A prospective quasi-experimental comparative study was conducted from July 2019 to August 2023 to assess the efficacy of the NACT regimen of two cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin as an alternative to standard NACRT.

Rights-based reproductive services in medical schools in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Chandigarh, India: baseline findings of mixed-methods implementation research.

Introduction: There is a need to assess and strengthen reproductive rights-based family planning and abortion services in Indian medical schools that play a key role in medical education and service delivery. This study presents the findings of baseline assessment across nine schools in two states and one union territory with objective to assess, identify the gaps and improve the status of reproductive rights and evidence-based family planning and abortion services in Indian medical schools.

Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods study was conducted in nine medical schools in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Chandigarh a Union territory in India from October 2018 to June 2019.

Risk of cardiovascular events in giant cell arteritis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with a significantly increased risk of various cardiovascular and thromboembolic events. Existing studies suggest an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in GCA, but results vary. This meta-analysis aims to quantify the association between GCA and the risk of various cardiovascular outcomes, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the cardiovascular burden in patients with GCA.

To study the efficacy of autologous non-cultured nontrypsinized epidermal cell grafting (Jodhpur technique) by using of suction blister membrane in stable vitiligo.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of autologous non-cultured non-trypsinized melanocytekeratinocyte grafting (JT) with suction blister membrane as biological dressing in stable vitiligo patches.

Material And Methods: The study was conducted at Mathura Das Mathur Hospital (MDM), Jodhpur, on 43 patches of Stable vitiligo. It was a prospective single-arm interventional study.

PCSK9 Inhibitors: The Evolving Future.

Introduction: PCSK9 inhibitors are a novel class of medications that lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) by increasing LDL receptor activity, promoting clearance of LDL-C from the bloodstream. Over the years, PCSK9 inhibitors have been explored as adjunct therapies to statins or as monotherapy in high-risk cardiovascular patients.

Aim: This review aims to provide an updated perspective on PCSK9 inhibitors, assessing their clinical efficacy, safety, and significance, especially in light of recent clinical trials.

Infectious etiology of intussusception in Indian children less than 2 years old: a matched case-control analysis.

Background: Enteric infections are hypothesized to be associated with intussusception in children. A small increase in intussusception following rotavirus vaccination has been seen in some settings. We conducted post-marketing surveillance for intussusception following rotavirus vaccine, Rotavac introduction in India and evaluated association of intussusception with enteric pathogens.

Neurological Manifestation of Neonatal Acute Kidney Injury: Focusing on the Clinico-Radiological Profile.

Purpose This study aimed at studying the neurological manifestation of neonatal acute kidney injury, focusing on the clinico-radiological profile. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital were enrolled over a study period of one year. As per the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria, 74 neonates were enrolled, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on the same neonates.

Phylo-geo haplotype network-based characterization of SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in India (2020-2022).

Background & objectives Genetic analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains circulating in India during 2020-2022 was carried out to understand the evolution of potentially expanding and divergent clades. Methods SARS-CoV-2 sequences (n=612) randomly selected from among the sequences of samples collected through a nationwide network of Virus Research Diagnostic Laboratories during 2020 (n=1532) and Indian sequences available in Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data during March 2020-March 2022 (n=53077), were analyzed using the phylo-geo haplotype network approach with reference to the Wuhan prototype sequence. Results On haplotype analysis, 420 haplotypes were revealed from 643 segregating sites among the sequences.

Anticoagulant use before COVID-19 diagnosis prevent COVID-19 associated acute venous thromboembolism or not: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Coagulopathy and thromboembolic events are associated with poor outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. There is conflicting evidence on the effects of chronic anticoagulation on mortality and severity of COVID-19 disease.

Aim: To summarize the body of evidence on the effects of pre-hospital anticoagulation on outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence and Genotypic Distribution Among Hemodialysis Patients at a Teaching and Training Hospital in Western Rajasthan, India.

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a chronic hepatotropic blood-borne infection. The transmission of HCV in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) is more common in comparison to the general population due to factors such as frequent blood transfusions, prolonged vascular access, and the potential for nosocomial infections. Western Rajasthan in India is home to numerous teaching and training hospitals that cater to a large number of HD patients.

Correlation of spirometry findings and post-six-minute walk test oxygen desaturation in chronic simple silicosis patients with age, duration of silica exposure, smoking pack years, occupation and mean pulmonary artery pressure.

Silicosis is associated with preventable but irreversible lung damage. Early quantifiable assessment of silicosis workers would promote early interventional steps to reduce health deterioration. The objectives of this study were to correlate spirometry findings and post-six-minute walk test oxygen desaturation (post-6MWT OD) in chronic simple silicosis with age, duration of silica exposure (DSE), smoking pack years (SPY), occupation, and mean pulmonary artery pressure.

Multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions for neurological disorders during the Silent phase (MINDS) study: a multi-omics randomized controlled trial protocol.

Introduction: Given the prevalence and staggering cost of neurological disorders, there is dire need for effective early detection and intervention tools. Emerging evidence suggests that multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions (MLI) may mitigate the risk and progression of neurological disorders. The objectives of this protocol are (1) to test the impact of MLI on the progression of neurological disorders and (2) to identify multi-omic biomarkers for early stages of neurological disease and the impact of MLIs on these biomarkers.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants Exhibit Lower Risks of Mortality and Bleeding Compared to Vitamin K Antagonists in Atrial Fibrillation Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the outcomes of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing chronic hemodialysis, comparing the effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists. A systematic search was conducted across various databases including PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. Efficacy outcomes focused on the risk of stroke and mortality, whereas safety outcomes assessed the risk of bleeding.

Prevalence of Genotype Patterns Associated With High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Cervical Lesions.

Background Cervical lesions, often linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, pose a significant public health concern globally. Human HPV is considered the principal etiological factor in the development and transformation of pre-malignant lesions of the cervix leading to cervical carcinoma. The global distribution of HPV genotypes exhibits significant variability, liable to be influenced by the intricate interplay of geographical and biological factors among different HPV types and host immunogenetic elements.

Comparison of Hemopoietic Biochemical Parameters in the First, Second, and Third Trimester of Pregnant Females Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital of Western Rajasthan.

Background: Pregnant women constitute a high-risk group for nutrient deficiency anemia which may be associated with detrimental effects on maternal and infant health.

Objectives:  This study aimed to assess and compare hematological and biochemical changes across trimesters in pregnant women, considering parameters such as hemoglobin, serum iron, unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, vitamin B12, and folic acid. The research sought to identify mean value differences, correlations, and potential implications for maternal healthcare practices.

Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report.

This case report presents the diagnostic journey of a 65-year-old female presenting with symptoms suggestive of breast pathology, ultimately diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma, following comprehensive clinical evaluation and histopathological confirmation. Initial assessments indicated a fibroadenoma; however, subsequent histopathological examination revealed mucinous carcinoma, highlighting the importance of histopathological confirmation in establishing definitive diagnoses. The case underscores the challenges in distinguishing between benign and malignant breast lesions based on clinical presentation and imaging findings alone.

A Case Report of Malignant Mesenchymal Tumor Presenting As Anterior Thigh Swelling: A Diagnostic Challenge.

This case report describes the presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management of a 64-year-old male with a malignant mesenchymal tumor presenting as a swelling in the anterior thigh. Despite initial misdiagnosis and treatment at a local hospital, the swelling worsened, leading to referral to a specialized hospital. Further investigations, including blood tests, ultrasonography (USG), and MRI, revealed a large solid cystic lesion compressing adjacent muscles, indicative of soft tissue sarcoma (STS).

Comparing Perfusion Index and Visual Analogue Scores for Postoperative Pain Assessment Following Upper Limb Surgeries Under Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: An Observational Study.

Background: Effective pain assessment is crucial to tailor the analgesic regimen post-operatively. Perfusion index (PI) has been reported to be a useful objective assessment tool for monitoring pain. This study aimed to explore the utility of PI in assessing postoperative pain in upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular block and its correlation with visual analogue scale (VAS) scores.