Unusual and lesser-known rare causes of adult growth hormone deficiency.

Growth hormone is among the most common hormones to be deficient in pituitary insult. It can occur either in isolation or combined with other hormone deficiencies. Growth hormone deficiency in adults (AGHD) can be due to causes acquired in adulthood or have a childhood-onset etiology, but the former is about three times more common.

Diagnosis and Management of Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome: A Rare Case Report and a Brief Review of Literature.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) manifests as an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a mutation in the cathepsin C (CTSC) gene. This genetic alteration results in palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, rapid onset of periodontitis, and premature shedding of both primary and permanent teeth. The major etiological factor responsible for the development of this disorder appears to be variations in the CTSC gene, which is responsible for the production of the cathepsin C enzyme in the body.

Development of the Indian Reference Case for undertaking economic evaluation for health technology assessment.

Background: Health technology assessment (HTA) is globally recognised as an important tool to guide evidence-based decision-making. However, heterogeneity in methods limits the use of any such evidence. The current research was undertaken to develop a set of standards for conduct of economic evaluations for HTA in India, referred to as the Indian Reference Case.

Basic Investigations in Pediatric Rheumatology.

The spectrum of pediatric rheumatological disorders is diverse and they are important differential diagnoses in a variety of clinical scenarios. Basic investigations not only provide supporting evidence for the diagnosis of a rheumatological illness but also help in exclusion of other diseases as well as for monitoring the activity of disease. Among these, complete blood count, biochemical assays including tests for inflammatory response, urine analysis, and various autoantibodies are often used.

MDCT evaluation of distal radius fractures and their association with carpal and distal ulnar fractures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in patients undergoing multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and their association with carpal and distal ulnar fractures.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 120 patients, who underwent MDCT for evaluation of DRFs. Two radiologists independently evaluated the data for various fracture characteristics and for associated carpal and distal ulnar fractures.

Reliability and agreement testing of a new automated measurement method to determine facial vitiligo extent using standardized ultraviolet images and a dedicated algorithm.

Background: Facial repigmentation is the primary outcome measure for most vitiligo trials. The Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI) score is often chosen as the primary outcome measure to assess the efficacy of treatments for facial vitiligo. Although useful, this scoring system remains subjective and has several limitations.

Prescribing practices of tranexamic acid for melasma: Delphi consensus from the Pigmentary Disorders Society.

Introduction There is ambiguity regarding usage of tranexamic acid for melasma in India, be it in its pre-administration evaluation, administration route, dosing or monitoring. Hence, we conducted this study to understand various tranexamic-acid prescribing patterns and provide practical guidelines. Materials and methods A Google-form-based questionnaire (25-questions) was prepared based on the key areas identified by experts from the Pigmentary Disorders Society, India and circulated to practicing dermatologists across the country.

Occurrence of Kawasaki disease and neoplasms in temporal proximity-single-center experience and systematic review of literature.

Various factors (e.g., infections) have been postulated to trigger Kawasaki disease (KD) in genetically predisposed individuals.

A Narrative Review on Non-Invasive Drug Delivery of Teriparatide: A Ray of Hope.

In the field of pharmaceutical biotechnology and formulation development, various protein and peptide-based drugs have been used for therapeutic and clinical implications. These are mainly given via parenteral routes like intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular delivery. Teriparatide, also known as PTH 1-34, is a U.

Knowledge assessment of a donor adverse reaction severity grading tool by the National Blood Donor Vigilance Programme of India.

Background And Objectives: The severity grading tool (SGT) was recently designed by the Association for Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) to have more objectivity in severity assignment for an adverse donor reaction after blood donation. A study was performed in India to assess the knowledge (post-training) and determine the degree of agreement of the SGT between participating centres and the subject expert group.

Materials And Methods: This prospective cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted by the National Coordinating Centre (NCC) of the National Blood Donor Vigilance Programme (NBDVP) of India.

Paradigm shift of respiratory viruses causing lower respiratory tract infection in children during COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Introduction: Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) are the commonest cause of mortality in children mostly attributed to respiratory viruses. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the dynamics and transmission of infections changed worldwide due to widespread public health measures. This study aimed to understand the pattern of respiratory viruses associated with ALRTIs in children pre and during COVID-19 pandemic in India.

Estimation of Reference Values for External Genitalia Parameters in North Indian Preterm and Term Female Newborns.

Objectives: To establish gestation-wise normative data of external genitalia measurements in North Indian term and preterm female newborns.

Methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, institutionally-born female neonates between 28-42 wk gestation were consecutively enrolled between 24-72 h of life. Newborns with major congenital malformations, chromosomal anomalies, multifetal gestation and birth injuries were excluded.

MYCN amplification, TERT rearrangements and ATRX mutations in neuroblastoma: clinicopathological correlates- an Indian perspective.

Background: Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumour in childhood with a diverse clinical presentation and course. The early age of onset, high frequency of metastatic disease at diagnosis and tendency for spontaneous regression in infancy sets it apart from other childhood tumors. This heterogeneity is largely attributed to underlying genetic aberrations which are distinct in low-risk and high-risk NB.

Repeatability of dental plaque quantitation by light induced fluorescence technology in current, former, and never smokers.

Background: The effects of smoking on the accumulation of dental plaque have not been studied in depth. We compared dental plaque quantitation obtained with a novel light induced fluorescence technology among current, former, and never smokers and verified measurements' repeatability.

Methods: Dental plaque quantitation was objectively assessed by quantitative light induced fluorescence (QLF) technology on three separate study visits in current, former, and never smokers: baseline (day 0), day 7, day 30.

The Prevalence of Comorbidities and Associated Factors among Patients with Dementia in the Indian Setting: Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

Background: Patients with dementia usually have multiple comorbidities. The presence of comorbidities may exacerbate the progression of dementia and decreases the patient's ability to participate in health maintenance activities. However, there is hardly any meta-analysis estimating the magnitude of comorbidities among patients with dementia in the Indian context.

The Infectious Uveitis Treatment Algorithm Network (TITAN) Report 2-global current practice patterns for the management of Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis.

Aims: To present current practice patterns in the diagnosis and management of Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis (CMV AU) by uveitis experts worldwide.

Methods: A two-round modified Delphi survey with masking of the study team was performed. Based on experience and expertise, 100 international uveitis specialists from 21 countries were invited to participate in the survey.

TLR9 signalling activation via direct ligation and its functional consequences in CD4 + T cells.

CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) are established TLR9 ligands; however, their functional responses in CD4+ T cells are believed to be independent of TLR9 and MyD88. We studied ligand-receptor interactions of ODN 2216 and TLR9 in human CD4+ T cells and assessed their consequences in terms of TLR9 signalling and cell phenotype. We demonstrated that the uptake of ODN 2216, a synthetic TLR9 agonist, is controlled by TLR9 signalling molecules and results in an increase in the expression of TLR9 signalling molecules, regulated via a feedback mechanism.

Financial toxicity of cancer treatment in India: towards closing the cancer care gap.

Background: The rising economic burden of cancer on patients is an important determinant of access to treatment initiation and adherence in India. Several publicly financed health insurance (PFHI) schemes have been launched in India, with treatment for cancer as an explicit inclusion in the health benefit packages (HBPs). Although, financial toxicity is widely acknowledged to be a potential consequence of costly cancer treatment, little is known about its prevalence and determinants among the Indian population.

Estimating the Cost of Delivering Tobacco Cessation Intervention Package at Noncommunicable Disease Clinics in Two Districts of North India.

Introduction: Integrated care is likely to improve outcomes in strained healthcare systems while limiting costs. NCD clinics were introduced under the "National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Stroke" (NPCDCS) in India; however, there is limited literature on the costs of delivering tobacco cessation interventions within NPCDCS. One of the study's objectives was to estimate the cost of delivering a culturally specific patient-centric behavioral intervention package in two district-level NCD clinics in Punjab, India.